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I suppose the first question is what sort of experience of caravanning have you got if completely new then there would be a bit to learn but if you are just extending what you normally do the differences won't be as great.

In the internet age the relevance of post is diminished as bills and payments can be paid by direct debit and administered from a laptop and a WiFi connection. If you are going to be away for months on end it might be an idea to get anypost you get diverted you your children if you have them or a relative so they can decide whether they need to contact you. In terms of equipment it won't be much different from what you would take now. You would have to make provision for a gas supply as the normal UK cylinders are not generally avaialable in Europe. You will need to think bout insurance, not only for the caravan and car but breakdown and medical as well as any house insurance if you are going to leave a property empty in the UK. There are lots of people that go to Europe for a couple of months at a time, are you thinking of longer?

David

Billy

I don't think you have a problem with going to Europe. Being a free agent and being able to go out of the main season will enable you to use some of the low season discounts like Camping Cheques or the ACSI Card. I suspect that once you have tried it you will be tempted to go for longer and more often, at least thats how it worked for us!

Funnily enough it seems more difficult to tour in the UK without booking but this could just be a Caravan Club thing! Its the weekends that seem to be the problem. I suppose if you know where you want to go why not book for peace of mind. Commercial sites will often require a deposit which is non refundable which could work out expensive it you change you mind too often. The Caravan Club don't take deposits so there is a bit more flexibilty and whilst the Camping and Caravan Club do take deposits they will refund if a cancellation is made at least 7 days before arrival date.

David

I'd definitely book the bank hols in advance, you regularly see posts on here from people who have rang loads of sites and can't get in anywhere, it's take a bit of planning to make sure you'd be in the area at the time but definitely worth it.

Perhaps you could go to your local marina and speak to the people who live on the barges for any tips on living  life "on the move"

Oh and I am VERY jealous of your plans

Quote: Originally posted by vwalan on 29/7/2010

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i use a washing machine from spain takes small items or a pair of jeans use it through the invetrter . a friend as one of those blue twintubs .great piece of kit the spinner is nagic . he got it from the 12volt shop. wash small items often leave to dry over your sink overnight. like i say we go for 6 mnths and dont use laundries .if we did it would be impossible to afford it. no site ,no tolls .no laundry, no pay for parking . no pay for water .or you could not spend the time away.

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just dont use them .we leave here in november catch the ferry to spain take 6 weeks to get to algeciras stopping all over the med coast or a bit inland. .spend the next three months in maroc .again we may use a couple of sites but usually free camping all over the place.then come back to spain and spend the next 6 weeks drifting up portugal and spain. when touring in uk find lots places one night here one night there. last year did most or south wales and lots of yorkshire .free camping. been doing it since a small child with my parents in the early 60,s why stop now.