Original post
Just back from Georgia and Armenia.
Trip in April 2011 with a small Renault Trafic van.
No particular difficulties... except the GMR.
Back from Georgia and Armenia in a van
by Triptrafic
Translated into English.
Uh, approximate title.
Actually, the Caucasus and the borders of eastern Anatolia: Iran, Iraq, Syria.
If you need any info, don't hesitate!
Hi BB31,
Could you tell me what "sauf la GMR" means? I’m planning to visit the country in September.
Best regards,
JPP
Could you tell me what "sauf la GMR" means? I’m planning to visit the country in September.
Best regards,
JPP
Jean-Pierre PILLOT
Georgian Military Road.
Michel
Michel
Hi everyone,
Thanks, Michel, for the info. Is this the road also known as the GMH Georgian Military Highway? What’s the issue with this road I’m planning to take? Road conditions, checkpoints, corrupt cops, safety?
Thanks in advance. JPP
Thanks, Michel, for the info. Is this the road also known as the GMH Georgian Military Highway? What’s the issue with this road I’m planning to take? Road conditions, checkpoints, corrupt cops, safety?
Thanks in advance. JPP
Jean-Pierre PILLOT
Unfortunately, I can't tell you more about it....
Others will come along. 🙂
Michel
Michel
More detailed story on trafic-aménagé....in the travelers' corner section....Borders of...
That’s really interesting—where is it?
Michel
That’s really interesting—where is it?
Michel
Well, exactly.
Hi everyone,
Like Michel, I’m looking for where the travel journal can be read.
Thanks in advance.
JPP
Thanks in advance.
JPP
Jean-Pierre PILLOT
Hello Bernard and Sylvie,
Thank you for your excellent account of your trip to the Caucasus.
I took the liberty of extracting a few sentences that raised some questions for me—feel free to answer them or not. I won’t hold it against you.
In the morning, after exchanging thanks and addresses, he hands me his card: police officer, head of military security in Batumi.
Is it possible to get this address?
Arrival at the homestay spotted on a Canadian motorcyclist’s blog. A closed courtyard facing Georgia’s most visited site: over 30 years of traveling in a camper van, never such a perfect bivouac.
Is this address available?
On the descent toward Kazbegi, 18 km before the Russian border, a police checkpoint. Sylvie asks the skeptical officers and a security officer: what are these French people doing in the middle of a military operation? Sylvie is furious: "You didn’t tell me Kazbek was such a dangerous area." True. Winter 2011. Russian airborne troops attack Chechen fighters who had taken refuge in the Pankisi Valley in Georgia. Several killed. Some of these fighters later moved to Ingushetia and the Kazbek massif. The area has recently become sensitive, as Georgia no longer wants to be accused by Russia of serving as a rear base for Chechen terrorists.
But what’s even more dangerous are the avalanches—7 deaths on this road in 2010.
Your story hasn’t put me off visiting this region. Are there any precautions to take?
While running errands, we meet a UN official: "Visiting from France, it’s incredible. I’d like to invite you to visit the refugee camp where I work."
Is this address available?
Finally, a horseman. I ask him for directions to the monastery, and he laughs: "Here, it’s Azerbaijan; Georgia is behind you." In short, we’re driving in Azerbaijan without a visa or vehicle authorization documents. At the very least, a diplomatic incident. Immediate U-turn, heading northwest, and we find sheep and an Azerbaijani shepherd.
How can we avoid this kind of mishap, which could have had serious consequences?
At customs, the chief, in Russian: "novy rino" I take a moment to understand he means new Renault. "Niet, stary rino" We check his list of utility vehicles imported into Armenia and find a... Swiss Vivaro that entered in 2009. First vehicle registered in the database—long formalities before Yerevan gives the green light.
Is this just curiosity, or a requirement for entering Armenia? (Vehicle registered in the databases.)
Or we learn that the Vale checkpoint is closed. We take the route through Akhaltsikhe, even further west.
Great idea: I was planning to go all the way to Batumi. But the map shows Akhaltsikhe to the east of Vale.
What about the Akhalkalaki/Ardahan/Kars route?
Thanks in advance.
Jean-Pierre Pillot
03 45 62 60 83
Vice President
Camping-Cars on the Silk Roads and Around the World
jean-pierre.pillot@neuf.fr
www.camping-car-monde.fr
Thank you for your excellent account of your trip to the Caucasus.
I took the liberty of extracting a few sentences that raised some questions for me—feel free to answer them or not. I won’t hold it against you.
In the morning, after exchanging thanks and addresses, he hands me his card: police officer, head of military security in Batumi.
Is it possible to get this address?
Arrival at the homestay spotted on a Canadian motorcyclist’s blog. A closed courtyard facing Georgia’s most visited site: over 30 years of traveling in a camper van, never such a perfect bivouac.
Is this address available?
On the descent toward Kazbegi, 18 km before the Russian border, a police checkpoint. Sylvie asks the skeptical officers and a security officer: what are these French people doing in the middle of a military operation? Sylvie is furious: "You didn’t tell me Kazbek was such a dangerous area." True. Winter 2011. Russian airborne troops attack Chechen fighters who had taken refuge in the Pankisi Valley in Georgia. Several killed. Some of these fighters later moved to Ingushetia and the Kazbek massif. The area has recently become sensitive, as Georgia no longer wants to be accused by Russia of serving as a rear base for Chechen terrorists.
But what’s even more dangerous are the avalanches—7 deaths on this road in 2010.
Your story hasn’t put me off visiting this region. Are there any precautions to take?
While running errands, we meet a UN official: "Visiting from France, it’s incredible. I’d like to invite you to visit the refugee camp where I work."
Is this address available?
Finally, a horseman. I ask him for directions to the monastery, and he laughs: "Here, it’s Azerbaijan; Georgia is behind you." In short, we’re driving in Azerbaijan without a visa or vehicle authorization documents. At the very least, a diplomatic incident. Immediate U-turn, heading northwest, and we find sheep and an Azerbaijani shepherd.
How can we avoid this kind of mishap, which could have had serious consequences?
At customs, the chief, in Russian: "novy rino" I take a moment to understand he means new Renault. "Niet, stary rino" We check his list of utility vehicles imported into Armenia and find a... Swiss Vivaro that entered in 2009. First vehicle registered in the database—long formalities before Yerevan gives the green light.
Is this just curiosity, or a requirement for entering Armenia? (Vehicle registered in the databases.)
Or we learn that the Vale checkpoint is closed. We take the route through Akhaltsikhe, even further west.
Great idea: I was planning to go all the way to Batumi. But the map shows Akhaltsikhe to the east of Vale.
What about the Akhalkalaki/Ardahan/Kars route?
Thanks in advance.
Jean-Pierre Pillot
03 45 62 60 83
Vice President
Camping-Cars on the Silk Roads and Around the World
jean-pierre.pillot@neuf.fr
www.camping-car-monde.fr
Jean-Pierre PILLOT
Hi Jean-Pierre,
Happy to answer your questions.
