The warmest place in the Winter is the Canarian Islands. We went on vacation there in 1999. The same year we moved from Sweden to Tenerife. We get 75% discount when we travel to mainland Spain so we have seen a lot. The language is the key to everything and we are now Spanish citizen’s. We love Spain!
Martin and Helen! Fred Scholey here - great to see you 👍😀 Ive watched loads of these videos from other TH-camrs and thought oh this is just another one... then I thought hang on a minute I know those two! Enjoyed your video, I can't believe we haven't bumped into you as we've been doing similar since 2019 covering more or less the same ground as you mention with our Coachman caravan. We got home mid March this year after 10 weeks visiting Mar Menor, Villajoyosa and Benecassim. We lost our retriever 2 years ago so now we sail to Santander. Chris Thompson has been with us in parts but he has just moved home to southern France. I agree with almost everything you said, on the money front I have a Starling card but First Direct have now eliminated charges, certainly for Europe. I think many other banks have done the same.When we were at Villajoyosa we stayed at Camping El Torres. Nice site but a few too many Germans. I noticed a significant increase in their numbers this year allover. Anyway I need to crack on with my day now I shall be looking at your channel Adios, Fred
Hi Fred , good hear from you, we hope all's well. We're currently in Seville , what a City just about to start the Seville Fair which should be colossal. We dropped into El Torres this year on the way through , lots of huge motorhomes , mainly German registered as you say. Off to Portugal next, heading for Porto, we have another month left on the Schengen Allowance . Then home by boat , we have Pet cabin booked for the Pooch so happy days. Thanks for watching the channel it keeps the beer pot topped up. Our best wishes to you both. Helen and Martin
I really want to commend you both for all the replies you write. Not only the additional information you provide in replies, but the fact that you DO actually reply. Many vloggers don't. And we, the viewers, do appreciate it, gracias. 🙏
Thanks Helen and Martin very interesting. I have subscribed because soon to retire in the UK, we have property in Italy, but also thinking of a motorhome between the two.
Love your videos, plus you’re the only TH-camrs not to sell your soul to promoting products or services you wouldn’t buy yourself . Best motorhome videos on TH-cam.
Hi Stuart , your message made our day , we are chuffed to bits to receive it. Thanks very much indeed for the encouragement, everyone needs it don't they. Best wishes Helen and Martin
Absolutely loved the intro to this Vlog. You could be a voice actor Martin. Great tip about using Google Earth for height barriers. Great bits of insight and advice 😊
First congrats on Englands Round of 16 win tonight - bring on France!!. I was actually 'wild camping' very near Villa Joyosa on Saturday/ Sunday 26th & 27th, staying @ Paradis Beach with another 6 vans or so. Nice place. I watched Spain vs Germany draw in local bar. I know Xabia/Javea much better - if you haven't visited there, highly recommend. Wishing you an enjoyable continuation towards Portugal. Thanks for the excellent content!!
Hi Brian , France looms with trepidation , they look good don't they. Harry McGuire v Kylian Mbappé is a worry despite Harry playing better. But enough football , if we get knocked out we have our Spain hats and we'll mix with the crowd. We like Xabia/Javea , that's the best bit of the Costa isn't it , round as far as Calpe maybe. Thanks very much for watching and taking the time to message , best wishes Helen and Martin
Thanks guys , it’s been a great trip so far. A little bit of rain first thing this morning but clearing now. Hope you both are well , best wishes Helen and Martin .
Great post, I subscribed to your channel purely because you gave some really good and straight forward advice. Looking forward to more posts and content.
Hi thanks very much for your comments and for subscribing, we really appreciate it. We do wonder whether we are being helpful or not so it's good to get some feedback. Best wishes Helen and Martin
Just stumbled on your channel. By coincidence I was in Vilajoiosa on the 24th. Love the colourful houses and beautiful beaches. Was in Summer clothes, now freezing in minus temperatures back in the UK. Looking forward to returning in January where I have a holiday home outside el Campello. Good luck with your travels.
Hi Moria , thanks for watching we love Villajoyosa , a nice place to visit but the tram means that much rest Costa Blanca is easily accessible. We have moved on now and are down in Malaga where we had a storm yesterday but it’s clearing now. Best wishes Martin and Helen
Hi both, really enjoyed this video, the photography and videography was beautiful! So glad you are enjoying your experience in Spain and what a great time of year to be in Europe! Some great info there too. Safe travels XxRR
Hi guys great to hear from you , we are having a good time thanks not as busy as you guys, wow - just watching you has us reaching for the wine. You don't hang about do you. Were at Murcia but moving off tomorrow. Thanks for watching and commenting best wishes H and M
Christmas day on the beach🤣, we were in Marbella last Christmas and it rained all day 24th and 25th. At Carboneras now but off to Marbella in the morning for a second try
Ah the unpredictability of the weather, let’s hope this year is better, although it’s raining Andalusia this morning 😂. Thanks for watching Merry Christmas Helen and Martin
We are planning our first Europe trip this year and have viewed and subscribed to several channels but think yours is by far the best. You are both naturals in front of the camera, it is beautifully filmed and full of cultural information on some wonderful locations. My wife is convinced Martin must be related to Lee Mack as you sound just like him! A winter trip to Spain is certainly on our wish list.
Hi Anthony we are overwhelmed with this comment , thank you so much it makes the effort worthwhile. We are sure you will love Europe in your motorhome . Please don't hesitate to give us a shout if we can help with further information . Our contact links are on our webpage here vanwolfphotography.uk/contact . Many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Best wishes Helen and Martin
Hi Helen and Martin and Co. ie your Dog 😊 Just stumbled across your Channel. Very informative. I've enjoyed the Costa Blanca . We were there this year. In Torrevieja. It's nice to get ideas of places to go along that stretch of coast. Looking forward to reviewing your previous videos. I enjoy getting the experience of people who actually have been to an area. Thanks again great video , From Ireland.
Hi thanks for getting in touch and for your kind comments. Seasons greetings to you in Ireland , the land of our Grandfather. Best wishes Helen and Martin
I literally just happened upon Your channel. It somehow coincides with the present albeit freezing temperatures here in Cornwall. It was an absolute delight to have discovered Helen & Martin's Treks here. I hit 60 in October, and I am finding the English Winters ever harder to cope with. Have previously considered purchasing a motorhome. I don't believe I have ever felt such a driving force to actually do something. Thank You both so very much. I will certainly be viewing other episodes of Your Treks.
Hi Charles , welcome to the Channel and thanks very much for watching. We are really pleased to hear you found it useful. We find motorhome ownership empowering and we like you find the lack of light in the winter hard to bear. It’s much easier to move around with a motorhome in most of Europe and we love it. All the best Helen and Martin
@@helenandmartinsTreks Thank You so much! I have a pressing desire to both see feel, and hopefully photograph many European destinations, too many to mention here. Life moves on at such a pace, and You believe there is always another Tomorrow. I struggle with the low levels of natural light these Winter Months. I often work in a big tin shed with zero heating. I honestly don't feel as if I can take much more of this. This feeling grows ever stronger as my general sense of wellbeing lowers throughout the English Winter. Many thanks for Your joint generosity in sharing Your experiences here. I have a great deal to listen to and learn. May You Both have a truly magical Christmas as You Trek along. Big Thanks from Cornwall.
So interesting many of you talking about hating British winters. An English friend of mine of around 75ish says he feels his life is slipping away as he, waits inside for better weather. I'm South Africa, have spent 7 years in UK now, just bought our first motorhome, and am seriously thinking of exactly the same. Winter in Spain PLEASE! Thanks, Helen and Martin. Love your videos. You interact so well. Much appreciate all the info. Adios. 🤗
Very good advice. I would only add that Costa Tropical, which is east of Malaga, also has excellent winter tempertures. Its a narrow area on the coast facing south with hills or mountains behind so is well protected from winds.
