Tam &Toby do Europe ...Take two

Northernraider said:
so I guess it's whether they go to the trouble of checking my reg no with dvla etc.
I wasn't on any motorways or main roads and never saw any other cameras so I guess I can only wait and see. I'm not sure even if they went to that bother if they could enforce it or not as unlike speeding where police are involved.
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They can't just 'ask'. It has to be under one of the 8 offences . which it isn't unless they stretched the "illegal use of a lane" one.:LOL:
Northernraider said:
On another note ...how illegal is this lol ..German van
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Very.:LOL:
 
chaser said:
if you want a bit of advice from an old codger who has been there, we have done all this traveling like you but have seriously slowed down now, you get the miles in and can say we have done X miles in X time but you have only scratched the surface, wasted money on diesel and stuff and probably not got into the country like someone who has spent a week somewhere trying to get to know the locals or fellow travellers, i know you wont take any notice and i dont blame you i probably wouldnt either, but if i was where you are now i would make my way to jesolo find a nice cheap campsite and chill for a week by the sea you can then get a bus to venice when it suits you, and you can get a ferry to croatia from there as well.
i can reccomend a nice simple site if you decide to do this.
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To be honest Charlie I'm seriously thinking about knocking it on the head and just going to Spain for a couple of months and then head home. But who knows
 
Had to leave that carpark in como ...too noisy too busy and I was parked way to close to a bin and the stench of dog crap was getting too much.
So I'm in another carpark about 8 miles south of como.

There was a young lad here earlier with his mum and a dirt bike she's just bought him lol so he was in this carpark trying to go it for the first time . After 10 minutes of rev rev rev rev stall it was getting to me so I wandered over to see if they spoke English. The young lad didn't but his mum did so eventually I've taught him how to hold his revs and use the clutch to move it... afyer a few attempts he's got it and been going round the carpark for ages now ...his mum's also had a few go's lol

I was trying to tell him he's a lucky lad ...at 15 my mum wouldn't let me near a motorbike never mind go out and buy one for me then take me to the local car park to let me learn to ride it.
 
Northernraider said:
To be honest Charlie I'm seriously thinking about knocking it on the head and just going to Spain for a couple of months and then head home. But who knows
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And why not... you like Spain, the hounds understand the barking, you know your way around & it's a big country to explore...


...but...


...will you forever wonder what you might be missing and considering how (relatively speaking) close you are... ?
 
Langtoftlad said:
And why not... you like Spain, the hounds understand the barking, you know your way around & it's a big country to explore...


...but...


...will you forever wonder what you might be missing and considering how (relatively speaking) close you are... ?
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Aye I know and to be honest that's why I plodded on through France and in to Italy.
But truth of it is it's different to last year ...in many ways
Maybe last year was because it was new I don't know but this year I'm just not feeling the same , I'm lonely ...a lot. I'm getting stressed a lot. I'm craving conversation and to actually get to know folk. I'm fed up driving every day or every second day. I miss the beach , I miss people. I can at least speak some Spanish, I like the food, it's cheap as chips to long term tour there.

Yes I want to explore other places but maybe I'm just fed up doing it alone I don't know.

But at the minute I can't see me actually lasting the year I had planned ...But the further I get away the further I have to go back.

I've spent so far around £3k of the £10k budget I had allowed myself for this year and I've been away a total of 14 weeks 5 days.

There seems to be all these little issues cropping up either with the van or with things like insurance issues etc that makes me wonder maybe its fate telling me something lol.

I've had 3 or 4 near misses now where I've got stuck with the van or nearly done serious damage etc

I dunno ...But I'm starting to think the only reason I keep pushing on is because I said I would do this and I don't like to fail.

I'm not even sure Spain was the same this year when I was there but at least I did meet up with folk there both on parking spots or around town and folk from on here etc

Yes I've found the occasional nice spot through France and here in Italy but still it jist doesn't feel the same and I don't know if that's the place or if it's me and may be it's just lost it's buzz

I dunno ...But I'm feeling out of sorts and a little fed up to be honest
 
>>> So I'm in another carpark about 8 miles south of como.

Big free attraction, the Moto Guzzi museum at Mandelo del Lario.

Have you done Peschiera del Garda ? A bit of wild camping and at least two sostas. Sirmioni and the Roman villa is a treat.

Lago di Caldonazzo is a must see.

Then you have the northern escape route out of Italy through Austria and into Germany. Fussen, Heidelberg, the Rhein, Moselle.

