Costs, the best routes to Spain in Winter and staying safe in Europe.

[@eddieuk9402]

We stopped in Seville in May this year, very few park ups but we did find an aire on park for night, very busy but safety in numbers, 10 min walk to the centre and with you love of photography you'll be clicking all day. Enjoy.

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Hi thanks for watching we really appreciate it. Seville stops do look few and far between , we’ll check P4N’s thanks for the tip. Merry Christmas. Helen and Martin .

[@debdavet-cornwallandbeyond1649]

Thanks guys, another good video and a good set of topics to think about.

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Our pleasure , thank you for watching. Best wishes and Merry Christmas Helen and Martin

[@clivebaker9720]

newly subscribed - good straight forward & sensible advice/info ... will watch more - thanks !

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Good Evening thanks very much for subscribing , we really appreciate it. Best wishes and seasons greetings. Helen and Martin .

[@grahamlongdon8448]

A very happy Christmas to you both and your families,thanks for the wonderful videos all year.😊👏

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Thank you and we send you our very best wishes in return. Thank you for watching also . Helen and Martin

[@iangascoigne2603]

Hi guys. We live and tour throughout France, and have recently seen in the press that there’s a scam on people using the toll tags (we use ‘Bip&Go’). They can be scanned by the scammers pulling along side you and then charging their toll charges to your account. The advice is to put them in the cases they came in which shields them. Safe travels.👍🏻

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Good evening thanks for sharing that , it's hard to keep in front of these scams isn't it . Thanks for watching best wishes Helen and Martin

[@timeouttravels5011]

Thanks for another informative and enjoyable video, may bump into you next year as we are also on the Alannia Rally in February. Best wishes Mark & Jan x

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Hi thanks for watching, we’ll look forward to saying hello at Alannia, we have a lot of happy memories there over the years. Best wishes and Merry Christmas Helen and Martin

[@philipellis7039]

Just on security the only two places I’ve been aware of problems have been a campsite in the U.K. and a campsite in France. People leave bikes, camping chairs, BBQ sets,etc, unattended outside their motorhomes/caravans/tents and enterprising locals wander onto site and walk off with them. Morton Hall near Edinburgh is infamous for this and have bike lockers now. I think I live in a fairly safe area but I wouldn’t leave a ebike outside the front door all night and expect it to still be there in the morning so no different with my motorhome. Take normal precautions, buy insurance, enjoy your travels.

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Good evening most it’s just good old fashioned commen sense, but thanks for watching best wishes Helen and Martin

[@Brucecarmaintence71]

Interesting vlog again, I hope you are both doing well Helen and Martin, Best wishes as always from Edinburgh, Bruce and Linda 😎.

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Good Evening Bruce and Linda , hope you’re both well. Thanks very much for watching and for your kind comments best wishes and seasons greetings to you both. Helen and Martin.

[@raystewart6524]

Only ever got stopped once by Guardia Civil..that was for a document check..the Captain in Charge..was extremely polite..his English was great..he asked me to open up the gas compartment of the van..and where the electric got plugged in..no problems..it all took about 10 minutes..as we were in a big lay by I asked if it was OK to park for a while as it was near lunch time..he said no problem..so we had a light lunch..I asked if him and his chaps would like a coffee he said por favor..so 4 coffees..and a few of the biscuits..they were happy guys..and we left them some cool bottles of water..on our departure they thanked us..he said to me Senor drive safely..enjoy my country..true gents

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Hi great hear you had a positive engagement, thanks for watching best wishes Helen and Martin.

[@Carlos-xp8ly]

Yet another brilliant vlog . Thanks for all the info, so relevent and informative. Carl and Linda xxxx.

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Good evening to you both, thanks ever so much for watching and your kind comments. Best wishes to you and yours Helen and Martin

[@paulreyland9671]

Thank you both, very informative as always 👍

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Our pleasure thank's very much for watching , best wishes Helen and Martin

[@GeoffAnthonyClinics]

Hi and greetings from Ireland. Just a note to thank you for all the valuable information you guys put it. Really helpful and greatly appreciated. 👍😀☘️

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Hi Good Evening to you , thanks very much for your kind comments and for watching best wishes Helen and Martin

[@outaboutwithmikedonna305]

Thank you so much for your in-depth Spanish help. We are heading on the same route as yourselves in February 2024 (we can’t wait) your advice is very welcome and we will definitely take it onboard and follow your advice. Thank you so much for all the help.