BATUMI: the police chief wants to remain anonymous. He’s a friend of "Micha."
MTSKHETA: at Gulo MEREBASHVILI’s place. 4 or 5 rooms, but it’s a pedestrian zone—cars allowed with a permit, but no RVs. Big parking lot behind the cathedral.
GMR: NO PROBLEM in the summer. Don’t skip it! Roads have been redone, thousands of tourists head up to Sioni and the monasteries above Kazbegi. Gorgeous hikes toward Mount Kazbek. In Kazbegi, dozens of homestays. However, the road to Vladikavkaz is impossible.
UNHCR camp: coming from Gori, a few kilometers before MTSKHETA, on the left. As long as you’re not acting like a voyeur, unaccompanied visits are no problem.
ARMENIA Customs: for us, retaliation because I refused insurance by showing my MAIF certificate in English. Border post: it’s Aktas that’s closed, not Vale.
VALE-KARS road is very smooth, pass at 2,500 meters.
About Azerbaijan, sorry, I didn’t understand the question. But we ran out of time for Baku: the embassy in Tbilisi issues visas without a LOI in 3 days. And without a CPD, you can drive your vehicle for 72 hours—but no longer. Same for Iraq: they’d let us into Kurdistan but required swapping the camper van’s plates. Visa is free for French citizens. But we only had 3 weeks off.
Happy to answer your questions.
BATUMI: the police chief wants to remain anonymous. He’s a friend of "Micha."
MTSKHETA: at Gulo MEREBASHVILI’s place. 4 or 5 rooms, but it’s a pedestrian zone—cars allowed with a permit, but no RVs. Big parking lot behind the cathedral.
GMR: NO PROBLEM in the summer. Don’t skip it! Roads have been redone, thousands of tourists head up to Sioni and the monasteries above Kazbegi. Gorgeous hikes toward Mount Kazbek. In Kazbegi, dozens of homestays. However, the road to Vladikavkaz is impossible.
UNHCR camp: coming from Gori, a few kilometers before MTSKHETA, on the left. As long as you’re not acting like a voyeur, unaccompanied visits are no problem.
ARMENIA Customs: for us, retaliation because I refused insurance by showing my MAIF certificate in English. Border post: it’s Aktas that’s closed, not Vale.
VALE-KARS road is very smooth, pass at 2,500 meters.
About Azerbaijan, sorry, I didn’t understand the question. But we ran out of time for Baku: the embassy in Tbilisi issues visas without a LOI in 3 days. And without a CPD, you can drive your vehicle for 72 hours—but no longer. Same for Iraq: they’d let us into Kurdistan but required swapping the camper van’s plates. Visa is free for French citizens. But we only had 3 weeks off.
Hi Bernard and Sophie,
Thanks for all this info.
About Azerbaijan, sorry, I didn’t understand the question. How to avoid ending up in Azerbaijan unintentionally?
The embassy in Tbilisi issues visas without a LOI in 3 days. And without a CPD, you can drive your vehicle for 72 hours. But no longer.
LOI: ? The Automobile Club website doesn’t list Azerbaijan among the countries requiring a CDP. ? JPP
Thanks for all this info.
About Azerbaijan, sorry, I didn’t understand the question. How to avoid ending up in Azerbaijan unintentionally?
The embassy in Tbilisi issues visas without a LOI in 3 days. And without a CPD, you can drive your vehicle for 72 hours. But no longer.
LOI: ? The Automobile Club website doesn’t list Azerbaijan among the countries requiring a CDP. ? JPP
Jean-Pierre PILLOT
Hi there,
To avoid getting lost, always follow the track shown in the photo. Otherwise, a marital crisis is guaranteed: Sylvie: "Great, we spent hours wandering the steppe and missed the monastery."
LOI: official Letter of Invitation for the visa. I can confirm about the vehicle. April 2011, Tbilisi, met an English couple returning from Baku with their 4x4. They did the round trip in 72 hours; otherwise, you have to leave a deposit of several thousand euros at the border. Same info from a Bulgarian—3 days or a deposit. Both recommended crossing the customs at Sheki.
But things change so quickly...
To avoid getting lost, always follow the track shown in the photo. Otherwise, a marital crisis is guaranteed: Sylvie: "Great, we spent hours wandering the steppe and missed the monastery."
LOI: official Letter of Invitation for the visa. I can confirm about the vehicle. April 2011, Tbilisi, met an English couple returning from Baku with their 4x4. They did the round trip in 72 hours; otherwise, you have to leave a deposit of several thousand euros at the border. Same info from a Bulgarian—3 days or a deposit. Both recommended crossing the customs at Sheki.
But things change so quickly...
Testimonial about the Georgian welcome at the homestay mentioned above:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xkboey_tbilissi-2011-2_travel
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xkbo85_tbilissi-2011_travel
A really great encounter, in the spirit of VoyageForum.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xkboey_tbilissi-2011-2_travel
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xkbo85_tbilissi-2011_travel
A really great encounter, in the spirit of VoyageForum.
Someone pointed out that the title isn’t very precise.
This trip took place mostly in Asia Minor.
Right, here are a few images from the route after the Caucasus:
1 Armenia-Anatolia crossing 2 Doğubayazıt 3 Mount Ararat 4 Iran-Turkey military road 5 Iraq-Turkey border post 6 Nusaybin, along the Syrian border 7 Şanlıurfa 8 Cappadocia 9 Sultanhanı 10 Konya
Actually, these are the Anatolian borders. Still getting the hang of VoyageForum—maybe I should’ve titled it: return from Georgia, Armenia, and Anatolia by van.
Final note on the mini-van’s fuel consumption: exactly 716 liters of diesel for 10,530 km, with over a third of that at altitudes between 1,500 and 2,600 m. Average of 6.8 L/100 km. And of course, Class 1 at tolls and on the ferry. Hard to beat that unless you're on a bike.
Right, here are a few images from the route after the Caucasus:
1 Armenia-Anatolia crossing 2 Doğubayazıt 3 Mount Ararat 4 Iran-Turkey military road 5 Iraq-Turkey border post 6 Nusaybin, along the Syrian border 7 Şanlıurfa 8 Cappadocia 9 Sultanhanı 10 Konya
Actually, these are the Anatolian borders. Still getting the hang of VoyageForum—maybe I should’ve titled it: return from Georgia, Armenia, and Anatolia by van.
Final note on the mini-van’s fuel consumption: exactly 716 liters of diesel for 10,530 km, with over a third of that at altitudes between 1,500 and 2,600 m. Average of 6.8 L/100 km. And of course, Class 1 at tolls and on the ferry. Hard to beat that unless you're on a bike.
Perfect.
It's just past the Vale checkpoint since Aktas was closed.
I'm impressed.
Hello,
Is this Aktas Lake post still open? It does exist, but it's so remote...
Michel
Is this Aktas Lake post still open? It does exist, but it's so remote...
