Juice

What about when you drive through towns in Eastern Europe? I was aware On the Gumball Rally a couple of years ago, some cars were Hi jacked at gunpoint.

Its all good someone being friendly and nice to you when your there and you end up following them, but TRUSTING them is another thing, you dont know where they could lead you. Just be aware

chrisdicko

iTrader: (21)

Where do you mean mate?

I wouldn't trust anyone anyway I don't think for that exact reason you said!!

Mark1983

iTrader: (2)

ADAC are the best for my needs as they are the only company that includes recovery from the Nordschleife which is normally €200 per recovery. The AA provide the UK assistance for ADAC. They speak English too

I wouldn't carry large amounts of cash on my person. If you are stopped, fined and payment required on the spot then go to a cash point.

chrisdicko

iTrader: (21)

I'm probably being thick, but the ADAC site even in english seems hard to purchase cover?!

The furthest I'll be going is Slovakia, then heading back more of a Northern route.

Mark1983

iTrader: (2)

The ADAC site is only in German. A lot of UK Nurburging regulars pay by CC via a faxed booking form. It was just easy for me having a German address, bank account and German housemate

TBH it might just be easier for you to go with a UK recovery company.

BIG FUD

iTrader: (84)

Adac is the 1 for me used them at the ring last sept was great ....

hodgy0_2

a couple of points

I think I’m right in saying that you cannot get roadside assistance on French motorways i.e. the AA and equivalent are not allowed to operate on them -- the Road maintenance contractor will tow you off, then you ring the AA etc – not sure about the rest of Europe

Also you have to be careful re the recovery back home

The AA will only recover to the value of the car – so if you are right at the bottom of France in a £1200 WRX then they might just give you the money and scrap the car – best to check

Also AA cover goes up based on the age of the vehicle

chrisdicko

iTrader: (21)

ADAC seems quite a lot of effort not being english. I did a quote on the AA and it came it at £55 for the two weeks.

My car is a 2003 STI, so hope they wouldn't scrap that.

chrisdicko

iTrader: (21)

Just bttt'ing this.

Has anyone drove to Paris and parked up and stayed? Where did you go? I don't fancy going in to the centre etc. So would like to stay a few miles out and get a bus in etc.

This is the only place I want aim for and book. The rest is freelancing it After Paris I want to cain it to Italy and try to spend some time there.


Any more tips would still be appreciated


Chris

Steve Whitehorn

iTrader: (13)

Hi I do this all the time.
Will be driving across europe to the UK next friday for example.

Take
Spare bulbs for everything
High vis vests in car
First Aid Kit
Warning Triangle
Fire extingisher

If you have this you are covered in every country if the bib stop you.

Belgium is better than France to drive through. No tolls on motorways. French cops can be a bit more arsey than the Belgium plod.

You need a GB sticker - Or Euro plates with the GB logo on the back.

ADAC def are the cheapest and best Euro breakdown cover in Europe and the UK.
If you are only going for one trip then perhaps just call your breakdown company and get a euro extension.

Speed limits on motorways tend to be 120kph - 130kph through out europe. So if you sit at 80mph cruising no probs. Germany restrictions around junctions down to 80kph. 120kmp in the wet and at night in certain areas. Appart from that no limit. Have your wits about you as often cars in the outside lane will be doing 130-190mph and approach within the blink of the eye in your rear view mirror. So check your mirrors even more than you usually would.

Roads in eastern europe often fine....but you are often driving through very very poor areas. I tend not to venture into small impoverished towns but just stop for fuel and keep moving untill I hit my destination.

Thats it... have fun
Steve

big_xavier

Chris I aimed for the airport on the outskirts of paris, parked up and got high speed train into paris, that running every 30 minutes, nice quick and easy.
I am planning a trip to the ring in the next couple of months so reading this with interest.
good luck with the trip

corradoboy

Get a ferry price from Norfolk Lines. When researching a trip to France, P&O wanted £300+ whereas NL was £30. I just did a mock quote for 2 people in a normal saloon car travelling on July 2, returning July 23, sailing 2am, and it came back at £47.51.

Direct Ferries - Ferry Crossings UK to Ireland, France, Spain, Holland and more

N_Scooby

iTrader: (2)

Pre-book a hotel in Paris with a car-park, then go everywhere by train/metro. Fantastic train system in Paris. I've driven through Paris a few times now and as long as you avoid rush hours and lunch time the traffic isn't too bad. TomTom works very well on the periferique?? (spelling )

chrisdicko

iTrader: (21)

Thanks Steve, very informative Don't think I'd dare stop in some of the poor villages

big_xavier, do you have a link to the car park? Did you get the train in to Paris and find a hotel etc?

Corradoboy.....we are thinking on the same lines! I randomly found NL through google, and like you say it is a lot cheaper than P&O. Think it takes longer, but I am in no rush really so don't mind it taking longer.

N_Scooby, cheers for that. Glad you've said it's not too bad to drive through Paris. Have you stayed in any decent hotels there? Or can you recommend any?



Also, how easy is it to get on to the ferries? As my car is quite low, so don't want to scrape the hell out my car......or rip the splitter off.

chrisdicko

iTrader: (21)

I've been recommended to stay at Campanile hotel at Porte de Bagnolet.

Anyone had experience of this? 87Euro for 3 of us. (me, my girlfriend and her sister )