Don't throw it all away by heading back to Spain.
 
Northernraider said:
Aye I know and to be honest that's why I plodded on through France and in to Italy.
But truth of it is it's different to last year ...in many ways
Maybe last year was because it was new I don't know but this year I'm just not feeling the same , I'm lonely ...a lot. I'm getting stressed a lot. I'm craving conversation and to actually get to know folk. I'm fed up driving every day or every second day. I miss the beach , I miss people. I can at least speak some Spanish, I like the food, it's cheap as chips to long term tour there.

Yes I want to explore other places but maybe I'm just fed up doing it alone I don't know.

But at the minute I can't see me actually lasting the year I had planned ...But the further I get away the further I have to go back.

I've spent so far around £3k of the £10k budget I had allowed myself for this year and I've been away a total of 14 weeks 5 days.

There seems to be all these little issues cropping up either with the van or with things like insurance issues etc that makes me wonder maybe its fate telling me something lol.

I've had 3 or 4 near misses now where I've got stuck with the van or nearly done serious damage etc

I dunno ...But I'm starting to think the only reason I keep pushing on is because I said I would do this and I don't like to fail.

I'm not even sure Spain was the same this year when I was there but at least I did meet up with folk there both on parking spots or around town and folk from on here etc

Yes I've found the occasional nice spot through France and here in Italy but still it jist doesn't feel the same and I don't know if that's the place or if it's me and may be it's just lost it's buzz

I dunno ...But I'm feeling out of sorts and a little fed up to be honest
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Cheer up Tam,,We keep threatening to do Italy and Croatia etc but still get drawn to Spain and Portugal..We depart Tue from Harwich to Hook of Holland with no plans but I bet we high tail it due south and into Spain..As you say it's very sociable and inexpensive.Been going twice a year now since 2003 and still not fed up and there is lots we still have not seen..BUSBY,,
 
Tam, follow your heart. If your heart's not in it for France or Italy then head back to Spain where you are comfortable.

We love France but it's all personal choice. We're in Dieppe atm and the weather is glorious so we are having a lovely Easter weekend not far from home.
 
Northernraider said:
Aye I know and to be honest that's why I plodded on through France and in to Italy.
But truth of it is it's different to last year ...in many ways
Maybe last year was because it was new I don't know but this year I'm just not feeling the same , I'm lonely ...a lot. I'm getting stressed a lot. I'm craving conversation and to actually get to know folk. I'm fed up driving every day or every second day. I miss the beach , I miss people. I can at least speak some Spanish, I like the food, it's cheap as chips to long term tour there.

Yes I want to explore other places but maybe I'm just fed up doing it alone I don't know.

But at the minute I can't see me actually lasting the year I had planned ...But the further I get away the further I have to go back.

I've spent so far around £3k of the £10k budget I had allowed myself for this year and I've been away a total of 14 weeks 5 days.

There seems to be all these little issues cropping up either with the van or with things like insurance issues etc that makes me wonder maybe its fate telling me something lol.

I've had 3 or 4 near misses now where I've got stuck with the van or nearly done serious damage etc

I dunno ...But I'm starting to think the only reason I keep pushing on is because I said I would do this and I don't like to fail.

I'm not even sure Spain was the same this year when I was there but at least I did meet up with folk there both on parking spots or around town and folk from on here etc

Yes I've found the occasional nice spot through France and here in Italy but still it jist doesn't feel the same and I don't know if that's the place or if it's me and may be it's just lost it's buzz

I dunno ...But I'm feeling out of sorts and a little fed up to be honest
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Don’t get negative mate, or put yourself on a downer,, simple solution, turn round and get back into Spain/ Portugal,, nice people, cheap, lots of brits and expats, good beaches and it’s getting busier now,, a good time is guaranteed!!

If I had the money I’d join you,, But I hope to have at the end of the year!!

At the moment, I’m financially sound for my future!! Providing I die by next Tuesday!! Lol. Xxx

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I guess if you seek out of the way places, and won't use sites - then it's not surprising there a fewer folk to come across...

...and as others have said, if you slow down a bit, perhaps more chance of a meeting.

And finally, as you get more into the 'season' there'll be more holiday makers & students on the road

???
 
I have followed and enjoyed your posts from the very start. You have been to lots of amazing places and experienced many things, most mainly good. You are still a young man, swallow your pride and get back to Spain. Croatia, Greece etc can wait. If looking for company once again swallow your pride and stay on a few sites from time to time. Lots of people to meet and speak to. Slow down and enjoy
 
My two penneth...