@@helenandmartinsTreks have you camped in or around Mojacar? We have been told this is a great place for winter sun and very reasonable price wise, loved the video and agree with others you are the best we have come across for information as we are also new to motorhome travel so many thanks !!
@@Valerie-x5h Hi, thanks for your kind comments. Mojacar town itself is a lovely place, but the wider area appears a little barren in comparison to other regions. It really depends on what you're looking for. To be honest, we're not massive fans of Almería. We would probably recommend pushing on to Malaga as a closer option. It's not that we have much negative to say about Almeria (Mojacar is in the Almeria region); it just wouldn't be our choice. We prefer the coast between Valencia and Cartagena because there's so much to do. However, wider Andalusia offers lots of options, such as visiting Granada and the Islamic Palaces, etc. The Costa Blanca is still our favorite for winter sun, with Malaga being a close second in terms of things to do. Nerja, situated between Malaga and Mojacar, is a good option if you do want to be in that region. In terms of overall winter temperatures, there is little difference, but the southeast and east are more consistent. Here is an article you might find interesting. Hope that helps, thanks for watching, and best wishes in your new motorhome. Helen and Martin thespaintravelguru.com/warmest-places-in-spain-in-winter/
What an excellent reply Helen and Martin. So very informative. I've made notes!! And will definitely look at the article. It's all been such useful information. It would take ages to find it out from on our own travels. Thank you so much! Bravo. 👌👏
With Starling and Revolute you can keep euros on same account and exchange when rates are good .If pay in euros will take money from the euro wallet on account. I exchanged when it was €1.20
Thanks for answering our question about languages, as we are new to the motorhome life there are many things to learn but so many opportunities to see and do new things. Your vlogs are inspiring us to do this and it is appreciated you share your experiences so us and others can benefit. Chris and Lynne
Hi guys , that's just great to hear the videos are helpful thanks for letting us know. We pretty sure you'll enjoy the lifestyle everyday is different. Thanks for watching all the best Helen and Martin
Hi good morning , no not specifically we driven passed it quite a few times. So many places to go in Spain isn't there , maybe will in the new year. Thanks for watching Helen and martin
Hi. Just found your channel. Great information thanks. Looking to do my first travel abroad next year in my autosleeper kingham, so gonna check out some of your old videos 😊
Hi Nick thanks for joining us , exciting times ahead then for you , it's a great way to travel. Hopefully you'll find some other videos that will be useful to you. All the very best Helen and Martin
Hi guys , fantastic to hear from you, it's blowing a hoolie at the moment in Malaga and the power on the site is teetering on the brink , good job we are self sufficient. Not cold though thankfully. Hope you guys are keeping well , thanks every so much for watching, we often wonder whether we doing any good. Best wishes and seasonal greetings Helen and Martin.
Hi guys , thanks for watching , we think its pretty good out here and only feel restricted by the travel rules now , otherwise we would spend as much time out here as possible. Climate , culture and people are amazing. All the best , Helen and Martin.
Loved the video so thanks for that. We are currently in Peniscola and working our way down towards Valencia, Alicante and onwards. Thinking about Christmas and wondered where you would recommend. We were thinking Malaga but it’s our first time so you probably have a better idea.
Hi Simon thanks for watching our video , we like Malaga and stay at the Malaga Beach Area when we visit. It's an aire that's a bit quirky but it's not a site and we haven't spent Christmas there. We're heading to Portugal but if we were staying in Spain for Christmas we would settle for somewhere between Denia and Calpe on that coast - we have a previous video about Calpe, north of Benidorm but quite different. Just our choice but we like do Malaga as a place and by no means think that it is a bad idea in fact probably a good option. Might be worth booking somewhere for Christmas either way. Hope that helps . best wishes Helen and Martin
Hi Martin and Helen, we haven’t been down to Spain for 3 years for various reasons but it seems we have the same taste in location. Calpe, Javea, Mazarron-have you tried the site on the beach at Oliva?-we always seem to spend at least 5 days there. Enjoy your travels.
Hi John we certainly do have the same tastes but we haven't stayed the beach at Oliva yet, we'll make a note of that, thanks very much and thanks for watching. Best wishes Helen and Martin
Morning, what is the name of the beach site you stay at I am new to motorhome camping and just saw your comment and as we are planning to travel the Costa Blanca its always nice to go to places that are recommended. Kind Regards
Oooh thanks for the hint about ATM charges. I was quite startled by the proposed €7 charge for €40 withdrawal so this was a timely video! We’ve been heading toward Seville and chasing the sunshine makes good sense too.
I've got a flat just down the coast from you in Santiago de la ribera, fantastic area. I agree with Valencia being top city, we love it there! Also, fav beach is El Portent, just north of you. Have fun!
Hi thanks for getting for in touch , Spain's great isn't it. We'll stay all winter if we could but 90 days it is. Thanks for watching , best wishes Helen and Martin
Hi Paul , thanks for watching much appreciated , hope we came across as trying to be helpful rather than presenting ourselves as being 'experts'. Every day is still a school day for us. Best wishes Helen and Martin
It's a yearly average Daniel . It doesn't reach the highs of the Costa de Sol , but is more sheltered in winter which is the subject of the video of course. The source is the Spanish Weather Service. Thanks for watching Helen and Martin
Very informative video guys. Thanks for sharing. Karen & I will be spending Christmas & New Year in Florida and then get back to traveling in our van once we get back to the UK. Have a great Christmas when it comes around and Happy & safe travels in 2023.
Hi guys enjoy Florida , we used to go to Naples (Florida) every year playing golf fabulous place. H was/is a bandit of course typically able to turn her hand to most things. Hope you have a great Christmas , best wishes Helen and Martin
Perfect informative vlog both. We will definitely check out the website and great tip about 6th January Three Kings Festivals we didn't know that. Ste said he's surprised you've got a wallet being a Yorkshireman 🤣💜x
Oh I have a wallet alright , it's just like in a special place where no one can find it. 😂😂😂. The festivals are lovely right up to Christmas and the Spanish really throw themselves into it . Great people , i think they are like Northerners really , on the outside not to be messed with , but inside hearts as big as saucers . Not long now guys , get through France to the sunshine - be well , be strong Helen and Martin
Hi Guys..... can I ask what route you took after staying in Bordeaux, in France, through to Spain ? We are just confused what route to take in the winter.... thank you your vlogs are very informative
Hi Guys , this is a question we get asked a lot. There are a number of routes but weather is the issue and altitude doesn't help. The most predictable route weather wise in winter is to stay West ,on the A63 in France (it's a Toll Road I know this depends on your attitude to tolls), down towards San Sebastian , I'm presuming you're heading for the Costa Blanca or at least the East Coast take the AP 15 , round Pamplona , Zaragoza and across to the coast. There is an Aire at Tervuel if you need it, its free and spot on for a safe overnight. There are other routes over the Central Masif etc , but it's cold and the weather can be poor as you come over the mountains. We've done it and we didn't gain anything and it was a little icy in places. Unless the weather is very mild I would go the West Coast and would leave it to a last minute call if I was considering taking the other routes. There are other factors that effect peoples thinking of course , 4 x 4 vehicles , winter tyres mitigate but won't help if they shut the route. We tend to travel straight and quick through France to get to the sun , as we both drive, the France Toll Roads are direct and in good condition so we take a hit on the cost in return for the time savings and hammer down West as quick as permissible. Have a great time in Spain , we'll be heading there mid February when our Ban runs out ( We have run out of days ). This is blog I wrote that might help www.helenandmartinsmotorhometreks.uk/blog/which-way-through-france . Best wishes Helen and Martin
Just subscribed, great, we are caravanners and don’t have the freedom as motorhomers have. We can’t stay on these free Aires either so more expensive for us. Any tips you have picked up from caravanners?
