The Joys of Benidorm!

[Kups]

Well That's us done! Ferry cancelled and credit note issued. Antigen test's cancelled and full refund less £10.0 admin fee. Campsite notified and waiting to find out if deposit going to be used for the Villasol staff Christmas party or returned for us to spend on ours. As for me, I blame the media for blowing this totally out of proportion and not keeping to the facts with respect to how mild this is and the very low numbers of hospitalisations and deaths. I cant blame the French, we loaded the gun and gave it to them to use on us. They must be relishing these new restrictions they have imposed upon us. Bugger! Well onwards and upwards I say.

We're waiting to see what happens by 31 January then we'll decide on cancellations/deferring bookings. At least I've not yet paid for travel insurance.

 

[monzer]

As we use to say in the military - two thirds of three fifths of bu**er all!

When I was in the special forces we concentrated more on killing the enemy at close quarters than coming up with catchy phrases.

 

[Richard n Ann]

When I was in the special forces we concentrated more on killing the enemy at close quarters than coming up with catchy phrases.

Couldn't kill anybody nowadays, pretty sure that would violate their human rights

 

[Crazylegs]

Well That's us done! Ferry cancelled and credit note issued. Antigen test's cancelled and full refund less £10.0 admin fee. Campsite notified and waiting to find out if deposit going to be used for the Villasol staff Christmas party or returned for us to spend on ours. As for me, I blame the media for blowing this totally out of proportion and not keeping to the facts with respect to how mild this is and the very low numbers of hospitalisations and deaths. I cant blame the French, we loaded the gun and gave it to them to use on us. They must be relishing these new restrictions they have imposed upon us. Bugger! Well onwards and upwards I say.

I recall we used transit routes to get to Germany last year, I’m kinda hoping a similar passage to Spain might be possible in time. If I have accommodation booked in Spain, it seems wrong that they are able to prevent our passage to an onward destination.

 

[John Barrett]

When I was in the special forces we concentrated more on killing the enemy at close quarters than coming up with catchy phrases.

And drinking each other's vomit IIRC..

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[Rapido925M]

We're waiting to see what happens by 31 January then we'll decide on cancellations/deferring bookings. At least I've not yet paid for travel insurance.

If you haven't paid for travel insurance then presumably they will not support you if you can't get your money back? I always ensure I'm insured BEFORE I make the bookings .

Gordon

 

[jumar]

When I was in the special forces we concentrated more on killing the enemy at close quarters than coming up with catchy phrases.

Same here....we were bound by the same rules as a Cubscout....take no prisoners...got a sew on badge to prove it....

 

[Rapido925M]

There are "Package Holiday" Forums,Possibly better off joining one of them, and ditch the Van... Just a Thought ?

I'm not looking for a life-style change; just suggestions as to why living for a month in a small metal box and having to source all my utilities might be "better" than saving £100-500 by living in a fully-serviced large room (or two).

So far I've had:
easier/cheaper to take bikes: we haven't taken them for years as we don't usually stay still for more than a day but perhaps they might be good if someone is on the same pitch for a month.
easier/cheaper to take dogs: we don't have any, so irrelevant.
safer/healthier than flying with potential Covid spreaders: one of the reasons why we shall not be doing it this winter .
easier to bring back large quantities of alcohol: that was my own suggestion, so obviously a good one

So please can I have some more ideas?

A concern is that the apartment/hotel/area might be unsuitable. If we get to a site which we don't like, we move on and have always managed to get a refund. TBH, the same has happened with hotels BUT we've only usually booked for one night, so that has never been a big worry financially. I'm thinking that perhaps we should take the van to Spain in Spring and check out the establishments which are involved in this offering. There are also properties in Albir and Torremolinos/Benalmadena/Fuengirola/Marbella but we lived in that area for 6 months, so would prefer somewhere "new".

However, my major reason for posting in this thread is to hear reasons why "the van in Spain is better than the plane" .

TIA - Gordon

 

[2657]

I'm not looking for a life-style change; just suggestions as to why living for a month in a small metal box and having to source all my utilities might be "better" than saving £100-500 by living in a fully-serviced large room (or two).

So far I've had:
easier/cheaper to take bikes: we haven't taken them for years as we don't usually stay still for more than a day but perhaps they might be good if someone is on the same pitch for a month.
easier/cheaper to take dogs: we don't have any, so irrelevant.
safer/healthier than flying with potential Covid spreaders: one of the reasons why we shall not be doing it this winter .
easier to bring back large quantities of alcohol: that was my own suggestion, so obviously a good one

So please can I have some more ideas?

A concern is that the apartment/hotel/area might be unsuitable. If we get to a site which we don't like, we move on and have always managed to get a refund. TBH, the same has happened with hotels BUT we've only usually booked for one night, so that has never been a big worry financially. I'm thinking that perhaps we should take the van to Spain in Spring and check out the establishments which are involved in this offering. There are also properties in Albir and Torremolinos/Benalmadena/Fuengirola/Marbella but we lived in that area for 6 months, so would prefer somewhere "new".