Michel
Tried in April—road was new, signage was up, but the station was closed.
Any updates since?
Any updates since?
You both seem familiar with VF. I’ve been asked for the link to the photo road book.
It was posted on a site for camper van enthusiasts, but the VF mods seem to have deleted it. Yet it’s a mutual-help site, not commercial.
Is that the norm here?
Aktas post, it must be a bit like Kurtkale, you first have to find it.
Finding it is easy—it’s well before Kurtkale, and you might even stumble upon it if you forget to turn left. But that doesn’t tell me if it’s open. There were plenty of buildings and roads, but it was deserted.
Michel
Finding it is easy—it’s well before Kurtkale, and you might even stumble upon it if you forget to turn left. But that doesn’t tell me if it’s open. There were plenty of buildings and roads, but it was deserted.
Michel
But I don’t know and don’t know how I could find out...
Apart from going there....
The question was actually for everyone... 😉
Michel
The question was actually for everyone... 😉
Michel
Hi,
Links to other discussion forums are not allowed.
It is prohibited to display or advertise in a member profile or signature a site where a product or service is offered or a site that contains a travel discussion forum.
http://voyageforum.com/v.f?do=conditions;
Michel
Links to other discussion forums are not allowed.
It is prohibited to display or advertise in a member profile or signature a site where a product or service is offered or a site that contains a travel discussion forum.
http://voyageforum.com/v.f?do=conditions;
Michel
Thanks,
I’ve got the explanation now.
My sincerest apologies for the huge delay—here’s the photo travel journal at last!
http://sdrv.ms/QBhbla
http://sdrv.ms/QBhblaHi 😏
In Stories in 12 Images, we’ve added 3 sites we particularly enjoyed: Ananuri Batumi Mtskheta. No big revelations, just a modest confirmation of the Caucasus’s cultural riches:
Stories in 12 Images http://sdrv.ms/VaVgId
Best, Sylvie and Bernard
In Stories in 12 Images, we’ve added 3 sites we particularly enjoyed: Ananuri Batumi Mtskheta. No big revelations, just a modest confirmation of the Caucasus’s cultural riches:
Stories in 12 Images http://sdrv.ms/VaVgId
Best, Sylvie and Bernard
Hello,
We had planned to travel from Montpellier to Lake Baikal in April, May, and June, but I’ve got a minor eye issue, and by the time it’s "fixed," we’ll only have May and June left to travel in our Pilote camper van (less sporty than yours 😉, but with a combined 136 years between us, a bit of comfort is a must 🙂 ).
So, we’ve decided to do a trip we’ve wanted to do for a long time: Turkey—just passing through—then Georgia and Armenia. On the way back, Georgia again and Turkey.
1 - It seems there are no longer any ferries connecting Italy to Turkey. At least, I haven’t found any, which means we’ll have to cross through Greece (we know the Igoumenitsa-Istanbul route and up to Doğubayazıt from our 1996 trip to Pakistan in a 4x4 with a roof tent).
2 - Where do you think is the best place to enter Georgia, given that the Turkey-Armenia border remains stubbornly closed?
3 - Do you think 60 days is reasonably enough for this route?
4 - What maps would you recommend for Georgia and Armenia (other than IGN)? As the co-pilot, I remember some *humorous* remarks and marital crises during our trip to Bulgaria, thanks to IGN maps being, shall we say, *highly imaginative*.
5 - Hoping that in May/June we’ll have better weather than what you encountered....😛
Thanks for your replies.
We had planned to travel from Montpellier to Lake Baikal in April, May, and June, but I’ve got a minor eye issue, and by the time it’s "fixed," we’ll only have May and June left to travel in our Pilote camper van (less sporty than yours 😉, but with a combined 136 years between us, a bit of comfort is a must 🙂 ).
So, we’ve decided to do a trip we’ve wanted to do for a long time: Turkey—just passing through—then Georgia and Armenia. On the way back, Georgia again and Turkey.
1 - It seems there are no longer any ferries connecting Italy to Turkey. At least, I haven’t found any, which means we’ll have to cross through Greece (we know the Igoumenitsa-Istanbul route and up to Doğubayazıt from our 1996 trip to Pakistan in a 4x4 with a roof tent).
2 - Where do you think is the best place to enter Georgia, given that the Turkey-Armenia border remains stubbornly closed?
3 - Do you think 60 days is reasonably enough for this route?
4 - What maps would you recommend for Georgia and Armenia (other than IGN)? As the co-pilot, I remember some *humorous* remarks and marital crises during our trip to Bulgaria, thanks to IGN maps being, shall we say, *highly imaginative*.
5 - Hoping that in May/June we’ll have better weather than what you encountered....😛
Thanks for your replies.
Catherine
" La lucidité est la blessure la plus proche du soleil" René Char
http://www.catherinegil.com
http://www.catherinegil.com
Hi Catherine,
I’m so sorry you can’t go to Siberia. I hope it’s just postponed until 2014. On our site, you’ll find our wanderings in Armenia. The ferries to Turkey only run in the summer. Check with Euromer for details. Armenia and Georgia are two Christian countries surrounded by Muslim nations. This shows how deeply these two peoples are attached to their land. So, it’s a very enriching trip with warm, oriental hospitality. See you soon,
Brigitte
I’m so sorry you can’t go to Siberia. I hope it’s just postponed until 2014. On our site, you’ll find our wanderings in Armenia. The ferries to Turkey only run in the summer. Check with Euromer for details. Armenia and Georgia are two Christian countries surrounded by Muslim nations. This shows how deeply these two peoples are attached to their land. So, it’s a very enriching trip with warm, oriental hospitality. See you soon,
Brigitte
Je ne réponds pas aux goujats et autres vantards.
Hi Catherine, Brigitte,
Sylvie’s busy, so I’m answering. In my own way—short and sweet
Excellent idea! Really. For at least 3 reasons: 1. Since Armenia dropped its visa requirement, no paperwork at all. None! And if you book your tickets with Ancoma like we did, you leave whenever you want, on your own schedule. Change your plans last minute? No problem! 2. All the way to Hopa, the Georgian border, it’s practically all dual carriageway. Turkey’s concrete lobby has walled off the Black Sea coast. Ugly! 3. 60 days in May and June—pure bliss. Perfect weather, fruits, veggies, flowers everywhere. And Georgian cuisine is hands-down the best in the Caucasus.
Two downsides: 1. The price of diesel in Turkey. 2. Road conditions can be rough in Georgia and Armenia.
Greece? Igoumenitsa-Alexandroupoli, the highway’s finished. You can catch the ferry to Istanbul in a day. I drive old-school—maps and compass . We had the Freytag Caucasus map, which was pretty mediocre.
We only had 3 weeks. Two regrets: 1. Armenia: not making it all the way to Iran, to Meghri. Especially since there’s a brand-new road from Kapan (off-limits to Iranian trucks) that avoids the Tastun Pass at 2,500m. 2. Eastern Anatolia: the Ardahan-Kars region. Wild, stunning. And following the Arax River to the Azerbaijani enclave of Nakhchivan.
