cliveandann
Free Member
- Messages
- 63
Going for a long trip? Here’s my own lengthy check list which perhaps you might find useful. Feel free to comment or adapt to your own needs.
Personal
1 Passport
Make sure it is valid for your entire trip. After 29 March if there is no deal or no relevant agreement, the UK will have the Schengen Rules applied.
According to the Schengen Border Code, third country passports must:
a) have been issued within the last 10 years on the date of arrival in a Schengen country, and
b) have at least 3 months validity remaining on the date of intended departure from the last country visited in the Schengen area. Because third country nationals can remain in the Schengen area for 90 days (approximately 3 months), the actual check carried out could be that the passport has at least 6 months validity remaining on the date of arrival.
The maximum stay is a total of 90 days in any rolling period of 180 days.
Children only have 5 year passports
Complete the Next of Kin details at the back of the passport. If you loose it there is a chance it may be returned.
Scan the photo page. This makes useful ID if printed and laminated.
2 Visas
There are only 3 countries adjacent to the EU that require visas. It is advisable to use an agency to get visas for Russia and Belarus (overland)
https://realrussia.co.uk/Visas
The other country is Turkey – applications are easily made online
3 Driving Licence
Check to see if your licence expires during the trip. Renew before you leave if necessary and check if you need an HGV medical for over 70s to keep the C licence.
Those resident in the EU should take note of
https://www.gov.uk/government/publi...uk-citizens-driving-abroad-from-29-march-2019
4 International Driving Permit (IDP)
The 1968 version is needed for most countries in the EU except Spain which requires the 1949 version. Available for Post Offices (1968 version from 1st Feb 19).
An IDP is needed for each driver.
The IDP is only valid if accompanied by the Driving Licence
The categories on the IDP do not match the current driving licence categories. Make sure that all categories are stamped if you are driving a vehicle over 3500kgs
You can have more than one IDP if you want.
5 European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
These will not have any value in the event of a no deal or no agreement from 29 Mar 19. However take it with you as it may help. Portugal has for example announced it will continue the exchange arrangement after 29 March 19.
There are agents charging fees for doing what you can do yourself for free.
6 Travel Insurance
When arranging travel insurance focus on the medical cover as much of the rest of the cover offered is not relevant or covered by the vehicle comprehensive insurance.
Check age limits
If you get an annual policy ensure that the maximum period for each trip covers your time away. Annual policies often have a 30 day limit per trip. If in doubt get a single trip policy.
Medical conditions may be covered for an extra premium. If not consider travelling without cover for those conditions not covered. If a problem there are specialist insurers who may help.
7 Ferry / Tunnel tickets or reference numbers.
The number recognition system at the port usually works but sometimes on rare occasions it may not.
8 Medical History
This covers blood group, allergies, current medication, previous history etc
9 Doctor’s letter and prescriptions
This can be useful to provide authority to carry prescription medicines. Some countries have different rules to the UK
10 Glasses.
Take spare glasses – also a requirement in France
If you loose or damage your glasses a glasses prescription would be helpful to get a new pair.
Take spare screws for the hinges (and small screwdriver). You can get these in most places but its not always convenient.
11 Emergency phone numbers
Check your contact list.
12 Personal “business” card
To give your details to people you meet when circumstances are appropriate.
13 Update Wills and Lasting Power of Attorneys
If necessary
14 Contact
Arrange a contact at home to help with any issues that might arise.
15 Pets
Take pet details if you take a pet with you. Insurance documents, pet passport, chip numbers, vaccination record etc
16 Yellow jackets
For each person – keep in the cab
17 Breathalyser
2 breathalyser test kits for France. These are legally required but there is no penalty for not having them.
18 Phones
Make sure that international roaming is enabled.
Get you phone unlocked to use other Companies' sim cards
Check that the bands used in your destination country are usable by your phone
Check the charges made for using your phone abroad. It may be worth considering buying a local sim card in your destination country or an international card such as
https://www.worldsim.com/international-sim-card
Take a 12v charger as well as the mains charger. Your van may well have a USB socket you can use to charge the phone.