Do what you want - go on or go back, do what's best for you..

Park4nite probably won't find you folk to talk to - just somewhere to park

40 years ago I wanted to travel the World, I found Mallorca and been coming here by plane, car, van and motorhome ever since..still not seen all of it...

Follow your heart ...and take Jade and Milo with you(y)
 
I also think the season hasn't yet arrived for France Italy Austria Germany. Spain is so much further south. I think it wasn't til May last year that we went into the sea for a swim and not a wee in France and it was warmer last year than this.
I would hazard a guess that the majority of funsters and presumably British motorhomers will head for France or Spain so meetings and chats will become far more common.
Spain is for seaside beaches what France is for lakes and rivers. I prefer the less travel and non salty water with better views of France to the beach life and cheaper cost of living in Spain.
Try a couple of Google's. Beautiful villages in France and swimming lakes in France. I can't think of a lake in France where you can't stay overnight.
Whatever you decide I want more photos. I don't know why but they have dropped off in numbers recently and I need a daily fix til next Saturday. Then I will manage to take 6 nights getting from Karlsruhe to Basel both sides of the river. You will meet loads of people around there and seriously shed loads of interesting stuff.
Enjoy
 
Tam, I'm another that says follow your heart. Maybe this trip is just not meant to be.
Head back to Spain for a few months, you are young enough, you can always do this trip another time.
No point in wasting time and money if your heart's not in it. At a later date circumstances might well be different.
It's good to make plans but it's even better to remain adaptable to hell with what others might think. Do what is right for you Tam, no one will think any the worse of you, remember " those who matter won't mind and those who mind don't matter. "
There can no doubt be draw backs to travelling as a couple but there can be a grinding emptiness to travelling solo for months , if that's how you are feeling Tam get yourself to somewhere with a bit of company. Make a new plan, life is for enjoying. (y)
 
I'm loath to give my opinion. Putting that aside, travelling solo, I have a much better time if I'm near nightlife. Bruges, Antwerp, Amsterdam, Brussels, Nancy are places I've enjoyed recently with places to park a van, at a cost. Not much sun, but a bit of excitement and not surrounded by couples.
 
You’ve lasted far far longer then I did on my own, I didn’t have a dog for company but traveling around like you are was always a “must do passion” for me but once on the road I hated it and luckily Sue missed me and motor-homing too (not sure which one the most)

Croatia is a beautiful place and we loved it there and was one of our best trips but we keep getting drawn back to Spain as life is so easier there and we feel at home... we are off next Wednesday for five weeks to the costa Blanca area....

If your passing, pop in......;)
 
You've mentioned a few times on this thread that you're feeling lonely so it's not something that's come on overnight. That being the case I'd think the best course would be to head for Spain where you get most enjoyment and can interact with folk.

I hope things improve for you
 
Oh dear Tam, it really isn't working out as you'd hoped....so Plan B required. Like many others I agree that there's no point continuing with a trip you're not enjoying, and its not giving up to change your mind.... If you really like Spain best stick with it. It's a huge country with lots to see and do. We particularly liked the area west and north of Tarifa which doesn't get too crowded and has fabulous beaches. It's popular with the kite surfers so you might find a younger crowd that you fit it with? We also liked the Atlantic Coast of Portugal but not so many speaking English there to my memory. Come on, find somewhere you fancy and head for there....

When we first bought our van nearly 5 years ago we had great plans to head for Greece etc..... but we've slowed down a lot and often now just find ourselves back in places we love and feel comfortable. We don't feel we've failed, just altered our plans to suit...

Good luck whatever you decide......x

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Only trouble I can see about going back to Spain is you’ve got to go back through France and we all know how much you love France:whistle:
 
But t
matamoros said:
Not necessarily, ferry from Genoa to Barcelona, lots of dogs on board when we used it a few years ago.
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But that cost money, trying to give the lad a heart attack.
Only joking
 
As someone who loves their own company I’ve often wondered reading your great thread - how often feeling lonely can kick in - because it must no matter how comfortable you are with yours and those cute dogs company.

If I was in your situation I’d head to where I felt comfortable - I’d relax and enjoy and re-charge my enthusiasm and with a clearer and happier head make decisions from there.

The worse thing that could happen is you go home thinking what a shit trip it’s been - when in fact it hasn’t.

