1st night.... Solo

[Alfie159]

Although I do a few trips during winter, I have not done so the last few colder months due to visiting places via plane or train.

April’s a time to blow out those winter cobwebs and for me van season really gets going, due to full time work.

What’s different for me this spring is a new model of van with onboard bathroom and the fact I’m now a young (ish) solo traveller.

This doesn’t worry me as such as the now onboard bathroom gives me great comfort, knowing I can remain in the van, during the night.

I’m quite outgoing so if I wish for conversation I can strike this up, or not.

Having had insomnia for a number of weeks now, my first night alone in my new van.... 7 hours sleep with only a waking of around 1 hour at 4 am. One very happy individual indeed !
I felt safe and relaxed and it clearly showed.

I have other MH around me and I selected the camp carefully too.

So solo ladies (and chaps) perhaps we are braver than we know ourselves.

I think it is going to be ok !

 

[bigtwin]

Good on you.

Onward and upwards.

Ian

 

[WynandJean]

Excellent. As long as you follow sensible precautions it's a case of having nothing to fear except fear itself.

Wyn

 

[Alfie159]

Cheers Ian life’s ups and downs create new challenges but I dont view things negatively in the main!

Alfie

 

[Alfie159]

Excellent. As long as you follow sensible precautions it's a case of having nothing to fear except fear itself.

Wyn

I totally agree! Fear won’t hold me back as long as I take measures risks !

I manage risk all day every day professionally so thankfully I’m skilled ....

I once travelled solo ie Italy etc so ok with it really

NB I’m not a H&S officer .... not that there’s anything wrong with that but different sort of risk mgt ha ha

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[Anthea M]

Lots of solo travellers on the forum
And they are having a great time , so hope you will too .

 

[Alfie159]

Lots of solo travellers on the forum
And they are having a great time , so hope you will too .

Thanks Anthea I’m sure I will

What I am going to do is learn to drive in Europe, it’s a mild nervousness I have to tackle head on ! So I’ll make plans to do just that

 

[Just smiffy]

Thanks Anthea I’m sure I will

What I am going to do is learn to drive in Europe, it’s a mild nervousness I have to tackle head on ! So I’ll make plans to do just that

Trust me, it’s far easier driving in Europe then in the uk, even if the steering wheel is on the other side....

 

[Anthea M]

Trust me, it’s far easier driving in Europe then in the uk, even if the steering wheel is on the other side....

Ditto from us .( although as a passenger it can be hairy sometimes!!)

 

[Alfie159]

I’ve had a go in a small village in France so time to just go for it ! I drove down to the ferry, rolled on then chickened our previously ha ha

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[ianthebuilder]

Well played Alfie,, it’s great fun, travelling, and as long as you feel a certain amount of safety on the inside, it gets even better! Enjoy,,

 

[yodeli]

If you need (in terms of being tired to drive for example) a long stopover, I'm down south west , near Toulouse. Just give me a shout on here using @yodeli
Everything is free , not to worry!
Enjoy your new van and trip!

Amicalement
Frankie

 

[suavecarve]

Thanks Anthea I’m sure I will

What I am going to do is learn to drive in Europe, it’s a mild nervousness I have to tackle head on ! So I’ll make plans to do just that

It takes about 10-15 minutes to learn how to drive abroad. Once off the ferry/tunnel just follow everyone else, its all dual carriageway til you get to a slip off and you might go miles before you come across your first test. A T junction or roundabout. Just take your time, see what direction you need to turn and make note of which way the vehicles are going for t junctions. Roundabouts just stay in the outside lane to start with unless turning left. Eyes about all the time on roundabouts though as they can cut you up but nothing worst than this country. Then its just 3 point turns and your first manouvre in the morning that can catch you out.
Not many on here who have travelled abroad say they hate it.
Enjoy

 

[Alfie159]

If you need (in terms of being tired to drive for example) a long stopover, I'm down south west , near Toulouse. Just give me a shout on here using @yodeli
Everything is free , not to worry!
Enjoy your new van and trip!

Amicalement
Frankie

Thank you for such a kind thoughtful offer !

 

[nicholsong]

Alfie

Glad first night was successful.

I agree with the comments above about driving on the Continent.

One time it needs extra thought is exiting from a filling station or supermarket onto an empty road and especially a dual carriageway, in which case one has to make a conscious decision about which side of the road one has to turn onto. Just be aware.

Geoff

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[Viennese]

Thank you for such a kind thoughtful offer !

@yodeli (Frankie) is a great source of hospitality and help in whatever circumstances. She has every Funsters' back in France. I speak from good experience. We love her lots! But she is quite a long way from Channel ports. Best of luck!

 

[Lazyboy]

You will have no problem driving in mainland Europe. I had exactly the same apprehension and trepidation but as long as you are sensible you will be fine. Had a bit of a chuckle when you said you were going to learn to drive in Europe, the French have been learning for years and still not mastered it yet. I believe that when buying a new car in France indicators are listed as an optional extra!!

 

[Northernraider]

I've never found driving in Europe much of a problem it was when I went back to the UK I drove on the wrong side a few times ha ha

 

[Alfie159]

These things are often inflated in ones own mind I guess, I’ll just go for it and it’ll all be fine

 

[Alfie159]

You will have no problem driving in mainland Europe. I had exactly the same apprehension and trepidation but as long as you are sensible you will be fine. Had a bit of a chuckle when you said you were going to learn to drive in Europe, the French have been learning for years and still not mastered it yet. I believe that when buying a new car in France indicators are listed as an optional extra!!

Ha ha ha but they have great roads !

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[monzer]

What I am going to do is learn to drive in Europe, it’s a mild nervousness I have to tackle head on ! So I’ll make plans to do just that

I've been pottering about Europe since December. It's great fun. I've parked up in campsites, aires, beaches and back streets. Never had a problem with parking or driving (apart from a 100 euro fine on Christmas morning )

Currently back in Scotland for hospital appointment but my van is parked in Seville and should be fit to get back over there in 3 weeks or so, can't wait.

Do it!

 

[Alfie159]

Wow monzer.... I wish but I’ve the best part of 30 years left at work ha ha.... shorter trips it is for me I’m afraid!

 

[Rob and Val]

I think that Monzer is actually younger than you, @Alfie159

 

[monzer]

Wow monzer.... I wish but I’ve the best part of 30 years left at work ha ha.... shorter trips it is for me I’m afraid!

I work....or worked. I packed it in for a while and told them I'd be back about September

 

[Alfie159]

Lucky you Monzer, my organisation would never do that.....

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[monzer]

Lucky you Monzer, my organisation would never do that.....

Ach well, 30 years will fly by

 

[Clarky]

If you can manage to drive in the UK you can definitely drive in Europe.
Quiet and high quality roads in France, very light traffic in most places and loads of safe and lovely places to stop.
Within 30 minutes of leaving the channel you will be wondering what you were worried about.

Go for it and enjoy.

Richard.