Solo Southern Spain (1 Viewer)

[Moira108]

Hi everyone

I've been solo in my van since Aug (first time with an MH). A few weeks UK, about a month in France then stayed around Valencia for a few weeks as my son lives there. Now around Murcia and finding it difficult to connect with other motorhomers - I tried to start to chat with a French lady this morning and she looked at me like I was an alien (my French is bad but not THAT bad!!). Seems that once the sun goes down everyone is tucked up with their tellies.

Any tips?

 

[f6c]

Welcome aboard

 

[Howard H]

And

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[Howard H]

M

 

[Debs]

@Jillytots may be able to help, she's been on the road a while.

Hello & welcome by the way

 

[Flamenca]

Welcome @Moira108

I am not in the area myself but if you head for the Mar Menor there are a few wild camping spots where you might find some Brits. Must be lots of Funsters in Spain now.

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[PhilandMena]

Hi! A few tips for future trips.

Firstly, routes and route maps for France and Spain. This first link is an award winning database about France. It’s big and with a host of information on best routes to many locations. I have selected the famous N10 route from Calais to Irun which is used by many motorhomes when travelling to Spain. It’s almost Toll free (more on that a little later) and almost all duel carriageway from start to finish with the exception of about 100 K. This route is great for motorhomes small, medium and large. Note: (HGV’s are not allowed on French roads, Sunday’s, so plan your journey over a weekend if possible).

https://about-france.com/tourism/no-tolls-routes.htm

Tolls: We avoid the toll road from Calais to Abbeville and save 12.50 Euros. The non-toll route is quite scenic and fairly straight forward, between Boulogne-sur-Mer and Abbeville.

At Abbeville, join the A28 and cross the river Sein at Rouen. We take the second exit immediately after crossing the bridge (about 50 m past the first exit at the end of the bridge), swing down and under the bridge you have just crossed and continue on this road and join the A13 motorway until the N154 which takes you down to Evreux. (Note: there are a number of different options for getting through Rouen and no doubt other members will have their own preferences. We find this very straight forward on both outward and return legs). Approaching Tours on the D910 join the A10 toll road at Jct. 19 and exit at Jct. 23. This will take you through the city via the toll road, (about 2.50 euros). At Jct. 23 take the exit lane for Montbazon which returns you to the D910. (Reverse for the return leg). That’s the last toll to pay until you hit the bottom of the A63 after Bordeaux.

To save toll fares on the A63 south of Bordeaux please read the route recommendations in the above link. Do not come off the A63 near the bottom as all roads will be heavily congested and it’s worth paying the last few tolls. (Fuel costs approx. €126.72. (Based on 1056 K @10K per Ltr. @€1.20 per ltr. 3.5T motorhome)). This route is also recommended during winter, due to its proximity to the Atlantic ocean, which means little to no problems with ice and or snow, unlike using the A75 to cross the Massif Central. Although the A75 is quickly cleared, it is advisable to have winter tyres fitted and there may be some small delays due to snow ploughs clearing this route.

If heading to the Mediterranean side of Spain, it’s worth taking the N121-A to Pamplona after crossing the Spanish boarder on the A63 at Irun. It’s clearly sign posted (Large white sign) about 300 m after passing through the last toll booth and crossing the river. You will find more details in this link for the N121-A and how to navigate Spain toll free.

https://about-spain.net/travel/no-tolls.htm

If you decide to pay Tolls in order to save time getting to Spain, your best route options are in this link.

https://about-france.com/tourism/routes-to-spain.htm

Should you choose to plan your own routes anywhere in Europe and also establish Toll costs, (or toll free costs) use this link. Under route options, select caravan then select toll roads. Toll costs for a class 2 motorhome will be calculated for the whole journey. You can also choose Non toll routes and other options. This is currently one of the best online free route planers.

