Nightmare Start to Our Europe Roadtrip (Our window was SMASHED)

The time has come to turn our noses south to the winter sunshine of Europe as we take our motorhome on our biggest road trip yet. Before we set off on our adventure though, our van gets a rather unwanted surprise. #europeroadtrip #vanlifeeurope #vanlifeuk
NEW VIDEOS EVERY WEEK!
Subscribe for more vanlife videos - bit.ly/38ptVuo
Like this video? JOIN OUR PATREON for behind-the-scenes access - bit.ly/32oqndg
Support us and help Gemma get over her fear of coffee - www.buymeacoffee.com/highland...
Get YOUR copy of NC500 Where to Eat & Stay here - www.amazon.co.uk/North-Coast-...
WHAT HAPPENS IN THIS VIDEO
- Nightmare Start to Our Europe Roadtrip 00:00
- Who are Gemma and Campbell? 00:07
- Our biggest roadtrip yet 00:14
- Europe roadtrip in our motorhome 00:25
- Preparing for Europe in our motorhome 00:40
- Our window was SMASHED 00:51
- What do we do to repair our van? 02:01
- Preparing for our road trip (new security device) 03:01
- Parkup up in Shropshire and our exciting news 04:31
- Our exercise routine in a motorhome 05:20
- Vanlife festival in Shropshire 06:41
- Pizza with friends (this is why we love vanlife) 09:17
- Time to hit the road 10:23
- How to prepare your van for Europe 11:00
- Time to drive to France (riding the Eurotunnel) 13:21
- Settling into vanlife in France 14:12
- Our first morning in France 15:14
- Campervan facilities in France (are they good?) 16:14
- FREE Motorhome facilities in France 17:09
- THIS is why we came to France 17:28
- Settle this argument for us 18:39
- Park up for the night (are they easy to find in France?) 19:45
- Good morning and whats next? 21:35
Get all caught up -
🔹We are Gemma and Campbell 👫
🔸Living in our Elddis motorhome, Ellie 🚐
🔹Travelling across Scotland in search of hidden gems
🔸Documenting our lives on KZbin and Instagram 📸
🔹Writing informative travel guides so YOU can do the same 💻
👀Catch up with us daily in Instagram Stories -
@highlands2hammocks - bit.ly/3l2fGnt
ALSO WATCH -
What happened when we QUIT our jobs - bit.ly/3rFFozv
Buying our Motorhome, Ellie - bit.ly/3rCJGaO
Vanlife Essentials - bit.ly/3xaOoOm
Best Roadtrips in Scotland - bit.ly/3f7KhfA
If you enjoyed this video guys, please hit that like button and leave us a comment on what you think of our Ellie the Elldis. Subscribe for more van life action and stay tuned for the next video dropping this week.
* NEW VIDEOS WEEKLY *
All music in this video is from Epidemic Sound. Get a FREE MONTH of unlimited access to copyright free music using this link - bit.ly/38pZQL4/
OUR CAMERA GEAR
- Main Vlogging Camera - amzn.to/3PUCfGv
- Backup Vlog Camera - amzn.to/2C0HhB7
- Action Camera - amzn.to/31N6F8e
- Drone - amzn.to/3aSn5k6
Shop all of our Travel Tech here:
www.amazon.co.uk/shop/highlan...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~~GET TO KNOW US~~
A free-spirited couple from Scotland with hearts full of adventure, and a passion for what is yet to be discovered. The best things in life really are free and you do not have to be rich to travel; Our goal is to show the world that anyone can and should make the most of this beautiful planet.
Since our first trip together to the golden sands of Fiji, we have spent every day working on our journey back to paradise. This is our story of how we get from the highlands of Scotland to the hammocks of Fiji.
The raw side of travel.
Uncut.
Unclean.
Imperfect.
Epic.
Join us and realise that anyone can travel, you just have to take that first step.
Gemma and Campbell
highlands2hammocks
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you want to see some of our daily activities, catch up with us on our other social medias
Twitter : / highlands2hamm
Facebook : / highlands2hammocks
Instagram: / highlands2hammocks
Pinterest: www.pinterest.co.uk/highlands...