Vehicle
19 Registration document
Log Book or V5C
20 Proof of Ownership
The V5C is usually taken as proof of ownership but technically it is not. Take the purchase invoice as well.
21 Vehicle Insurance Documents
This is usually the Certificate of Insurance. The other insurance documents might be helpful if you need to read the small print.
22 Green Card
This will probably be needed in the event there is no deal or agreement. Since it is only issued as a paper document apply in good time.
Make sure it covers the countries you wish to visit.
The policyholder must sign the Green Card or else it is not valid.
The Green Card only provides the legally required minimum insurance cover in each country. Check with your insurance company if you want to include comprehensive cover.
23 MOT Certificate
Check that this does not expire while you are away. If it does get a new MOT before you leave. It is a legal requirement for the vehicle meet UK standards to be on the road in other countries by international agreement.
24 Road Tax
Check that this does not expire while you are away. If it does its probably easiest to change over to the direct debit system before you leave if you aren’t already. It is a legal requirement for the vehicle meet UK standards to be on the road in other countries by international agreement.
25 Breakdown Insurance
Make sure you have the necessary documents and the emergency phone numbers
26 Manuals
Owners manual, workshop manual, parts list, habitation manuals etc. You may want to rely on the garage or caravan workshop instead but at least check you have the owners manuals. VIN and Engine numbers are on the V5C
27 Technical Backup
Arrange for a garage and a motorhome workshop in your home country to provide advice and send parts to you.
28 Spare keys / access cards / keyless entry keys
Take spares. Keep keyless entry keys in shielded protection cases. Also keep away from windows and doors.
29 Mapping
We use satnavs with an updated map. We also use a tablet with a moving map to give an overview of our location. As a backup we carry a good map or atlas
30 First Aid Kit
To meet legal requirements
31 Spare bulb kit
32 Warning triangles
Some countries only require one but its best to have 2.
33 International size GB sticker
The EU version will be invalid if there is no deal or agreement
34 Headlight beam deflectors
You can buy these on the ferries or at the AA shop at the Eurotunnel. Its easier to buy these in advance eg on Ebay. Fit in daylight the day before crossing the Channel
35 Fire Extinguisher
This is required in quite a number of countries.
36 Environmental Restrictions
Crit’Air sticker. This is required in France if you drive into most big cities there. It number of cities is being gradually expanded. You can get one online here
https://www.certificat-air.gouv.fr/en
Environmental restrictions are expanding all over Europe. You can plan a route to avoid these restrictions using the map here
http://urbanaccessregulations.eu/userhome/access-regulations-route-planner
Some satnavs give the option to plan a route avoiding environmental restrictions
37 Useful Stuff
Torch
Fuel can
Top up fluids (oil, antifreeze, screenwash)
Spare parts eg drive belts
Money
38 Cash
Sterling
Good for return home or exchanging if cash needed
Euros
For most countries. Take care as there are many forgeries. EUR 20 banknotes are the most popular denomination for counterfeiters, followed by the EUR 50. Together, they account for 83.3 % of the counterfeit notes detected.
Other currencies
Some countries in Europe don’t use the Euro. It is worth getting a small amount of local currency before you leave as ATMs may not be convenient.
How much cash to take?
This depends on how long you will be away, where you are going, the amount of security in your van and your attitude to risk. In our experience we take about 1000 Euros for each month (or equivalent) we are away plus £200. Some take less and depend more on ATMs.
39 Debit Cards
Check the expiry date and get a new one if there is less than 6 months when you return home. Banks have a habit of issuing new cards before they expire to your home address. They may allow the old one to continue to be used but not always for security reasons.
Its best to have more than one debit card available preferably from different banks and kept in different places while travelling.