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Northernraider said:
To be honest Charlie I'm seriously thinking about knocking it on the head and just going to Spain for a couple of months and then head home. But who knows
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We have had the same problem, and living here in Spain ;) nearly on the beach, it's difficult to find things in other seaside resorts, we feel it has everything to offer, great snorkelling and many dive schools also water sports, loads of walking, ;) if your anything like Janie. :)
Cyclists from all over europe come here to train, and I get around on my bike alot. :LOL:
I think on the whole most things are cheap, its easy to park :eek: probably the most expensive things are fines if your unfortunate enough to get one. :LOL:

When we go off in the camper it has to be very good or different and not competing with what we already have. (y)

Portugal is different and always loved it, :) a bit more expensive than Spain for diesel, but very little difference in anything else. (y) The Portuguese are very friendly.

France diesel expensive, food expensive, parking is good, the country has alot going for it, ;) and we have met some nice French people, in fact the French that have rented our apartment have been lovely,, and next time in Brittany we will visit. :)

Germany, we have made a lot of German friends, great country for motorhomes, cheaper than most of the EU for food and it has a lot going for it, ;) I have had to put a few Germans right, but have found they have short memories and the next day we are like old friends. (y)

Italy, it's a bit marmite, but we have enjoyed it, the only country that I have been swore at by a begger for not giving. :eek: Has lots of nice places to visit, along with all the other tourists, and not the cheapest or easiest place with a motohome. :D
We have been a few times, and although it's hectic we will go back. :LOL:

Croatia, loved it when we arrived in May, very hot that year, and that made it busy. :eek:
At first out in the sea, very nice not as many fish as here in Spain but we did see dolphins, :rolleyes: but pleasent in fact we said we could not remember the last time we felt like holiday makers. :LOL:
But as we headed south, we got fed up with coaches, cruise ships and tourists. :D2
Not a cheap country, only used campsites, and far too busy for us, :think: probably would not rush back. :pop:

Slovenia, liked what we saw of it, :shake: but Janie drank Lake Bled, and got typhoid, :fubar: plan to have another look at some point. :gum:
I will leave it there for now, but we always say :wink:.
Do what's right at the time. :whistle2:
;) Welcome to Spain. (y) Bob.
 
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jo10000_6 said:
The worse thing that could happen is you go home thinking what a shit trip it’s been - when in fact it hasn’t.
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Absolutely agree it’s not been a bad trip, in Spain you had a good time, France and Italy might not be your cup of iron brew but if you hadn’t gone there you wouldn’t have learnt that it wasn’t for you. If you don’t go to these places Tam your going to regret it more then if you skip them always wondering what you’ve missed....

As I’ve said before Croatia is a lovely place and from what I hear so is Greece but you won’t be able to make your own opinion unless you go there... however they will always be there for another time, another trip.....

You’ve got to do what you feel is right, it doesn’t matter if you feel you didn’t complete your trip, as far as we are concerned your trip is just one big long journey for us lot reading your thread and giving us insight in the places you stay and visit that some would or couldn’t stay at.

I’m sure wherever you go Tam you’ll have us all following....

It’s all a learning cure ......:D
 
Go home, Tam, and fess up to your Mum about the kitchen cupboard door.
 
Just smiffy said:
Absolutely agree it’s not been a bad trip, in Spain you had a good time, France and Italy might not be your cup of iron brew but if you hadn’t gone there you wouldn’t have learnt that it wasn’t for you. If you don’t go to these places Tam your going to regret it more then if you skip them always wondering what you’ve missed....

As I’ve said before Croatia is a lovely place and from what I hear so is Greece but you won’t be able to make your own opinion unless you go there... however they will always be there for another time, another trip.....

You’ve got to do what you feel is right, it doesn’t matter if you feel you didn’t complete your trip, as far as we are concerned your trip is just one big long journey for us lot reading your thread and giving us insight in the places you stay and visit that some would or couldn’t stay at.

I’m sure wherever you go Tam you’ll have us all following....

It’s all a learning cure ......:D
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in our motorhoming , a trip is never wasted , cant think of a trip we have done in the last ten years that went as it had been planed, in fact we do very little planning apart from the tunnel , we then just go to where we think at the time, if you are out in the van you are on holiday not a regimented tour, and as i have said in a few posts most places have something a bit different but one lot of stones piled up looks pretty much like the next lot whichever country you are in, if you like sun, sea and sand, just find a nice place with all that and park up for a while because the sea and sun will be just the same as over the next hill.
 
Tam lots of great advise from really lovely people you will know how you feel having said that we are all behind you what ever decision you decide to make take care :) remember keep on posting

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