Best, Bernard
Sylvie’s busy, so I’m answering. In my own way—short and sweet
Excellent idea! Really. For at least 3 reasons: 1. Since Armenia dropped its visa requirement, no paperwork at all. None! And if you book your tickets with Ancoma like we did, you leave whenever you want, on your own schedule. Change your plans last minute? No problem! 2. All the way to Hopa, the Georgian border, it’s practically all dual carriageway. Turkey’s concrete lobby has walled off the Black Sea coast. Ugly! 3. 60 days in May and June—pure bliss. Perfect weather, fruits, veggies, flowers everywhere. And Georgian cuisine is hands-down the best in the Caucasus.
Two downsides: 1. The price of diesel in Turkey. 2. Road conditions can be rough in Georgia and Armenia.
Greece? Igoumenitsa-Alexandroupoli, the highway’s finished. You can catch the ferry to Istanbul in a day. I drive old-school—maps and compass . We had the Freytag Caucasus map, which was pretty mediocre.
We only had 3 weeks. Two regrets: 1. Armenia: not making it all the way to Iran, to Meghri. Especially since there’s a brand-new road from Kapan (off-limits to Iranian trucks) that avoids the Tastun Pass at 2,500m. 2. Eastern Anatolia: the Ardahan-Kars region. Wild, stunning. And following the Arax River to the Azerbaijani enclave of Nakhchivan.
Best, Bernard
Hi there,
Hope your health issues clear up soon. The gateway to Georgia is Batumi. You should visit at least once—it’s a fascinating city for many reasons. There are other routes, but the roads are rougher (according to a group of friends who took them last year). For road maps, we used IGN and Freytag & Berndt, but I’ve heard Gizi maps are also great—they usually are. Road maps are essential in these countries because road signs on the ground are almost nonexistent or in the local "hieroglyphics"! We used the Petit Futé guidebook. 60 days is the perfect amount of time, especially if you plan to visit Nagorno-Karabakh. It’s amazing to visit a country that doesn’t officially exist! Stepanakert is easy to access. Let me know if you’d like more info. Cheers,
Brigitte
Hope your health issues clear up soon. The gateway to Georgia is Batumi. You should visit at least once—it’s a fascinating city for many reasons. There are other routes, but the roads are rougher (according to a group of friends who took them last year). For road maps, we used IGN and Freytag & Berndt, but I’ve heard Gizi maps are also great—they usually are. Road maps are essential in these countries because road signs on the ground are almost nonexistent or in the local "hieroglyphics"! We used the Petit Futé guidebook. 60 days is the perfect amount of time, especially if you plan to visit Nagorno-Karabakh. It’s amazing to visit a country that doesn’t officially exist! Stepanakert is easy to access. Let me know if you’d like more info. Cheers,
Brigitte
Je ne réponds pas aux goujats et autres vantards.
Thanks Bernard and Brigitte for your replies.
Brigitte, I just read your blog. So 61 days is doable.
Bernard, based on your info, our plan is starting to take shape:
- Ancona to Igoumenitsa by ferry. - Igoumenitsa to Istanbul (1 day, you said—that’s perfect). - Istanbul to Kars, following the Black Sea coast.
I’m estimating about a week to 10 days to get "ready to roll," which is roughly the same as the route through Serbia and Bulgaria that you took, Brigitte—11 days for you. We’ll need to look into this more closely... What are the advantages compared to the "classic" route through Turkey? The price of diesel? Anything else?
I’m going to buy the Freitag Caucasus map, which will at least let us plan a route for Georgia and Armenia before we leave (we rarely stick to it, but hey 🙂).
Return via Turkey and Cappadocia.
Bernard, I’ll check out your suggestion to follow the Araks River to the Azerbaijani enclave... I have no idea where that is 😛.
Anyway, thanks to both of you.
Brigitte, I just read your blog. So 61 days is doable.
Bernard, based on your info, our plan is starting to take shape:
- Ancona to Igoumenitsa by ferry. - Igoumenitsa to Istanbul (1 day, you said—that’s perfect). - Istanbul to Kars, following the Black Sea coast.
I’m estimating about a week to 10 days to get "ready to roll," which is roughly the same as the route through Serbia and Bulgaria that you took, Brigitte—11 days for you. We’ll need to look into this more closely... What are the advantages compared to the "classic" route through Turkey? The price of diesel? Anything else?
I’m going to buy the Freitag Caucasus map, which will at least let us plan a route for Georgia and Armenia before we leave (we rarely stick to it, but hey 🙂).
Return via Turkey and Cappadocia.
Bernard, I’ll check out your suggestion to follow the Araks River to the Azerbaijani enclave... I have no idea where that is 😛.
Anyway, thanks to both of you.
Catherine
" La lucidité est la blessure la plus proche du soleil" René Char
http://www.catherinegil.com
http://www.catherinegil.com
Hi,
We went through Serbia, but we won’t do it again—it wasn’t worth it compared to the route through Greece. I think there are ferries to cross the Black Sea and arrive in Batumi, either from Romania or Ukraine. That could be a good solution to avoid going through Turkey twice, especially if you’ve already been there! Cheers,
Brigitte
We went through Serbia, but we won’t do it again—it wasn’t worth it compared to the route through Greece. I think there are ferries to cross the Black Sea and arrive in Batumi, either from Romania or Ukraine. That could be a good solution to avoid going through Turkey twice, especially if you’ve already been there! Cheers,
Brigitte
Je ne réponds pas aux goujats et autres vantards.
Yes, we’ve been to Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Ukraine... (we loved Romania and Ukraine, unlike Bulgaria, which we didn’t enjoy at all).
On the other hand, we don’t know Turkey well—just passed through quickly on our way to Iran and Pakistan.
On the other hand, we don’t know Turkey well—just passed through quickly on our way to Iran and Pakistan.
Catherine
" La lucidité est la blessure la plus proche du soleil" René Char
http://www.catherinegil.com
http://www.catherinegil.com
Yes, we know Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria, and Romania, as well as Ukraine... (we loved Romania and Ukraine, unlike Bulgaria, which we didn’t like at all).
On the other hand, we don’t know Turkey well at all—just passed through quickly on our way to Iran and Pakistan.
On the other hand, we don’t know Turkey well at all—just passed through quickly on our way to Iran and Pakistan.
Catherine
" La lucidité est la blessure la plus proche du soleil" René Char
http://www.catherinegil.com
http://www.catherinegil.com
Hi there! 🙂
For those planning a trip to the Caucasus, maybe you'll find some useful info in our Georgia-Armenia travel albums.