Good morning and thanks for subscribing to the channel , we are ex caravaners and last came to Spain via France with a caravan in 2018.It's not as easy as in a motorhome to get there , especially if you thinking of winter sun but once there and set up it's worth the effort. The flexibility of having the car and space of a van and awning is still something we miss. A lot depends on the time of year you want to travel and where you want to go. You can message us with specifics with pleasure, contact links both email option and social media direct messaging options of choice are available via our website. ACSI is worth it , especially if you're travelling out of peak season and the book and app show you where the sites are. Let us know if we can help further , happy travels Helen and Martin.
Talking about LPG is that the bottles or the pumped LPG system or both? We have just enjoyed 6 weeks based in Orba, Costa Blanca but can relate to everywhere you have mentioned, we to love ESPANIA have been coming since 2016. However we are new to motorhomes so I find your videos so helpful.
Hi Hazel thanks for watching , we have refillable LPG and find is much easier than sourcing Spanish bottles which have done previously it does require a different pigtail though. Hope you are enjoying your motorhome , best wishes and happy travels Helen and Martin
Very informative guys. could you give us some information on accessing data for phone usage and or roaming charges. In essence, how do you go about setting it all up. Laura
Hi guys - there are several ways of doing it , it depends of course on how much data you will need. You can still get deals with EE with a roaming pass . You can also get a local SIM National card - we are running a combination of an EE card which gives us 200GB with roaming included and a Vodaphone Spain Local SIM. We are heavy users so the EE card isn't enough . The thing to watch for is that many of the UK providers have an acceptable fair usage cap in Europe . Vodaphone cap at 25 GB and Three at 12GB . These are bad options for travellers . If you are locked into a contract in the UK with this Fair Usage Policy I would suggest that a local SIM card could work for you. You just walk into a phone shop and buy one over here. They will ask you for a passport as ID but otherwise it's an easy process. I have just bought a Vodaphone Espania 190GB card in Spain which lasts a month and includes roaming though out Europe and the UK strangely. It cost €30. You simply insert the card and punch in the code they give you. I can't recommend these , but I have seen an advert for a company called Poppit recently I was going to do some research when I got back to the UK. www.popitmobile.co.uk/plans . Hope that helps Thanks for watching Helen and Martin
Hi thanks very much for your kind comments and for watching , we really appreciate it. Here is the link to the blog - www.helenandmartinsmotorhometreks.uk/blog/which-way-through-france Best wishes Helen and Martin
Hi thanks very much for your kind comments and for watching , we really appreciate it. Here is the link to the blog - www.helenandmartinsmotorhometreks.uk/blog/which-way-through-france Best wishes Helen and Martin
Hi Helen and Martin really enjoying your channel as always. We are heading to France and Spain in May this year 2023 but we have a Citron Berlingo camping car. Do you think we will be alright using the Aires or are they just for vans and motorhomes. Also we have the Crit-air sticker for France but having difficulty applying for the Spanish sticker. Can we do this from the UK and how do we do it?! Or can it be applied for at a post office in Spain? Any help you may be able to offer would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks Andrea and And Beesley😄😄🚗
Good morning , hope you are well. The emissions zones are a new and emerging thing in Spain with the exception of Barcelona and Madrid, so you are right to scanning the horizon. My understanding is that you can't currently get a sticker for a non Spanish vehicle , but the good news is that they recognise the Crit Aire or other EU nation sticker. Evidence of a united Europe in action 😁. Spain and France aren't difficult in relation to Green Zones , especially if you gave a Crit Aire. Northern Europe is more difficult and we have a paid app called Green Zones which breaks down each nations cities etc. Just in case you travel further. Here is a couple of links you might find useful - sede.dgt.gob.es/es/vehiculos/distintivo-ambiental/equivalencia-distintivo-ambiental-ue.shtml# and www.medvillaspain.co.uk/en/noticias/environmental-zones-environmental-vignettes-in-spain-122.html . Thanks for watching the channel best wishes Helen and Martin
Oh forgot the question about aires they are for all Camping Cars so you should be fine. They are specific about that France but more liberal in Spain we saw some caravans on them in Spain. Have you been before with a Camper , if not we have a FAQ's section on our website where we have listed the questions people have asked us to help first timers vanwolfphotography.uk/latest-tour
Hi Guys - just come across your channel and think the content is great. Jill and I are just retiring and planning a couple of months in our Motorhome from about mid September. The idea would be to take our time heading south but then spend a few weeks around Costa Blanca. Are there any particular sites you would recommend in the area and including Villajoyosa?
Hi guys good to hear from you. Two good options at Villajoyosa , Camping El Torres and Alicante Imperium. We think El Torres wins just simply as it’s quieter at night , but we would definitely use either and do. You can catch the Tram from Villajoyosa all the way along the Costa Blanca it’s a good place if you want to base yourself somewhere and explore. There’s quiet a bit of video in the back catalogue for this area. Let me know if we can help further . Best wishes Helen and Martin
Hi guys thanks for watching , glad you found it interesting. We are not full time , quite anyway. We have downsized property wise after taking a year out and touring in Europe between houses. It's not something we want to do for various reasons, we travel 6 months of the year in Europe and then in the UK in between. The property we have future proofs us for old age , or at least that's the plan, a project for the next decade rather than this one , God willing. Best wishes Helen and Martin
@@helenandmartinsTreks Thank you for your message we really appreciate your honesty, we are part time van lifers, but who knows where the future holds! Looking forward to your videos, very enjoyable. Have a lovely Xmas 🎄 Best wishes Dunc and Bev xx
@@helenandmartinsTreksI find that a fascinating outlook guys. We just bought our first motorhome in February, did a 16 week tour to Siciktly, Greece and back via the, Balkans. I'm hooked! But the garden was a mess! 😢 I'm 69, wife of nearly 50byears is 68, and I feel exactly the same about doing more van life now while we can health wise, courage wise, and inclination to be frank. Future proofing and downsizing sounds SO sensible. Makes me think. Perhaps take the coming winter in Spain to ponder. Fortunately we have EU citizenship so 90 days isn't an issue. But the missus may impose it! 😂 Enjoying reading all the comments. Who needs normal TV? Be well in your travels and thanks again. Julian
@@julian-1955 It's hard to judge how the seasons of life will flow isn't it , you can only do what you think is right for you and yours I think . What ever you decide best wishes you , wishing you many years of happy travelling . Helen and Martin
Hi, A fairly general question about sites and Aires in the South of Spain. We will be using our 90 days through Oct, Nov, Dec to tour along the southern coast. How busy do the sites get and is it necessary to book?. We are not really interested in large commercial sites with 100's of pitches.
Hi John , as a general rule providing you don't arrive too late , you won't need to book the Camper Stops at that time of your. We have a general rule of arriving on the park ups by 3pm . That doesn't mean that you will always have a problem after that time but when we have ever had problems it's always been when we have arrived after tea time. Also extra care is needed on Spanish Public Holidays which vary region by region and of course Christmas. If you are planning on going to Malaga , we recommend Area Malaga beach which I would recommend you book - it's outside of Malaga itself but has a lovely cycle way to the City or of course you can catch a bus . It is very popular though and this is the website address www.areamalagabeach.com/en/. We have another video here on this link. th-cam.com/video/1cTG3g2OFgA/w-d-xo.html . Hope that's helpful , if we can help further give us a shout. Best wishes H and M
Hi fantastic vidvjust trying to search the beach destination you recommended but struggling to find it. Could you possibly write it from me. Heading in the camper in Jan for 3 months
Hi there thanks very much for watching - I think you mean the beach at Praia do Mar de Fóra on the West of Spain , it will be cold in January though we were there last week in April. It's t 6.29 mins in this video th-cam.com/video/a8RY5BQ--UI/w-d-xo.htmlsi=a71MZkiC_1BBZagV . This is the precise what three words locations - it's a very quiet beautiful beach if you're passing that why, especially in the eventing. ///moonlight.objectivity.unplanned
Hi, I've just subscribed to your fantastic channel and appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experiences. Could you let me know what drone you use. Thanks, John.
