Europe

Spain is much more than a package holiday destination. With a very diverse range of landscapes, cultures and languages, Spain is defiantly a place to stop and experience what is going on around you.

Recommended Spain

• Barcelona
• Tapas
• San Sebastian
• Pamplona
• Santiago de Compostela

Campsites and free camping in Spain

Campsites are found in all popular coastal regions, and many inland areas. Free camping is possible in many areas. Read more.

Slovakian border crossings

At Kosice vehicles and passports are checked on the Hungarian side, but often nothing is checked inside Slovakia.

Roads in Slovakia

A vignette is required when driving on motorways and certain main roads. This costs SKK 150 (£2.80) for 7 consecutive days. Vignette information is not displayed at borders or on motorways. The vignette comes in two parts: one you stick on the windscreen and on the other part you write the vehicle registration number and keep it in a safe place to be produced if required. The first many people are aware of the need for the vignette is when they are stopped and fined by the police when driving on a motorway. Signs displayed on some major roads (other than motorways) state in English "vehicles over 3500 kg's with payment". Motorhomes over 3500kgs are restricted to 80 kph (50 mph) on main roads and motorways and a 15 consecutive day vignette will cost SKK 750 (about £13.90) there are no extra costs when towing a trailer. Unmarked police cars do patrol the roads.

Aberdeenshire

Free camping in Aberdeen

You can park on the Aberdeen beach esplanade. The best places are across from the golf course. All the entertainment, cafes, funfair etc. is further along.

Free camping in Linn of Dee, Cairngorm Mountains

Take the road west out of Braemar to the road end. There is a hard standing car park just over the Linn of Dee bridge which does not display any signs regarding overnight parking. Parking fee appr. £2 per day.

Romanian border crossings

It takes about 20 minutes to complete a border crossing into Romania. Almost all customs officials speak English. You need to pay the following:

• Disinfect your vehicle - which means driving through a trough of muddy water, for which you will have to pay €9.
• Ecology tax - €5
• Vignette (road tax) - €6 for one month. It is important to keep the receipt as you are required to show it when leaving Romania. The vignette does not indicate who long it is valid, only the receipt shows this.

Supplies in Romania

ATMs accept major credit cards, and most work well.
Fuel is available at regular filling stations. Major credit cards are accepted. In 2006 diesel cost €0.96 (£0.68) per litre. LPG is also available
Big name European supermarkets (such as Carrefour and Jolie Ville) are in the major cities. There are many smaller supermarkets throughout Romania.

Portugal is the late developer of the western European countries. It is still very traditional, and the cheapest country in western Europe. The Algarve is the warmest place in western Europe during winter, and a great place to visit or stay during that time. The Portuguese are friendly, helpful, happy people, and many speak good English.

The capital city of Lisbon is one of the most vibrant in Europe. With a great city centre, and a choice of beautiful beach side suburbs, Lisbon is worthy of a stop, even in winter when it is still warm.

Polish border crossings

Polish border crossings normally only take a few minutes, with just a passport check.

Supplies in Poland

ATMs are widespread and work fine.
Diesel and LPG are readily available.
Supermarkets are very common and include Tesco, Carrefour, Auchan, Geant, Leclerc and Intermarche. Most are situated in out of town shopping complexes. Smaller local supermarkets are in the town and city centres.

Free camping in Mooragh Park, Ramsey

Motorhomes are positively encouraged to park and enjoy the area, for no cost, but you require a permit. This is free and is available from the town hall in Ramsey. Just bring your insurance details. You may stay for up to 14 nights.

Free camping in Sulby Claddagh (in the north)

This is quite a large site owned by the government NTrust. You may stay for up to 14 nights, then leave for a night then start again. There is toilets/washing & water available and if you lift the grid by the toilets you can deposit your waste. Lovely place to stop along side the river, some nice walks. Sulby is well used by locals but gets busy around TT race time. Two pubs & shop close by.

Morocco is included in the European section as most people visit Morocco as part of a European trip.

Most visitors to Morocco have a great time with no problems. Although separated by just 14kms of water, Morocco has a completely different culture to Europe. Although geographically part of Europe, Morocco is culturally part of the Middle East. Morocco has the same problems as every country in the world, but most of the friendliness and curiosity you will encounter is genuine. However, do keep you wits about you.

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