Staying safe - whatever the weather...
It is advisable to consider the weather and prepare wisely when travelling as you can encounter all types of weather conditions whilst on the road. Throughout the year the weather can suddenly change so do be prepared for it. Plus, don't forget whether it's too hot or too cold, the weather may also affect your health as well as your driving conditions.
We've encountered extremely bad thunderstorms to the point where we had to park up and wait it out. It lasted hours overnight and was really frightening. We've also experienced sudden fog quite a few times and a hailstone storm where we literally couldn't see the road ahead. We've also experienced an overflowing river whilst driving through the mountains but our worst experience was a heavy rainstorm in Calais. We were driving over a flyover at the time, the rain was so heavy we couldn't see the road ahead but we didn't have the option to stop or pull over either as someone may have driven into us, so my partner just carried on driving ahead - lucky he was driving at the time as I was in such a panic. Luckily we've only encountered snow in the UK, we can only imagine that it would be a nightmare to take a roadtrip during a snowstorm.
We recommend that you constantly check your tyres to see if they have a good tread as you don't want to be skidding on wet roads. If you are considering travelling through heavy snow you may want to consider winter tyres and/or using snow chains on your tyres.
We've encountered extremely bad thunderstorms to the point where we had to park up and wait it out. It lasted hours overnight and was really frightening. We've also experienced sudden fog quite a few times and a hailstone storm where we literally couldn't see the road ahead. We've also experienced an overflowing river whilst driving through the mountains but our worst experience was a heavy rainstorm in Calais. We were driving over a flyover at the time, the rain was so heavy we couldn't see the road ahead but we didn't have the option to stop or pull over either as someone may have driven into us, so my partner just carried on driving ahead - lucky he was driving at the time as I was in such a panic. Luckily we've only encountered snow in the UK, we can only imagine that it would be a nightmare to take a roadtrip during a snowstorm.
We recommend that you constantly check your tyres to see if they have a good tread as you don't want to be skidding on wet roads. If you are considering travelling through heavy snow you may want to consider winter tyres and/or using snow chains on your tyres.
The weather in Europe ranges from the following:
France: The weather is very varied in France - it tends to be much cooler and rain more in the North, with mild cool winters and warm summers. It is much warmer and drier in the South benefitting from a Mediterranean climate. You can also encounter cooler weather nearer the Alps and the Pyrenees. Inland France tends to experience hotter summers and cooler winters with temperatures sometimes reaching 40 degrees.
Spain: The climate in Spain is mostly wonderful and pleasant all year round but it can be diverse in the different regions. From Spring to early Autumn it's mild and warm with temperatures reaching around 25 degrees. Summers are usually very hot with temperatures reaching above 40 degrees. However in the East coast the summers are sweltering and very moist. The Winters are mild and a little cooler. The Northern Basque region tends to be cooler than the rest of the country with a tendency to rain more often.
Portugal: The climate in Portugal ranges vastly from North to South. The North usually has more rainfall and cooler temperatures than the South. Bordered by the Atlantic ocean it can sometimes be hit with heavy winds but at the same time it offers warmer winters. Winter, Spring and Autumn months are normally mild seasons with sunny clear blue skies. During the Summer months the heat can exceed 40 degrees in some places, so be prepared.
France: The weather is very varied in France - it tends to be much cooler and rain more in the North, with mild cool winters and warm summers. It is much warmer and drier in the South benefitting from a Mediterranean climate. You can also encounter cooler weather nearer the Alps and the Pyrenees. Inland France tends to experience hotter summers and cooler winters with temperatures sometimes reaching 40 degrees.
Spain: The climate in Spain is mostly wonderful and pleasant all year round but it can be diverse in the different regions. From Spring to early Autumn it's mild and warm with temperatures reaching around 25 degrees. Summers are usually very hot with temperatures reaching above 40 degrees. However in the East coast the summers are sweltering and very moist. The Winters are mild and a little cooler. The Northern Basque region tends to be cooler than the rest of the country with a tendency to rain more often.
Portugal: The climate in Portugal ranges vastly from North to South. The North usually has more rainfall and cooler temperatures than the South. Bordered by the Atlantic ocean it can sometimes be hit with heavy winds but at the same time it offers warmer winters. Winter, Spring and Autumn months are normally mild seasons with sunny clear blue skies. During the Summer months the heat can exceed 40 degrees in some places, so be prepared.