However, my major reason for posting in this thread is to hear reasons why "the van in Spain is better than the plane" .

TIA - Gordon

Depends if you like camping or hotels/apartments.
Each has there place, apartments in some winter destinations can be quite lonely.

 

[Richard n Ann]

I'm not looking for a life-style change; just suggestions as to why living for a month in a small metal box and having to source all my utilities might be "better" than saving £100-500 by living in a fully-serviced large room (or two).

So far I've had:
easier/cheaper to take bikes: we haven't taken them for years as we don't usually stay still for more than a day but perhaps they might be good if someone is on the same pitch for a month.
easier/cheaper to take dogs: we don't have any, so irrelevant.
safer/healthier than flying with potential Covid spreaders: one of the reasons why we shall not be doing it this winter .
easier to bring back large quantities of alcohol: that was my own suggestion, so obviously a good one

So please can I have some more ideas?

A concern is that the apartment/hotel/area might be unsuitable. If we get to a site which we don't like, we move on and have always managed to get a refund. TBH, the same has happened with hotels BUT we've only usually booked for one night, so that has never been a big worry financially. I'm thinking that perhaps we should take the van to Spain in Spring and check out the establishments which are involved in this offering. There are also properties in Albir and Torremolinos/Benalmadena/Fuengirola/Marbella but we lived in that area for 6 months, so would prefer somewhere "new".

However, my major reason for posting in this thread is to hear reasons why "the van in Spain is better than the plane" .

TIA - Gordon

I don't think the captain would be very happy if you wanted to stop at Millau and again at Peniscola on the way there

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[spitfire]

Thanks for that! I did receive an update from Gov.UK and followed the link which stated the following: From Saturday 18 December, all those wishing to travel from the UK to France, regardless of vaccination status, will need to meet criteria defined by the French authorities that the travel is essential. French and EU nationals, as well as residents in France, are exempt. The full list of what constitutes essential travel is on the French Government website (in French).
I hope but not absolutely certain that we will be classed as E.U. Citizens as we both hold an Irish Passport and if so should be able to continue with our plans. I need to see the fine print on the French website to get my head around this. I think we will be OK providing the French border police accept us as E.U. citizens with an Irish Passport.

But are you entering from the UK in a U.K. registered van ?

 

[PhilandMena]

We're waiting to see what happens by 31 January then we'll decide on cancellations/deferring bookings. At least I've not yet paid for travel insurance.

Yes! I too will be watching hoping restrictions are lifted soon and if so. We'll be ready !

 

[PhilandMena]

But are you entering from the UK in a U.K. registered van ?

I think Covid restrictions are people related rather than motorhome sticker related! The French Gov website is more precise that the UK Gov site and clearly restricts all non French travellers from the UK.

 

[spitfire]

I think Covid restrictions are people related rather than motorhome sticker related!

Yes but if you are entering from the UK then that does make a difference and UK plates is a real giveaway

 

[PhilandMena]

Yes but if you are entering from the UK then that does make a difference and UK plates is a real giveaway

All it shows is the vehicle is registered in the UK. Its the passport that shows the status of the person not the motorhome.

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[MichaelT]

All it shows is the vehicle is registered in the UK. Its the passport that shows the status of the person not the motorhome.

Yep reminds me of the time on a large French site we went up to someone and asked in Pidgeon French the way to the beach, he replied in a lovely mancunian accent with directions, it was confusing as he had a French registered MH

 

[spitfire]

All it shows is the vehicle is registered in the UK. Its the passport that shows the status of the person not the motorhome.

Unless you have a compelling reason to enter regardless of nationality . None french residents or citizens must give a compelling reason to enter . EU citizens with wife/husband/partner and children who have a main residence in France ie not a holiday home or are in transit to a main residence in the country if the EU are allowed entry.
Translation from french official site

 

[Just smiffy]

Couldn't kill anybody nowadays, pretty sure that would violate their human rights

Only if they complain…

 

[PhilandMena]

Unless you have a compelling reason to enter regardless of nationality . None french residents or citizens must give a compelling reason to enter . EU citizens with wife/husband/partner and children who have a main residence in France ie not a holiday home or are in transit to a main residence in the country if the EU are allowed entry.
Translation from french official site

I posted this earlier.

 

[spitfire]

I posted this earlier.

So not sure why you thought having an Irish passport was advantageous in this scenario ? Must have read it wrong

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[PhilandMena]

So not sure why you thought having an Irish passport was advantageous in this scenario ? Must have read it wrong

Perhaps not! The UK Gov website said all French and E U citizens were exempt from the new restrictions yet the French Gov website made it clear it restricted all travellers from the UK except the French and hauliers.

 

[gus-lopez]

The French Gov website is more precise that the UK Gov site and clearly restricts all non French travellers from the UK.

They cannot restrict eu citizens, permanent residents in other states, etc;

All it shows is the vehicle is registered in the UK. Its the passport that shows the status of the person not the motorhome.