[@highlands2hammocks]

Hope you enjoyed this week's adventures! Don't forget you can pick up our BRAND NEW BOOK - NC500 Where to Eat & Stay right here - www.amazon.co.uk/North-Coast-500-Where-Stay/dp/0008547068/?maas=maas_adg_45DD0DCC2D7BAE7432D1C85ED1C58B70_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas

[@ScotChick360]

you can absolutely have a baguette for dinner, no different to having a wrap lol!

[@banzaipinball]

We have sandwiches for dinner, nice with chips and salad, points to Gemma.

[@christine3358]

Absolutely sandwich for dinner. Campbell, sorry, you are wrong on so many levels! Hahaha

[@isking1715]

"Sangwiches" can be eaten at any time of the day or night Campbell. 😊 I'm with Gemma on this one. Looking forward to all the coming adventures. Safe travels.

[@highlands2hammocks]

Haha thanks 😂

[@bertkelly7650]

I've learned to eat whatever the wife makes if she cooks. That could be a yes or no. Thanks for your video!

[@biddiemutter3481]

What a beautiful stary night with less light pollution than the South of England!

[@diannemorgan3541]

Yes you can . Enjoy

[@andrewgarnham3398]

Have a safe journey through France keep safe 😀

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thanks Andrew, you too!

[@keithscott1480]

If you ever get a quarter window broke again write this down all glass plant glazing perth they will help you out

[@raymonddickson8937]

Yes sandwich for lunch most days with some crisps lovely and we are in Spain

[@lesleycameron9132]

Sandwiches are a fabulous dinner! Especially when accompanied with chips ❤️

[@highlands2hammocks]

Oooh I do like chips 😆

[@TheBestSeazon]

Absolutely you can have sandwiches for dinner! And breakfast (eggs, toast, etc) for dinner! A wrap is basically a sandwich with a different kind of bread 😂

[@Mel.H_]

Totally agree!!

[@000caro555]

Safe travels guys x

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thank you 😁

[@tomassanesson902]

So epik awesome video 👍👍❤❤❤

[@Faeley]

Sandwiches are definitely fine for dinner. Actually, in a pinch or if you are tired they are fantastic.

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thank you! 😆

[@terrymccormack262]

Good luck with your trip to southern Spain. Lovely part of the world. I'm originally from Falkirk, Scotland & have lived out here in Manilva, Spain for the past 7 years.

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thank you! We are loving our time in the south 😁 so good for vanlife

[@travellingwithcrowsfeet]

Holy moley, not a good start, but so glad yiu hit the windows sorted. Lovely vlog, really well put together, your presentation is first class, well done.

[@highlands2hammocks]

Yeah wasn’t as bad as we thought it was going to be thankfully ☺️ thanks guys!

[@neilcampbell4786]

Hi folks, you’ll love the Algarve, long drive but worth we’ll worth it.

[@highlands2hammocks]

We are loving it!

[@Secret_Squirrel_Scottishgamer]

If campbell takes off his glasses he could claim that Nick rekeita from Rekeita Law is his twin brother! 😂😂

[@highlands2hammocks]

Hahaha that’s a new one 😂

[@timjohnson67]

Well, every weekend I think you cannot be any more fun but you have done it again!! Love you guys, stay safe.

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thanks Tim 😁

[@Alainemb]

Hahaha I’m with Gemma. Sandwiches should be enjoyed anytime 😂

[@highlands2hammocks]

Haha aw fair enough 😆

[@evergreensuk]

I had the same window blow in a work van in central France... My options were diy shop and a sheet of perspex and cut to shape and gorilla tape on, but I phoned the iveco dealer nearby and they had one on the shelf... Couldn't help with fitting but a tube of mirror adhesive a chisel and 30 minutes in the car park. The new window was installed temporarily taped on whilst the adhesive cured and I was off to my next drop..

[@highlands2hammocks]

That is a good idea! Luckily we managed to get it fixed for security reasons before we went on our road trip ☺️

[@suzybeetravels]

Glad you got your window sorted before you left. France is great for park ups and free services, definitely better equipped over there for people travelling in vans. Enjoy Europe both, it's AMAZING! Spain is great but we absolutely LOVED Portugal 💜💕x

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thanks guys! The services are great 😁

[@stevepjackson]

Great update guys. Looking forward to the next one 👍

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thanks 😁

[@graftingdiamond6775]

Another great video thanks guys! My favourite meal is a baguette with fried halloumi, avocado and cherry tomatoes. Fry the halloumi and add some smoked paprika on both sides - then add a drizzle of honey and allow to fry until golden. This contrasted to the avocado and tomato is genuinely beautiful. Give it a try! So in short, very much team Gemma on this one!