https://www.viamichelin.co.uk/

As for stop overs on routes, you can’t go wrong using the App below which is free but I would recommend getting the paid version for about £6.00 which you can then use off line. You will find numerous places to stop along the above route and I have deliberately not made any recommendations so drivers can make their own choices. This app is also brilliant for finding other places too and highly rated by many users.

https://www.campercontact.com/en/content/app

There is another popular app/website that is used which you may also find useful if you’re doing a lot of wilding and looking for free overnight stops. It too is used by many motor homers in Europe. Get the paid version to use off line for around £9.00

https://www.park4night.com/

Finally, probably the best off line maps ‘App’ and used by many. It also includes a sat-nav function which is quite good and can also be used off line. Again many motor homers use this, especially in Morocco.

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[BreweryDave]

Alcohol helps!!!!

 

[Jillytots]

Hi everyone

I've been solo in my van since Aug (first time with an MH). A few weeks UK, about a month in France then stayed around Valencia for a few weeks as my son lives there. Now around Murcia and finding it difficult to connect with other motorhomers - I tried to start to chat with a French lady this morning and she looked at me like I was an alien (my French is bad but not THAT bad!!). Seems that once the sun goes down everyone is tucked up with their tellies.

Any tips?

Hi, “brave” solo motorhomer ( bet you’ve had that said to you a few times) In my experience that kind of behaviour is” normal” that you’ve experienced- but don’t let it get to you
There are some cultural differences with the French. Part of it can be that they don’t acknowledge strangers readily( that’s a generalisation ) yet I’ve had some lovely conversations with them ( the younger ones seem to better at this ) .

I often stayed at aires occupied by only older French people and it would be rare to get anything more than the cursory greetings, if that, so don’t worry.
I

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[Jillytots]

not a great

Alcohol helps!!!!

Not a great idea when travelling solo female

 

[Moira108]

Thanks for your tips and welcome messages. Hopefully it's just a case of finding the right spots and a bit of perseverance!

 

[jumartoo]

We have the opposite problem here in Totana. We find it hard to get away from people wanting to chat . We have to set off at !east 15 minutes early when going out on a bike ride!

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[Jillytots]

Thanks for your tips and welcome messages. Hopefully it's just a case of finding the right spots and a bit of perseverance!

I’d just relax and if over a cup of coffee you start to chat to a couple of people that’s a great experience .Other then that the” big campsites” like in Benidorm May be a better bet

 

[tonka]

There are a number of our fun members shacked up on various campsites in benidorm. There are some group threads that can be accessed to get meet up info but you do need to subscribe to be a full member and get to view / reply to them. There are many solo people on here who I am sure can offer further advise.

 

[Chris]

Join the site properly and have a wash

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[Littlewheels]

I note you are now in Spain? it might be good to interact with other Brits so you might consider heading for one of the larger Campsites that many Brits spend the Winter on, but not all, many stay days or week or two,however,over a 2/3 week period you would definitely have the opportunity to interact with people that offer different views and experiences which could direct you on a journey that you feel comfortable with.

It would be seriously difficult to park up each evening and have the opportunity to meet similar like minded people,I’m sure you will reach a balance it just needs a little time and work.

Happy Travels.

 

[Jillytots]

I note you are now in Spain? it might be good to interact with other Brits so you might consider heading for one of the larger Campsites that many Brits spend the Winter on, but not all, many stay days or week or two,however,over a 2/3 week period you would definitely have the opportunity to interact with people that offer different views and experiences which could direct you on a journey that you feel comfortable with.

It would be seriously difficult to park up each evening and have the opportunity to meet similar like minded people,I’m sure you will reach a balance it just needs a little time and work.

Happy Travels.

Join the site properly and have a wash

A wash?

 

[DBK]

Welcome!

As others have suggested, seek out some Brits. You could be unlucky and wish you were back with the French but hopefully not. The Dutch and Belgians are approachable too.

You could also get one of these: (great for breaking the ice)

The dog not the kitchen.

If you get really desperate there is always Benidorm*.

*I feel I should point out this is a weak attempt at humour. We enjoyed our day trip to Benidorm and may yet return.