Hi John thanks for watching, subscribing and commenting we really appreciate , I use a couple of drones DJI make , one sub 250kgs and one larger . Not sure whether you have knowledge of how drone law works but the sizes matter in terms of what you can do with them and the training required. Best wishes Helen and Martin
@@helenandmartinsTreks Thanks for the reply. I had considered the DJI Mini 2 to take on my motor home and hiking adventures. Is it one you would recommend?
Really informative. Thank you. We don’t have refillable gas in our motorhome but two 11kg bottles. I had read that we could buy an adapter and pigtail then source a Spanish bottle from a site. Do you know if this is possible? We stay on sites so could potentially just use electric for heating and fridge - is electric on sites very expensive? We are thinking of staying around a month in Spain.
Hi Lizzie - We have refillable LPG , but previously we did travel with two full bottles of propane from home and then bought a local gas bottle from the site. The pigtail is the same as a butane bottle (blue bottle) in the UK from memory but I am reaching back to 2017 here. The problem I remember was that the Gas bottles sold on the site where to big to go in the cabinet on a previous van but if you have room from two 11kg I think you should be ok. On a site we have just left we were charged 37 cents a Kilowatt and this amounted to £2.45 a day. We are heavy users and ran everything on electric so it's hard to imagine it could have cost us any more. We did shower and wash up in the facilities block otherwise it was all through the van. We stayed for a month here so didn't want to keep running off site to fill the LPG , but if we had been staying for a shorter period we would have run the heating on mixed fuel . Hope that helps - it is otherwise cheaper here food and drink wise so it off sets the cost a bit. Best wishes , happy travels and thanks for watching. Helen and Martin
Hi guys , varies trip to trip of course , but we normally only drive three hours a day on moving days and we reckon that a tank of diesel will last two moving days. (there's usually some spare) . We set our diesel budget and move accordingly to stay within in it, if that makes sense. We have also learned to position ourselves near to places that are a transport hub, where we can maximise the public transport . On one occasion we left the van on a secure site , caught the fast train to Madrid and Air BNB it for a couple of nights, much cheaper than the diesel and parking charges for example. You're only limited by your imagination and diesel prices right. We don't have a figure for this trip yet , especially as the prices are up and down and the government subsidies here end in January. Happy to share though when I get around to it. Best wishes Helen and Martin
Hi Jane , thanks for messaging us . The truth is it drives us bonkers , we used to be able to come for 5 months but unless we drop into Morocco for a month , 90 days it is in winter . The new Animal Health Certificates only last 4 months in any case. The Shengen area is growing to , Croatia having just been admitted. However way you look at it , you have to want to go to the places that are out side the zone and that involves personal choice of course. We are law abiding and play within the rules but the strange thing is that we are more frustrated by the rolling 180 than the 90 day max. We can live with the 3 months , but we don't want to travel in summer in Europe , it's too hot (our dog) and it's the school holidays so that has be factored in which complicates the rolling 180 further. We have come to the conclusion on this trip that we are going to do rolling 2 month tours instead of the two 3 month tours like we have done this year. We've all got to adapt I guess in a way that suits us individually. I hope that answers your question. Have a lovely Christmas Helen and Martin
Hi Noel , thanks for watching . In answer to your question we do obey it. It’s a pain and of course there are options to go out of the Schengen area, but it has to be somewhere we want to travel to. In truth the 90 day bit isn’t the issue it’s the rolling 180 that causes us the angst. Best wishes Helen and Martin
My mother used to say Clap Trap was another of our languages , used primarily when trying to avoid the slipper . 😂😂😂. If only there were more women like her left in the world . Best wishes and thanks for watching. ( Not sure if Clap Trap is a Yorkshire expression - does it travel ?)
French like you to try to speak French so they can pretend not to understand you LOL. Tell The Travel Trolls where to find an authentic Paella so they wont really like it, and leave it all. Winter in Spain is wonderful.
Hi Jeff, thanks for watching . We do like a bit of Paella , especially the Rabbit Paella in the Valencia region . We agree 💯 percent re wintering in Spain 🇪🇸. We been coming since 2017 and haven’t been disappointed yet. Best wishes Helen and Martin.
@@psusanwestlake5510 - Hi Susan , the Spanish Gov have asked the Schengen Area authorities to look at it , but it can't act independently short of issuing formal visa's which cover Spain only. Both Spain and Portugal are in favour of extending the 90 day limit or making exemptions to the rule for the UK. The UK could of course apply to join the Schengen area , EU membership is not a requirement , but at the moment there is no sign that they will. But back to Spain a formal request has been made, but it requires unanimous backing of all the members. This week they voted in Croatia but on the basis of a single objection from Austria, Bulgaria and Romania were not permitted entry. It's complicated and may take some time but lets hope Spain succeeds. Thanks for commenting Helen and Martin
@@helenandmartinsTreks thanks so much for the detailed reply. A rare chanel, so pleased I found you. Perhaos you could help if you have time. I am thinking of camping car next year and if you know of a singles group I would be most grateful. I am resident in France want to travel europe but diabetic pooch means no hotels so mobile mini home is the answer. Thanks again
@@psusanwestlake5510 Hi Susan I am sorry but I can't help you that , perhaps there is a facebook group. We wish you well in your travels. Helen and Martin
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The warmest place in the Winter is the Canarian Islands. We went on vacation there in 1999. The same year we moved from Sweden to Tenerife. We get 75% discount when we travel to mainland Spain so we have seen a lot. The language is the key to everything and we are now Spanish citizen’s. We love Spain!
Hi , we love the Canaries , played golf on most of them. Thanks for watching and commenting , we love Spain to. Helen and Martin
Martin and Helen! Fred Scholey here - great to see you 👍😀 Ive watched loads of these videos from other TH-camrs and thought oh this is just another one... then I thought hang on a minute I know those two! Enjoyed your video, I can't believe we haven't bumped into you as we've been doing similar since 2019 covering more or less the same ground as you mention with our Coachman caravan. We got home mid March this year after 10 weeks visiting Mar Menor, Villajoyosa and Benecassim. We lost our retriever 2 years ago so now we sail to Santander. Chris Thompson has been with us in parts but he has just moved home to southern France. I agree with almost everything you said, on the money front I have a Starling card but First Direct have now eliminated charges, certainly for Europe. I think many other banks have done the same.When we were at Villajoyosa we stayed at Camping El Torres. Nice site but a few too many Germans. I noticed a significant increase in their numbers this year allover. Anyway I need to crack on with my day now I shall be looking at your channel
Adios, Fred
Hi Fred , good hear from you, we hope all's well. We're currently in Seville , what a City just about to start the Seville Fair which should be colossal. We dropped into El Torres this year on the way through , lots of huge motorhomes , mainly German registered as you say. Off to Portugal next, heading for Porto, we have another month left on the Schengen Allowance . Then home by boat , we have Pet cabin booked for the Pooch so happy days. Thanks for watching the channel it keeps the beer pot topped up. Our best wishes to you both. Helen and Martin
I really want to commend you both for all the replies you write. Not only the additional information you provide in replies, but the fact that you DO actually reply. Many vloggers don't. And we, the viewers, do appreciate it, gracias. 🙏
Thanks very much for your kind words , that's good of you and thanks for watching. Best wishes Helen and Martin
Got to love Spain 🇪🇸
This is the first of your videos , excellent info will follow upOn the rest thank you 🇮🇪
Thanks for watching , hope you find them helpful. Best wishes Helen and Martin
Impressed, that was quick
Thanks Helen and Martin very interesting. I have subscribed because soon to retire in the UK, we have property in Italy, but also thinking of a motorhome between the two.
