1st Time Caravan On Ferry ⛴Dover to Calais 🇫🇷

I take the caravan on the P&O ferry from Dover to Calais.
I start at the Camping and Caravanning Club Certified Location Campground which is half an hour away. It's a quirky campground with lots of kids activities and a small airstrip.
I'd purchased my ticket through the Camping and Caravanning Club and do start to worry about the ferry the night before when I see surprising documentation online, but wake refreshed and confident it will all go smoothly.
After surviving the narrow roads at the start, I make it to the Dover P&O ferry terminal with plenty of time. I'm given some fliers with info on what I need and learn I can buy it all onboard the ferry.
It's a drive on, drive off ferry which makes it extremely easy.
I have another hours drive when I land in Calais and picked an easy campground at the start. I stick to the motorway for most of the time, with an easy exit at the end.
………..
Ferry booking: www.campingandcaravanningclub...
First campground is DEAL - SOLLEYS FARMS ICE CREAM: www.campingandcaravanningclub...
Last campground is Familiecamping Domein Kindervreugde: www.searchforsites.co.uk/mark...
More about the Bailey Phoenix 640 Caravan: www.baileyofbristol.co.uk/car...
More about the Peugeot 3008 SUV Car: www.peugeot.co.uk/showroom/30...
………..
Wireless Nation plans:
NZMCA DATA 40GB
wirelessnation.myoasis.co/sig...
NZMCA DATA 130GB
wirelessnation.myoasis.co/sig...
NZMCA DATA 220GB
wirelessnation.myoasis.co/sig...
………..
Follow me on:
Facebook: / travellingk
Instagram: / travellingk
………..
Music in this video is:
Epidemic Sound (1st month free): www.epidemicsound.com/referra...

[@millomweb]

French - "Calais" - = 'Callay' French, for some reason seem to rarely pronounce the last letter ! As in the English 'depot' - cos it's French really !

[@briandufty1609]

25 /30 years ago they call you dog shit. And spit on you if you talk englit.. ..

[@brightondude9327]

@@briandufty1609 - No, that was just you Brian :)

[@TravellingK]

Oh thank you! I’m embarrassed. Now it’s been pointed out, I know that pronunciation 😳

[@millomweb]

@@TravellingK It's a lot nearer us than you - so we're more familiar with it - no need to be embarrassed - no one would have known if you'd not said ! :) Recently found some Oz films of old and one about pronunciation of place names. I was a bit surprised Wagga Wagga is pronounced Wogga Wogga!

[@TravellingK]

NZ has a few surprising pronunciations too.

[@GG-gotr6]

Karen, you’re an inspiration - well done!

[@TravellingK]

Thank you George!

[@mickboakes7023]

What a gutsy lady. Hope you enjoyed your stay in the U.K. Nice to know you have arrived back home safely. Keep well. Lots of love Mick.🇬🇧

[@TravellingK]

Overall a great trip!! 😀😀

[@themurrays2266]

Great video, super helpful.

[@anitaagler9844]

What an experience! You have the confidence to take these trips and use all available assistance be it with satellite or people. So helpful.

[@TravellingK]

My thought process is if others can do this trip - why not me 🤔 Glad it was helpful!!

[@janethartwig774]

You are absolutely amazing. I love the white cliff of Dover. I can’t imagine driving a small car let alone pulling a trailer. Wonderful video.

[@TravellingK]

Glad you enjoyed the video Janet 😀 Yes, the white cliffs are so icon!

[@waynecompton7612]

Good morning Karen, Thank you for the video . You made it look easy!! Take care 👍😎🇬🇧. you

[@TravellingK]

Oh great! I was wanting to show that it’s manageable.

[@grahamhawthorn7177]

10 out of 10 'K' well done.

[@TravellingK]

Thanks Graham!

[@zapfanzapfan]

Camping site combined with airport for those that would like to arrive by air, cool! :-)

[@TravellingK]

Haha I wonder how much the taxi would be!

[@lizleonard3681]

Well done Karen you never cease to amaze me 👍👏👏👏👏

[@TravellingK]

Thank you Liz 😀😀

[@leighdamian]

Well done Karen.You have great determination and an inspiration to others. Ive watched your videos from the beginning and always enjoy the content.

[@TravellingK]

That's so great to hear Leigh!

