Message Forums

Quote: Originally posted by PigletandTigger on 03/9/2006

---

Quote: Originally posted by Vic Wildish on 03/9/2006

Quote: Originally posted by aliguth on 30/8/2006Do it yourself. Apart from being far cheaper, it also very satisfying when everything comes together.

So tell me what happens when it doesn't all come together? You have no-one to turn to and if there are children involved the whole adventure could turn into a nightmare.

---

---

But it's only France! There are municipal camp sites in virtually every town and contrary to popular opinion the French are always willing to help. More so than a lot of English campers in my experience!

I could (and do) worry for a living but this one is not worth worrying about!   

---

Quote: Originally posted by Vic Wildish on 03/9/2006

---

Quote: Originally posted by PigletandTigger on 03/9/2006

Quote: Originally posted by Vic Wildish on 03/9/2006

Quote: Originally posted by aliguth on 30/8/2006Do it yourself. Apart from being far cheaper, it also very satisfying when everything comes together.

So tell me what happens when it doesn't all come together? You have no-one to turn to and if there are children involved the whole adventure could turn into a nightmare.

But it's only France! There are municipal camp sites in virtually every town and contrary to popular opinion the French are always willing to help. More so than a lot of English campers in my experience!

---

I could (and do) worry for a living but this one is not worth worrying about!   

---

Ohhhhhh plleeaasse!

The original poster asked for legitimate advice. No one goes looking for trouble but sometimes it creeps up and bites you in the arse.

To travel abroad, even if it's "only France" without any contingency for problems is entirely irresponsible.

Vic

---

Spanisheyes.

We've done the journey to the Vendee from Calais, Dieppe, Le Havre and Caen . -

• Calais to the Vendee is min 8 hours drive non stop.
• Dieppe takes a minimum of 6 hours non-stop
• Le Havre takes min 5 hours. non- stop
• Caen takes min 4hours - non stop

Next year we're booking Hull to Zeebrugge, less driving in the UK and more in Europe - nicer, quieter roads, lovely countryside.  Plus we have a caravan now - easier to set up for an over night stop. The added bonus is that the fuel is cheaper there too.  You have to decide what suits you all.

pennnene plodder

thankyou , at least we now have a good idea of how long it will take from each port. will go over friends later and have a chat, and see what best suits all concerned.

thanks again 

Quote: Originally posted by PigletandTigger on 03/9/2006

Quote: Originally posted by Vic Wildish on 03/9/2006

Quote: Originally posted by PigletandTigger on 03/9/2006

Quote: Originally posted by Vic Wildish on 03/9/2006

Quote: Originally posted by aliguth on 30/8/2006Do it yourself. Apart from being far cheaper, it also very satisfying when everything comes together.

So tell me what happens when it doesn't all come together? You have no-one to turn to and if there are children involved the whole adventure could turn into a nightmare.

But it's only France! There are municipal camp sites in virtually every town and contrary to popular opinion the French are always willing to help. More so than a lot of English campers in my experience!I could (and do) worry for a living but this one is not worth worrying about!   

---

Ohhhhhh plleeaasse!

The original poster asked for legitimate advice. No one goes looking for trouble but sometimes it creeps up and bites you in the arse.

To travel abroad, even if it's "only France" without any contingency for problems is entirely irresponsible.

Vic

Yup and that's why I don't go anywhere without a good travel insurance policy (and breakdown cover etc. etc.) and I assume that other's don't either?

I just don't see what is likely to be so problematic that the average person can't cope with it (that isn't covered by an insurance policy with a helpline?) and if one were in that situation whether a travel agent or a rep would be of any help?

What situations are you thinking of Vic?

---

Hi

At the risk of boring everyone to tears, I have a short story of what happened to us once which might clear up the debate over the benefits of tour operator and insurer in the event of a medical emergency:

We booked a site at Frejus via Eurocamp. Our 18mnth old took very ill on arrival and I had to drive her straight to the equivalent of A&E at St Raphael. She was examined and put on a drip, and then I was asked for my E111 (which has now been replaced of course), and then for proof of comprehensive medical insurance when it was established that an overnight stay was necessary. She was in for the week, and had lots of tests and treatment, including a lumber puncture.

Through all this, the tour operator was not needed to help at all. One of the couriers came once to the hospital to help with some interpretation, but the doctors' English and my French got us through. I must speak highly of the emotional support the couriers gave though. The insurance company had a professional interpreation service via telephone which we used in the early stages, and they also offered advice on various issues.

The key to getting through this without a seriuos invoice to pay was having proper travel insurance. Who knows, we may have been out on the street without it.

I'd say if you're equipped with reasonable "life skills", you don't need the back-up of a tour operator. But good insurance is vital.

TT.