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Hi Mike and Donna , given the current cold snap, February can't come soon enough for us 😂😂😂 We might even see you on the road , you never know. Hope you have a great trip , best wishes and thanks fr watching. Helen and Martin

[@PetePoole]

Great vlog lots of good security tips

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Hi Pete , thanks for watching and your kind comments, it makes it all worth while. Our best wishes and seasons greetings to you, H and M

[@gdreading9088]

Hi guys, thanks for such an interesting and informative vlog. We are hoping to travel abroad in our van next year. ( First time for 9 years) so very interested in what you said.

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Good morning, thanks for watching we're really pleased you found it interesting. We do love the European Van life trips. We hope to manage to travel over , if we can help at all please don't hesitate to give us a shout , we don't know everything and we're happy to say we don't know when that's the case , but equally happy to share what we we're learnt if it helps others. Best wishes and thanks for watching helen and Martin

[@dongraham1559]

This is so helpful as we are planning travelling through France to Spain for an extended Christmas! Thanks so much! 👍

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

How wonderful , we're so missing Spain at Christmas. We hope you have a wonderful time , safe travels and seasons greetings Helen and Martin .

[@yorkieminer6525]

Great vlog, many thanks.

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Good evening, thanks very such for your supportive comments we really appreciate them . Best wishes and seasons greetings Helen and Martin

[@DesmondsDonders]

All great advice. We never really talk about security because it might give someone an edge. We have various things around the van that are visible to deter thieves and others which are not so visible as well. All it does of course is slow them down. We have a safe, good luck finding it again it slows them down. Security out and about agree with all you say but I usually feel safer in Europe than in many British places. Wells on Sea looks like somewhere we need to visit.

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Thank guys ,we're pretty sure you would like Wells it's a good place to visit. Thanks for watching best wishes Helen and Martin

[@ConradGarrett-m6o]

Always enjoy your vlogs thank you. We are travelling down to Spain leaving early January for our winter allowance!! We are going in via autoroute due to soleil crossing over at La junquera the autoroute is usually kept clear unless snow is really bad and straight over the Pyrenees a slow gradient and again kept open so many trucks using that route I did it for 48 years! We use aires and camping car parks Belleville near Lyon is good water,electricity and dumps! Next to motorway exit plenty of space for our dog on site. Have a nice trip might see you! Conrad, Beverley and Enzo.

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Good morning thanks for very for information it's good to know. I would be great to say hello if we get chance, Have a great trip best wishes Helen and Martin.

[@HelenScothern]

Great info for travelling in Europe.😊

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Thank very much for taking time to watch and comment, best wishes Helen and Martin

[@angdrumm]

Great info once again, thanks for the info. Tyson and Bramble, our labradors send a woof to Poppy

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Hi thanks for watching , Poppy is sulking at the moment as we've just returned from the local lights switch on and didn't take her as it's raining very heavily here. Best wishes H and M

[@motorroamingaround]

Great video guys with lots of good information as usual. Loved Wells next the sea and the sound of the Fakenham Ukes. Looking forward to seeing the footage from your Spain & Portugal trip and in particular Cordoba, if you get there, as that is definitely somewhere we have on our list. Loved Martin’s Christmas jammies also 😂😂 Thanks for sharing guys and keep safe. Irvine & Karen.

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Thanks a lot guys , we’re enjoying your Florida pictures on Instagram have a great time. Merry Christmas Helen and Martin.

[@DolittlesDomore]

Great informative Vlog. I love how you Juxtaposed your European trips with your recent Christmas outings in Norfolk. It shows that you guys have something for everyone. Great stuff. David out 👍🏻

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Good morning , you have to love Christmas in Norfolk I feel there is such a nice atmosphere. Raining again this morning though , that's not part of the Norfolk deal 😂 . Thanks for watching looking forward to seeing you soon,. Helen and Martin

[@philyoung7275]

Thanks for the update!Have a great Christmas and enjoy your next big trip. We are off to Zell am See for the festive period at our favourite hotel. Ireland in May/ June for 6 weeks our next big 🚐trip. Hopefully the Clarets will have won a few more games by then😊 Helen and Phil xx Hope to see you in 2024

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Hi lovely to hear from, you we're secretly rooting for the Clarets , victory at the Blades was essential albeit against H's Dad's team. You would have liked Tex , ex pro footballer with York City and County Class Cricketer. My father in Law I am proud to say and a role model for me. Have a great time on your travels which sound fantastic. Thanks for watching , our hearty seasons greetings to you both. H and M

[@balihaiadventures]

Another great vlog guys, interesting to hear other opinions on routes etc to Spain. We’re on the same rally at Alannia so hopefully be able to say hello in person. Have a safe journey and thanks for all the efforts you both put into the channel.