[@tonymurphy528]

Well done Karen, another great video, we're hoping to do the crossing next year, thanks for some good tips.

[@TravellingK]

Glad it’s been helpful 😀😀

[@shirleyjohnson4328]

Well done loved the video ,this has made me determined to try Europe with the caravan with the family, but on your own ,you go girl

[@TravellingK]

Thank you Shirley! Yes, it's definitely do-able and sure you'll have plenty of great memories.

[@tonywhite5557]

Superb Karen. You've done sooo well.

[@TravellingK]

Thank you Tony!

[@rwiliamson8051]

Wish I were as brave, well done navigating around the ports.

[@TravellingK]

It was easier than I expected though!! Very do-able

[@paulefc1971]

They’re fleecing you with all of those stickers!!

[@TravellingK]

And just a few stickers 🤣

[@DEFENDINGELVISPRESLEY]

Great video thanks

[@GaetanHobby]

You are such a incredible lady Karen. Nothing is stopping you! You could have come to see me in Nantes in France where i live ! I wish i could Travel like you with my caravan. Keep posting your vidéos. Big kisses from France 😘😘😘😘😘

[@TravellingK]

Unfortunately it was a flying visit!! Wish I’d had longer to explore France.

[@mickkingston1450]

Your very capable, your a star ! 👍😎

[@TravellingK]

Haha thanks Mick!

[@m.d.grimes1622]

Very interesting, thanks.

[@TravellingK]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@thejerseylady1]

Safe travels and enjoy. Gloria🐂

[@briandufty1609]

Stay sharp..if you need help or any thing ask a Irish trucker....

[@TravellingK]

It was a quick but interesting trip over 😀😀

[@edreesal-sharif6476]

Really enjoyed this video 👌🏻

[@TravellingK]

Glad to hear that

[@rastasrotties839]

You make it look easy!

[@TravellingK]

Oh good!! Wanted to show that it’s do-able 😀

[@kf-dk5pb]

Very brave very respect well done 👍

[@TravellingK]

Thanks Paul!

[@Paulman50]

Brave lady. I get nervice taking the ferry to the south island.

[@TravellingK]

It actually felt very similar... with just a few more ferries and passport control 😜

[@bicanoo_magic3452]

"Callus?" Hahahahah good one K that made me spit my tea...

[@TravellingK]

🤪I mucked that pronunciation up, didn’t I!

[@bicanoo_magic3452]

@@TravellingK You should have realised you were going to France and that none of the place names are pronounced the way you might think they should. But brave woman taking such a big van around Europe. I've been there a few times and getting in and out of some places can be sometimes pretty hairy!

[@stephenlittle7534]

I know I do not drive, but I am Glad you had an easy trip over and the roads were good to you.

[@TravellingK]

I’m glad it went smoothly too! 😜

[@briandufty1609]

Girl ,You very Brave. Look a little sunburned.. Or..?. Anyway there is freedom and friends the world around..xxoo.

[@altacat9702]

Well done : )

[@TravellingK]

Thank you!

[@blimpcommander1337]

Parked by the runway. Perfect!

[@TravellingK]

Haha a bit different to normal... for me atleast.

[@lesliedickinson198]

I havent watched all your videos yet but my oh my you are one fearless lady. In 2020 Im hoping to buy a folding camper a half way between tent and caravan and Ive found you an inspiration for newbies like me, I so hope you enjoyed your stay in the UK :)

[@TravellingK]

Oh that’s great to hear! Glad the videos have been helpful. And I like your folding camper plan 😀

[@vicmiller7191]

What an adventure to ride a ferry

[@TravellingK]

And take the caravan to another country. So fun!

[@vicmiller7191]

@@TravellingK so much fun for sure. I certainly do love your jounts across the world...

[@englishmaninfrance661]

You are doing just great & so is your GPS. I first did that route around 50 years ago without GPS.

[@TravellingK]

Yikes! Not sure I could do it without the GPS

[@englishmaninfrance661]

Paper maps were the thing back then . My parents, my sister & I were all expert map readers @@TravellingK

[@bosse641]

Well done Karen.

[@TravellingK]

Thanks John!

[@nickhardy8300]

My kind of women ,from an old camper in Texas.