There can be quite high costs of taking cash out of ATMs abroad. You can get prepaid travel cards which may get you better rates. Check out the options here
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/prepaid-travel-cards/
Make a note of the emergency phone numbers on the cards. There is normally a special number for overseas calls. Also note the card number and other details or take photos of both sides. Store securely
40 Credit Cards
As for debit cards. Don’t use credit cards in ATMs as this usually costs a fortune in charges unless there is no other option.
41 Bank accounts
Take a note of your bank account(s) details along with the online access passwords. Keep this information encrypted particularly if you use your phone or tablet for this.
42 Card protection insurance
If you have this keep the details separately. Consider taking out such insurance.
43 PIN numbers
If you can’t remember these keep them somewhere encrypted or otherwise secure.
44 Security
You might want to consider having some or all of the following
a) money belt – next to the skin type
b) ankle or neck pouch
c) muggers wallet – disposable wallet with a few small notes, old unusable cards etc
d) wallet with belt chain
e) handbag with steel cord in strap and / or wire mesh lining.
Other Stuff
45 Copy Documents
Photocopy or print out all documents. Keep securely – leave one set with your contact at home
46 Digital copies of documents
Keep in encrypted folder
47 Checklist for leaving home
Make a list of everything you need to do before leaving home. For example notify, neighbours, bank, credit card and insurance companies you will be abroad, turn off the power and water in your house unless these need to be left on. Arrange to forward mail if needed etc etc.
Prepare other vehicles for storage and SORN ?
48 Checklist for returning home
Make a list of everything you need to do when you return home. Know who has your keys, when documents for your other vehicles need to be renewed, what to do to get services to your house reconnected and other vehicles running etc. etc. Check diary for appointments.
49 Receipts
Take the receipts for the purchase of any valuables you take with you eg cameras, laptops etc
50 Euro coin or blank
For supermarket trolleys
The following may be useful if you venture further afield to the fringes of the EU or beyond
51 Inventory of contents of motorhome
This may be helpful at borders of some countries.
52 List of equipment
Make, model, serial numbers, year of purchase (if known)
53 Fiche
This is a duplicated list of personal and vehicle details to give to police. In local language if possible.
Medical
If you are going to out of the way places it pays to have a larger medical kit that the first aid kit in the motorhome
54 Everyday Medication
Antiseptic cream /spray
Bite and sting relief
Benzocaine (burneze) for relief of burns
Senocot or similar
Cough Mixture
Rehydration sachets (if you are going anywhere hot)
Diarrhoea stopper eg Immodium. Not recommended except in extreme situations
Ear Plugs
Golden Eye Ointment for minor infections
Anti fungal treatment eg Mycil
Indigestion eg Gavescon
Nose problems eg Sinex
Pain Relief
Aftersun
Sun Block
Teeth – eg Bonjela
Emergency dental kit
Elastoplasts
55 Prescription Medicine
Enough repeat prescriptions for your trip. The NHS allows doctors to prescribe up to 3 months in advance
If you are going to out of the way places it is a good idea to include some prescription drugs. There are of course loads of drugs available for various purposes. Generally the everyday medicines along with antibiotics will be adequate. Always get to see a doctor if you are ill. However you may be a bit wary of the medical services you encounter. Also NHS doctors will not prescribe for healthy travellers taking the drugs with them as a precaution. For Skype, email or phone medical advice wherever you are I recommend e-Med. They also provide prescriptions to collect at your local pharmacy so you can go prepared. They will advise on what drugs might be of value on your trip as they specialise in travel related medical advice. I would suggest (but seek advice)
Antibiotics
Ciprofloxacin - particularly for diarrhoea as well as chest and urinary infections
Cephalexin - for kidney, ear, nose and throat, lungs, urinary system, skin and wound infections.
56 Vaccinations for Europe
Generally there are no specific requirements to get vaccinations for travel in the EU. However it would be wise to visit your doctor’s travel clinic to check whether you need to update any of your existing vaccinations. Some vaccinations require as long as 3 months for a course so check this out in good time. If you are travelling further afield then they will be able to advise. There are various websites that recommended vaccinations on a country bt country basis. The CDC gives more background to the recommendations than most
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list/
We compare this advice when we go to a travel clinic.