That sounds like a great plan , the best of both worlds we wish you every happiness. Thanks for watching and subscribing Helen and Martin .
Love your videos, plus you’re the only TH-camrs not to sell your soul to promoting products or services you wouldn’t buy yourself . Best motorhome videos on TH-cam.
Hi Stuart , your message made our day , we are chuffed to bits to receive it. Thanks very much indeed for the encouragement, everyone needs it don't they. Best wishes Helen and Martin
This really is a great informative video guys. Thank you 👌
Thanks Andy, it's nice of you to say so. Best wishes and thanks for watching. Helen and Martin
Absolutely loved the intro to this Vlog. You could be a voice actor Martin. Great tip about using Google Earth for height barriers. Great bits of insight and advice 😊
Cheers guys Merry Christmas to you both. H and M
First congrats on Englands Round of 16 win tonight - bring on France!!. I was actually 'wild camping' very near Villa Joyosa on Saturday/ Sunday 26th & 27th, staying @ Paradis Beach with another 6 vans or so. Nice place. I watched Spain vs Germany draw in local bar. I know Xabia/Javea much better - if you haven't visited there, highly recommend. Wishing you an enjoyable continuation towards Portugal. Thanks for the excellent content!!
Hi Brian , France looms with trepidation , they look good don't they. Harry McGuire v Kylian Mbappé is a worry despite Harry playing better. But enough football , if we get knocked out we have our Spain hats and we'll mix with the crowd. We like Xabia/Javea , that's the best bit of the Costa isn't it , round as far as Calpe maybe. Thanks very much for watching and taking the time to message , best wishes Helen and Martin
Really enjoyed that vlog once again and very informative. Keep up the good work you 2 and have a great time
Thanks ever so much guys , that's really encouraging we really appreciate you watching and commenting . Best wishes Helen and Martin
I haven't caught up, but seeing your videos about this Spain trip. Very good work. 👍
Hi , thanks for watching and your kind comments , we a really appreciate them. Best wishes Helen and Martin.
Fabulous video, great tips and wonderful footage. Weather still looking good too. ATB Dave & Helen 👍
Thanks guys , it’s been a great trip so far. A little bit of rain first thing this morning but clearing now. Hope you both are well , best wishes Helen and Martin .
Great post, I subscribed to your channel purely because you gave some really good and straight forward advice. Looking forward to more posts and content.
Hi thanks very much for your comments and for subscribing, we really appreciate it. We do wonder whether we are being helpful or not so it's good to get some feedback. Best wishes Helen and Martin
Just stumbled on your channel. By coincidence I was in Vilajoiosa on the 24th. Love the colourful houses and beautiful beaches. Was in Summer clothes, now freezing in minus temperatures back in the UK. Looking forward to returning in January where I have a holiday home outside el Campello. Good luck with your travels.
Hi Moria , thanks for watching we love Villajoyosa , a nice place to visit but the tram means that much rest Costa Blanca is easily accessible. We have moved on now and are down in Malaga where we had a storm yesterday but it’s clearing now. Best wishes Martin and Helen
Hi both, really enjoyed this video, the photography and videography was beautiful! So glad you are enjoying your experience in Spain and what a great time of year to be in Europe! Some great info there too. Safe travels XxRR
Hi guys great to hear from you , we are having a good time thanks not as busy as you guys, wow - just watching you has us reaching for the wine. You don't hang about do you. Were at Murcia but moving off tomorrow. Thanks for watching and commenting best wishes H and M
Christmas day on the beach🤣, we were in Marbella last Christmas and it rained all day 24th and 25th. At Carboneras now but off to Marbella in the morning for a second try
Ah the unpredictability of the weather, let’s hope this year is better, although it’s raining Andalusia this morning 😂. Thanks for watching Merry Christmas Helen and Martin
We are planning our first Europe trip this year and have viewed and subscribed to several channels but think yours is by far the best. You are both naturals in front of the camera, it is beautifully filmed and full of cultural information on some wonderful locations. My wife is convinced Martin must be related to Lee Mack as you sound just like him! A winter trip to Spain is certainly on our wish list.
Hi Anthony we are overwhelmed with this comment , thank you so much it makes the effort worthwhile. We are sure you will love Europe in your motorhome . Please don't hesitate to give us a shout if we can help with further information . Our contact links are on our webpage here vanwolfphotography.uk/contact . Many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Best wishes Helen and Martin
PS - Martin sadly is not related to Lee Mack , shame really we could perhaps get tickets to Would I lie to you .
Hi Helen and Martin and Co. ie your Dog 😊 Just stumbled across your Channel. Very informative. I've enjoyed the Costa Blanca . We were there this year. In Torrevieja. It's nice to get ideas of places to go along that stretch of coast. Looking forward to reviewing your previous videos. I enjoy getting the experience of people who actually have been to an area. Thanks again great video , From Ireland.
Hi thanks for getting in touch and for your kind comments. Seasons greetings to you in Ireland , the land of our Grandfather. Best wishes Helen and Martin
@@helenandmartinsTreks Ah your grandad was Irish. I knew there was a reason why I liked your channel 😁. Hasta lluego.n
I literally just happened upon Your channel. It somehow coincides with the present albeit freezing temperatures here in Cornwall. It was an absolute delight to have discovered Helen & Martin's Treks here. I hit 60 in October, and I am finding the English Winters ever harder to cope with. Have previously considered purchasing a motorhome. I don't believe I have ever felt such a driving force to actually do something. Thank You both so very much. I will certainly be viewing other episodes of Your Treks.
Hi Charles , welcome to the Channel and thanks very much for watching. We are really pleased to hear you found it useful. We find motorhome ownership empowering and we like you find the lack of light in the winter hard to bear. It’s much easier to move around with a motorhome in most of Europe and we love it. All the best Helen and Martin
@@helenandmartinsTreks Thank You so much! I have a pressing desire to both see feel, and hopefully photograph many European destinations, too many to mention here. Life moves on at such a pace, and You believe there is always another Tomorrow. I struggle with the low levels of natural light these Winter Months. I often work in a big tin shed with zero heating. I honestly don't feel as if I can take much more of this. This feeling grows ever stronger as my general sense of wellbeing lowers throughout the English Winter. Many thanks for Your joint generosity in sharing Your experiences here. I have a great deal to listen to and learn. May You Both have a truly magical Christmas as You Trek along. Big Thanks from Cornwall.
Also in cold Cornwall and hating British winters!!❄🌧
@@cariesauzepaintings7117 Hi Carie - we completely understand - best wishes Helen and Martin
So interesting many of you talking about hating British winters. An English friend of mine of around 75ish says he feels his life is slipping away as he, waits inside for better weather. I'm South Africa, have spent 7 years in UK now, just bought our first motorhome, and am seriously thinking of exactly the same. Winter in Spain PLEASE! Thanks, Helen and Martin. Love your videos. You interact so well. Much appreciate all the info. Adios. 🤗
Very good advice. I would only add that Costa Tropical, which is east of Malaga, also has excellent winter tempertures. Its a narrow area on the coast facing south with hills or mountains behind so is well protected from winds.
Hi Robert thanks for watching , we're heading that we way now as it happens . We do like that bit of the country. Best wishes Helen and Martin
@@helenandmartinsTreks have you camped in or around Mojacar? We have been told this is a great place for winter sun and very reasonable price wise, loved the video and agree with others you are the best we have come across for information as we are also new to motorhome travel so many thanks !!
@@Valerie-x5h
Hi, thanks for your kind comments. Mojacar town itself is a lovely place, but the wider area appears a little barren in comparison to other regions. It really depends on what you're looking for. To be honest, we're not massive fans of Almería. We would probably recommend pushing on to Malaga as a closer option. It's not that we have much negative to say about Almeria (Mojacar is in the Almeria region); it just wouldn't be our choice. We prefer the coast between Valencia and Cartagena because there's so much to do. However, wider Andalusia offers lots of options, such as visiting Granada and the Islamic Palaces, etc.