[@ronpharo1260]

You have had quite an adventure with your continental trip too. Even UK caravanners find it an adventure mainly driving on the WRONG side of the road. I expect back in NZ comes easy towing again. I am looking forward to knowing how you are getting on with your new tow vehicle Well Done K

[@TravellingK]

Towing in NZ has felt so relaxing after this trip 🤣

[@SRVACE]

LOL because we all want a plane taking off outside the back door hahaha

[@TravellingK]

Haha just a bit different

[@narrowboateralex8053]

Hope you're journey went well.

[@TravellingK]

Yes, overall great 😀

[@crochetingaroundnewzealand]

I thought you were going to say you flew to the top of the hill instead of walking when I saw the plane lol I can just see myself sitting crocheting & watching all the activity out the windows. I didnt know that about the ferry in NZ. I actually thought you were back home but you are still whizzing around like an expert!! Well done x

[@TravellingK]

🤣🤣 Flying in a plane would have been novel!! I am back in NZ... just have a backlog of videos to edit!

[@crochetingaroundnewzealand]

@@TravellingK oh great, we must meet up x

[@TravellingK]

That would be great 😀 Facebook message?

[@crochetingaroundnewzealand]

@@TravellingK sure anytime... just got home.. phew its hot

[@darrenspeak1785]

Great video Karen. Such a lot of content in a small amount of video time, other you tubers could learn a lot from your editing skills. First of all, having a caravan on a runway is quite unusual, but looked great fun too and would be entertaining. You seem to control your nerves very well, I know you said you were nervous but you just carry on anyway and fortunately both at Dover and Calais things seemed to go very smoothly for you, which in all honesty it should, ferries have been travelling to and from Calais for a long time, the process for travellers should be good. Looking forward to the next video.

[@TravellingK]

Aww thanks Darren! I do try to be brutal with my editing to keep it interesting. Yes, a lot of ferries do that crossing every single day, so makes sense that they’d have a seamless system.

[@adamsher86]

Hi, your vlogs are great!! What Satnav do you use when youre towing so it doesnt take you down really narrow roads? Have a Happy New Year too!

[@spymaine89]

thanks...... you have guts. thats a lot of crap to go thru.

[@TravellingK]

I don’t feel like I’ve got guts! But thank you 😀

[@annar6430]

What a Gal!

[@TravellingK]

Thanks Anna!

[@glocke380]

I used to drive semi-truck, or HGV if you will. I had to cross Puget Sound in Washington State about once a month on a ferry so I get it. I was always worried I would hit the overhead.

[@TravellingK]

Oh that’s interesting to hear of ferry’s around there. I’m impressed with the truck drivers squeezing onto the ferry.

[@thomasraden]

A travel with ferry from the north island to the south island of New Zealand is supposed to be one of the worlds most difficult travels at times in bad weather. But this channel trip you will be fine. French do expect you to start some phrases in french with them, understandably. If you dont, they will keep you in the back of the queue. But anything you eat in france is good! Try the moule mariniere, you will love it forever.

[@TravellingK]

Oh unfortunately I’m terrible with languages! Even the English language 🤣

[@jamessymons5916]

😎

[@alisterwest6987]

Looking forward to seeing what the camp site looks like I follow a motoring enthusiast and he has recently gone to New Zealand reviewing classic cars and also your beautiful country hubnut.... my it's lovely and certainly not overcrowded like UK are you homesick yet it has got to be quite strange for you here but you are coping very well especially with driving brave person you are videos great to watch keep them coming 👍

[@millomweb]

Part of the HubNut fan club :) Trying to get Ian to come back to UK over land with caravan ;)

[@TravellingK]

I’ve actually emailed Hubnut 😀 Been so interesting seeing his impressions of NZ

[@millomweb]

@@TravellingK As a former caravanner (1970s/early 80s) I had the same interest with a NZ'der in the UK. Somewhat 'shocked' at the development of the modern caravan ! We didn't have mains, more than 1 sink, running hot water. The first van didn't have heating or a fridge - we had to fit those - and they were quite basic. Toilet, no shower, no oven - just 2 burners and a grill. But we did have a b/w telly !

[@TravellingK]

They are decadent now 😃 But I’ll agree I can live with less.

[@coveredinpaint7318]

Me and my husband have recently discovered Hubnut, and we're really enjoying watching his NZ adventures. The country looks beautiful, and 90 Mile Beach looked fun!