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Thanks guys we’ll look forward to meeting you. Best wishes and Merry Christmas Helen and Martin

[@suzybeetravels]

Brilliant informative vlog as always both. We are currently on the Clermont-Ferrand route. No snow so far but its cold! Hopefully Spain by Tuesday 🌞 💜xx

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Hi guys thanks for watching , glad the weather is holding up , safe travels Helen and Martin

[@jonmoon4246]

Love wells! Try the summer carnival its interesting lol

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

We've not tried that yet Jon we'll have to give that a try , there's so much to do here in Norfolk isn't there , quite a privilege to live here we feel. Best wishes to you both Helen and Martin

[@Biged0156]

Just booked our tickets for the Shuttle going out in June and returning in July £33, don’t you just love Tesco vouchers? We do. This will be our first major tour in the new Burstner, which we collected last Sunday after waiting 18 long months. Love your useful info, we’ve been across to Europe many times, but it is always good to listen to someone else’s point of view, keep on vlogging.

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Thanks for watching, Tesco vouchers are a good option for the train without doubt. Sadly not our local store anymore so don’t acrew as many as we once did. We’re the same we watch other channels of Euro Van travellers. Like minded people are attracted to each other i guess. Congratulations on your new van we hope you have many happy miles in it. Best wishes and Merry Christmas to you both Helen and Martin

[@fredrichards3998]

Great video and informative as ever👏 we head through France on your western route from the tunnel heading to Spain Alicante area end of January for a month or so. So your points raised are very relevant to us. First trip in the Winter that far south. Cheers safe travels.

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Hi Good evening thanks for your kind comments , enjoy Alicante a wonderful area . Best wishes and thanks for watching Helen and Martin

[@jillchapman286]

Loved seeing the Christmas celebrations and hearing your route for the upcoming trip. Also love traveling vicariously with you and seeing the UK and soon, Spain and Portugal. If you get a chance to visit the teeny tiny town of Monsaraz in Portugal (4 km from the Spanish border and 2 hours east of Lisbon) I'd highly recommend it. A photographers dream.

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Good morning Jill , thanks for the recommendation I dropped a pin for Monsaraz onto our travel map it looks awesome. Thanks for watching , seasons greetings and our best wishes to you and yours Helen and Martin.

[@v8rush1]

Great advice as usual. We are doing a similar trip to you in February, heading down through France and Spain, staying over in Pamplona and Salamanca on the way to Cádiz. A week in Cádiz and on across the bottom of Portugal then city stops in Lisbon, Porto and Santiago. Across the top of Spain and back up through France , away for six weeks. Like you we love all the places but Spain has that extra something for us. Our first visit to Portugal in the van. We will keep a look out for you. Have a great Xmas. John and Elaine.👍

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Hi John and Elaine sounds like a great plan , Taveria is a great stop just inside Portugal and on your route if you're time schedule allows. There are quite a few Portugal Videos on the channel , we especially enjoyed Evora , Tomar and Fatima but they might be off your route. Either way have a great trip Best wishes and thanks for watching. Helen and Martin

[@v8rush1]

@@helenandmartinsTreks Thanks for the info, we will certainly take a look at Taveria on this trip but I think the others will be for next year. Thanks, John.

[@KarenLyall-uy3cx]

Hi Helen and Martin, Always enjoy watching your clear and sensible vlogs. We are heading down to Spain end Feb/ March but for obvious reasons not keen on the Bay of Biscay! We do not have winter tyres or snow chains / socks and are wondering is it possible to drive down the west side of France past San Sebastián onto Santiago de Compostela without running into areas that they are compulsory. We definitely plan to travel prior to the end of March. We plan to take the Eurotunnel out and return home via Santander to Plymouth in end of May time. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Good morning , I think strictly speaking you will need winter tyres or snow chains/snow socks until the 31st of March. This article explains the position and has maps in the document , www.connexionfrance.com/article/French-news/MAP-where-in-French-mountainous-departments-do-you-now-need-winter-tyres-or-snow-chains-in-winter-2022-23 . This article is the French Government (English Translation) on the subject which is also helpful. Northern Spain is beautiful there are loads of videos on this play list of places to visit in Northern Spain kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZCqd3x4m9J0j7M . Be aware that if you head into the Pico's too early even in March there could be Snow , it's like the Alps in places. If you need a look at this check out this video . There are also quite a few blogs which you might find interesting on the our website www.helenandmartinsmotorhometreks.uk/ .If we can help any further please give us a shout we're only to happy to help. Seasons Greetings Helen and Martin