Short stories, 24 commented images. Just the essentials 😉
BATUMI, GORI, TBILISI: https://plus.google.com/photos/104801826254076873321/albums/5883362631244423377?hl=fr&partnerid=gplp0
G.M.R, ANANURI: https://plus.google.com/photos/104801826254076873321/albums/5883363059742858337?hl=fr&partnerid=gplp0
MTSKHETA & Azerbaijani steppes: https://plus.google.com/photos/104801826254076873321/albums/5883363422473521009?hl=fr&partnerid=gplp0
ARMENIA: https://plus.google.com/photos/104801826254076873321/albums/5885185842203687185?hl=fr&partnerid=gplp0
Best regards, Sylvie & Bernard
For those planning a trip to the Caucasus, maybe you'll find some useful info in our Georgia-Armenia travel albums.
Short stories, 24 commented images. Just the essentials 😉
BATUMI, GORI, TBILISI: https://plus.google.com/photos/104801826254076873321/albums/5883362631244423377?hl=fr&partnerid=gplp0
G.M.R, ANANURI: https://plus.google.com/photos/104801826254076873321/albums/5883363059742858337?hl=fr&partnerid=gplp0
MTSKHETA & Azerbaijani steppes: https://plus.google.com/photos/104801826254076873321/albums/5883363422473521009?hl=fr&partnerid=gplp0
ARMENIA: https://plus.google.com/photos/104801826254076873321/albums/5885185842203687185?hl=fr&partnerid=gplp0
Best regards, Sylvie & Bernard
Hi 😏
14 years later, back to this 2010 road trip! It was less than 2 years after the war with Russia.
At the time, I was working, so the trip report was really incomplete. Vague dates, missing photos, poorly framed ones, confusing texts, oversights, approximations, no maps ....... 😕
We took the time to redo everything! We made 5 travel journals summarizing this Caucasus trip.
1. GEORGIA
2. Georgian Military Road
3. MTSKHETA, AZERBAIJAN
4. ARMENIA, Yerevan
5. ARMENIA, Gyumri
Of course, it’s impossible to post all 130 pages of this update here. The full trip report is shared online:
CAUCASUS
Other trips we’ve shared on VF have the same issues. We’re taking the time to correct them 😏
Best regards, Sylvie & Bernard
14 years later, back to this 2010 road trip! It was less than 2 years after the war with Russia.
At the time, I was working, so the trip report was really incomplete. Vague dates, missing photos, poorly framed ones, confusing texts, oversights, approximations, no maps ....... 😕
We took the time to redo everything! We made 5 travel journals summarizing this Caucasus trip.
1. GEORGIA
2. Georgian Military Road
3. MTSKHETA, AZERBAIJAN
4. ARMENIA, Yerevan
5. ARMENIA, Gyumri
Of course, it’s impossible to post all 130 pages of this update here. The full trip report is shared online:
CAUCASUS
Other trips we’ve shared on VF have the same issues. We’re taking the time to correct them 😏
Best regards, Sylvie & Bernard
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Hi,
How do you manage to charge your battery using a solar panel while keeping your vehicle in the shade so it doesn’t turn into an oven?
I have a Renault Trafic, unfortunately black, and my cooler, battery, and BougeRV solar panel.
My battery is mainly used for my electric cooler.
https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B0CQ4LFVVR?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_3
Thanks in advance! Nath
How do you manage to charge your battery using a solar panel while keeping your vehicle in the shade so it doesn’t turn into an oven?
I have a Renault Trafic, unfortunately black, and my cooler, battery, and BougeRV solar panel.
My battery is mainly used for my electric cooler.
https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B0CQ4LFVVR?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_3
Thanks in advance! Nath
Hi everyone, I don’t think there’s already a thread on this topic,
we’re planning—two or three years from now (I know, it’s a ways off...)—a cross-Canada trip from east to west, meaning Montréal ====> Vancouver, and leaving the RV in Vancouver. First, we’ll spend a few days visiting Québec City, then pick up the RV in Montréal. The trip will likely be around 5 weeks, late August to early September. If you’ve got any route ideas, we’d love to hear them! Banff is probably a must-see stop for us. Thanks in advance!
Didier and Nicole
Hi everyone,
I recently arrived in Uruguay and I'm currently thinking about the best solution for my South America travel project.
I have a 2013 Fiat Ducato camper van that's currently in France. My initial plan was to have it shipped to Uruguay so I could travel across South America for about a year, then sell it here at the end of the trip.
But now that I'm here, I have a lot of questions about selling a French-registered vehicle in South America, particularly in Uruguay.
So, I'd love to hear from anyone who's been in this situation before:
Is it possible to sell a French-registered vehicle in Uruguay without permanently importing it? Is it common to sell your vehicle to other travelers (French, Europeans, or others) who want to continue traveling with it? Are these kinds of transactions relatively straightforward? What administrative procedures should I expect? What are the risks for the seller and the buyer? Are there any South American countries where this kind of sale is easier than in Uruguay? Based on your experience, would it be wiser to sell my van in France and buy a vehicle locally to travel with?
Any advice, experiences, or recommendations are welcome. Thanks in advance for your help !
Is it possible to sell a French-registered vehicle in Uruguay without permanently importing it? Is it common to sell your vehicle to other travelers (French, Europeans, or others) who want to continue traveling with it? Are these kinds of transactions relatively straightforward? What administrative procedures should I expect? What are the risks for the seller and the buyer? Are there any South American countries where this kind of sale is easier than in Uruguay? Based on your experience, would it be wiser to sell my van in France and buy a vehicle locally to travel with?
Any advice, experiences, or recommendations are welcome. Thanks in advance for your help !
Hello,
Today is January 7th, Orthodox Christmas Day.
It’s the perfect occasion to share on VF a religious site that left a lasting impression on us.
For a long time, we’d admired photos of the Makaryevo Women’s Monastery on Russian websites. They’re always taken from cruise hydrofoils that, in season, depart from Nizhny Novgorod.
This gave us the idea for a crazy challenge: to visit the monastery during a river cruise, with our little plumber’s van that’s become the common thread of our travels!
This challenge seemed impossible to pull off.
The equation was indeed impossible to solve
1. Find a dock 2. Load the van onto a boat 3. Cross the Volga 4. Arrive at sunset 5. Sail past the monastery 6. All with no reliable information. NONE!
Incredibly, every obstacle fell into place one after another! Gifting us unforgettable moments.
The photos follow our exact journey.
1. We arrive on the southern bank of the Volga, searching for a ferry to Makaryevo. First attempt, first failure—we’re way too far east. We find a second ferry, but it serves a different town on the northern bank.
2. We keep going and meet some fishermen. But even they don’t know where to board a vehicle for the monastery.
3. After several fruitless searches, a young man who speaks a few words of English points us to a dock where, in summer, boats *might* serve the monastery. Miraculously, at the end of a rough track, we find an old ferry moored. But no one’s on board, and a chain blocks the entrance.
After an hour of waiting, a worker arrives and tells us they *will* cross the Volga tonight,
but the exit ramp at Makaryevo isn’t accessible for our vehicle.
