Any one driven from UK, through France to Spain in recent days?

[Themselves]

This is a motorhome forum; IMHO members should be able to check to see what the current reality is without all the criticism.

Many of the regular culprits are comfortably retired in the place of their choice - but they do not speak for whole countries and almost certainly not for the young of either France or Spain who would probably suffer a bit of flu in order to get the trade back for their jobs or businesses so they can get on with their lives.

The Spanish holiday industry in particular must be sorely missing all the tourist income this year and are probably hoping to see at least some of their winter trade.

I am unsure as to the point you are making here. You are not , I hope, believing that Covid-19 is ‘a bit of flu’.

 

[Clayton9]

No problems at all. From getting on the tunnel to getting to south of France. Is where I am at the moment. Left uk 3rd December.
passed loads of police and had no issues what so ever not interested in other peoples opinions. This post is for facts only

 

[Northernraider]

Not sure if this helps but we returned from Spain a few days ago. Murcia- Teruel- Labenne- Bordeaux-Tours- Neufchâtel-en-Bray - Calais. We did a mixture of motorways and A roads and only saw police at one northbound peage station, they weren’t interested in us. We saw no police at any regional or national border , north or southbound,until we arrived at the tunnel.
Wonder how long it takes before the first ‘more holy than thou’ comment saying how you shouldn’t be travelling beyond your parish border.

They beat you

 

[Northernraider]

Like you we wish to travel in January but for us we are hoping fo the first week. Like yourselves we would not wish to travel illegally/outside individual countries guide lines. I’m just trying to keep abreast of the situation. It looks like we will also be using the tunnel as obtaining a RTPCR to catch the ferry from Portsmouth is fraught with logistical problems.

I hope we are both able to get away in January. Thank you for your response and good luck

I could almost bet money on there being a third lockdown in january .....europe wide

Christmas relaxation practically assures it


In greece it has been extended another week to the 14th but rumours already that it will be extended again or reinstated after new year.

 

[Tombola]

I could almost bet money on there being a third lockdown in january .....europe wide

Christmas relaxation practically assures it


In greece it has been extended another week to the 14th but rumours already that it will be extended again or reinstated after new year.

I agree, but hopefully the vaccine will "take the edge off" for the older ones and lessen the lockdown overall period

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[Northernraider]

It's the same few people jumping on any thread that mentions travelling at the moment and from my experience of travelling since July ( completely legally) it's not representative of the opinions of the majority of people in the real world although of course that could be skewed as I'm not likely to meet any of those as they aren't leaving the house for the last 8 months or the next 6.

Certainly not in greece where all the locals have been very welcoming .....that said there wasnt a lockdown in place when i left uk or indeed arrived here so i think most locals and Indeed the police are aware of that .....greece in its daily report of figures clearly states what percentage of infection was related to foreign travel and most was from people here going elsewhere and bringing it back

But they also tend to think people are people wherever they come from and dont care so much about blaming others

That seems to be a very british thing.


In the end it doesn't really matter what nationality you are or in what country you are in ....its a global pandemic that needs to be fought by all together.

I trust most people take the same precautions they would when abroad as they would at home .....and motorhome travel is one of the safest ways

 

[Northernraider]

I agree, but hopefully the vaccine will "take the edge off" for the older ones and lessen the lockdown overall period

Possibly

 

[gus-lopez]

I wonder if more of the bars and restaurants would open if there were more customers?

possibly although the ones around here that have shut ,opened, shut again, re opened are some of the few left. Many have shut down for good. Even in the summer down on the coast there were plenty that never re-opened.

I would suggest that an HGV driver possibly presents a greater potential for transmitting the virus than a MH driver,

& I have asked this question from the outset.Why are we not inundated with a shortgae of drivers? Why are they not falling down in droves with it? My neighbours both drive across europe & neithet have succumbed but as the younger one was saying earlier he ensures when he stops he buys food & returns to the truck. He rarely eats out except when flying to collect & obviously then staying in a hotel.

Christmas relaxation practically assures it

Here, when the restrictions are lifted on the 24th , we are only allowed to travel anywhere to "meet relatives" If you have no relatives you cannot go anywhere.

 

[kimndon]

I wonder how much of Northernraider’s brilliant thread really p-ss-s off the ‘stay at home’ brigade!

 

[Northernraider]

I wonder how much of Northernraider’s brilliant thread really p-ss-s off the ‘stay at home’ brigade!

Shishhhh I don't need them there

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[billym]

In greece it has been extended another week to the 14th but rumours already that it will be extended again or reinstated after new year.

Greece extends nationwide lockdown until January 7

Greece on Monday extended until January 7 a nationwide lockdown it imposed in early November, in a bid to curb the spread of Coronavirus across the country and to salvage its national health system. During this time, citizens will need to request a permit for their outings, issued via SMS messagi

www.neweurope.eu

 

[jongood]

I am unsure as to the point you are making here. You are not , I hope, believing that Covid-19 is ‘a bit of flu’.

Many of the younger people - i.e. under 50 yo I've talked to are convinced that they will only get flu like symptoms for a couple of days and of course statistically they are correct.