[@apritch476]

Great vlog, as usual. Thanks for doing them, very informative. We’re fortunate enough to be taking early retirement next year, and the Lake Bled trip you covered the costs on is very similar to what we want to do for our first longer trip. Do you publish your routes, or is it just a case of making notes from the vlogs you produce? Apologies if I’ve missed something. Thanks again. Andrew

[@herculesthehymer]

Another very helpful, measured and informative upload guys. Martin, couldn’t help but notice your seasonal leg wear. I thought you were going to comment on them when you started talking about having your tree up. Are they on your Amazon page?😂

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Hi Dave, we were wondering who would notice . I call them my Christmas Trews , normally it's time for trews and a dram and sort of modern day pipe and slippers. I do hope one day soon we get to share a glass of something together, I think we have a shared sense of humour. In the mean time our very best wishes to you and yours. H and M .

[@johnsopp-h4f]

Thanks H & M. We've watched your previous trips especially to Spain (2 years ago?) and are looking to returning in Spring to Spain and Portugal, but we think we'll be concentrating more on inland and northern Spain and having a break with friends on the western Algarve. So we'll be following you again. Question, if I may. The Caravan and Motorhome Club seem to me much more attuned to European travel, insurance &c , would that be your experience? Still not sure about travelling across the Bay of Biscay with a pooch, having experienced both millpond and horrendous storm. Did you see the recent Michael Portillo 'Andalucia' series on Channel 5? Fascinating tour of Cordoba which might be of interest. Keep sending the lovely photos.....J 'n' M

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Hi and Good Afternoon thanks for watching the channel. We did watch the Portillo programme , it looked beautiful I have to say we are very much looking forward to visiting the area. We do rate the CMC European Travel Service , there usually cost effective and we fond them very good at customer service. Like you, we have experienced good and bad trips on the boat , we try to pick our times of year for the ferry although I am sure that you do that with absolute certainty. Hope you enjoy your trip sounds like an interesting itinerary , best wishes Helen and Martin

[@leannearnold8326]

Informative vlog as always 👍 sensible and balanced views. Do you have any plans to apply for the 6-month visa in the future or are you happy with the 90/180? ...loved Martin's Xmas PJ's btw 😂❤

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Hi Leanne well spotted 😂. No I don’t we’ll apply for a six month visa, i think unless you know different it’s a country by country application (France) which would be too restrictive for us. We can live with 90’s its the recurring 180 cycle that causes us problems 😂. We arelooking into the fact that Martin has an Irish Grandfather though and the passport opportunity that might bring. Thanks for watching best wishes and seasons greetings H and M

[@leannearnold8326]

@@helenandmartinsTreks yes the visa is per country, but with no borders between most EU countries you only need to enter and exit through french customs 👍 it is amazing how many people are tracing back their heritage these days 🤔🤣🤣 hope you get a result 👍

[@OurLeapOfFaith]

Can Michele get a ‘Poppy’ out next time please ❤❤

[@ruthkirby9277]

Loads and loads of useful information, thank you. No planning done as yet but hoping to brave a trip to the continent early Feb and debating the winter tyre/chains situation. ATB Ruth🙂

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Hi Ruth , nice to hear from you hope all's well with you and yours. Hope you manage to get over the water and have a great trip, Best wishes and seasons greetings. Helen and Martin

[@deborahswan1226]

Just wondering if you have to muzzle your dog on the ferry, ,as it says it's compulsory when we have looked into it and it's put us off going on a ferry to Spain . I watched another video the other day and the couple went straight through with a large dog in the van and no muzzle. So did you have to muzzle Poppy.