The captain joins him, and seeing our disappointed faces, they confer, discuss,
and load some planks to raise the ramp!
Another miracle!
4. We board, with just one passenger accompanying us— the Trafic is the only vehicle on board.
5. The crossing was magical. And longer than expected, since the Volga here is several kilometers wide, and we’re navigating between countless islands!
6. Under a sky that gradually clears, we discover there are homes on the river— invisible from the banks—that form small communities where people get around by boat!
7. Then, suddenly, around a bend in the channel, the monastery appears in the distance on the northern bank.
8. At the exact moment our boat rounds the buoy and nears the monastery, the sun breaks through the clouds!
9. A breathtaking sight, with our boat gliding along the monastery walls in absolute silence.
10. The sky, now a deep blue, makes the vibrant colors of the onion domes pop.
11. We sail slowly past the monastery under extraordinary light— something our little compact camera can’t fully capture.
12. As promised, the captain and his crew adjust the exit ramp. You can’t tell from the photo, but even with the planks, it was a close call— the van’s chassis barely cleared the ramp. We thanked them warmly.
13. By the end of the day, the monastery is, of course, closed. But another miracle happens! It turns out the passenger who crossed with us is the mayor’s wife. When Sylvie told her we were from France, she called her husband, who immediately contacted the Mother Superior. Like in a dream, the monastery opens just for us. A nun and a guard come to meet us and take us through the chapels and gardens!
14. A visit all the more intimate since only the silent nuns, deep in prayer, are present in these sacred spaces.
15. After dinner in our little van, we enjoy the exceptional light illuminating the now-closed monastery. We’re the only visitors, and the site feels like a massive ship anchored on the Volga.
16. The setting sun now bathes the monastery walls in gorgeous pink hues!
17. Gradually, the legendary Volga itself takes on magical colors! For the night, I’ll just back the van up to level it. It’ll take us a while to fall asleep after such intense moments.
18. Just as inexplicably, the magic continues the next morning! Seeing I’m struggling with my knee, the guard lets us drive slowly along the monastery’s perimeter path. So there we are at dawn, solitary wanderers between the Volga and the monastery walls.
19. The morning light now illuminates the monastery’s eastern façade, which we hadn’t admired yesterday. An exceptional moment.
20. Even more impressive when we realize we’re on the nuns’ prayer path. We cross paths with them—tall, silent, black-clad figures, fully covered.
We leave Makaryevo with regret, following the Volga toward Kostroma on the Golden Ring. That’s about all there is to add.
We’ve already taken three long trips through Russia in our little van. The travel journals are shared in the link in our signature.
Best regards, Sylvie & Bernard
Today is January 7th, Orthodox Christmas Day.
It’s the perfect occasion to share on VF a religious site that left a lasting impression on us.
For a long time, we’d admired photos of the Makaryevo Women’s Monastery on Russian websites. They’re always taken from cruise hydrofoils that, in season, depart from Nizhny Novgorod.
This gave us the idea for a crazy challenge: to visit the monastery during a river cruise, with our little plumber’s van that’s become the common thread of our travels!
This challenge seemed impossible to pull off.
The equation was indeed impossible to solve
1. Find a dock 2. Load the van onto a boat 3. Cross the Volga 4. Arrive at sunset 5. Sail past the monastery 6. All with no reliable information. NONE!
Incredibly, every obstacle fell into place one after another! Gifting us unforgettable moments.
The photos follow our exact journey.
1. We arrive on the southern bank of the Volga, searching for a ferry to Makaryevo. First attempt, first failure—we’re way too far east. We find a second ferry, but it serves a different town on the northern bank.
2. We keep going and meet some fishermen. But even they don’t know where to board a vehicle for the monastery.
3. After several fruitless searches, a young man who speaks a few words of English points us to a dock where, in summer, boats *might* serve the monastery. Miraculously, at the end of a rough track, we find an old ferry moored. But no one’s on board, and a chain blocks the entrance.
After an hour of waiting, a worker arrives and tells us they *will* cross the Volga tonight,
but the exit ramp at Makaryevo isn’t accessible for our vehicle.
The captain joins him, and seeing our disappointed faces, they confer, discuss,
and load some planks to raise the ramp!Another miracle!
4. We board, with just one passenger accompanying us— the Trafic is the only vehicle on board.
5. The crossing was magical. And longer than expected, since the Volga here is several kilometers wide, and we’re navigating between countless islands!
6. Under a sky that gradually clears, we discover there are homes on the river— invisible from the banks—that form small communities where people get around by boat!
7. Then, suddenly, around a bend in the channel, the monastery appears in the distance on the northern bank.
8. At the exact moment our boat rounds the buoy and nears the monastery, the sun breaks through the clouds!
9. A breathtaking sight, with our boat gliding along the monastery walls in absolute silence.
10. The sky, now a deep blue, makes the vibrant colors of the onion domes pop.
11. We sail slowly past the monastery under extraordinary light— something our little compact camera can’t fully capture.
12. As promised, the captain and his crew adjust the exit ramp. You can’t tell from the photo, but even with the planks, it was a close call— the van’s chassis barely cleared the ramp. We thanked them warmly.
13. By the end of the day, the monastery is, of course, closed. But another miracle happens! It turns out the passenger who crossed with us is the mayor’s wife. When Sylvie told her we were from France, she called her husband, who immediately contacted the Mother Superior. Like in a dream, the monastery opens just for us. A nun and a guard come to meet us and take us through the chapels and gardens!
14. A visit all the more intimate since only the silent nuns, deep in prayer, are present in these sacred spaces.
15. After dinner in our little van, we enjoy the exceptional light illuminating the now-closed monastery. We’re the only visitors, and the site feels like a massive ship anchored on the Volga.
16. The setting sun now bathes the monastery walls in gorgeous pink hues!
17. Gradually, the legendary Volga itself takes on magical colors! For the night, I’ll just back the van up to level it. It’ll take us a while to fall asleep after such intense moments.
18. Just as inexplicably, the magic continues the next morning! Seeing I’m struggling with my knee, the guard lets us drive slowly along the monastery’s perimeter path. So there we are at dawn, solitary wanderers between the Volga and the monastery walls.
19. The morning light now illuminates the monastery’s eastern façade, which we hadn’t admired yesterday. An exceptional moment.
20. Even more impressive when we realize we’re on the nuns’ prayer path. We cross paths with them—tall, silent, black-clad figures, fully covered.
We leave Makaryevo with regret, following the Volga toward Kostroma on the Golden Ring. That’s about all there is to add.
We’ve already taken three long trips through Russia in our little van. The travel journals are shared in the link in our signature.
Best regards, Sylvie & Bernard
Hi everyone.
We’re planning a two-month trip to Morocco and Mauritania this fall (2026). We’d like to use this trip to get some bodywork and paint done on our VW T4 camper bus.
Does anyone have recommendations for trustworthy auto body shops (either personally tested or firsthand recommendations)?
Thanks in advance.
