Europe
Europe is a vast continent with a huge array of landscapes, cultures, food and languages. Considered by many to the ultimate place to tour in a camper van or motorhome.
Camping in Europe
Europe has a wide range of campsites. Many are of excellent quality. Free camping is popular in Europe, especially in France, Spain and Portugal. See our guide to camping in Europe.
Money in Europe
The Euro (€) is used in 12 countries of Europe, including France, Spain and Portugal. Notes issued by one country and valid in another. Britain uses the Pound and the Euro is not accepted.
Crossing borders in Europe
The Schengen treaty of which France, Spain and Portugal participate allows people and vehicles to freely cross borders from one country to another. Britain is not part of the treaty, and therefore ferry crossings to and from Britain require passport control.
Visas for European countries
EU citizens can stay in other EU countries without a visa, and for an unlimited amount of time. Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada can enter without a visa for 90 days. Other visitors will require a visa for the country they first visit. After which they can cross borders in line with the Schengen treaty. Read more about visas.
Health cover and Insurance in Europe
Europe has good health care. Check with your local health clinic or doctor before staring your trip, to ensure your tetanus and other jabs are up to date. Citizens of EU countries should get an E111 certificate before leaving home, as this will ensure you receive free health care whilst away. Don't think it wont happen to you, it happened to me and I was very glad of the free health care.
Get good (not necessarily the cheapest) health insurance before you leave. I would recommend Columbus, which you can do online easily, and renew online whilst you are away if you stay longer. If you are participating in sports such as surfing, windsurfing or snowboarding ensure your policy covers you.
European ferries
If you are visiting Britain, Ireland , Greece or any of the smaller islands around Europe you will probably use a ferry. See our guide to European ferries.
Surfing in Europe
Europe offers excellent surfing beaches and reefs. Combined with the rich diversity of cultures and landscapes, surfing in Europe is a unique experience. Read the guide to surfing in Europe.
Essentials
- Guide books - with so much on offer, and so many languages, make sure you get good guide books and language books
- Insurance - make sure you have insurance for your vehicle and health insurance for the people in it
- Bulbs, jackets, triangles - Many countries require reflective jackets, warning triangles and some require a spare light bulb kit
- E111 - get your European health care card
Here are some other pages that should be useful.
Driving in Europe
Paperwork
To drive in Europe ensure you have the following paperwork in order, and in your vehicle when you leave. Leave a photocopy at home. Read more »
Weather in Europe
If you are travelling in Europe then you are probably expecting some good weather. Here is some information that may help you plan your trip to get the best weather. Read more »
Visas and Passports
Visa regulations are always subject to change, so check with the embassies before you start your journey. A brief guide is given below.
Anyone entering the EU or Morocco requires a passport that is valid for the entire duration of their stay. If your passport expires during, or soon after you intend your trip to end, renew it well before you leave home. If your passport does expire whilst you are away, contact your closest embassy immediately. Read more »
Surfing in Europe
Europe offers excellent surfing beaches and reefs. Surfing in Europe is a unique experience, due to the quality of waves, and the range of breaks that are available. Traveling and surfing in Europe is a unique experience, due to the rich variation in landscapes and cultures. From the green fields that overlook the breaks in Britain and Ireland, to the endless dune backed beaches of France, to the volcanic landscape of the Canaries, the choice is endless.
The best surf spots in Europe
Mundaka Read more »
Schengen States and the Schengen Treaty
The Schengen treaty is an agreement between participating countries in Europe, that allows people and vechicles to cross borders without any checks. The participating countries do not have border controls with each other, and have a commoin visa policy. This makes travelling between the countries, regardless of your means of transport, very easy. Read more »
European Union (EU)
The EU is an economic, political and judicial collective of countries with shared goals and objectives. The EU initially consisted of Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. In 1973 Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom (UK) joined in 1973. The member nations have increased with the entry of Greece in 1981, Spain and Portugal in 1986, Austria, Finland and Sweden in 1995. In 2004 ten new countries joined from Eastern Europe. EU member countries have agreements and treaties covering security, law, residency and border controls. Read more »
European megalithic sites
England
France
Portugal
Alentejo
Around Evora there are over a dozen megalithic sites, dating back from around 3000 BC.
The Euro
The Euro is the currency of 12 countries of Europe. The Euro came into being in January 2002, and is now used by 300 million people in 12 countries. Notes issued by one country and valid in another, and you will not have any trouble taking and using currency between countries. Read more »
Eating out in Europe
European people take food very seriously. The biggest problem is often the language barriers. Unless you have a good understanding of the written language, you might be taking a gamble in what you order.
Where to eat
There are some basic rules that will help you find an authentic, good quality, good value restaurant or cafe. Read more »
Eastern Europe
xx - todo tidy
We found that facilities for the disabled are extremely poor in eastern Europe. Facilities for wheelchair users are almost non existent.
Many eastern European countries use the "E" road numbers for through routes in some towns and cities. So if you are venturing abroad and plan to visit a few countries make sure you make a note of the "E" road numbers on your route. See http://www.elbruz.org/eroads/AGR_2.htm Read more »
Western Europe
Western Europe
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