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thank you so much 😁 that sounds delicious!

[@yaminthegrey]

Hari OM Burgers, fajitas, wraps, trad sangers.... all just breads with fillings. And I often have such for my evening meal, usually toasted - call it dinner if you wish... jus' sayin'... Safe travels ower yon channel! YAM xx

[@highlands2hammocks]

Very true Yam! 😁😁

[@jayneboulton4672]

Campbell. What’s a sanGwich. Of course you can have a baguette for dinner. I would have one for breakfast if I could. I LOVE baguettes. Enjoy your trip and stay safe xx

[@highlands2hammocks]

Aw come on 😂

[@blessedOne1320]

Yes you can a sandwich for dinner. My family and I do it all the time when we just are too tired to prepare a full meal.

[@highlands2hammocks]

Haha very true!

[@docbarham2431]

Sandwiches for dinner are great 👍

[@kimberlyhenry7717]

100% sandwiches for dinner! Sorry, Campbell! Gemma's right on this one. I also feel like whilst in France, there is really no wrong time to have a baguette 🥖😂

[@highlands2hammocks]

Haha oh well looks like Ill need to covnert then

[@tamilarimer7690]

Sandwiches for dinner🥰

[@andrewzi]

Hello Gemma and Campbell you will get used to Europe, stop worrying as France is incredible, we seem to carry what I call the “British mentality” where we fear the worst. I remember when we first came over to Europe and it took us awhile to realise how good Europe is.

[@hilarywallace9927]

What a bummer about your window - thank goodness you managed to get it sorted ! Looking forward to all your adventures to come

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thanks Hilary 😁 hope you are enjoying them!

[@cherylkaye]

Totally on board with sandwiches for dinner or lunch. That being said if the baguettes are fresh, I'd happily just eat the baguette for dinner. Lol.

[@highlands2hammocks]

True the baguettes are very good here 😍

[@Tara_Louise]

hell yeh sandwich for dinner!!!

[@highlands2hammocks]

😁😁

[@beverleybarclay7990]

Hi, I recently found your channel and I really like you guys. Sandwiches can be eaten anytime. I have eaten a lot Sandwiches for dinner. Grilled cheese are a great supper sandwich

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thank you very much Beverley it is lovely to meet you 😁

[@sheisthelostgirl]

So glad we finally got to meet you guys!! You left me extremely inspired ❤ You guys are so amazing! Excited to continue following along with your European adventures 🎉

[@highlands2hammocks]

Aww was so lovely to finally catch up in person 😁 can’t wait for our next meet-up! Safe travels you two ❤️

[@guderian7795]

Another great video on a Sunday morning!. Enjoy France beautiful people! And please consider Canada as a future adventure destination as we would love to have you both visit Alberta and British Columbia. 🙂🍾🗼🌍

[@pumpkintree6438]

Definitely baguette and chips for tea 😊

[@highlands2hammocks]

True!!

[@julied4779]

Hi Gemma and campbell, I felt for you when a stone shattered the glass, last thing you needed. I'm also relieved you've increased your security of you motorhome. As for the sandwich I'm with Gemma, sorry Campbell. I love to watch your adventures in Scotland and now in France. and beyond. Watch out for the tolls, avoid them if you can. I was told to get the Angles Molt stickers for France as my motorhome is quite long but there's not much difference to yours.. Also I was told to get the Crit air sticker, Apparently more places in france require the Crit air, it used to be just for Paris, Lyon, Lille, strasbourg but now I've been told like 18 areas in France, basically it's a emission sticker. I know in Germany they have increased the number of towns and cities that require emissions sticker. Looks like France is following suit if true. Some say you don't need them, whilst others can't wait to tell you horror stories where the police stopped them and had to pay on the stop fines, you never know what to believe, there are so many ytubers who've travellled around Europe. I had to stop watching them as it was giving me panic attacks and was putting me off going to France. I must get your books about motorhoming around Scotland and the NC500, we've invited our friends who live in America to join us on our adventure around Scotland. Safe travels and have a wonderful exciting time. I look forward to the next instalment.

