I need hints and tips for driving in Europe
Discussion
Hello everyone, I am the proud owner of an S1 Elise 160 Sport as of last Saturday and I am loving it to bits 
My girlfriend and I have decided to go on a driving holiday in July / August to Europe; most likely France or Germany. The only problem here is that I have never taken my car abroad before and I need some advice off any veterans of doing this kind of thing.
1. I am based in Edinburgh and I don't fancy driving down to Dover to catch a ferry to take me to either Germany or France; does anyone know of where I can get one that is not too far away?
2. Because I am not famaliar with either of the two countries, does anyone know of some really good routes to take with good driving roads and hotel stops etc?
3. What preparations will I have to make to my car before leaving?
4. I've also heard that Road Angels are illegal in France and you can recieve a fine for using one, can anyone confirm this?
Would really appreciate any help you can give me on this P'Hers.
My girlfriend and I have decided to go on a driving holiday in July / August to Europe; most likely France or Germany. The only problem here is that I have never taken my car abroad before and I need some advice off any veterans of doing this kind of thing. 1. I am based in Edinburgh and I don't fancy driving down to Dover to catch a ferry to take me to either Germany or France; does anyone know of where I can get one that is not too far away?
2. Because I am not famaliar with either of the two countries, does anyone know of some really good routes to take with good driving roads and hotel stops etc?
3. What preparations will I have to make to my car before leaving?
4. I've also heard that Road Angels are illegal in France and you can recieve a fine for using one, can anyone confirm this?
Would really appreciate any help you can give me on this P'Hers.
Took the Newcastle/Ijmuiden last week (to the 'Ring and Spa).
Overnight and much better than the trek down to Calais IMO. Cost works out similar if you account for fuel and another 2 nights accomodation.
www.dfds.co.uk
Cheers,
Ali
Overnight and much better than the trek down to Calais IMO. Cost works out similar if you account for fuel and another 2 nights accomodation.
www.dfds.co.uk
Cheers,
Ali
Hi! Welcome! I've done around 8000 miles in Europe over the past year - love the place for roads and the Elise is just fantastic for it. All the trips I've done have been with Dettaglio on the Eurohoons (www.dettaglio.co.uk) which are a fantastic company who organise the best routes, hotels etc. Take a look at the MegaHoon which is in first week of september down to Monaco. Truly will be the best 10 days of your life.
To answer the questions more specifically...
There are ferries from all over the north east coast going to mainland Europe. Living in the south-east I don't know specifics but I know on our European trips there's always northerners coming down from places like Newcastle through Holland (much easier).
Now, this is the difficult bit. Especially if you want to do the trip in the summer because even if you do find good roads, it will have camper vans and tourists galore on it (hence doing my big trip in September this year - weather will still be gorgeous, but schools will be off holidays by then; also making prices cheaper). Have a think about where you want to end up, how many hours a day you want to drive, what sort of roads.
To answer the questions more specifically...
26jcd said:
1. I am based in Edinburgh and I don't fancy driving down to Dover to catch a ferry to take me to either Germany or France; does anyone know of where I can get one that is not too far away?
There are ferries from all over the north east coast going to mainland Europe. Living in the south-east I don't know specifics but I know on our European trips there's always northerners coming down from places like Newcastle through Holland (much easier).
26jcd said:
2. Because I am not famaliar with either of the two countries, does anyone know of some really good routes to take with good driving roads and hotel stops etc?
Now, this is the difficult bit. Especially if you want to do the trip in the summer because even if you do find good roads, it will have camper vans and tourists galore on it (hence doing my big trip in September this year - weather will still be gorgeous, but schools will be off holidays by then; also making prices cheaper). Have a think about where you want to end up, how many hours a day you want to drive, what sort of roads.
26jcd said:
3. What preparations will I have to make to my car before leaving?
Not many. Look on the RAC website to see country by coutnry laws but basically you need a GB sticker, first aid kit, and luminous vest. I also put the headlight deflectors on though many don't bother (basically it's so when we get stopped by police you are 'above' the law). 26jcd said:
4. I've also heard that Road Angels are illegal in France and you can recieve a fine for using one, can anyone confirm this?
Yes, they're illegal. If you're found with one (even if in boot) they will stamp it into the ground with you there. Don't take it! Just drive sensible speeds on the autoroutes. Look out for people flashing you on the other side of the road (French are great at warning you of oncoming cameras) and don't speed on the A26 at all!!!As has been said Road Angels will get you in trouble!
As for the rest, no real worries - make sure the car is well serviced etc and that you drive on the right!!! Then just follow your nose, I really don't get all this organised tour stuff, just get out find roads and drive them. When it gets to about 5-6ish find somewhere to stay; have a great evening, go to bed and then repeat!!