Health Insurance...
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) has replaced the E111 form which covered all UK residents with emergency healthcare whilst travelling in the EU.
The EHIC entitles you to free or reduced state-provided medical care in many EU countries, (EEA), at GPs/Dentists/Hospitals and Home visits (holiday accommodation). It also includes necessary treatment for any pre-existing condition/maternity care whilst you're away. You can apply for your EHIC online (see sites below) or by phone on 0300 330 1350. The EHIC is not a substitute for Travel Insurance as the full cost of all medical treatments are unlikely to be covered by the EHIC. We, therefore, strongly advise that you and all your passengers take out Travel Insurance on top of having the EHIC as it does not cover everything. If something really unfortunate were to happen, I'm sure you'd prefer to be fully protected and avoid huge medical bills.
Each country's healthcare system is different, so you may not get certain treatments free of charge as you would in the UK. Therefore, do check the full details for the country you will be visiting to see what is covered. You may have to pay for fees upfront so do make sure you keep any receipts/prescriptions/copies to enable you to make an EHIC claim/insurance claim for reimbursement. You may need to do this before you return back to the UK so check the details thoroughly. The amount of refund offered will depend on the circumstances. In some instances state-provided medical care may not be available and you may be taken to private medical care instead - the EHIC will not cover you for the latter but Travel Insurance is most likely to.
Do not be caught out: There has been instances where people with EHIC have been refused state-provided medical care - this should not happen according to EU Law. If you find yourself being treated abroad, double-check that it is state-provided rather than private as the EHIC may not cover you for this. Also, do not sign anything you do not understand - just be careful.
The EHIC is free of charge when you apply for it via the NHS. Do not use any other sites which claim they can fast-track your application for a fee (sometimes up to £49) - they are fake, fast-track does not exist and it's very unlikely that you'll be able to get a full refund - so be very aware! You do not need to pay for it! It can take up to 10 days to order/receive your card, so allow yourself enough time to apply.
If you have an EHIC - always check the expiry date before travelling (usually valid for 5 years). Whilst on your travels keep the EHIC with you at all times.
In case of emergencies: If you lose or have your EHIC stolen call 0044 191 218 1999 from abroad.
For full details on EHIC check: www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/EHIC/Pages/about-the-ehic.aspx / www.ehic.org.uk
The EHIC entitles you to free or reduced state-provided medical care in many EU countries, (EEA), at GPs/Dentists/Hospitals and Home visits (holiday accommodation). It also includes necessary treatment for any pre-existing condition/maternity care whilst you're away. You can apply for your EHIC online (see sites below) or by phone on 0300 330 1350. The EHIC is not a substitute for Travel Insurance as the full cost of all medical treatments are unlikely to be covered by the EHIC. We, therefore, strongly advise that you and all your passengers take out Travel Insurance on top of having the EHIC as it does not cover everything. If something really unfortunate were to happen, I'm sure you'd prefer to be fully protected and avoid huge medical bills.
Each country's healthcare system is different, so you may not get certain treatments free of charge as you would in the UK. Therefore, do check the full details for the country you will be visiting to see what is covered. You may have to pay for fees upfront so do make sure you keep any receipts/prescriptions/copies to enable you to make an EHIC claim/insurance claim for reimbursement. You may need to do this before you return back to the UK so check the details thoroughly. The amount of refund offered will depend on the circumstances. In some instances state-provided medical care may not be available and you may be taken to private medical care instead - the EHIC will not cover you for the latter but Travel Insurance is most likely to.
Do not be caught out: There has been instances where people with EHIC have been refused state-provided medical care - this should not happen according to EU Law. If you find yourself being treated abroad, double-check that it is state-provided rather than private as the EHIC may not cover you for this. Also, do not sign anything you do not understand - just be careful.
The EHIC is free of charge when you apply for it via the NHS. Do not use any other sites which claim they can fast-track your application for a fee (sometimes up to £49) - they are fake, fast-track does not exist and it's very unlikely that you'll be able to get a full refund - so be very aware! You do not need to pay for it! It can take up to 10 days to order/receive your card, so allow yourself enough time to apply.