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thank you so much for the support! You will love the trip when the time comes 😁 we also have loads of free guides on our website if you need any more help with planning

[@Kawalerka_na_kolkach]

That's curins looks so Polish ❤❤❤

[@highlands2hammocks]

Very true!

[@Rmyvet]

Sandwiches are a midday lunch, snack to keep you going until you have your dinner

[@geecee8864]

Belated congratulations on your engagement, you both found a good heart. I'm glad to see you back out in the van doing vanlife, I'm looking forward to your euro series of vlogs. I like your food choices and appreciation and kindness to all other animals. Let's all be kind to every kind. ❤👍

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thank you so much 😁❤️ appreciate the support!

[@BenFiorePhotography]

way hayyyy 'Bonjour everybody' hahahah

[@highlands2hammocks]

Haha let’s go!!

[@toobydude41]

Oh man sorry for the window issue...that surely was a "pane" in the butt . (couldn't resist hehe). Seriously, glad you got it sorted. That Channel Tunnel never ceases to amaze me. The inside does give Star Wars vibes. Very cool van life friends get -together! So about having sandwiches for dinner...sorry Campbell...team Gemma here . lol For dinner the other night I had tuna fish sandwiches and also have ham and turkey the same way occasionally. But stoked for the adventures to come guys!

[@highlands2hammocks]

Nice pun 😆 thanks Scott!

[@adrianmichell2751]

Burger bun or sandwich ? Where did he Google the Question ? France ! So the ladies correct there is no difference!🙂

[@highlands2hammocks]

Glad you agree 😁

[@Mel.H_]

Team Gemma! Absolutely can have sandwiches for dinner😁🤤🥰

[@highlands2hammocks]

Haha thanks!

[@vanlifeandfishing]

Sarnie for dinner yes yes yes any time of the day even breakfast

[@highlands2hammocks]

Haha thanks Graham!

[@andrewnewsome]

Hi Gemma & Campbell. Love your channel. I think I noticed in this vid (21:40) that you have 2 calor gas bottles in your gas locker. As this is your first time taking Ellie into Europe, I wondered if you were aware that you cannot exchange calor gas bottles outside the UK, and the gas bottles you can get in Europe require a different connector (pig-tail). We only discovered this ourselves on our first longer european tour, when we ran out of gas!! Our answer to this problem was to get a refillable gas bottle. LPG is more readily available in Europe than in the UK, and is cheaper too (MUCH cheaper than calor!!) Hope you're OK and have a great trip.

[@highlands2hammocks]

Yeah this turned out to be a big problem 😂 got it sorted now though! Ended up having to buy a new system over here

[@andrewnewsome]

@@highlands2hammocks Sorry that you, like us, had to find out the hard way!! Glad it's sorted now.

[@keithramsay3340]

sandwiches are for any time its supposed to be a quick snack or depending on how many you have a meal....ish lol

[@highlands2hammocks]

Very true!

[@stellaparker4142]

Baguettes any time of day! X

[@suzannewilson3365]

Baguettes anytime Campbell 😋😋

[@highlands2hammocks]

Haha I may be converting as they are amazing!

[@bearin29]

Hi Guys, FYI: In Italy hamburgers are considered panini, which means sandwich. I agree with Gemma, you can have baguettes or sandwiches anytime you like. Whenever you feel like eating it, you eat it. On another note: how much is the ticket for an RV and two people to take the Euro Tunnel??

[@highlands2hammocks]

That is very true! 😁 the Eurotunnel was about 150 each way

[@kimbuttress2904]

My ex wife is French. We would NEVER have a sandwich for dinner, might be okay at lunch with cheese and ham. We would however have a Baguette with the cheese and salad course at dinner, and some wine, there would always be wine with dinner

[@highlands2hammocks]

But the bread is so good 😍

[@Abeyptfc]

Nice one Guys, I’m with Campbell though, you can’t have a sandwich for dinner! That’s a junkie’s dinner! Now you just need to sort out the veggie chicken!❤

[@estiefranks6468]

Sorry Campbell, sandwiches for dinner are great and very much allowed. 😊

[@highlands2hammocks]

Yes they are!

