Going Abroad? What do you need to know?

Probably been done before but not by me! So, as we're going this year what do we need to know?

I'll start with having to have TWO self breathalysers.
One warning triangle in France and two in Spain (I've been told)
Registration papers.
Anything else?

 

I was thinking of VW specific items as well.

 

at least one 13mm spanner?

 

In France you have to keep a fluorescent jacket beside you for when you get out of vehicle not in boot as they will fine you if not wearing it when leaving vehicle

 

I believe they're about to repeal the breathaliser thing in France - heard on the radio the other day.

 

A friend of mine tells me that Sarkozy's brother in law was involved with the company that made the 'officially approved' version.
Doesn't surprise me as corruption is rife all the way down to local village level in France.(not that it isn't here either!)

 

Breakdown cover! We tend to take basic tools & cables ... not that Matt could change them but at least you can supply them to the breakdown people if needed

 

Not VW related but essential ... bottle opener

 

Who covers you for Breakdowns? The RAC basically told me to bugger off! I thought I had full cover but apparently it's only on modern cars.

 

Apparently you can get covered by the RAC but through the camping and caravan club, so an additional membership fee to join them as well. I got European breakdown cover through Peter James insurance. Fortunately I had no need to use it last year so can't comment how good it is.

 

Breakdown is with the insurance ... HIC.

We had cover with Brittany ferries one holiday as hadn't realised what a problem it would be to get cover & they were our ferry company that year and had no issue with the age of Daisy etc and were fantastic when we did breakdown ... had a hotel in le mans for 4 nights as it was a weekend then we were soon back on the road once fixed.

 

HIC?
That's ours too, will get Mrs TBR to investigate.

 

Cables Accelerator & Clutch would be a good shout. Oh and breath mints for the Garlic lovers.

Do you have points? Take a spare or get a electronic ignition.

 

The basic long distance travel gear you would take. Wear out engine parts, cables, fire extinguisher, torches, warning triangle,spare bulbs, oil, maps( on paper ) dont rely on satnav, if your battery goes flat!
DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE!! The Police abroad dont mess about and carry guns normally so drive carefully!!
Above all common sense - travelling abroad is very easy these days so enjoy yourself. Service your van before you go at least a week before so you find any niggles and you will be fine.

 

Some good advice there. I drive about 5000 miles a year over there but it's in a £1/4 million Camper (not mine). So a Bay is a whole different story. DD is very frowned upon unless in Italy where it appears to be common!?!?!?!
It's all common sense really but there's always "vehicle specific" things that are good to know.

 

Where is the bay frowned upon? I got nothing but smiles everywhere i went.

 

My brother-in-law, who lives in France says they have temporarily scrapped the idea for this very reason