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[The Dudess]

 

[Jillytots]

Totally agree about a dog being an ice breaker.
I think there’s possibly a big difference between the issues faced by female solo travellers, male solo travellers and couples.
Finding a site with Brit couples on is no guarantee they’ll want to socialise with you, in general.
I met a wider group of Europeans this year , but that was a bit flukey and right place right time -I had a great time socialising for a few weeks till I moved on.

I’ve just found a lovely algarve site with a fair few brits but don’t expect invitations to dinner- you are solo after all

Couples have each other to talk to.

 

[SteveB123]

Try a site in Benidorm

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[Jillytots]

Yes

We have the opposite problem here in Totana. We find it hard to get away from people wanting to chat . We have to set off at !east 15 minutes early when going out on a bike ride!

Solos have a totally different problem

 

[gus-lopez]

Hi &

Join the site properly and have a wash

I give in @Chris . What is it meant to be ?

 

[jumartoo]

Yes



Solos have a totally different problem

We've had a fair few solos (male and female) and none are left for long without being invited along on walks, meals etc.

What problem do you mean?

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[Stewart J]

Are you a member of the Camping and Caravan Club? If so they run a lot of winter sun rallies in Spain and Portugal all can be accessed through their website, you can as a member dip in and out of the rallies to suit your travel plans it’s a great way of meeting up with like minded enthusiasts. There are often socials, trips out cycling etc if you so fancy.

 

[Mikeco]

Hi everyone

I've been solo in my van since Aug (first time with an MH). A few weeks UK, about a month in France then stayed around Valencia for a few weeks as my son lives there. Now around Murcia and finding it difficult to connect with other motorhomers - I tried to start to chat with a French lady this morning and she looked at me like I was an alien (my French is bad but not THAT bad!!). Seems that once the sun goes down everyone is tucked up with their tellies.

Any tips?

Pop into La Manga caravanning and find a pitch on L next to the Camping Club rally, you will find plenty of people to talk to including the odd single.

 

[Jillytots]

We've had a fair few solos (male and female) and none are left for long without being invited along on walks, meals etc.

What problem do you mean?

I think you;are talking about Very big sites with lots of brits on and MOTORHOME fun sites?
Some people like to just travel independently on aires etc
It’s not a problem per se ( in my eyes) but being on a random aire won’t get you invited for walks and meals with French , Germans Dutch and Portuguese.

I’ve stayed on sites in France with exclusively French occupants. They don’t ‘ do’ foreigners. Ps I like the French

Different people have different styles of travel.

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[Jillytots]

Are you a member of the Camping and Caravan Club? If so they run a lot of winter sun rallies in Spain and Portugal all can be accessed through their website, you can as a member dip in and out of the rallies to suit your travel plans it’s a great way of meeting up with like minded enthusiasts. There are often socials, trips out cycling etc if you so fancy.

I think organised rallies May be a better idea for solos Wanting company

 

[jumartoo]

I think you;are talking about big sites with lots of brits on and MOTORHOME fun sites?
Some people like to just travel independently on aires etc
It’s not a problem per se but being on a random aire won’t get you invited for walks with French , Germans and Dutch

I'm talking about a private aire owned by my Spanish neighbours and set up with our help.

We had a single German female, Alex, last year who came along on walks and meals with mainly Brits (and mainly Funsters as it happens). We have a regular male solo, arriving soon who pops in and out during the winter. We always make a point of talking to solos ourselves but so do many of our other happy campers!

 

[Jillytots]

I'm talking about a private aire owned by my Spanish neighbours and set up with our help.

We had a single German female, Alex, last year who came along on walks and meals with mainly Brits (and mainly Funsters as it happens). We have a regular male solo, arriving soon who pops in and out during the winter. We always make a point of talking to solos ourselves but so do many of our other happy campers!

Don’t get solos hopes up that aires will be social ( private ones may be more so)

You are talking about brits and Funsters ,not everyone travels in that way .

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