The Costa Blanca is still our favorite for winter sun, with Malaga being a close second in terms of things to do. Nerja, situated between Malaga and Mojacar, is a good option if you do want to be in that region. In terms of overall winter temperatures, there is little difference, but the southeast and east are more consistent. Here is an article you might find interesting.
Hope that helps, thanks for watching, and best wishes in your new motorhome.
Helen and Martin
thespaintravelguru.com/warmest-places-in-spain-in-winter/
many thanks for the information @@helenandmartinsTreks
What an excellent reply Helen and Martin. So very informative. I've made notes!! And will definitely look at the article. It's all been such useful information. It would take ages to find it out from on our own travels. Thank you so much! Bravo. 👌👏
Great vlog, although guess we had better find something for 6th January now 🤣🤣🤣
It's great and it's great fun to see it celebrated. Thanks for watching , we very much appreciate it. Best wishes and safe travels Helen and Martin
With Starling and Revolute you can keep euros on same account and exchange when rates are good .If pay in euros will take money from the euro wallet on account. I exchanged when it was €1.20
Hi thanks that's really interesting , thanks for sharing , the power of social media in action. Thanks for watching to , best wishes Helen and Martin
Cute couple..
Thanks for answering our question about languages, as we are new to the motorhome life there are many things to learn but so many opportunities to see and do new things. Your vlogs are inspiring us to do this and it is appreciated you share your experiences so us and others can benefit. Chris and Lynne
Hi guys , that's just great to hear the videos are helpful thanks for letting us know. We pretty sure you'll enjoy the lifestyle everyday is different. Thanks for watching all the best Helen and Martin
Hope you have a wonderful Christmas
Hi Adrian thank you that’s very kind of you and we hope you a great Christmas and a happy new year. Best wishes from Helen and Martin
Have you tried Costa da luz ? Thanks for answering the questions 👍
Hi good morning , no not specifically we driven passed it quite a few times. So many places to go in Spain isn't there , maybe will in the new year. Thanks for watching Helen and martin
Withdrawals at Unicaja are entirely free, other than what your own card provider charges (mine is Nationwide and it’s free).
Good to know Geoff thanks best wishes Helen and Martin
Hi. Just found your channel. Great information thanks. Looking to do my first travel abroad next year in my autosleeper kingham, so gonna check out some of your old videos 😊
Hi Nick thanks for joining us , exciting times ahead then for you , it's a great way to travel. Hopefully you'll find some other videos that will be useful to you. All the very best Helen and Martin
Love your videos guys .Have a great xmas & New year .
Hi guys , fantastic to hear from you, it's blowing a hoolie at the moment in Malaga and the power on the site is teetering on the brink , good job we are self sufficient. Not cold though thankfully. Hope you guys are keeping well , thanks every so much for watching, we often wonder whether we doing any good. Best wishes and seasonal greetings Helen and Martin.
Helpful video, we've not left these shores since the pandemic but hope to be venturing further afield soon!
Hi guys , thanks for watching , we think its pretty good out here and only feel restricted by the travel rules now , otherwise we would spend as much time out here as possible. Climate , culture and people are amazing. All the best , Helen and Martin.
Loved the video so thanks for that. We are currently in Peniscola and working our way down towards Valencia, Alicante and onwards. Thinking about Christmas and wondered where you would recommend. We were thinking Malaga but it’s our first time so you probably have a better idea.
Hi Simon thanks for watching our video , we like Malaga and stay at the Malaga Beach Area when we visit. It's an aire that's a bit quirky but it's not a site and we haven't spent Christmas there. We're heading to Portugal but if we were staying in Spain for Christmas we would settle for somewhere between Denia and Calpe on that coast - we have a previous video about Calpe, north of Benidorm but quite different. Just our choice but we like do Malaga as a place and by no means think that it is a bad idea in fact probably a good option. Might be worth booking somewhere for Christmas either way. Hope that helps . best wishes Helen and Martin
Hi Martin and Helen, we haven’t been down to Spain for 3 years for various reasons but it seems we have the same taste in location. Calpe, Javea, Mazarron-have you tried the site on the beach at Oliva?-we always seem to spend at least 5 days there. Enjoy your travels.
Hi John we certainly do have the same tastes but we haven't stayed the beach at Oliva yet, we'll make a note of that, thanks very much and thanks for watching. Best wishes Helen and Martin
Morning, what is the name of the beach site you stay at I am new to motorhome camping and just saw your comment and as we are planning to travel the Costa Blanca its always nice to go to places that are recommended. Kind Regards
Stunning 😍 😍 😍 🍾
Thanks very much , nice to hear from you. All the best Helen and Martin
Oooh thanks for the hint about ATM charges. I was quite startled by the proposed €7 charge for €40 withdrawal so this was a timely video!
We’ve been heading toward Seville and chasing the sunshine makes good sense too.
Banks 🤷♂️ . Let us know if you find a good overnight spot in Seville. Have a great time and thanks for watching , Helen and Martin
I've got a flat just down the coast from you in Santiago de la ribera, fantastic area. I agree with Valencia being top city, we love it there! Also, fav beach is El Portent, just north of you. Have fun!
Hi thanks for getting for in touch , Spain's great isn't it. We'll stay all winter if we could but 90 days it is. Thanks for watching , best wishes Helen and Martin
Really interesting listening to your answers guys! ☺👌
Hi Paul , thanks for watching much appreciated , hope we came across as trying to be helpful rather than presenting ourselves as being 'experts'. Every day is still a school day for us. Best wishes Helen and Martin
excellent vlog as always 👊
Thanks John much appreciated all the best Helen and Martin
90 days…enjoy
Good morning , thanks for watching. Best wishes Helen and Martin
Costa Blanca warmer than the Costa del Sol! I did not know that!!
It's a yearly average Daniel . It doesn't reach the highs of the Costa de Sol , but is more sheltered in winter which is the subject of the video of course. The source is the Spanish Weather Service. Thanks for watching Helen and Martin
Very informative video guys. Thanks for sharing. Karen & I will be spending Christmas & New Year in Florida and then get back to traveling in our van once we get back to the UK. Have a great Christmas when it comes around and Happy & safe travels in 2023.
Great intro!
Hi guys enjoy Florida , we used to go to Naples (Florida) every year playing golf fabulous place. H was/is a bandit of course typically able to turn her hand to most things. Hope you have a great Christmas , best wishes Helen and Martin
Thanks Toby , much appreciated best wishes Helen and Martin
Perfect informative vlog both. We will definitely check out the website and great tip about 6th January Three Kings Festivals we didn't know that.
Ste said he's surprised you've got a wallet being a Yorkshireman 🤣💜x
Oh I have a wallet alright , it's just like in a special place where no one can find it. 😂😂😂. The festivals are lovely right up to Christmas and the Spanish really throw themselves into it . Great people , i think they are like Northerners really , on the outside not to be messed with , but inside hearts as big as saucers . Not long now guys , get through France to the sunshine - be well , be strong Helen and Martin
Hi Guys..... can I ask what route you took after staying in Bordeaux, in France, through to Spain ? We are just confused what route to take in the winter.... thank you your vlogs are very informative
Hi Guys , this is a question we get asked a lot. There are a number of routes but weather is the issue and altitude doesn't help. The most predictable route weather wise in winter is to stay West ,on the
A63 in France (it's a Toll Road I know this depends on your attitude to tolls), down towards San Sebastian , I'm presuming you're heading for the Costa Blanca or at least the East Coast take the AP 15 , round Pamplona , Zaragoza and across to the coast. There is an Aire at Tervuel if you need it, its free and spot on for a safe overnight. There are other routes over the Central Masif etc , but it's cold and the weather can be poor as you come over the mountains. We've done it and we didn't gain anything and it was a little icy in places. Unless the weather is very mild I would go the West Coast and would leave it to a last minute call if I was considering taking the other routes. There are other factors that effect peoples thinking of course , 4 x 4 vehicles , winter tyres mitigate but won't help if they shut the route. We tend to travel straight and quick through France to get to the sun , as we both drive, the France Toll Roads are direct and in good condition so we take a hit on the cost in return for the time savings and hammer down West as quick as permissible. Have a great time in Spain , we'll be heading there mid February when our Ban runs out ( We have run out of days ). This is blog I wrote that might help www.helenandmartinsmotorhometreks.uk/blog/which-way-through-france . Best wishes Helen and Martin
Just subscribed, great, we are caravanners and don’t have the freedom as motorhomers have. We can’t stay on these free Aires either so more expensive for us. Any tips you have picked up from caravanners?
