11 Jan 2015 11:49 AM:

Well, it's that time of year again....

Planning our trip to Mojacar but this time with our new addition to the family, Amber our labrador puppy (well 8 months old). At the moment she's not too good a traveller and manages about an hour before getting queasy. We have some tranquilisers which when given well in advance help her cope, but we want to make the drive as stress free this trip.

We're going Eurotunnel for a quick crossing and we have friends in St Sornin Leulac with a dog, so the first night in France is catered for, but we then need a second night somewhere over the Spanish border somewhere north of Barcelona. Any recommendations? We'll also use it on the way back a couple of months later, end of may time and again staying with our friends who will help with getting the vet documentation on the way home.

We usually manage about 8 hours driving a day, 4 hours in the morning, lunch break and change driver and another 4 hours to the hotel....

Previously we use the A28 via Rouen and down through Chartres to avoid Paris, is that still a good route or is there a better way, without enormous toll charges?

All helpful suggestions welcomed!

Thread: Dog friendly hotel near Spanish border

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08 Feb 2013 9:36 PM:

 er... Mio 616 Europe maps currently £109.99.

smaller screen

no mention of cost of future map upgrades

but it's YOUR choice for whatever satnav suits you.

"Free" lifetime maps offer on Start 60 expires ends this month...

Thread: TomTom Start 60 with free lifetime maps

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26 Jan 2013 6:39 PM:

 Have you seen that *rgos (and probably elsewhere) have the Start 60 (that's the one with the SIX INCH SCREEN) available for a penny under £130? Get the Traffic Receiver car charger for about £20 (ensure the connector is suitable for the Start 60 model!!) and you'll have something like a built in SatNav and updated traffic info.

You can also get a beanbag dashboard holder that has good reviews and avoids leaving any tell tale ring on windscreen.

Comes with free UK/ROI and Europe "lifetime" (?) maps upgrade.  Offer ends in March 2013

Disclaimer - I DON'T have anything to do with TomTom, just thought it was a good cheap combination.

It's maybe not the best, but the price makes it worth considerng.

Thread: TomTom Start 60 with free lifetime maps

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26 Jan 2013 6:30 PM:

 There's a 20% discount if you BOOK your Dover to Claias ferry crossing BY 31st January (that's BOOK, not TRAVEL!)

Click on the "Offer" tab to get the discount code.

It may help as the Flexi fare is now £20 EACH WAY higher than the Standard Saver (non transferable) Fare.

Thread: 20% Discount Calais-Dover book before 31 Jan

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24 Jan 2013 1:25 AM:

 If you want to use a TomTom (or other satnav) then you'll obviously need one with European maps! Also look for ones that wil use the RDC accessory cable which recieves traffic information as well as being the charger (saves getting the in car charger!)

If you shop around I think Arg*s has a promotion on the Start 60 with a huge 6 inch screen AND includes lifetime map upgrades for £130. The charger/receiver is on *bay for about £25 half the TomTom cost (just make sure you get the compatible usb fitting version!)

In France you aren't allowed to use it to find speed cameras but it does advise those locations as a safety feature. It also warns you of changes in speed limits, onscreen and audibly. I prefer it centrally on the dashboard, so it's just a quick flick as if using the rear view mirror and listen to the voice instructions AND relate them to the road layout ahead - DON'T just blindly follow as sometimes the number of turnings INCLUDES the one you're exiting! 

You'll be in a UK registered car so most drivers are prepared for you to do things "differently" but if in doubt slow down and if you have to, "muscle in" a bit to force the other car to give way. Most do, albeit with a bit of gallic eexpression, and if they don't then you have to give way! No point in casuing an accident, but you have to be able to judge between assertiveness and use common sense. Most drivers seem to think one flick is sufficient for you to know they are changing lane and as a courtesy we generally indicate when we are pulling back in, to both the overtaking car and the one we have just overtaken. Many use cruise control so they only slowly edge up to you, so you need to judge whether to click down or up a notch or two so you can either pass a vehicle in front before he arrives or slow so he gets past before you need to brake.

Just ensure you pack it away out of sight to remove temptation when you stop. You should be fine, it really isn't arduous unless you head right into the heart of Paris or other major towns when you do need eyes in the back of your head!

Enjoy your trip!

 

Thread: Tomtom use in Spain ?

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