[@colinmew6695]

Hi I am new to you site and live in UK. Can you tell me what was the name of the caravan site you stayed at before you crossed to Europe for the first time the one where airplanes were taking off overhead. I think your web site is very good and explain a lot of things and will be watching you far more.

[@TravellingK]

Glad you've found my channel and am enjoying it! Yes, that campground was fun, wasn't it. It's called DEAL - SOLLEYS FARMS ICE CREAM and here is the link: www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/campsites/uk/kent/deal/solleysfarmsicecream/

[@andrease2320]

Now you made you could drive all the way home nothing stopping you now ! Have a great time Amsterdam donot take the car in. It’s a one way system in city down the water way side very complex to drive have a great time the roads are wide so you find easy to drive just be careful on Roundbout as your in the uk car and set out of junction to drive the right side particularly when entering motor ways. We get all time in austria 🇦🇹 with the English come to go Sking in the winter just stop at junction and check before driving of the junction when your tiredness set in

[@TravellingK]

Crazy to hear of English entering motorway the wrong way!! I was overall lucky to not make a mistake like that.

[@markstevens717]

Hi Karen Great video,could you tell me the name of the site you stayed on before the ferry, the one with the planes. Regards,Mark.

[@TravellingK]

It’s called Deal - Solleys Farm 😀 Here’s the link: www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/campsites/uk/kent/deal/solleysfarmsicecream/

[@johninokla2635]

I would have got lost so many times just getting on the ferry. Great video, if I ever get the chance to go over seas to NZ, the UK or into Europe I'm hiring you as my driver. lol = ) Thanks for taking me along on this very exciting ride. 👍

[@TravellingK]

Haha thanks John! The sped up footage does make it look trickier too

[@briandufty1609]

O yeah the noisy sprogs. Give them a paint brush and 20 glen paint..

[@eyelidman09]

You did it! It wasn’t so bad after all, Karen.🚍

[@TravellingK]

Exactly 😀 Not so bad

[@gregbolitho9775]

looks like the fella put you on the grass strip

[@TravellingK]

🤣 but what a view!

[@gregbolitho9775]

@@TravellingK yeh the powered hanger wasn't bad, didn't identify the bent wing civil. probably a piper but not my are of expert-ise [ ex is the unknown quantity, spurt is a drip under pressure :)

[@douglasstocks9698]

I noticed in your list that you didn't mention needing a yellow reflective vest for driving in France.

[@TravellingK]

That is true. I rambled a lot at the start and cut out talking about all the extras... think I should have left it in?

[@douglasstocks9698]

@@TravellingK I think so it's a €135 (NZD 228) fine for not having one, a long with a triangle.

[@paulcookcook1500]

Have you got a first aid kit high vis jacket 2 breathalyzers kits and replacement bulbs

[@TravellingK]

Nope 🤐 Decided to just go for the obvious stuff.

[@dickmartino9933]

I've got a weird member too. You are having great weather down south for November. My father nearly killed us all driving on the right in France. The irony of having to adapt a French car to drive in France. Prefers cash...say no more.

[@TravellingK]

There was humour in driving a French car with right side steering. Very hot in NZ at the moment!

[@ggardner33gg]

As a new car did the Peugeot not have a setting in the menu to set the lights for the continent?

[@millomweb]

It ought to swap the pedals and steering wheel to the other side too ;)

[@briandufty1609]

@@millomweb can they do that.. Bugger I just thought they frogs runaway .

[@englishmaninfrance661]

NO

[@TravellingK]

I did wonder about a setting... had a look and couldn’t spot anything obvious.

[@millomweb]

I'd be interested to learn if any car has this adjustment- either by an internal control or adjusting the lights manually. What will be required is the bulb slightly rotating and moved laterally relative to the reflector to get the beam pattern correct and pointing in the right direction.

[@ThatYorkshireChap]

Did you price up the Channel Tunnel crossings?

[@TravellingK]

Yes and unfortunately much more expensive! That would have been an amazing experience.

[@ThatYorkshireChap]

Travelling K I believe it needs to be booked well in advance to get any deals.