Personal
1 Passport
Make sure it is valid for your entire trip. After 29 March if there is no deal or no relevant agreement, the UK will have the Schengen Rules applied.
According to the Schengen Border Code, third country passports must:
a) have been issued within the last 10 years on the date of arrival in a Schengen country, and
b) have at least 3 months validity remaining on the date of intended departure from the last country visited in the Schengen area. Because third country nationals can remain in the Schengen area for 90 days (approximately 3 months), the actual check carried out could be that the passport has at least 6 months validity remaining on the date of arrival.
The maximum stay is a total of 90 days in any rolling period of 180 days.
Children only have 5 year passports
Complete the Next of Kin details at the back of the passport. If you loose it there is a chance it may be returned.
Scan the photo page. This makes useful ID if printed and laminated.
2 Visas
There are only 3 countries adjacent to the EU that require visas. It is advisable to use an agency to get visas for Russia and Belarus (overland)
https://realrussia.co.uk/Visas
The other country is Turkey – applications are easily made online
3 Driving Licence
Check to see if your licence expires during the trip. Renew before you leave if necessary and check if you need an HGV medical for over 70s to keep the C licence.
Those resident in the EU should take note of
https://www.gov.uk/government/publi...uk-citizens-driving-abroad-from-29-march-2019
4 International Driving Permit (IDP)
The 1968 version is needed for most countries in the EU except Spain which requires the 1949 version. Available for Post Offices (1968 version from 1st Feb 19).
An IDP is needed for each driver.
The IDP is only valid if accompanied by the Driving Licence
The categories on the IDP do not match the current driving licence categories. Make sure that all categories are stamped if you are driving a vehicle over 3500kgs
You can have more than one IDP if you want.
5 European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
These will not have any value in the event of a no deal or no agreement from 29 Mar 19. However take it with you as it may help. Portugal has for example announced it will continue the exchange arrangement after 29 March 19.
There are agents charging fees for doing what you can do yourself for free.
6 Travel Insurance
When arranging travel insurance focus on the medical cover as much of the rest of the cover offered is not relevant or covered by the vehicle comprehensive insurance.
Check age limits
If you get an annual policy ensure that the maximum period for each trip covers your time away. Annual policies often have a 30 day limit per trip. If in doubt get a single trip policy.
Medical conditions may be covered for an extra premium. If not consider travelling without cover for those conditions not covered. If a problem there are specialist insurers who may help.
7 Ferry / Tunnel tickets or reference numbers.
The number recognition system at the port usually works but sometimes on rare occasions it may not.
8 Medical History
This covers blood group, allergies, current medication, previous history etc
9 Doctor’s letter and prescriptions
This can be useful to provide authority to carry prescription medicines. Some countries have different rules to the UK
10 Glasses.
Take spare glasses – also a requirement in France
If you loose or damage your glasses a glasses prescription would be helpful to get a new pair.
Take spare screws for the hinges (and small screwdriver). You can get these in most places but its not always convenient.
11 Emergency phone numbers
Check your contact list.
12 Personal “business” card
To give your details to people you meet when circumstances are appropriate.
13 Update Wills and Lasting Power of Attorneys
If necessary
14 Contact
Arrange a contact at home to help with any issues that might arise.
15 Pets
Take pet details if you take a pet with you. Insurance documents, pet passport, chip numbers, vaccination record etc
16 Yellow jackets
For each person – keep in the cab
17 Breathalyser
2 breathalyser test kits for France. These are legally required but there is no penalty for not having them.
18 Phones
Make sure that international roaming is enabled.
Get you phone unlocked to use other Companies' sim cards
Check that the bands used in your destination country are usable by your phone
Check the charges made for using your phone abroad. It may be worth considering buying a local sim card in your destination country or an international card such as
https://www.worldsim.com/international-sim-card
Take a 12v charger as well as the mains charger. Your van may well have a USB socket you can use to charge the phone.