 

[Northernraider]

Greece extends nationwide lockdown until January 7

Greece on Monday extended until January 7 a nationwide lockdown it imposed in early November, in a bid to curb the spread of Coronavirus across the country and to salvage its national health system. During this time, citizens will need to request a permit for their outings, issued via SMS messagi

www.neweurope.eu

Yes its no surprise
Although a lot different from uk lockdown.

 

[EuroTrotters]

Is a forum not a place for opinions ??? or is it that you only wish to receive opinions that reflect your own?? I did not go out of my way, I was already sat at my computer. I hope not everyone has the same opinions as I, that would be a very boring life, do you not think ???

I thought my reply was considered and constructive. "Keep your comments to yourself" would surely mean the end off the forum as the basis of the forum is for each and every member to have the right to aire their views with an equal weight.
Might I respectfully suggest, that, if you do not wish to receive comments/feedback then do not post on an open forum. Or, state clearly, "These are my views/opinions and I do not wish them to be challenged/commented upon" but then, what would be the point of posting in the first place????

I never offered you any guidance moral or otherwise, and should you require such, please DO NOT ask me, I am not qualified to offer you what you may need.

Completely agree about the opinions point you make, that’s why we are here.

But on a simple post I made the other day regarding Brittany Ferries. I got a reply demanding I explain my response. Simply because they did not like my post.Rather impertinent and rude I thought.

Led to a group of Funsters telling me that I am to be ignored.

Childish. Maybe I should claim online bullying

 

[jongood]

Completely agree about the opinions point you make, that’s why we are here.

But on a simple post I made the other day regarding Brittany Ferries. I got a reply demanding I explain my response. Simply because they did not like my post.Rather impertinent and rude I thought.

Led to a group of Funsters telling me that I am to be ignored.

Childish. Maybe I should claim online bullying

IMO the time of year, lack of holidays and the loss of liberties is making people very fractious.

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[filopastry]

Completely agree about the opinions point you make, that’s why we are here.

But on a simple post I made the other day regarding Brittany Ferries. I got a reply demanding I explain my response. Simply because they did not like my post.Rather impertinent and rude I thought.

Led to a group of Funsters telling me that I am to be ignored.

Childish. Maybe I should claim online bullying

some only wish to hear those with similar views, folks want to ignore me, hell they do not need my permission but if one posts on a forum one should expect responses

 

[filopastry]

Curious as to how some decide which law they should comply with and which not, and then to suggest that those who would comply with the laws are in fact "the self righteous stay at home brigade"

I always thought the laws were for all and that the "when in Rome" included abiding by the laws within the country one visits or passes throught.

Unless of course it plays havoc with holiday/personal plans

 

[Paulypaul]

Boris and the law makers dont even know what side is right or wrong, so how are we expected to know?

 

[Northernraider]

Curious as to how some decide which law they should comply with and which not, and then to suggest that those who would comply with the laws are in fact "the self righteous stay at home brigade"

I always thought the laws were for all and that the "when in Rome" included abiding by the laws within the country one visits or passes throught.

Unless of course it plays havoc with holiday/personal plans

Im in Greece and like everyone else i tried to abide by lockdown and stay in one place. The police told everyone they had to move every few days to somewhere new

 

[goneoff]

A big thank you everyone who commented constructively to my post and those who actually read it throughly without making assumptions. The thread has been very exciting and a big eye opener for me. I was genuinely surprised at the number of responders who chose to think I was wanting to travel now during a lockdown period rather than in early January which is when we would like to get away. Hopefully then current restrictions will be relaxed both here and mainland Europe to enable us to travel legally.

So, for those opinionated individuals, the platform seekers, the professional epidemiologists, the lawyers the righteous and those who simply can’t read; I suggest you all wait for my next posts where I intend to discuss the merits of Brexit, the toppling of statues, taking the knee, and mandatory driving tests for the over 75’s.

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[Barclaybasher]

I would also like to be updated about transiting France and Spain and will travel, maybe not until the New Year as at 75 I might be up for an early vaccination. As soon after that I'll be off back to Spain.

It is dismaying that so many Lockdowners take their frustrations out on fellow members but are happy to be 'served' by low paid key workers out there delivering their food and services because they (key workers) have no choice but to work.

As an aside broadband is being installed locally - for the past week the 3 man gang of ground workers all over 60 have worked almost without break (no PPE or SD) - could only admire them

 

[Tombola]

The French Government has put in place Covid-19 travel restrictions on international arrivals in order to enter France. Certain countries are exempt from these travel restrictions, including arrivals from

the European Area (which the French Ministry of the Interior considers as EU Member States, the UK, Andorra, Holy See, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, and Switzerland) and certain non-European countries. Further information on French Covid-19 travel restrictions, including a list of exempted countries, can be found on the French government’s website.

Entry requirements - France travel advice

FCDO travel advice for France. Includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements and legal differences.

www.gov.uk

Spain’s borders are open to European Union and Schengen-area countries.