[@susancooper2996]

Why not a sandwich for your tea as you say in Yorkshire, tonight was exactly that with a bowl of broth, you make do with what ever you have in the kitchen, sorry Campbell but if your hungry anything will do 😂😅

[@highlands2hammocks]

I must be the strange one then haha will need to convert

[@adrianmichell2751]

He is just after a whole Haggis instead of a sandwich!😃

[@johnreal479]

Loving the channel, no you don't have sandwiches for dinner 😁

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thank you! 😆

[@ipirrie6734]

Really looking forward to seeing the rest of your trip. We are heading to Spain and Portugal soon. Noticed you still had Calor bottles, what are you going to do about gas in Europe? P S there's no G in Sandwich 🤣🤣

[@highlands2hammocks]

You are going to love it 😁 we did have problems with this and had to buy a new Spanish bottle which turned out to be very pricey! Try and get a refill system installed if you can

[@wipqueen715]

Sandwiches for dinner!? Absolutely!! Have done it many many times

[@highlands2hammocks]

Haha guess I am converted now!

[@stowgood]

You can have a baguette for dinner.

[@SBCBears]

I hope being an old married couple won't prevent you from continuing your cold water dips.

[@wedrivetheworld]

Hi guys been watching for a while set google maps to avoid tolls it takes like an hour longer to get the south of Spain but it’s FREE drop me a line for any other tips I’ve driven all over europe

[@highlands2hammocks]

Yeah we have it set up now 😁 expensive lesson last week 🥲😂

[@stewartgarbett2801]

Got to be a Plat de sur? Excuse my French. They’re served in all cafes & restaurants they’re cheap. Xx

[@highlands2hammocks]

Ooooh sounds lovely! 😁

[@MartinKennedy636]

Is it expensive to take your camper over on the train who is the ferry cheaper? I've got to decide which I will take but I've got can't get hold of any prices. I've had a bit same size as yours and I wondered if you be kind enough to tell me how much it cost you to get across.

[@edwardhoughton2565]

Does it matter don't war over silly things, peace my friends x

[@adrianmichell2751]

Donald where is your trousers !

[@debskeith]

You can definitely have a sandwich for dinner😊

[@highlands2hammocks]

Oh yes!

[@TheKaza64]

😅loved this but to settle the argument Campbell, happy wife , happy life so yes to the sandwich

[@highlands2hammocks]

Haha aw come on! Very true though 😂

[@joemulgrew]

Did you visit Coffin Bay national park when in Australia.

[@highlands2hammocks]

We sure did! It was amazing 😁

[@gabrielsholisticcare]

You can have sandwich whenever you want! 😂

[@highlands2hammocks]

Very true!

[@discovering_scotland]

You can absolutely have a sandwich for dinner 😂😂

[@highlands2hammocks]

Haha thank you!!

[@karlmabe1649]

OK I have the same van as you the easiest way into it is through the habitation windows did you add any security to your windows ? Thanks Ps looking forward to seeing this trip

[@iainwest3850]

When abroad do not tie your 2 front doors together for safety reasons. It has been known for thiefs to gas people through there vents for robbing people although they might not be able to get in know one will be able to get in to safe you two. It happens alot to British lorry drivers abroad. I don't mean to scare you but it does happen.

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thats interesting I have never heard of that before

[@iainwest3850]

My brother in law is a lorry driver in Europe he told me

[@MainSpaceGIGS]

What’s a Sangwhich? 🤪

[@highlands2hammocks]

😂😂

[@mysurlytrucker7510]

Stuff there uk stickers.

[@highlands2hammocks]

Tad annoying I know

[@jonburnell532]

Nowt wrong with a sandwich for dinner. Is a chip piece a sandwich or a dinner? If a subway sandwich is toasted is it no longer a sandwich? Pubs serve baguettes for dinner, so does the inclusion of crisps and side salad make a sandwich a dinner? That's a whole paradox you've opened there 😄

[@highlands2hammocks]

My life has been a lie! 🥲😂

[@ernie5291]

Defo no sandwich 🥪 for dinner???

[@highlands2hammocks]

I’ll have to try it then it seems 😆

[@joannebarrett1837]

What is a sangwich? Lol

[@karenclark-stapleton8107]

Always carry a piece perspex cut to window size wen travelling makes great back up if windows smashed

[@highlands2hammocks]

That’s a great idea 😁