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

We do , we trained Poppy to wear one as they are required on public transport in Northern Europe which we use a lot . We bought a soft muzzle from Pets at Home and got her used to it with treats of course. Strictly speaking they are compulsory but we saw some tolerance as you board and go to the Pet Cabins or Kennels ( we don't use kennels) , but once underway dogs aren't allowed in most places . Drives us insane our Pops cleaner that many of souls on that boat 🤣. Hope that helps Helen and Martin

[@WanderingWilkos]

Can I ask, when you’re at home, do you heat the van during the winter ? Thanks for the videos, we did a lot of touring last year including lake bled

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Hi John thanks for watching the channel . We don’t heat the vehicle , we do however winterise it as per manufacturers manual but no direct heat. We do use it through the winter, so it gets the odd airing and we’re in Spain /Portugal for some of the winter most years so that also mitigates the need somewhat , hope that helps. Best wishes Helen and Martin

[@richardgriffiths230]

Hi Martin & Helen, Many thanks for the very useful info. my question is Do you use credit cards when you were in Luxembourg, Germany, Austria and Slovenia ? we are aware that Maestro and v-pay cards appear to be much more common in these countries.

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Hi Good Evening, yes we did we frequently used Starling and Halifax Clarity Cards without any problems in all those countries . One thing we did notice in Germany surprisingly was a lot of cash only small businesses including restaurants and cafes. Hope that helps, thanks for watching best wishes Helen and Martin

[@richardgriffiths230]

@@helenandmartinsTreks many thanks for your prompt reply

[@philipellis7039]

We got through a lot of cash in Germany paying small businesses (fresh bread is invariably from a baker rather than a supermarket, having a coffee,etc) and feeding EHU meters on stellplatz. I have an old friend who lives in Bavaria and it’s a big cultural thing there to want to keep cash in use. All that disappears once back in France.

[@WilliamStacey-r6i]

Hi guys really good blog could tell me the name of the place you are staying at in Spain for a while please also on your trip down if you want a night stop over a small playa called xeraco playa just next door to GANDIA SOUTH OF VALENCIA . Best beach in Spain deserted during winter best place for a summer holiday we had an apartment on the beach for over twenty years.lovely campsite and if you hit any troubles we have many Spanish friends that would help you out Have a great trip Cheers tas ape and little jenny wren👍

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Good Evening thanks for the information much appreciated . The site is called Alannia Costa Blanca , used to be called Camping Marjal . Thanks for watching best wishes Helen and Martin.

[@Robbo558]

Hi guys where do I find your links for your tour of Spain I would like to follow your route.

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Hi Peter thanks for watching. Check out our website we have blogs on routes and links to all our other Social Media accounst there. www.helenandmartinsmotorhometreks.uk/ Best wishes Helen and Martin

[@Robbo558]

@@helenandmartinsTreks Thank you…. Have a great holiday 🎅🏼

[@meurigjones2469]

Excellent once more. Can I be rude to ask how you ended up paying £164 in insurance for the trip?

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Hi no worries we use the Caravan and Motorhome Club Red Pennant Insurance , we know there are cheaper options and we've done lots of work on this, but we've been travelling into Europe now regularly since 2017 , 20 European Countries chalked up now, and they're all different if you have an emergency. We've done our research both on line and speaking to people who have actually claimed which is essential and we feel this is the best fit for us. It includes personal liability, sports, medical and travel insurance , as well as vehicle breakdown repair and repatriation of us, our vehicle and especially important our dog. Most polices either don't cover the repatriation of the pooch or at best leave it to the discretion of the recovery vehicle driver. You get what you pay for I guess and a cheaper quote doesn't guarantee cover that you want at point of claim unless you've read the fine print. We read the polices on offer line by line and for us this is the best option , but others of course of my have different needs and can possibly reduce costs. There are options for Annual and multi trip polices but this was the best for the shorter trip. Hope that helps, thanks for watching H and M .

[@waynepem2227]

Why dont you get red Pennant for 12 months?

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Hi Wayne , We know there's options Annual , single trip, multi trip etc etc , we do look at the options. We just put this trip together at short notice with less than month left on the clock and with an eye on the next trips which will amount to 180 days within a year , this trip with limited days left on the Schengen calculator fitted this way given that we would then be home for 90 days. It's a maths question really, thanks for watching. H and M

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

Looks like you are well covered with security there , do you have an immobiliser ? I guess you will have. Our Poppy is very alert being half Spaniel so hears a leaf drop it all helps. Thanks for watching best wishes Helen and Martin @@kennethexton3181