Vehicle
19 Registration document
Log Book or V5C
20 Proof of Ownership
The V5C is usually taken as proof of ownership but technically it is not. Take the purchase invoice as well.
21 Vehicle Insurance Documents
This is usually the Certificate of Insurance. The other insurance documents might be helpful if you need to read the small print.
22 Green Card
This will probably be needed in the event there is no deal or agreement. Since it is only issued as a paper document apply in good time.
Make sure it covers the countries you wish to visit.
The policyholder must sign the Green Card or else it is not valid.
The Green Card only provides the legally required minimum insurance cover in each country. Check with your insurance company if you want to include comprehensive cover.
23 MOT Certificate
Check that this does not expire while you are away. If it does get a new MOT before you leave. It is a legal requirement for the vehicle meet UK standards to be on the road in other countries by international agreement.
24 Road Tax
Check that this does not expire while you are away. If it does its probably easiest to change over to the direct debit system before you leave if you aren’t already. It is a legal requirement for the vehicle meet UK standards to be on the road in other countries by international agreement.
25 Breakdown Insurance
Make sure you have the necessary documents and the emergency phone numbers
26 Manuals
Owners manual, workshop manual, parts list, habitation manuals etc. You may want to rely on the garage or caravan workshop instead but at least check you have the owners manuals. VIN and Engine numbers are on the V5C
27 Technical Backup
Arrange for a garage and a motorhome workshop in your home country to provide advice and send parts to you.
28 Spare keys / access cards / keyless entry keys
Take spares. Keep keyless entry keys in shielded protection cases. Also keep away from windows and doors.
29 Mapping
We use satnavs with an updated map. We also use a tablet with a moving map to give an overview of our location. As a backup we carry a good map or atlas
30 First Aid Kit
To meet legal requirements
31 Spare bulb kit
32 Warning triangles
Some countries only require one but its best to have 2.
33 International size GB sticker
The EU version will be invalid if there is no deal or agreement
34 Headlight beam deflectors
You can buy these on the ferries or at the AA shop at the Eurotunnel. Its easier to buy these in advance eg on Ebay. Fit in daylight the day before crossing the Channel
35 Fire Extinguisher
This is required in quite a number of countries.
36 Environmental Restrictions
Crit’Air sticker. This is required in France if you drive into most big cities there. It number of cities is being gradually expanded. You can get one online here
https://www.certificat-air.gouv.fr/en
Environmental restrictions are expanding all over Europe. You can plan a route to avoid these restrictions using the map here
http://urbanaccessregulations.eu/userhome/access-regulations-route-planner
Some satnavs give the option to plan a route avoiding environmental restrictions
37 Useful Stuff
Torch
Fuel can
Top up fluids (oil, antifreeze, screenwash)
Spare parts eg drive belts
Money
38 Cash
Sterling
Good for return home or exchanging if cash needed
Euros
For most countries. Take care as there are many forgeries. EUR 20 banknotes are the most popular denomination for counterfeiters, followed by the EUR 50. Together, they account for 83.3 % of the counterfeit notes detected.
Other currencies
Some countries in Europe don’t use the Euro. It is worth getting a small amount of local currency before you leave as ATMs may not be convenient.
How much cash to take?
This depends on how long you will be away, where you are going, the amount of security in your van and your attitude to risk. In our experience we take about 1000 Euros for each month (or equivalent) we are away plus £200. Some take less and depend more on ATMs.
39 Debit Cards
Check the expiry date and get a new one if there is less than 6 months when you return home. Banks have a habit of issuing new cards before they expire to your home address. They may allow the old one to continue to be used but not always for security reasons.
Its best to have more than one debit card available preferably from different banks and kept in different places while travelling.
There can be quite high costs of taking cash out of ATMs abroad. You can get prepaid travel cards which may get you better rates. Check out the options here
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/prepaid-travel-cards/
Make a note of the emergency phone numbers on the cards. There is normally a special number for overseas calls. Also note the card number and other details or take photos of both sides. Store securely
40 Credit Cards
As for debit cards. Don’t use credit cards in ATMs as this usually costs a fortune in charges unless there is no other option.