Travellers arriving from the United Kingdom are not required to self-isolate on arrival in Spain. However, from the 23 November, there are some requirements for testing on arrival for those travelling by air and sea. See ‘Testing/screening on arrival’ for more details.

Some restrictions on travellers from outside the European Union and the Schengen free-travel area remain in place. You should refer to the Spanish Embassy in the country you are in for further advice.

Travellers should follow the advice of the local authorities on how best to protect themselves and others, including any measures that they bring in to control the virus. See the Coronavirus section for further information.



Annnnd were off

 

[billym]

Im in Greece and like everyone else i tried to abide by lockdown and stay in one place. The police told everyone they had to move every few days to somewhere new

Are there any campsites open in Greece this time of year? I've never been.

 

[Northernraider]

Are there any campsites open in Greece this time of year? I've never been.

A few here and there i think

I don't know i don't use them

 

[Nick wright]

Has any of you Funsters driven through France into Spain in the last 7-10 days and if so was there any issue on the border re Covid check etc, any special documents required, PCR test? I’ve given up on trying to catch the ferry from Portsmouth to Santander at the same time arrange the results from a Covid test to be available within 72 hours of setting foot in Spain. A PCR test that would guarantee us getting the results in time would cost £590.00 for the two of us. Then the ferry could be delayed! So I am trying to explore the possibilities of driving through France via the tunnel. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

I know of three last week one went Portsmouth/Caen and two went euro tunnel they are now in la Vila joiosa no problem

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[DavidMarsh]

Has any of you Funsters driven through France into Spain in the last 7-10 days and if so was there any issue on the border re Covid check etc, any special documents required, PCR test? I’ve given up on trying to catch the ferry from Portsmouth to Santander at the same time arrange the results from a Covid test to be available within 72 hours of setting foot in Spain. A PCR test that would guarantee us getting the results in time would cost £590.00 for the two of us. Then the ferry could be delayed! So I am trying to explore the possibilities of driving through France via the tunnel. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Has any of you Funsters driven through France into Spain in the last 7-10 days and if so was there any issue on the border re Covid check etc, any special documents required, PCR test? I’ve given up on trying to catch the ferry from Portsmouth to Santander at the same time arrange the results from a Covid test to be available within 72 hours of setting foot in Spain. A PCR test that would guarantee us getting the results in time would cost £590.00 for the two of us. Then the ferry could be delayed! So I am trying to explore the possibilities of driving through France via the tunnel. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

We left our home in northern LANCASHIRE on Sunday. We need to be in Spain to sign legal documents to complete the sale of a house we own over there and of course feel the cash. We are just about to leave Perigueux and head for a night in Navarrete tonight. We have yet to see any police folk. No campsites open!!!!!!! It’s a bit fresh but a bit of an escape. Hope to be back home for Christmas. Happy Christmas everyone.

 

[Mike Warland]

It's the same few people jumping on any thread that mentions travelling at the moment and from my experience of travelling since July ( completely legally) it's not representative of the opinions of the majority of people in the real world although of course that could be skewed as I'm not likely to meet any of those as they aren't leaving the house for the last 8 months or the next 6.

I live by the beach in Somerset and we have remained in lockdown since March we still end up in Tier 3 thanks to all the visitors getting away we would be far safer going away in our motorhome which we are now considering.

 

[tonyysue]

Has any of you Funsters driven through France into Spain in the last 7-10 days and if so was there any issue on the border re Covid check etc, any special documents required, PCR test? I’ve given up on trying to catch the ferry from Portsmouth to Santander at the same time arrange the results from a Covid test to be available within 72 hours of setting foot in Spain. A PCR test that would guarantee us getting the results in time would cost £590.00 for the two of us. Then the ferry could be delayed! So I am trying to explore the possibilities of driving through France via the tunnel. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

I live in Spain - there is normally no issue presently with the border (into Catalunya) from France with no checks. And as a matter of interest, the requirement for a PCR test does not apply to entry by road!

 

[tonyysue]

Has any of you Funsters driven through France into Spain in the last 7-10 days and if so was there any issue on the border re Covid check etc, any special documents required, PCR test? I’ve given up on trying to catch the ferry from Portsmouth to Santander at the same time arrange the results from a Covid test to be available within 72 hours of setting foot in Spain. A PCR test that would guarantee us getting the results in time would cost £590.00 for the two of us. Then the ferry could be delayed! So I am trying to explore the possibilities of driving through France via the tunnel. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Glyn and Debbie]

To be succinct I didn’t post my question to give you a platform to voice an opinion, which you clearly went out of your way to do. Your opinion is exactly that, yours and certainly isn’t shared by everyone on this site. If you can’t offer a constructive answer I respectively ask you to keep your opinions to yourself. When I feel the need for any moral or lifestyle guidance I will without question private message you.

I totally agree if people want a debate on what we should and shouldn't do as regards to covid then start a forum, the guy just asked a straight forward question which required a straight forward answer simples, I have noticed on here people ask a question and replies go off in all directions and most of the time they never get the answer to what they asked so bravo goneoff im with you

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