"Hey fellow road-trippers! 🚐🔥
After 4 years on the road, I’ve noticed something simple: we’re all looking for the same things. Authentic welcomes, great local eateries, and stops that don’t feel like supermarket parking lots.
But it’s always bugged me to see small producers or local guesthouses getting their margins eaten up by big booking platforms.
That’s why I created TerraNomad.
The concept is straightforward:
The pro (farmer, restaurant, small campsite, guesthouse) pays no commission to be on our map. In return, they offer a special welcome or discount to members.
It’s direct, local, and human. We’re starting in France, then heading together toward Morocco, Spain, and Portugal. Quick question: Does this kind of "no-middleman" network speak to you? I’m opening the first 100 Founding Member spots this Friday night (special launch price at 12 € for the year—just 1 € per month). Can’t wait to read your thoughts and see if you’d be up for this adventure! 🌍✋"
The pro (farmer, restaurant, small campsite, guesthouse) pays no commission to be on our map. In return, they offer a special welcome or discount to members.
It’s direct, local, and human. We’re starting in France, then heading together toward Morocco, Spain, and Portugal. Quick question: Does this kind of "no-middleman" network speak to you? I’m opening the first 100 Founding Member spots this Friday night (special launch price at 12 € for the year—just 1 € per month). Can’t wait to read your thoughts and see if you’d be up for this adventure! 🌍✋"
Is it complicated to rent a car and drive in Morocco? Also, is an international driver’s permit mandatory? Thanks
hi
where can you park a camper van in Trieste to sightsee and sleep?
thanks
Hi there,
Does anyone have a good agency recommendation for renting a camper van in Morocco (Marrakech or Essaouira) for about two weeks in March 2026?
Thanks for your tips!
Hi everyone,
We’re a family of four—two adults with two kids aged 4 and 7—about to embark on a year-long round-the-world trip in a camper van. I’m currently planning the Asia leg, which should last about 6 months. We’ll arrive in Thailand in January, head north, then move on to Laos. Ideally, we’d continue to Vietnam, Cambodia, and then return to Thailand to head south into Malaysia. If the budget allows, we’d love to include China and Japan. The big question after lots of research is: how easy is it to temporarily import a vehicle into these countries? The info I’ve found is outdated (2019–2020), and given how quickly regulations change, I’d love to hear from anyone currently (or recently) traveling in these countries with their vehicle. I’ve read that you need a local guide in Vietnam, local license plates in China, and that importing a vehicle into China is quite complicated—are these rules still in place? More generally, is there a recommended route for this part of the world with a camper van?
Thanks in advance!
We’re a family of four—two adults with two kids aged 4 and 7—about to embark on a year-long round-the-world trip in a camper van. I’m currently planning the Asia leg, which should last about 6 months. We’ll arrive in Thailand in January, head north, then move on to Laos. Ideally, we’d continue to Vietnam, Cambodia, and then return to Thailand to head south into Malaysia. If the budget allows, we’d love to include China and Japan. The big question after lots of research is: how easy is it to temporarily import a vehicle into these countries? The info I’ve found is outdated (2019–2020), and given how quickly regulations change, I’d love to hear from anyone currently (or recently) traveling in these countries with their vehicle. I’ve read that you need a local guide in Vietnam, local license plates in China, and that importing a vehicle into China is quite complicated—are these rules still in place? More generally, is there a recommended route for this part of the world with a camper van?
Thanks in advance!
hello fellow travelers
For my golden years, I'd like to drive to India in my 508. I want to avoid Iran and Pakistan. Instead, I’m thinking of going through Turkey, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, then taking the ferry from Baku to Türkmenbaşy in Turkmenistan, followed by the Silk Road through Central Asia—Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.
After that, China? I’ve seen that some travelers manage to drive through China with their own vehicle... Then Tibet, Nepal, and India... But things get tricky with the Himalayan crossing. I’ve checked on Google—it looks tough.
Any tips or info on these routes? Thanks
After that, China? I’ve seen that some travelers manage to drive through China with their own vehicle... Then Tibet, Nepal, and India... But things get tricky with the Himalayan crossing. I’ve checked on Google—it looks tough.
Any tips or info on these routes? Thanks
Hi,
It seems that vans and campervans aren't allowed on Hurtigruten ferries?
We have a California van with a bike rack—length: 5.70 m / height: 2.20 m / width: 1.95 m.
We'd like to take the ferry from Trondheim to the Lofoten Islands this coming September.
Thanks for sharing any info!
regions Brittany, Rhône-Alpes, and Massif Central (Auvergne Limousin)
Hi fellow travelers,
We’re planning our first trip to Iceland.
We’re considering renting a 4x4 where we could sleep from time to time.
My question is: What’s the current regulation in Iceland? Which areas allow sleeping in your vehicle, and where is it prohibited (requiring you to stay in campgrounds)?
In June, is it possible to find spots without having booked in advance?
Sergio
Hi there,
We’re traveling in our camper van from Haute-Savoie.
We’ve got 2 weeks in April and want to explore northern Portugal.
We’re thinking of:
- Peneda-Gerês National Park - the Douro Valley - Porto
We love nature, hiking, and culture (and also good food and wine).😉
Do you have an itinerary to suggest?
Thanks in advance for your replies
We’re traveling in our camper van from Haute-Savoie.
We’ve got 2 weeks in April and want to explore northern Portugal.
We’re thinking of:
- Peneda-Gerês National Park - the Douro Valley - Porto
We love nature, hiking, and culture (and also good food and wine).😉
Do you have an itinerary to suggest?
Thanks in advance for your replies
Hi there,
We're planning a full week in Iceland in April. Given the short timeframe to prepare, I’m asking for some help on the forum.
We’re considering renting a camper van to be more independent with our travel. - Is this really a good idea at this time of year due to weather conditions (cold nights, poor road conditions, etc.)? - Can we just "park" anywhere for the night to sleep, or do we absolutely have to go to a campsite? What are the approximate rates for a van with 2 people? Do we need to book in advance? - If this mode of transport is recommended, do you have any good places to rent one?
Iceland is still a big island with lots of points of interest, so I think it’ll be tough to see everything in 8 days. - Are there parts of the island we should prioritize in April? We like hiking (nothing too long—6 or 7 hours is out of the question) and unique landscapes. - Are some sites inaccessible at this time of year? - Is Reykjavik worth stopping for a day or two?
Thanks in advance for your answers!
Jeff
We're planning a full week in Iceland in April. Given the short timeframe to prepare, I’m asking for some help on the forum.
We’re considering renting a camper van to be more independent with our travel. - Is this really a good idea at this time of year due to weather conditions (cold nights, poor road conditions, etc.)? - Can we just "park" anywhere for the night to sleep, or do we absolutely have to go to a campsite? What are the approximate rates for a van with 2 people? Do we need to book in advance? - If this mode of transport is recommended, do you have any good places to rent one?