If you have an EHIC - always check the expiry date before travelling (usually valid for 5 years). Whilst on your travels keep the EHIC with you at all times.
In case of emergencies: If you lose or have your EHIC stolen call 0044 191 218 1999 from abroad.
For full details on EHIC check: www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/EHIC/Pages/about-the-ehic.aspx / www.ehic.org.uk
Travel Insurance...
Travel Insurance is a must when travelling abroad. You do not want to have huge bills on your return or be out of pocket whilst you're on your travels. Medical bills can be very high and you may need to pay for these upfront, so it is advisable to get yourself and your family covered against any unforeseen circumstances. Travel Insurance will cover medical costs that the EHIC will not. It can also protect you against the following: Holiday cancellation (due to redundancy/bereavement, etc.), travel delays, medical treatment (sickness/injury/death), replacement of lost/stolen or damaged luggage/money/valuables/passport, delayed travel, personal liability and return transportation to the UK, etc. Do also get yourself and your family extra cover if you are going to partake in sports activities such as skiing/climbing.
You need to be as honest as possible and fill in the correct information when purchasing Travel Insurance. Misinforming the insurers can lead to your policy becoming void altogether. If you buy the wrong policy you may not be covered and will be unprotected if anything were to happen. Make sure you purchase the correct Travel Insurance as it can save you thousands in the long run.
Policies can range from single trips, or annual multi-trip cover as well as a selection of Basic/Bronze, Standard/Silver and Executive/Gold.
You should consider policies which will cover you for: Medical, missed travel, luggage, gadgets (including mobiles) and sports activities. You will need proof/receipts when you make a claim so don't forget to get these. Please note there are many insurers which now insist on customers having an EHIC on top of their insurance policy - they sometimes waive the excess charges if you do.
It is advisable to book your Travel Insurance as soon as you book your travel as it may cover you for any unforeseen circumstances which forces you to cancel your trip before you go off on your travels. Such as illness, redundancy or a death in the family.
You need to be as honest as possible and fill in the correct information when purchasing Travel Insurance. Misinforming the insurers can lead to your policy becoming void altogether. If you buy the wrong policy you may not be covered and will be unprotected if anything were to happen. Make sure you purchase the correct Travel Insurance as it can save you thousands in the long run.
Policies can range from single trips, or annual multi-trip cover as well as a selection of Basic/Bronze, Standard/Silver and Executive/Gold.
You should consider policies which will cover you for: Medical, missed travel, luggage, gadgets (including mobiles) and sports activities. You will need proof/receipts when you make a claim so don't forget to get these. Please note there are many insurers which now insist on customers having an EHIC on top of their insurance policy - they sometimes waive the excess charges if you do.
It is advisable to book your Travel Insurance as soon as you book your travel as it may cover you for any unforeseen circumstances which forces you to cancel your trip before you go off on your travels. Such as illness, redundancy or a death in the family.
Be aware, stay safe = good trip!...
Always be aware of your surroundings and safety at all times. Trust your instincts and don't take any risks. There's nothing worse than losing your belongings but even worse something awful happening to you, your partner or family. Luckily nothing major has ever happened to us on our travels, but maybe it's because we're quite savvy or even a tad paranoid as we're always wary about places, situations and people.
Violence against tourists is rare on the Continent but there has been an increase in fake accidents and fake road blocks forcing you to stop, especially in France.
You should be always be suspicious of anyone flagging you down and distracting you to get you out of the car. This can lead to them grabbing your valuables or even car-jacking your car. Foreign cars are being targetted by gangs who are even acting as Police. It is advisable to keep your valuables with you or out of sight and do most of your driving during the day. You should avoid nighttime driving on the open road when there's much less traffic as it makes you an easy target.
Here are a few other tips to consider to help keep you safe:
1. Don't be an easy target = don't look like a tourist. For example: Looking lost whilst checking a map, carrying a camera around your neck, wandering aimlessly -
not paying attention, carrying a rucksack on your back, not knowing the currency, etc.
2. Don't go bling or wear a thing! Never wear precious/valuable jewellery, especially any with sentimental value. Wear fabulous fashion jewellery instead.
