tonyg3nwl Posted March 30, 2018 Share Posted March 30, 2018 Hi folks, looking at options for 2018 Trying to convince other half to agree to head southbound, but so far not succeeding. Reason, what if disaster overtake me, and she is left stranded not understanding language. Solution of course is adequate insunance, but that doesnt weigh very heavily against trauma that would be experienced in event of complete disaster overtaking me . This all prompted by recent loss of last remaining uncle, plus yesterdays news from oz that my younger brother collapsed and is in hospital, prognosis not much longer . Also 80 turns on coil in a few days time, so is it too risky. Option is stay in uk, where language is understood, but been there and done that! Minor health issues mean disturbed nights, so necessary to ensure adequate rest , and therefore limited mileage between restbreaks. Another option, give up van, but that is not appealing yet. Tonyg3nwl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chas Posted March 31, 2018 Share Posted March 31, 2018 I would suggest to enjoy the UK , you say you have done that, but it has a lot to offer , with many advantages over long distance driving. The main advantage though is peace of mind, which of course is so important to the more mature traveller like myself. Why give up motorhoming it's so nice to have the freedom to take off when the mood takes you. Fancy some warm winter sun, do what I do and select a travel company to fly with and have the backing of help if needed, it works for me. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandalwood Posted March 31, 2018 Share Posted March 31, 2018 Hi We also on verge 80. I drive vehicle all over France no worries. 1500 miles last year! Woman driver! Fast ferry from Cherbourg, 3 pm, in France by 8 ( their time). Stay in local campsite, very good, then potter on! We go Sunday June 3rd, like to follow us? Can assure you most French speak English, especially the doctors! Met a man a few years ago, in caravan, he had heart attack and treatment was GREAT, much better than NHS. His Insurance got him home plus caravan ( comfort insurance) no hassle! Perhaps good lady feels vulnerable , after a recent death? I do sometimes, but our French holidays are fabulous. The roads much better, the campsites really good, and most of all, people all nationalities VERY friendly. If asked about Brexit, plead ignorance ha ha. She might just take ferry to Cherbourg, stay in local campsite, Camping Du Brick, see how it is. If good venture further, if not stay. The restaurant is very good, the campsite nice and clean, about 20 mins from ferry. No immigrants! Shirley Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandalwood Posted March 31, 2018 Share Posted March 31, 2018 P S We Wokingham, could pop and see you if required, with motorhome, to reassure! S Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barryd999 Posted March 31, 2018 Share Posted March 31, 2018 Western Europe is just as well served by emergency services as the UK, probably better in most countries by my experience. 112 is the emergency number and they do speak English. Get yourself down to the southern area of France and enjoy some great weather, uncrowded, easy motorhoming and fantastic places rather than battling the traffic and cluttered roads of the UK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laimeduck Posted March 31, 2018 Share Posted March 31, 2018 Barryd999 - 2018-03-31 9:39 AMWestern Europe is just as well served by emergency services as the UK, probably better in most countries by my experience. 112 is the emergency number and they do speak English.Get yourself down to the southern area of France and enjoy some great weather, uncrowded, easy motorhoming and fantastic places rather than battling the traffic and cluttered roads of the UK. Agree absolutely! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ham Posted March 31, 2018 Share Posted March 31, 2018 Hi Tony . I can understand your wife’s concerns, and probably very important to her. However, touring in the UK, yes, no problem with the language. Treatment at NHS long waits . I had a similar problem last year. My Wife suffered a minor stroke Thankfully she recovered fully from it, but she lost the confidence of going away, so after some thought and medical advice. We went to France on a short bus weekend then another. gained (both of us ) the confidence to travel again, we headed for Brittany on a organised touring group (the caravan and motorhome club). had a great holiday and later in September went down to Spain. Like you we are getting on in years, but we don’t, want to sit around at home and vegetate. Phil GW1PJP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vindiboy Posted March 31, 2018 Share Posted March 31, 2018 As you appear to be very worried about the trip I would suggest that you do not do it, as if you are going to worry all the time you will not enjoy the experience so what would be the point? As other has said , plenty to do and see in the UK but would also agree with another poster that main land Europe has equal services as we do here, yes there would be a language matter but that can easily be overcome, it is all in the mind set really and MUST be your decision. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cattwg Posted March 31, 2018 Share Posted March 31, 2018 Although not nervous of travelling on the Continent my wife and I have also been giving some thought to “What would we do in an emergency?” 1. Buy a stand alone language translator. With this you won’t need a WiFi connection and it should go a long way towards allaying your wife’s main concern – the language barrier. This is on my ‘to do’ list.2. Learn some emergency first aid. It does not need to be comprehensive; heart attack, severe bleeding, blocked airway for example. 