Have you got your sights set on sunny Spain? With its vibrant cities, relaxed coastal resorts and party hubs, it’s no surprise Spain is once again the most popular destination with UK holidaymakers. But while most will fly there in a few hours, it’s also possible to go by car, take more in and reduce your environmental impact along the way.
The country is very much open for business after the pandemic, while the route itself offers lots of possibilities for detours. You’ll beat soaring air fares too, though you’ll need to account for other costs such as fuel, channel crossing, tolls and any overnight stays.
You might need to make sure your vehicle is up to the challenge too, whether that means booking an MOT online, having a thorough service or taking care of any known issues.
If you fancy reaching Spain by road this summer, read five more practical tips for ensuring a smooth journey below.
Get your documents in order
Travelling abroad always demands having a few documents with you – at least a passport – no matter how you get there. But as a driver, here are some extras to have at hand:
- Proof of car insurance valid for travel outside of the UK
- A valid, up to date driving license
- A V5C document proving your car is registered to you
Check what’s changed since Brexit
If it’s been a while since you drove in Europe, it’s worth checking the current laws. For example, you’ll need to display a ‘UK’ sticker on your vehicle rather than the older ‘GB’ sticker.
Keep in mind you don’t have total freedom of travel. You can visit Spain or most other European countries for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa, but you may need a permit for longer stays.
Plan the best route for you
There are lots of ways you could drive to Spain from the UK. The right route for you will depend on your budget, final destination and anything you want to see along the way.
You could head to San Sebastian from Calais in around 10 hours for speed or take a longer route to avoid tolls. Alternatively, you may want to stop in the likes of Paris and Bordeaux on the way.
Familiarise yourself with Spanish driving laws
As well as driving on the opposite side of the road, here are a few key laws to wise up on:
- You aren’t allowed radar detector devices, but are allowed in-car navigation systems showing fixed speed cameras
- You must have a high-vis jacket and warning triangle in your car
- The national speed limit is 75mph on motorways
Get to know French road rules too
Don’t forget that driving to Spain means navigating a large portion of France too. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Many large French cities use low emission zones, similar to London
- You aren’t allowed radar detector devices, including navigation systems showing fixed speed cameras
- The national speed limit is 80mph on motorways
- You can’t take meat, milk or dairy into the country!
With these practical considerations taken care of, you’re all set for a road trip to remember!