Good morning and thanks for subscribing to the channel , we are ex caravaners and last came to Spain via France with a caravan in 2018.It's not as easy as in a motorhome to get there , especially if you thinking of winter sun but once there and set up it's worth the effort. The flexibility of having the car and space of a van and awning is still something we miss. A lot depends on the time of year you want to travel and where you want to go. You can message us with specifics with pleasure, contact links both email option and social media direct messaging options of choice are available via our website. ACSI is worth it , especially if you're travelling out of peak season and the book and app show you where the sites are. Let us know if we can help further , happy travels Helen and Martin.
Talking about LPG is that the bottles or the pumped LPG system or both? We have just enjoyed 6 weeks based in Orba, Costa Blanca but can relate to everywhere you have mentioned, we to love ESPANIA have been coming since 2016. However we are new to motorhomes so I find your videos so helpful.
Hi Hazel thanks for watching , we have refillable LPG and find is much easier than sourcing Spanish bottles which have done previously it does require a different pigtail though. Hope you are enjoying your motorhome , best wishes and happy travels Helen and Martin
Very informative guys.
could you give us some information on accessing data for phone usage and or roaming charges. In essence, how do you go about setting it all up. Laura
Hi guys - there are several ways of doing it , it depends of course on how much data you will need. You can still get deals with EE with a roaming pass . You can also get a local SIM National card - we are running a combination of an EE card which gives us 200GB with roaming included and a Vodaphone Spain Local SIM. We are heavy users so the EE card isn't enough . The thing to watch for is that many of the UK providers have an acceptable fair usage cap in Europe . Vodaphone cap at 25 GB and Three at 12GB . These are bad options for travellers . If you are locked into a contract in the UK with this Fair Usage Policy I would suggest that a local SIM card could work for you. You just walk into a phone shop and buy one over here. They will ask you for a passport as ID but otherwise it's an easy process. I have just bought a Vodaphone Espania 190GB card in Spain which lasts a month and includes roaming though out Europe and the UK strangely. It cost €30. You simply insert the card and punch in the code they give you. I can't recommend these , but I have seen an advert for a company called Poppit recently I was going to do some research when I got back to the UK. www.popitmobile.co.uk/plans . Hope that helps Thanks for watching Helen and Martin
Hi, great vlogs as always. Where did you say to find the write up about the route you took on this tour please ??
Hi thanks very much for your kind comments and for watching , we really appreciate it. Here is the link to the blog - www.helenandmartinsmotorhometreks.uk/blog/which-way-through-france Best wishes Helen and Martin
Hi thanks very much for your kind comments and for watching , we really appreciate it. Here is the link to the blog - www.helenandmartinsmotorhometreks.uk/blog/which-way-through-france Best wishes Helen and Martin
Hi Helen and Martin really enjoying your channel as always. We are heading to France and Spain in May this year 2023 but we have a Citron Berlingo camping car. Do you think we will be alright using the Aires or are they just for vans and motorhomes. Also we have the Crit-air sticker for France but having difficulty applying for the Spanish sticker.
Can we do this from the UK and how do we do it?! Or can it be applied for at a post office in Spain? Any help you may be able to offer would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks
Andrea and And Beesley😄😄🚗
Good morning , hope you are well. The emissions zones are a new and emerging thing in Spain with the exception of Barcelona and Madrid, so you are right to scanning the horizon. My understanding is that you can't currently get a sticker for a non Spanish vehicle , but the good news is that they recognise the Crit Aire or other EU nation sticker. Evidence of a united Europe in action 😁. Spain and France aren't difficult in relation to Green Zones , especially if you gave a Crit Aire. Northern Europe is more difficult and we have a paid app called Green Zones which breaks down each nations cities etc. Just in case you travel further. Here is a couple of links you might find useful - sede.dgt.gob.es/es/vehiculos/distintivo-ambiental/equivalencia-distintivo-ambiental-ue.shtml# and www.medvillaspain.co.uk/en/noticias/environmental-zones-environmental-vignettes-in-spain-122.html . Thanks for watching the channel best wishes Helen and Martin
Oh forgot the question about aires they are for all Camping Cars so you should be fine. They are specific about that France but more liberal in Spain we saw some caravans on them in Spain. Have you been before with a Camper , if not we have a FAQ's section on our website where we have listed the questions people have asked us to help first timers vanwolfphotography.uk/latest-tour
Hi Guys - just come across your channel and think the content is great.
Jill and I are just retiring and planning a couple of months in our Motorhome from about mid September.
The idea would be to take our time heading south but then spend a few weeks around Costa Blanca. Are there any particular sites you would recommend in the area and including Villajoyosa?
Hi guys good to hear from you. Two good options at Villajoyosa , Camping El Torres and Alicante Imperium. We think El Torres wins just simply as it’s quieter at night , but we would definitely use either and do. You can catch the Tram from Villajoyosa all the way along the Costa Blanca it’s a good place if you want to base yourself somewhere and explore. There’s quiet a bit of video in the back catalogue for this area. Let me know if we can help further . Best wishes Helen and Martin
Nice one.
Cheers Roger - on to Alicante for the next episode !. Hope you're well best wishes Helen and Martin
Loved your video... very informative.... can I ask are you both full time van lifers? Looking forward to your next video. Dunc and Bev x
Hi guys thanks for watching , glad you found it interesting. We are not full time , quite anyway. We have downsized property wise after taking a year out and touring in Europe between houses. It's not something we want to do for various reasons, we travel 6 months of the year in Europe and then in the UK in between. The property we have future proofs us for old age , or at least that's the plan, a project for the next decade rather than this one , God willing. Best wishes Helen and Martin
@@helenandmartinsTreks Thank you for your message we really appreciate your honesty, we are part time van lifers, but who knows where the future holds! Looking forward to your videos, very enjoyable. Have a lovely Xmas 🎄 Best wishes Dunc and Bev xx
@@helenandmartinsTreksI find that a fascinating outlook guys. We just bought our first motorhome in February, did a 16 week tour to Siciktly, Greece and back via the, Balkans. I'm hooked! But the garden was a mess! 😢 I'm 69, wife of nearly 50byears is 68, and I feel exactly the same about doing more van life now while we can health wise, courage wise, and inclination to be frank. Future proofing and downsizing sounds SO sensible. Makes me think. Perhaps take the coming winter in Spain to ponder. Fortunately we have EU citizenship so 90 days isn't an issue. But the missus may impose it! 😂 Enjoying reading all the comments. Who needs normal TV? Be well in your travels and thanks again. Julian
@@julian-1955 It's hard to judge how the seasons of life will flow isn't it , you can only do what you think is right for you and yours I think . What ever you decide best wishes you , wishing you many years of happy travelling . Helen and Martin
Hi, A fairly general question about sites and Aires in the South of Spain. We will be using our 90 days through Oct, Nov, Dec to tour
along the southern coast. How busy do the sites get and is it necessary to book?. We are not really interested in large commercial sites with 100's of pitches.