Iceland is still a big island with lots of points of interest, so I think it’ll be tough to see everything in 8 days. - Are there parts of the island we should prioritize in April? We like hiking (nothing too long—6 or 7 hours is out of the question) and unique landscapes. - Are some sites inaccessible at this time of year? - Is Reykjavik worth stopping for a day or two?
Thanks in advance for your answers!
Jeff
Hi there,
Most of the time when I travel, I tow a trailer with an ATV for my local trips... I’d love to hear from anyone who’s traveled with a trailer and a second vehicle of any kind—especially the downsides of towing a trailer in Norway, aside from ferry costs.
Thanks!
Most of the time when I travel, I tow a trailer with an ATV for my local trips... I’d love to hear from anyone who’s traveled with a trailer and a second vehicle of any kind—especially the downsides of towing a trailer in Norway, aside from ferry costs.
Thanks!
hi,
I’m planning a trip to Albania in a camper van, most likely between May, June, and early July (2027), for about 60 days. On the way down, I’ll go as far as Bari (or Brindisi) and cross by ferry, and on the way back, I’ll go through the former Yugoslavia (or maybe take the return ferry?).
Has anyone been there recently? What are the roads like, the must-see spots, and any general tips you can share?
There’ll probably be two of us traveling together.
Thanks
Hi there,
During our last trip to Greece in 2021, we used Anek Lines' open deck offer, which allowed us to spend the night in our van on an open deck by the sea with access to the ferry's bars, restaurant, and showers (on the Ancona-Igoumenitsa route).
From my initial research, it seems this service no longer exists—can anyone confirm this?
Any alternatives?
Thanks
Hi everyone,
I’m planning to drive my camper van to southern Spain in autumn 2026. Ideally, I’d like to find a ferry leaving from France (Marseille or Toulon, doesn’t matter) that drops me off as far south in Spain as possible. I’ve done some research but haven’t had any luck.
Thanks for your tips!
Vanouk
We’d like to spend 15 days in August visiting Normandy by camper van, starting from Lyon.
Has anyone got an itinerary to suggest for exploring Normandy?
We’d like to go to Calvados to visit: Flower Coast, Honfleur, Cabourg, Deauville, D-Day landing beaches
Mont Saint-Michel
Alabaster Coast, Étretat cliffs, and maybe Rouen Fabienne
We’d like to go to Calvados to visit: Flower Coast, Honfleur, Cabourg, Deauville, D-Day landing beaches
Mont Saint-Michel
Alabaster Coast, Étretat cliffs, and maybe Rouen Fabienne
Hi there,
I have a bit of a crazy dream... I'd love to drop everything and hit the road with my wife and kids in a camper van.
I want to visit villages to learn, immerse ourselves in other cultures, and see different perspectives on the world. To teach my kids different values.
Hi everyone,
I’m planning a campervan road trip and would love some tips from those who know these countries: Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, and Slovenia again. At the moment, nothing’s set in stone, but for example, is it better to visit Slovenia or Bosnia? My preferences lean toward landscapes (rivers, sea, lakes)—basically anywhere there’s water! :) Wild camping, cheap or even free spots, and a *very* tight budget—it’s the discovery, curiosity, and meeting locals that drive me. I’ll visit cities and sites only if access is easy (by bike, for example, or by train from an affordable campsite) and if visitors aren’t treated like cash cows. Just reasonable stuff, really. So, any advice is welcome—like swimming spots or easy hikes along coasts or rivers. I love caves and offbeat visits (salt mines in Poland, La Roque Saint-Christophe in France, etc.). Castles and old ruins? Not really my thing... Thanks for your help! Sylvia
I’m planning a campervan road trip and would love some tips from those who know these countries: Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, and Slovenia again. At the moment, nothing’s set in stone, but for example, is it better to visit Slovenia or Bosnia? My preferences lean toward landscapes (rivers, sea, lakes)—basically anywhere there’s water! :) Wild camping, cheap or even free spots, and a *very* tight budget—it’s the discovery, curiosity, and meeting locals that drive me. I’ll visit cities and sites only if access is easy (by bike, for example, or by train from an affordable campsite) and if visitors aren’t treated like cash cows. Just reasonable stuff, really. So, any advice is welcome—like swimming spots or easy hikes along coasts or rivers. I love caves and offbeat visits (salt mines in Poland, La Roque Saint-Christophe in France, etc.). Castles and old ruins? Not really my thing... Thanks for your help! Sylvia
Hi, I’m planning to pick up a camper van in Dubai and drive it back to France... is this even possible? What’s the best route? What are the main challenges? Are there secure parking areas along the way? Is diesel fuel available for the whole trip? ... So many questions... Thanks for your help! See you soon!
I'm planning to drive to the UAE by road, going through Iraq. Has anyone done this and can give me some info? Specifically about the border crossings Turkey/Iraq and Iraq/Kuwait.
Hi there,
I’d love to hear your thoughts on a trip to New Zealand in a campervan. Is it a good idea to mix hotels and a car on the North Island and a campervan on the South Island? Or should I do the whole trip in a campervan—though visiting big cities seems trickier that way.
Other questions: which companies do you recommend, and what are the least tiring or most sensible routes? 😄
Thanks for sharing your experiences and ideas!
Hi there,
We’re planning to tour Scandinavia by camper van—Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Norway (in that order)—for 5 weeks from late May to late June 2026.
I’ve done it before, but that was way back in 1980 😎 and by hitchhiking!
We’d love to hear from anyone who’s done this trip about the best routes, great tips, must-know advice, and what to do or avoid (ferries, campsites, etc.).
Thanks in advance!
hi there,
We’re heading to southern England this summer in our camper van, including a stop in London.
Does anyone have a good experience with a campsite near London that has easy access to public transport to get into the city center? Ideally, we’d like to leave the camper van at the campsite...
Thanks so much in advance for your help!
We’re heading to southern England this summer in our camper van, including a stop in London.
Does anyone have a good experience with a campsite near London that has easy access to public transport to get into the city center? Ideally, we’d like to leave the camper van at the campsite...
Thanks so much in advance for your help!
Hi everyone,
I’m planning a trip with my camper van in autumn 2026 to head to southern Italy from Genoa by ferry.
Ideally, I’d like to leave from Genoa for southern Italy (like Messina) or another city in the boot.
I’ve done some research online but haven’t had any luck.
Can you help or give me some advice?
Thanks in advance!
Vanouk
Hi there, we’ll be in Portugal from March 9 to April 14, 2026. We’ve booked our first five days in Lisbon for sightseeing. After that, we’d like to rent a campervan (RV), but we’re having trouble finding a good site for the rental. The rental would be for about three weeks. Do you have any suggestions for us? We think it’s best to book the campervan before we arrive. And since we’re not mechanics, we need a vehicle in good condition...
Thanks so much for your suggestions. We’re open to everything—even route ideas and places to visit! Pierrette
Thanks so much for your suggestions. We’re open to everything—even route ideas and places to visit! Pierrette