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Caravanning abroad

The freedom you experience as a caravanner gives you a real opportunity to explore different European countries.

People take their caravan abroad all the time, and provided you do your homework, there's no reason why you shouldn't start enjoying foreign climes straight away.

The major caravan clubs make it easy for you to book pitches across Europe, arranging sea crossing and site booking on your behalf. Booking through a club is advised, as it not only helps to beat the language barrier, it also provides some reassurance as to the quality of the site.

Caravanning abroad doesn't differ too greatly to caravanning in the UK, but one major difference is the gas. Calor Gas isn't available on the continent, so it's important to have stocked up well before you leave. If you plan to stay abroad for weeks at a time, you can now take advantage of Calor's cylinder loan scheme.

The scheme allows caravanners to take additional Calor cylinders abroad upon payment of a small deposit. Upon your return, the deposit (less the cost of the gas) is refunded.

When you travel abroad with your caravan, you'll be required to carry certain equipment with you. In many European countries, warning triangles, fire extinguishers, first aid kits and luminous, reflective waistcoats are legal requirements.

Regardless of whether you plan to drive during the night, the headlights on your vehicle will need to be adjusted to ensure your dipped beam doesn't dazzle oncoming drivers. This is easily done with beam deflectors, available at any motoring shop. In many countries it is actually now compulsory to use head lights at all times - Germany, France and Italy included. In Austria and the Czech Republic, among other places, failure to adhere to the rule incurs a fine of 15 euros.

If you are travelling late, it's well worth finding a proper site for an overnight stop - even if it means going slightly out of your way. It's far safer than parking up at a service station until morning, as theft in these areas is becoming increasingly common.

For more information on caravanning in foreign countries, visit the Caravan Club website.