3. Have the emergency numbers for the countries that you are travelling to or through to hand.4. Only use campsites. This is not something that we adhere to but this may help your wife.5. Confine your trips to rallies. The larger clubs do several of these each year. Some are in northern France. Again not something that we do but I know two octogenarian couples who do this. 6. Carry slightly more (a week’s worth?) of your prescribed medications than is required for the duration of your trip7. Carry your repeat prescription.8. Ensure that your insurance includes ‘get you both and your vehicle home’ (My wife does not drive).9. Each carry a card with emergency number for credit cards, insurance companies (and policy numbers), next-of-kin etc. Never leave your passports in the ‘van if parked in an insecure area. If your vehicle is stolen then all you have is what you are standing up in.10. Always carry some cash on your person – not just bank cards. We already do most of the above but the translator is new to our thinking. I too would be interested in other people’s suggestions. Cattwg :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barryd999 Posted March 31, 2018 Share Posted March 31, 2018 Cattwg - 2018-03-31 11:55 AM Although not nervous of travelling on the Continent my wife and I have also been giving some thought to “What would we do in an emergency?” 1. Buy a stand alone language translator. With this you won’t need a WiFi connection and it should go a long way towards allaying your wife’s main concern – the language barrier. This is on my ‘to do’ list. 2. Learn some emergency first aid. It does not need to be comprehensive; heart attack, severe bleeding, blocked airway for example. 3. Have the emergency numbers for the countries that you are travelling to or through to hand. 4. Only use campsites. This is not something that we adhere to but this may help your wife. 5. Confine your trips to rallies. The larger clubs do several of these each year. Some are in northern France. Again not something that we do but I know two octogenarian couples who do this. 6. Carry slightly more (a week’s worth?) of your prescribed medications than is required for the duration of your trip 7. Carry your repeat prescription. 8. Ensure that your insurance includes ‘get you both and your vehicle home’ (My wife does not drive). 9. Each carry a card with emergency number for credit cards, insurance companies (and policy numbers), next-of-kin etc. Never leave your passports in the ‘van if parked in an insecure area. If your vehicle is stolen then all you have is what you are standing up in. 10. Always carry some cash on your person – not just bank cards. We already do most of the above but the translator is new to our thinking. I too would be interested in other people’s suggestions. Cattwg :-D I have noticed now that a lot of roadside mechanics etc are using Google Translate apps on their phones. You dont need wifi or a cellular signal for that on the latest versions. We had a breakdown last summer and the chap that came to sort us out used it. Worked quite well. He just spoke into it and it translated and vice versa with my replies. I used it quite often. As regards campsites, Aires may also be a good bet as you have a concentration of motorhomers together who I am sure would leap to your assistance if you needed it and some of them are bound to speak English. There is a fantastic community of motorhomers out there in mainland Europe, they are everywhere and I know from experience they will help you out if needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StuartO Posted March 31, 2018 Share Posted March 31, 2018 For the past few years we have included a couple of our adult children and also a longstanding friend on our car and MH insurance as named drivers - purely as a contingency. The thinking is that if necessary one of them could fly out Ryanair and drive the MH (with or without OH) back home for us. Even though we have four named drivers, the insurance premium doesn't seem to be sigificantly affected. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonyg3nwl Posted March 31, 2018 Author Share Posted March 31, 2018 Hi again folks.Useful suggestions. We have spoken some time ago to our son in law, and he said that he was willing if necessary to come to the rescue, And google translate I have used more recently at evening classes trying to improve my schoolboy french. Currently looking at location options, both north and south directions, and best time to travel, bearing in mind site fees shoot up later in year. Thanks again for comments.Tonyg3nwl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith T Posted March 31, 2018 Share Posted March 31, 2018 I have just over two years to go to reach the big 80....! I share the concerns of the OP as I am the only driver. We tend to have a couple of fairly ling trips across each year, and can easily return home early if needed, but also have both EHIC and travel insurance, plus a good policy with Comfort. If and when I do feel I don't want the risk of driving over there, I am more than content to use UK sites, out of school holidays of course, and my only concern (annoyance really) is the need to book and often pay in advance on UK sites, where in France you just go wherever and turn up when you wish, and even more helpful pay when you leave!As far as cost of sites is concerned, I can assure the earlier contributor that whilst Continental site prices do go up mid July- mid august, they are still well below the uK levels, even with the present value of the Euro, Another possible solution for the OP - join an organised rally, through either of the clubs and there will be someone around if problems arise most of the time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laimeduck Posted March 31, 2018 Share Posted March 31, 2018 Another possible solution for the OP - join an organised rally, through either of the clubs and there will be someone around if problems arise most of the time. Tony I suddenly remembered that ACSI do escorted tours all over Europe. Could be just the ticket for you? (Although at the moment I can only get one tour to Croatia coming up on their web page? If you look at their map there are several?) https://www.acsicampingtours.co.uk/ Jeremy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keithl Posted March 31, 2018 Share Posted March 31, 2018 laimeduck - 2018-03-31 6:21 PM Tony I suddenly remembered that ACSI do escorted tours all over Europe. And so do the C&CC and C&MC so plenty of choice if you want to go that way. Keith. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.