The natural assumption would be that you are British as no European country allows a citizen to drive a vehicle registered in another state . This is down to the common area agreement.
So it would be safe to assume that they would consider you a UK citizen .
When I am stopped the assumption is that I am spanish.If I then present a British passport the onus is on me to show that I am a resident in another eu state.

Perhaps not! The UK Gov website said all French and E U citizens were exempt from the new restrictions yet the French Gov website made it clear it restricted all travellers from the UK except the French and hauliers.

They cannot 'restrict' anyone who is a permanent resident in France, or another Eu state nor can they restrict any other European citizen from transitting throug France. They spouted all this nonsense last time & were found to be lying .

 

[PhilandMena]

They cannot restrict eu citizens, permanent residents in other states, etc;

The natural assumption would be that you are British as no European country allows a citizen to drive a vehicle registered in another state . This is down to the common area agreement.
So it would be safe to assume that they would consider you a UK citizen .
When I am stopped the assumption is that I am spanish.If I then present a British passport the onus is on me to show that I am a resident in another eu state.



They cannot 'restrict' anyone who is a permanent resident in France, or another Eu state nor can they restrict any other European citizen from transitting throug France. They spouted all this nonsense last time & were found to be lying .

You may be right! I don't give a shit! I'm a Brit coming from the UK to France and as far as I'm concerned they will not let me in, even with an Irish passport and a picture of Macron tattooed on my forehead ! My trip is now cancelled and I have moved on.

 

[deleted79651]

They cannot restrict eu citizens, permanent residents in other states, etc;

The natural assumption would be that you are British as no European country allows a citizen to drive a vehicle registered in another state . This is down to the common area agreement.
So it would be safe to assume that they would consider you a UK citizen .
When I am stopped the assumption is that I am spanish.If I then present a British passport the onus is on me to show that I am a resident in another eu state.



They cannot 'restrict' anyone who is a permanent resident in France, or another Eu state nor can they restrict any other European citizen from transitting throug France. They spouted all this nonsense last time & were found to be lying .

I'm not sure, Gus, that the car registration isn't a red herring. The Travel Regs permit EU citizens to enter France, and this includes holders of Irish Passports and their family members, e.g. my wife and me. 2 weeks ago, our M/Home was in dock for repairs, so let's assume that it had Irish reg plates, and,instead of postponing our trip, we took advantage of our UK/European Breakdown Cover and took a hired M/Home, with UK Plates, as a substitute vehicle.

If your statement is correct, a vehicle breakdown would override the EU Passport travel permissions, which would be bizarre! Also, the Border Guards Technical Manual, Sec 3.6, refers to a Traveller being allowed to travel with 2 passports, one which may be invalidated [reason unspecified] but which contains a valid visa/right of entry; the second being a valid passport, but lacking a visa, which supports the Irish passport being valid. It would also be possible, if anyone with an Irish Passport was so determined, to travel from UK, across to Ireland, in their UK registered vehicle, and then travel on an Irish Ferry to France, with the 48 hour LFT

Finally, a French couple who had arrived in UK for a holiday, say, 2 weeks ago, but whose car was damaged beyond repair, may well need to return to France in a UK Hire Car, and would have French Passports, LFTs etc. Which is why I think the UK registration is a red herring. I accept, though, that anyone arriving at the Ferry Port and then at French Border Control, would have to provide evidence of their bona fides to answer the Border Guards' polite questioning

This does not give reason for leisure travel to Franceor Spain, merely to query whether a UK registration would be a bar to travel

Steve

 

[MichaelT]

Looks as if the Spanish Government are going to release a statement at 17.00...same as France ?

What did the statement say, I didn't see anything online so can you let us know please.

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[Kozikot]

What did the statement say, I didn't see anything online so can you let us know please.

I couldn't find anything either Re : Statement... so shouldn't effect your Spanish travels...

Only update I saw for entering Spain was as below, so still OK for us to cross the Portugal/Spain Border on Sunday...

Updated:16 December 2021 Latest update : Updated information about passport validity ('Entry requirements' page)

 

[Nanniemate]

I have not heard anything today keep fingers crossed no changes until after 10.40am tomorrow

 

[Just smiffy]

I’ve been in Spain since the 9th November and plan going back to Calais on the 4th January so this doesn’t affect me right…?

Just the LFT 48hrs before tunnel and PCR waiting at home..?

 

[Nanniemate]

I’ve been in Spain since the 9th November and plan going back to Calais on the 4th January so this doesn’t affect me right…?

Just the LFT 48hrs before tunnel and PCR waiting at home..?

Within 48 hours of the train I had a pcr test just in case they changed their minds

 

[chaser]

This thread started life as the joys of benidorm, now it has turned into can we, cant we, go to Spain.
I watch the benidorm slot on YouTube and the last one showed the streets and bars deserted.
For you who are there, what's it like, ?
Is it all as dead as it look

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