Planning Our Journey

 

Entry 2

 

When and Where?

Since we first began talking about our trip over to mainland Europe, we've changed our minds and re-planned routes multiple times already. I guess that's part of the beauty of it, we don't have to stick to a schedule like you do when you get a flight.

Initially, we had planned to do a summer crossing over to France and journey along the north coast to Spain. However, since we now both have seasonal jobs and aren't working in January, its the perfect time to set off on our first trip. The thing about travelling in January is that the north coast of France and Spain won't be much warmer than England so our plan is to follow the sun. 

 

Map of Spain and Portugal

Map of Spain and Portugal

The ferry crossings aren't as frequent in winter however, they're also not as expensive. There are only certain crossings that still run over the winter period, meaning that although Plymouth is closest; we've had to book a ferry from Portsmouth instead because crossings from Plymouth don't start up again until spring. Our route will be Portsmouth to Santander, from Santander we'll make our way to the south of Portugal via Salamanca and then drive up the coast towards Lisbon. Continuing on to Peniche and Nazare, where we're lucky enough to have family friends we can visit before driving back along the coast to Santander. 


The Essentials 

Ever since buying our camper we've slowly been accumulating the things we'll need for our travels, the items we deem most important are: 

  • First Aid Kit
  • Cutlery
  • Plates/Mugs
  • A nest of Pots and Pans
  • Bedding (We'll be taking a double duvet because although it takes up some space we both find it the most comfortable option)
  • Head torch
  • Solar lantern/fairy lights
  • Whistling Kettle
  • Clothes
  • Food/Spices/Favourite Treats
  • Longboards 
  • Wetsuits
  • Surfboards
  • Bodhi Merino Towels (these save so much space and dry really quickly)
  • A Table (to eat outdoors)
  • Camping chairs
  • Washing up bucket
  • Whicker baskets for storage 
  • Hook up cable 
  • Tape player aux cable
  • Hammock
  • Books
  • Playing cards

As this is our first time hitting the road, I'm sure we'll discover what is actually essential and what isn't but that's all part of the learning curve!


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