My recommendation would be to get through France and into Italy, or to ferry it and head round Spain. The roads in Spain are pretty quiet and in good nick. Italy is just great once out of the cities, great food and you an go to Maranello...
As for the rest, no real worries - make sure the car is well serviced etc and that you drive on the right!!! Then just follow your nose, I really don't get all this organised tour stuff, just get out find roads and drive them. When it gets to about 5-6ish find somewhere to stay; have a great evening, go to bed and then repeat!!
My recommendation would be to get through France and into Italy, or to ferry it and head round Spain. The roads in Spain are pretty quiet and in good nick. Italy is just great once out of the cities, great food and you an go to Maranello...
One thing not mentioned is get a list of all approved Lotus dealers/repairers in the countries you're visiting, and take the phone numbers of specialists in the UK with you. In case something goes wrong while you're out there it would be good to have some contacts.
You might like to post on SELOC too where there are quite a few Dutch, French, Swiss, Italian & a couple of Spanish & Portuguese members who it might be fun to meet or have the contacts of just in case. I'm sure they'll offer you great suggestions on where to go, what to see, the best roads/routes etc.
You might like to post on SELOC too where there are quite a few Dutch, French, Swiss, Italian & a couple of Spanish & Portuguese members who it might be fun to meet or have the contacts of just in case. I'm sure they'll offer you great suggestions on where to go, what to see, the best roads/routes etc.
Oh one thing I should have pointed out also, and this is absolutely just catergorically a MUST...get AA 5-star European breakdown cover. Your normal cover will NOT do for Europe.
From memory it was about £40 or £50 for a week (but it's not pro rata so 10 days would be £60 type thing). I've never had cause to use it but people I've travelled with have (bloody TVR's
) and it's been fantastic. It really is a must for a European driving trip in a Lotus.
From memory it was about £40 or £50 for a week (but it's not pro rata so 10 days would be £60 type thing). I've never had cause to use it but people I've travelled with have (bloody TVR's
) and it's been fantastic. It really is a must for a European driving trip in a Lotus.One of the updated bits on Lovejoy's 'ring website is that you can join ADAC (German AA equivalent) for €78 p.a. and get Europe-wide cover that even includes reciprocal cover in the UK with the AA. Which is cheaper than paying the AA from England! Their application form used to force you to use a German direct debit, but now you can pay by credit card.
Next time I go to the ring, I'll be getting this.
Next time I go to the ring, I'll be getting this.
All this advice has made me feel much more confident than before- thanks guys.
The Rosyth to Zeebrugge sounds like a good idea ( I could go to the ring). How much did it cost if you don't mind me asking?
I think breakdown cover will be a must for peace of mind more than anything.
Does anybody know of any good routes to get to the ring?
France still appeals also because of it's wonderful scenery.
Does anybody have a rough idea about the costs involved in driving abroad for 3-4 days?
The Rosyth to Zeebrugge sounds like a good idea ( I could go to the ring). How much did it cost if you don't mind me asking?
I think breakdown cover will be a must for peace of mind more than anything.
Does anybody know of any good routes to get to the ring?
France still appeals also because of it's wonderful scenery.
Does anybody have a rough idea about the costs involved in driving abroad for 3-4 days?
26jcd said:
Does anybody know of any good routes to get to the ring?
Follow the route on www.nurburgring.org.uk (from Calais) Follow Brussels / Liege (Luik in Flemish)
If you do go to/pass France, keep in mind the editorial of last month's Evo in which the tale was told of an editor's instant ban after having been caught at 171 km/h (41 km/h over the limit, which up until now was not that unusual on Autoroutes while 'making progress'). The mag had to send another staffer over to recover the vehicle.
Have a good time!
Have a good time!
A couple of things I don't think have been mentioned and are legal requirements in France:
Spare bulb kit
Triangle (not strictly illegal not to have one, but if your rear hazards are out then you need one...)
Go over and enjoy it - September is a great time, we did 3000 miles (Boulogne-Nice-Lake Como-Munich-Boulogne) in the S2000 last year and loved it
Spare bulb kit
Triangle (not strictly illegal not to have one, but if your rear hazards are out then you need one...)
Go over and enjoy it - September is a great time, we did 3000 miles (Boulogne-Nice-Lake Como-Munich-Boulogne) in the S2000 last year and loved it
GreigM said:
I went from Rosyth to Zeebrugge last week - punctual, comfortable but not the cheapest and only runs every 2nd day, however I calculated the extra fuel to get down to Newcastle or further made up the cost of the ferry.
how long does that take?
Newcastle ijmuiden is about 18 hrs i think, hull rotterdam or zeebrugge is about 12 hrs overnight
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