1st European trip essentials

[Jim Jackson]

Hi.
We are off to Ipres in Belgium and then down into the Somme area of France at the end of May.
It is our first trip into Europe with the van. What essentials do I need for the trip?
Jim

 

[Richard n Ann]

I would say, smartphone with a data allowance and join ACSI

 

[Nonose]

T.bags.

 

[mitzimad]

Park 4night and camper contact

 

[Podney]

See my thread “Legal requirements in France”. April 2018. And others on here with search facility

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[Podney]

And of course you may now need extra things coz of Bxxxxt e.g. International driving permit(s) and green card

 

[Grianan]

Yes, gilets jaunes, warning triangles, spare bulbs (check your manual). Breathalysers ... well you need to carry them but can’t be prosecuted for not carrying them (long saga, best to google and take a view). I’m taking map books but I have a thing about maps.
If you were French you’d need at least one caged bird, a yorkie and a tablecloth.

 

[Jim Jackson]

Thank you for your replies, much appreciated . Plenty of Yorkshire Tea on board. @Podney your old thread just about covers everything thank you. Jim

 

[Robert Clark]

A 2 pin EHU adaptor might be useful if you need to plug in

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/391490065418

 

[moulin 87]

What is far more important than what to bring is what you can leave behind!!!!

Forget all about Caravan Club Rules and Etiquette.

You can park your van as you want.

Fart in the toilets!!

Pee in the hedge!!

The last two include you not just your wife.

Treat the place as your own..

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[mike mcglynn]

I would make sure That you have adequate breakdown insurance and recovery . I speak from experience .
Have a great trip and don’t rush through places take time look around

 

[chaser]

breakdown insurance and medical insurance and the old 111 health card whatever its called now, not much else really , they do have shops in europe.

 

[BobtheBass]

We left Ypres yesterday after a very pleasant couple of nights at the Jeugstadion site close to the town, which is like a cross between an aire with facilities and a campsite. €15 a night with what seems like a complicated, computerised booking in system but it’s surprisingly easy. Best to book in on line whilst you are on the way as it’s not a huge site. Very close to the Menin Gate and the In Flanders Fields exhibition at the Cloth Hall (which was actually a disappointment as I had been really looking forward to it). The rest of Belgium which we have seen since then is, to be honest pretty dull and bereft of shops, bars etc but I’m sure there is lots more to see. Mons was horrible! I think I’m missing France......

 

[nicholsong]

Nobody mentioned Passport and Driving Licence - preferably current.

And proof of ownership of vehicle(not V5C)

 

[MisterB]

Wind up gramophone

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[mikebeaches]

And proof of ownership of vehicle(not V5C)

Didn't quite understand - "not V5C"?

 

[nicholsong]

Didn't quite understand - "not V5C"?

The V5C is not proof of ownership as it quite clearly states on the front page of the document in the blue banner towards the top of the page. The V5C only confirms who is the Registered Keeper. In the case of vehicles leased/subject to finance the ownership is usually retained by the financiers until the debt is repaid.

French law for example requires one to have proof of ownership. I carry the Bill of Sale from the previous owner.

Geoff

 

[mikebeaches]

The V5C is not proof of ownership as it quite clearly states on the front page of the document in the blue banner towards the top of the page. The V5C only confirms who is the Registered Keeper. In the case of vehicles leased/subject to finance the ownership is usually retained by the financiers until the debt is repaid.

French law for example requires one to have proof of ownership. I carry the Bill of Sale from the previous owner.

Geoff

Interesting and not something I'd ever considered. I do carry the V5C when abroad and insurance certificate; and that is it.

Both of the vans I've taken to the continent were/ are ones I owned from new. And never used any sort of finance, so no third party involved.

I understand the point on a technicality, but will have to consider whether to act on it and take the original bill of sale abroad?

Thanks for the clarification, in any case.