3. Don't flash your cash or your designer handbags/sunglasses, etc.
4. Always keep an eye on your flashy camera equipment.
5. Carry your handbags/small rucksacks forwards towards your chest or across your chest if the straps are long enough, rather than on your back.
6. Wear a money belt to carry your cash/cards/important documents safely and tuck it underneath your clothes. Don't make it easy to unbuckle without you noticing. Also, split the cash and carry only what you need, this way if you lose any, you won't lose it all!
Violence against tourists is rare on the Continent but there has been an increase in fake accidents and fake road blocks forcing you to stop, especially in France.
You should be always be suspicious of anyone flagging you down and distracting you to get you out of the car. This can lead to them grabbing your valuables or even car-jacking your car. Foreign cars are being targetted by gangs who are even acting as Police. It is advisable to keep your valuables with you or out of sight and do most of your driving during the day. You should avoid nighttime driving on the open road when there's much less traffic as it makes you an easy target.
Here are a few other tips to consider to help keep you safe:
1. Don't be an easy target = don't look like a tourist. For example: Looking lost whilst checking a map, carrying a camera around your neck, wandering aimlessly -
not paying attention, carrying a rucksack on your back, not knowing the currency, etc.
2. Don't go bling or wear a thing! Never wear precious/valuable jewellery, especially any with sentimental value. Wear fabulous fashion jewellery instead.
3. Don't flash your cash or your designer handbags/sunglasses, etc.
4. Always keep an eye on your flashy camera equipment.
5. Carry your handbags/small rucksacks forwards towards your chest or across your chest if the straps are long enough, rather than on your back.
6. Wear a money belt to carry your cash/cards/important documents safely and tuck it underneath your clothes. Don't make it easy to unbuckle without you noticing. Also, split the cash and carry only what you need, this way if you lose any, you won't lose it all!
7. Do not become an easy target by placing your wallet in your back trouser pocket - it's easy to grab.
8. Pickpockets work so fast, you won't even realise they've robbed you until it's too late. They sometimes work in pairs/groups - one will distract you whilst the other robs you. Just be aware when speaking to/helping a stranger - yes even children. Beware of people getting too close to you.
9. Carry a fake wallet/purse with you at all times in case you are robbed/mugged. You can then hand this one over instead. Keep a few coins in it (best not to include anything that can identify you).
10. You can be an easy target in hostels as so many people come and go, but it can happen anywhere - even in 5 star hotels. So always lock your valuables/luggage or store it safely away.
11. Never leave your valuables/bags unattended - they'll just be screaming out 'take me'.
12. Do not leave any valuables on the beach/poolside unattended - just don't take them with you.
13. Do not walk alone through dimly lit areas or areas you are not familiar with at night. Always carry your accommodation address with you in case you get lost.
14. Do not leave any valuables in your car and on show. (Eg. mobiles, cameras, sunglasses, etc.)
8. Pickpockets work so fast, you won't even realise they've robbed you until it's too late. They sometimes work in pairs/groups - one will distract you whilst the other robs you. Just be aware when speaking to/helping a stranger - yes even children. Beware of people getting too close to you.
9. Carry a fake wallet/purse with you at all times in case you are robbed/mugged. You can then hand this one over instead. Keep a few coins in it (best not to include anything that can identify you).
10. You can be an easy target in hostels as so many people come and go, but it can happen anywhere - even in 5 star hotels. So always lock your valuables/luggage or store it safely away.
11. Never leave your valuables/bags unattended - they'll just be screaming out 'take me'.
12. Do not leave any valuables on the beach/poolside unattended - just don't take them with you.
13. Do not walk alone through dimly lit areas or areas you are not familiar with at night. Always carry your accommodation address with you in case you get lost.
14. Do not leave any valuables in your car and on show. (Eg. mobiles, cameras, sunglasses, etc.)
15. Use your car security devices - lock your car doors/windows, sun-roof and boot every time you leave your car.
16. Keep your keys with you always - remove your car keys from the ignition and lock your car at petrol stations.
17. Do not leave your original travel/car documents in your car at any time - always keep these with you or carry photocopies instead (especially to the beach).
18. Car crimes are rife in larger cities - be careful where you park and make sure you either park in a secure car park at night or in well lit areas.