[@stevechurchman1824]

Well done, Karen. We travel to France most years with the caravan and have never had the speed stickers. I have just Googled it and it would appear that it is only French residents that need them. And they probably ignore the rules anyway. Enjoying your videos immensely. Steve

[@TravellingK]

It was interesting seeing other caravanners towing. Most had stickers, but I spotted a couple that had 100 stickers. Most also drove faster. Still trying to figure it out 🤣

[@Threelinkdave]

Noticed that you had a Calor light cylinder. Just wondered if you knew that Calor were having problems with thede cylinders and are withdrawing them. Next time you change you will probably be offered a standard steel cylinder Dave

[@TravellingK]

I heard they’re being discontinued soon...

[@ChuckFickens1972]

Probably should also mention that for driving in france you need to carry one hi-viz jacket for each person in the vehicle which must be accessible from inside the car and also a spare bulb kit. And, the French police are well known for stopping UK registered vehicles near the ports and checking for these and issuing fines if you've not got them.

[@windsorlad1000]

Been going to France for over 30 years. I've never had a check for those things, even when I was stopped by the police for speeding

[@TravellingK]

I saw those extras on the flier, but decided to risk it 🙃

[@nealeTH]

There are other things for Europe too. France expect you to have hi-viz jackets in the car (front not boot) and a couple of your own breathalyser testing kits. There is more and each country, though mostly similar, have their own variations.

[@TravellingK]

I saw the breathalysers! Felt like I wouldn’t been suspected of drinking on my route...

[@nealeTH]

Travelling K - The french traffic police are well known for targeting brits coming off the ferry and heading into France.

[@t.vanoosterhout233]

Family camping Children's Joy. You're in the Dutch speaking part of Belgium, Vlaanderen. Or was, probably moved on already.

[@TravellingK]

Such an awesome campground name! A very friendly and relaxed place.

[@Gixer750pilot]

Karen , does the UK hook up lead for the french ones? Are they the same ??

[@TravellingK]

The car to caravan lead? They were the same.

[@Gixer750pilot]

Travelling K sorry Karen that didn’t make sense at all. Ruddy auto correct . Does the uk lead fit the french ones ? I mean the main lead from the caravan to the electrical socket on site

[@jonsmith8582]

Beware of driving in France or the continent in general , they're VERY strict on speeding (there is NO margin for error ) and fines are not cheap

[@TravellingK]

I was overly cautious since it was all very new to me 😀

[@rossjay7277]

A few months in France earlier this year racked up 6 bloody speeding fines lol the cameras are very sly and you never know what the speed is as every short distance they seem to change. ☹️

[@MaltAndPepper]

Speeds are clearly indicated. Most sat navs will also display it. Fixed camera's are required to be announced, and right before therre is a max speed reminder. If you're caught several times you're just not paying attention. Do note that the did limit drops by 20kmh in the rain, and that they recently changed the regular maximum speed on normal roads (80 instead of 90) so check if your sat nav is up to date

[@TravellingK]

Oh - a few new changes then!

[@MaltAndPepper]

Yes, this has changed in July 2018 I think. I just read that some department are changing the speeds back to 90 on some roads. Just look at the signage. Which direction are you heading (or did you go -there is quite a delay I guess)

[@birminghammotorhomeman]

Hi karen love your videos look up kielderstarparty 2019 on here

[@TravellingK]

Oh worth a look?

[@briandufty1609]

Probably know now the lights on your car need to be reset to match the EU. Just a thought. Ned Kelly. A dodgy trucker from that outer pesky island .lol.xxoo

[@TravellingK]

I never did figure out how to change the lights 🤣

[@roinestaaf271]

Oh my, not everyday an airplane drives by your caravan.. haha . A helicopter landed next to us one time. (No, it wasn't me they were after. Not that time.. lol) you've must been glad to have got out of those tiny roads in GB , oh there's more at the end of the video... 😂😂

[@TravellingK]

Campgrounds can be so entertaining!!! A helicopter would have been a noisy surprise

[@andrease2320]

O just like the north South Island back home but you can take the train under if you like. So come to austria 🇦🇹 come Sking come to the better part of the world The motway is free in Belgium and Germany

[@TravellingK]

The train under channel is awesome. Ahh missed the skiing area.

[@BleuJurassic]

if your travelling for a while get a local prepaid sim card for your phone and note the emergency number 112

[@TravellingK]

I did struggle with internet while there...