41 Bank accounts
Take a note of your bank account(s) details along with the online access passwords. Keep this information encrypted particularly if you use your phone or tablet for this.
42 Card protection insurance
If you have this keep the details separately. Consider taking out such insurance.
43 PIN numbers
If you can’t remember these keep them somewhere encrypted or otherwise secure.
44 Security
You might want to consider having some or all of the following
a) money belt – next to the skin type
b) ankle or neck pouch
c) muggers wallet – disposable wallet with a few small notes, old unusable cards etc
d) wallet with belt chain
e) handbag with steel cord in strap and / or wire mesh lining.
Other Stuff
45 Copy Documents
Photocopy or print out all documents. Keep securely – leave one set with your contact at home
46 Digital copies of documents
Keep in encrypted folder
47 Checklist for leaving home
Make a list of everything you need to do before leaving home. For example notify, neighbours, bank, credit card and insurance companies you will be abroad, turn off the power and water in your house unless these need to be left on. Arrange to forward mail if needed etc etc.
Prepare other vehicles for storage and SORN ?
48 Checklist for returning home
Make a list of everything you need to do when you return home. Know who has your keys, when documents for your other vehicles need to be renewed, what to do to get services to your house reconnected and other vehicles running etc. etc. Check diary for appointments.
49 Receipts
Take the receipts for the purchase of any valuables you take with you eg cameras, laptops etc
50 Euro coin or blank
For supermarket trolleys
The following may be useful if you venture further afield to the fringes of the EU or beyond
51 Inventory of contents of motorhome
This may be helpful at borders of some countries.
52 List of equipment
Make, model, serial numbers, year of purchase (if known)
53 Fiche
This is a duplicated list of personal and vehicle details to give to police. In local language if possible.
Medical
If you are going to out of the way places it pays to have a larger medical kit that the first aid kit in the motorhome
54 Everyday Medication
Antiseptic cream /spray
Bite and sting relief
Benzocaine (burneze) for relief of burns
Senocot or similar
Cough Mixture
Rehydration sachets (if you are going anywhere hot)
Diarrhoea stopper eg Immodium. Not recommended except in extreme situations
Ear Plugs
Golden Eye Ointment for minor infections
Anti fungal treatment eg Mycil
Indigestion eg Gavescon
Nose problems eg Sinex
Pain Relief
Aftersun
Sun Block
Teeth – eg Bonjela
Emergency dental kit
Elastoplasts
55 Prescription Medicine
Enough repeat prescriptions for your trip. The NHS allows doctors to prescribe up to 3 months in advance
If you are going to out of the way places it is a good idea to include some prescription drugs. There are of course loads of drugs available for various purposes. Generally the everyday medicines along with antibiotics will be adequate. Always get to see a doctor if you are ill. However you may be a bit wary of the medical services you encounter. Also NHS doctors will not prescribe for healthy travellers taking the drugs with them as a precaution. For Skype, email or phone medical advice wherever you are I recommend e-Med. They also provide prescriptions to collect at your local pharmacy so you can go prepared. They will advise on what drugs might be of value on your trip as they specialise in travel related medical advice. I would suggest (but seek advice)
Antibiotics
Ciprofloxacin - particularly for diarrhoea as well as chest and urinary infections
Cephalexin - for kidney, ear, nose and throat, lungs, urinary system, skin and wound infections.
56 Vaccinations for Europe
Generally there are no specific requirements to get vaccinations for travel in the EU. However it would be wise to visit your doctor’s travel clinic to check whether you need to update any of your existing vaccinations. Some vaccinations require as long as 3 months for a course so check this out in good time. If you are travelling further afield then they will be able to advise. There are various websites that recommended vaccinations on a country bt country basis. The CDC gives more background to the recommendations than most
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list/
We compare this advice when we go to a travel clinic.
. Glasses x 2