Caravan owners offered top tips for exploring Europe

by Chris Jefferies
With the great British summer proving to be a damp squib, many caravanners may find themselves tempted to head overseas during the coming weeks, but those trying a continental adventure for the first time should make sure to do their homework.
Driving, and indeed towing, in Europe is different from the UK in many obvious ways, such as driving on the right instead of the left, but there are also a few more subtle differences.
Most road users will be aware that in Europe all speed limits are in kilometres per hour instead of miles, but fewer will know that it is a legal requirement to carry a warning triangle and a reflective jacket in some countries.
Fines of up to 80 euros can be handed out in France, Austria, Belgium and Germany, with for failure to comply with this law.
Furthermore, you may need to check your caravan insurance before heading overseas as not all policies cover driving on the continent.
According to the Daily Mail, insurance for European driving can cost an extra 35 per cent more if you take a caravan with you, based on two weeks abroad with a nine-year-old car.
With all this in mind, caravan insurance providers Safeguard have offered some sage advice for anyone thinking of heading overseas with their tourer this summer.
Those taking long distance journeys should make sure that they have enough local currency in their change drawer, as many of the major motorways are toll roads.
Furthermore, in some remote European countries you may need an International Driving License, as a British license is not always sufficient.
Rita Sadler, manager at Safeguard, said: “Taking your caravan onto the continent can be one of the most fun and exciting ways to travel around Europe. However, caravanners need to be mindful of other driving laws and cultures when visiting the continent to ensure they have a safe and happy trip.”