[@markharvey3007]

just to let you know the s in calais is silent

[@terrortorn]

I don't think that will make things better.

[@ChuckFickens1972]

@@terrortorn haha, yeah just silent s will give some weird results, it's more Cal-lay

[@TravellingK]

Completely mucked up the pronunciation - didn’t I!! 😳

[@terrortorn]

@@TravellingK Its ok, the Kiwis won against GB at the weekend so that's evened out the score.

[@ChuckFickens1972]

@@TravellingK Could have been worse, you could have travelled the other common route to... Boulogne

[@rolanddenis4152]

Hi Karen, Just a little things, we say CALAIS (say KALé ) we don't sai the S. Last week end i was with my familly in CALAIS to see the dragon more information here :kzbin.info/www/bejne/n33FfaabqM6sjNU See you later. Denis.

[@TravellingK]

Missed this comment before! Yeah... I completely mucked up the pronunciation, didn't I🤦‍♀️

[@briandufty1609]

Need Kelly Irish trucker.. if you need more per9 help. You have friends world wide...lol xxoo.

[@TravellingK]

Ha great to hear!!

[@stevecampbell7589]

eeeeee. you are naughty. you broke a law 6 minutes into the video. you gone down a road with a 6'6'' width restriction lol shhh

[@TravellingK]

Whoops 🤦‍♀️ Good spotting!

[@stevecampbell7589]

​ Travelling K occupational hazard for me. There is a lot of those 6'6 width restrictions where I live. our smallest minibus is 7'9 wide. I am allowed to drive into one restriction as it is the only way in and out of our yard. but in commercial passenger carrying vehicles you can enter and go through a lot of these restrictions if the sign shows the symbol of a lorry then with the width or weight restriction overlaying the lorry symbol where this only applies to cargo carrying vehicles only. dont know where as an 8' wide 10 ton bus will physically be the same size and have same footprint as an 8' wide 10 ton truck.

[@TravellingK]

That makes it challenging for you!! There was a bridge I got stuck at... ended up talking to a farmer before going over.

[@MaltAndPepper]

If the road has an E** number and another one, usually A** this is the European (E) and national numbers. Also Belgium is a mess.

[@TravellingK]

Oh ok! So E is the overarching road numbers?

[@MaltAndPepper]

@@TravellingK yes. A road can have 1,2 or 3 different numbers. Double local numbers mean 2 roads following the same route for a while, and an E number which indicates it's part of a European main route. Not all roads are. For instance close to me the Dutch A1 and A35 combine for 5km, officially as A35, the the A1 splits off again towards Germany where it turns into the A30. All the while it's also the E30 (it's a coincidence this is also the German number, they are not often the same)

[@pieterw4809]

Familiecamping Domein Kindervreugde. Good place Karen LOL

[@TravellingK]

And the perfect stop for a nervous newbie 😋

[@pieterw4809]

@@TravellingK Belgium is awsome Karen! Nice people and good food.

[@enzodelbono9884]

The lights dip the opposite way once you've changed your speedometer to kilometres...

[@TravellingK]

Hmmm really?! That's good to know.

[@enzodelbono9884]

@@TravellingK I toured Europe in the same car.. I absolutely love it..x

[@gabrielamakowska1038]

I don't want to be mean but you pronounce it calley

[@briandufty1609]

Girl be a hassle. If you dont ask .my first wife. Y. She said I just loud it on your Visa card then.. Nooooo. Smile and get that half or less discount.. we got free flights train and bus car. Ect. Food ect....you look a little sunburned...

[@TravellingK]

Or wind burnt?! Discount would be nice 😀

[@trailerparksupervisor7046]

“Callis”? What the heck is “callis”? Never heard of it. I’ve only heard of “Calais”. Your French teacher would be spinning in her grave.

[@TravellingK]

I’m sure she is 🤣 Embarrassed to have mucked that one up

[@trailerparksupervisor7046]

Travelling K I am sorry. On further reflection I feel bad pointing out the mispronunciation. You’re a nice young lady, say the word however you want.

[@briandufty1609]

Sorry girl. I MADE.SOME.DISRESPECFOL ,COMMENT..GO HARD OR GO HOME....XXXOO. MENTAL EXMASS..XX.