Hi John , as a general rule providing you don't arrive too late , you won't need to book the Camper Stops at that time of your. We have a general rule of arriving on the park ups by 3pm . That doesn't mean that you will always have a problem after that time but when we have ever had problems it's always been when we have arrived after tea time. Also extra care is needed on Spanish Public Holidays which vary region by region and of course Christmas. If you are planning on going to Malaga , we recommend Area Malaga beach which I would recommend you book - it's outside of Malaga itself but has a lovely cycle way to the City or of course you can catch a bus . It is very popular though and this is the website address www.areamalagabeach.com/en/. We have another video here on this link. th-cam.com/video/1cTG3g2OFgA/w-d-xo.html . Hope that's helpful , if we can help further give us a shout. Best wishes H and M
Hi fantastic vidvjust trying to search the beach destination you recommended but struggling to find it. Could you possibly write it from me. Heading in the camper in Jan for 3 months
Hi there thanks very much for watching - I think you mean the beach at Praia do Mar de Fóra on the West of Spain , it will be cold in January though we were there last week in April. It's t 6.29 mins in this video th-cam.com/video/a8RY5BQ--UI/w-d-xo.htmlsi=a71MZkiC_1BBZagV . This is the precise what three words locations - it's a very quiet beautiful beach if you're passing that why, especially in the eventing. ///moonlight.objectivity.unplanned
Hi, I've just subscribed to your fantastic channel and appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experiences. Could you let me know what drone you use. Thanks, John.
Hi John thanks for watching, subscribing and commenting we really appreciate , I use a couple of drones DJI make , one sub 250kgs and one larger . Not sure whether you have knowledge of how drone law works but the sizes matter in terms of what you can do with them and the training required. Best wishes Helen and Martin
@@helenandmartinsTreks Thanks for the reply. I had considered the DJI Mini 2 to take on my motor home and hiking adventures. Is it one you would recommend?
Over wintering in Portugal was my fave, but Brexit has taken the edge of spending more than 90 days in the EU.
Hi Paul, we agree we used to spend longer here than 90 days but …. 🤷♂️🤷♀️. Thanks for watching Helen and Martin
Really informative. Thank you. We don’t have refillable gas in our motorhome but two 11kg bottles. I had read that we could buy an adapter and pigtail then source a Spanish bottle from a site. Do you know if this is possible? We stay on sites so could potentially just use electric for heating and fridge - is electric on sites very expensive? We are thinking of staying around a month in Spain.
Hi Lizzie - We have refillable LPG , but previously we did travel with two full bottles of propane from home and then bought a local gas bottle from the site. The pigtail is the same as a butane bottle (blue bottle) in the UK from memory but I am reaching back to 2017 here. The problem I remember was that the Gas bottles sold on the site where to big to go in the cabinet on a previous van but if you have room from two 11kg I think you should be ok. On a site we have just left we were charged 37 cents a Kilowatt and this amounted to £2.45 a day. We are heavy users and ran everything on electric so it's hard to imagine it could have cost us any more. We did shower and wash up in the facilities block otherwise it was all through the van. We stayed for a month here so didn't want to keep running off site to fill the LPG , but if we had been staying for a shorter period we would have run the heating on mixed fuel . Hope that helps - it is otherwise cheaper here food and drink wise so it off sets the cost a bit. Best wishes , happy travels and thanks for watching. Helen and Martin
Thank you that all sounds good so we should be fine. I just want to be organised and prepared!
On one of these longer trips how much do you think you spend on diesel
Hi guys , varies trip to trip of course , but we normally only drive three hours a day on moving days and we reckon that a tank of diesel will last two moving days. (there's usually some spare) . We set our diesel budget and move accordingly to stay within in it, if that makes sense. We have also learned to position ourselves near to places that are a transport hub, where we can maximise the public transport . On one occasion we left the van on a secure site , caught the fast train to Madrid and Air BNB it for a couple of nights, much cheaper than the diesel and parking charges for example. You're only limited by your imagination and diesel prices right. We don't have a figure for this trip yet , especially as the prices are up and down and the government subsidies here end in January. Happy to share though when I get around to it. Best wishes Helen and Martin
How do you get on with the 90 day/ 180 limit
Hi Jane , thanks for messaging us . The truth is it drives us bonkers , we used to be able to come for 5 months but unless we drop into Morocco for a month , 90 days it is in winter . The new Animal Health Certificates only last 4 months in any case. The Shengen area is growing to , Croatia having just been admitted. However way you look at it , you have to want to go to the places that are out side the zone and that involves personal choice of course. We are law abiding and play within the rules but the strange thing is that we are more frustrated by the rolling 180 than the 90 day max. We can live with the 3 months , but we don't want to travel in summer in Europe , it's too hot (our dog) and it's the school holidays so that has be factored in which complicates the rolling 180 further. We have come to the conclusion on this trip that we are going to do rolling 2 month tours instead of the two 3 month tours like we have done this year. We've all got to adapt I guess in a way that suits us individually. I hope that answers your question. Have a lovely Christmas Helen and Martin
How do you cope with the 90 day rule? Do youbjust obey it?
Hi Noel , thanks for watching . In answer to your question we do obey it. It’s a pain and of course there are options to go out of the Schengen area, but it has to be somewhere we want to travel to. In truth the 90 day bit isn’t the issue it’s the rolling 180 that causes us the angst. Best wishes Helen and Martin
My first language is gibberish, second is English, third might be French
Must agree with you .... but I must also include double dutch in the list!!
My mother used to say Clap Trap was another of our languages , used primarily when trying to avoid the slipper . 😂😂😂. If only there were more women like her left in the world . Best wishes and thanks for watching. ( Not sure if Clap Trap is a Yorkshire expression - does it travel ?)
After reading Martins comment, another language that can be surely added to the list is 'clap trap' ... I was always accused of that (and still am!)
... 'mumbo jumbo', is another great language. These all certainly do not take years to perfect!
@@helenandmartinsTreks Clap Trap works for me, I am obviously multilingual LOL
Eat The Tourists.... lol
French like you to try to speak French so they can pretend not to understand you LOL. Tell The Travel Trolls where to find an authentic Paella so they wont really like it, and leave it all. Winter in Spain is wonderful.
Hi Jeff, thanks for watching . We do like a bit of Paella , especially the Rabbit Paella in the Valencia region . We agree 💯 percent re wintering in Spain 🇪🇸. We been coming since 2017 and haven’t been disappointed yet. Best wishes Helen and Martin.
Given you can only stay 90days out of every 180 not really possible to spend whole winter in Spain.
We know that David thanks. Best wishes
Isn't Spain extending the 90days now ?
@@psusanwestlake5510 - Hi Susan , the Spanish Gov have asked the Schengen Area authorities to look at it , but it can't act independently short of issuing formal visa's which cover Spain only. Both Spain and Portugal are in favour of extending the 90 day limit or making exemptions to the rule for the UK. The UK could of course apply to join the Schengen area , EU membership is not a requirement , but at the moment there is no sign that they will. But back to Spain a formal request has been made, but it requires unanimous backing of all the members. This week they voted in Croatia but on the basis of a single objection from Austria, Bulgaria and Romania were not permitted entry. It's complicated and may take some time but lets hope Spain succeeds. Thanks for commenting Helen and Martin
@@helenandmartinsTreks thanks so much for the detailed reply. A rare chanel, so pleased I found you. Perhaos you could help if you have time. I am thinking of camping car next year and if you know of a singles group I would be most grateful. I am resident in France want to travel europe but diabetic pooch means no hotels so mobile mini home is the answer. Thanks again
@@psusanwestlake5510 Hi Susan I am sorry but I can't help you that , perhaps there is a facebook group. We wish you well in your travels. Helen and Martin
Catalan is not a dialect. It's a language.
Thanks for that Martin , all the best Helen and Martin