19. Report all crime to the Police instantly - where the crime took place. Complete a statement/report as these are required for insurance claims. Report the crime to your insurers as soon as you can.
20. During the summer months the heat can sometimes reach above 40 degrees so do use lotion on a regular basis or cover up. Even if you are just walking about, keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of water and avoid prolonged exposure - sunburn and sunstroke are very common during this time.
21. Summer months can be really hot during the day but it doesn't mean that the nights will be hot too. It can get really cold at night depending on where you are so don't forget to take jumpers/jackets with you when you're out and about.
22. Tap water is safe to drink but the taste is a tad unpleasant in certain areas. It's advisable to drink bottled water.
23. I've watched too many horror stories so am really cautious when we drive and stop off at night at secluded petrol stations and rest areas. I do check our surroundings and also believe that there is safety in numbers so I always insist on parking up where it's busier and where it's well lit.
16. Keep your keys with you always - remove your car keys from the ignition and lock your car at petrol stations.
17. Do not leave your original travel/car documents in your car at any time - always keep these with you or carry photocopies instead (especially to the beach).
18. Car crimes are rife in larger cities - be careful where you park and make sure you either park in a secure car park at night or in well lit areas.
19. Report all crime to the Police instantly - where the crime took place. Complete a statement/report as these are required for insurance claims. Report the crime to your insurers as soon as you can.
20. During the summer months the heat can sometimes reach above 40 degrees so do use lotion on a regular basis or cover up. Even if you are just walking about, keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of water and avoid prolonged exposure - sunburn and sunstroke are very common during this time.
21. Summer months can be really hot during the day but it doesn't mean that the nights will be hot too. It can get really cold at night depending on where you are so don't forget to take jumpers/jackets with you when you're out and about.
22. Tap water is safe to drink but the taste is a tad unpleasant in certain areas. It's advisable to drink bottled water.
23. I've watched too many horror stories so am really cautious when we drive and stop off at night at secluded petrol stations and rest areas. I do check our surroundings and also believe that there is safety in numbers so I always insist on parking up where it's busier and where it's well lit.
Beach safe...
The majority of beaches abroad which are manned display flags. The colours and meanings are as follows:
1. Green = The waters are perfect and are safe for bathing and swimming.
2. Yellow = The waters are OK but not perfect so are not so safe, bathing only and no swimming recommended.
3. Red = The waters are dangerous and unsafe. No bathing or swimming allowed.
4. Chequered Black and White = The beach is temporarily without lifeguard supervision.
1. Green = The waters are perfect and are safe for bathing and swimming.
2. Yellow = The waters are OK but not perfect so are not so safe, bathing only and no swimming recommended.
3. Red = The waters are dangerous and unsafe. No bathing or swimming allowed.
4. Chequered Black and White = The beach is temporarily without lifeguard supervision.
Do's and Don'ts...
1. It is recommended to visit beaches which are manned by lifeguards rather than those which aren't.
2. It is highly recommended you wait over 3 hours to digest a main meal before going for a swim.
3. Be aware of flag meanings.
4. Stop yourself dehydrating by drinking plenty of water and eating light meals.
5. It is recommended to bathe/swim accompanied.
6. It is highly recommended to watch your children at all times and accompany them whilst bathing/swimming.
7. It is recommended to not swim too far out and if you get into trouble call for help.
8. Do not dive into unsafe and unsupervised waters.
9. Do not sit or lay down under rock falling cliffs and be aware of the danger signs (there has been a number of casualties).
10. Do not climb over the safety barriers or get too close to a cliff edge (again there has been a number of casualties).
2. It is highly recommended you wait over 3 hours to digest a main meal before going for a swim.
3. Be aware of flag meanings.
4. Stop yourself dehydrating by drinking plenty of water and eating light meals.
5. It is recommended to bathe/swim accompanied.
6. It is highly recommended to watch your children at all times and accompany them whilst bathing/swimming.
7. It is recommended to not swim too far out and if you get into trouble call for help.
8. Do not dive into unsafe and unsupervised waters.
9. Do not sit or lay down under rock falling cliffs and be aware of the danger signs (there has been a number of casualties).
10. Do not climb over the safety barriers or get too close to a cliff edge (again there has been a number of casualties).
Check out more tips below
Photography: beepbeepeurope
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