daveo132 Posted July 24, 2022 Share Posted July 24, 2022 Hey all, I'm planning a road trip for myself through Belgium. Heading to Ghent first for a few days to see a friend then off to Spa - North Luxemburg - Bastogne - Tintgny - Heirges then stopping the night in Divent. Then Divent - Chimay - North through the Lakes - Thuin - Mons - Tournai - Calais A25 (Stop the night) then back to South Wales. Should be quite the drive, as I think there are some places along this route that don't always hit the "best driving roads" lists. Total of around 900 miles. So, I've driven on the continent a few times (to Belgium), no issues there. But does anyone have any advice for a long road trip such as this, any tips that might be out of the ordinary? Or any other tips for a solo road trip? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GranTurismoEra Posted July 24, 2022 Share Posted July 24, 2022 Stick religiously to the speed limit?! Spare tire and puncture repair kit Fuel canister maybe Portable charger Take regular breaks A Tent and sleeping bag lol Snacks and maybe a cooler Its probably not that kind of trip but still 😉 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveo132 Posted July 24, 2022 Author Share Posted July 24, 2022 I really hope I don't need the tent and sleeping bag! Not planning on speeding but always good to keep an eye on things. What's the latest on documents needed these days? UK Licence, copy of insurance along with V5 is enough now isn't it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted July 24, 2022 Share Posted July 24, 2022 I did 4400 miles around France, Andorra, spain, Gibraltar and Portugal a few years back in the 911 on my own. I 100% took a sleeping bag, trust me you’d rather have one and not need it… Aside from that, all you need is health insurance, breakdown cover, lots of spare fuses and spare power cables for your phone etc. Just enjoy it, long road trips on your own are ace and be prepared to adjust your route/hotels on the fly in case you fancy doing something different. Like me, when I went to Gibraltar unplanned 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveo132 Posted July 24, 2022 Author Share Posted July 24, 2022 Thats a fair point. Won't take up much space to throw one in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GranTurismoEra Posted July 24, 2022 Share Posted July 24, 2022 (edited) UK sticker if you dont have a GB plate. Also Hi Vis Jacket 😅 Edited July 24, 2022 by GranTurismoEra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveo132 Posted July 24, 2022 Author Share Posted July 24, 2022 Yes, just picked up a UK sticker. That one snuck in under the radar. Got Hi-vis & triangle from the last time I went over, got new breathalysers too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy_Muxlow Posted July 24, 2022 Share Posted July 24, 2022 Spare light bulbs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted July 24, 2022 Share Posted July 24, 2022 31 minutes ago, Andy_Muxlow said: Spare light bulbs Good shout! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveo132 Posted July 24, 2022 Author Share Posted July 24, 2022 Indeed, need to see if I still have a kit in the car. I suspect not 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HEADPHONES Posted July 25, 2022 Share Posted July 25, 2022 Biggest tip Take plenty pics for posts on the OC Have a great trip. Looking forward to reading about your exploits 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveo132 Posted July 25, 2022 Author Share Posted July 25, 2022 Yes, I'll be taking the camera. I'll be sure to keep you all posted on it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy_Muxlow Posted July 25, 2022 Share Posted July 25, 2022 Good stuff. I am sure it will be an epic road trip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveo132 Posted July 25, 2022 Author Share Posted July 25, 2022 Might even try and hook up the go pro for some of the roads in the south there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbs Posted July 25, 2022 Share Posted July 25, 2022 Care if you intend to enter the Ghent low emission zone take a look at the attached. https://stad.gent/en/mobility-ghent/low-emission-zone-ghent Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveo132 Posted July 25, 2022 Author Share Posted July 25, 2022 (edited) Ah yes I did come across that. I'll double check my route but I'm staying outside the zone. So, so long as my route doesn't cross it, I won't need to worry about it. Cheers, though. EDIT Just checked and I'll be driving outside of the zone so all clear on that. Edited July 25, 2022 by daveo132 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbs Posted July 25, 2022 Share Posted July 25, 2022 Also avoid the Brussels ring road if possible it is horrendous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveo132 Posted July 25, 2022 Author Share Posted July 25, 2022 I'm just passing straight past there on the motorway. Fingers crossed that won't be too bad. While I'm fine driving on the continent, I don't think I'm too up for major city driving just yet!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eddie_r32 Posted July 25, 2022 Share Posted July 25, 2022 I'd also pack a spare coil pack or two, if you haven't recently replaced them some cam and crank sensors electronic failure can be a real pita Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveo132 Posted July 25, 2022 Author Share Posted July 25, 2022 That's not a bad idea. I was just thinking about packing a basic tool kit for any issues but didn't think about a few spare sensors. Thankfully have an OBD scanner and torque on the phone should I need to use it for basic code reading too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docwra Posted July 27, 2022 Share Posted July 27, 2022 On 24/07/2022 at 12:39, GranTurismoEra said: Stick religiously to the speed limit?! Ive driven quite a lot in Belgium and was going to say the opposite, just drive as fast as you want as there are no police anywhere, if they do stop you say you still thought you were in Germany If you can coincide Spa with a track or test day then do it, you can access the whole circuit from the service roads and some of the views are quite epic (Pouhon and the bit past Blanchemont particularly) Dont bother trying to speak the local lingo as youll end up speaking Dutch to a Frenchman and vice versa, avoid Brussels unless you like stationary traffic and Nurburgring is only 2 hours from Spa ......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted July 27, 2022 Share Posted July 27, 2022 My best mate did that on our last trip to Spa: walked to the counter in the services and in very nervous but adequate French asked for a ham and cheese toaster with a double espresso, only for the lady behind the counter to reply “thank you for trying, but I don’t speak French!” in perfect English I was in hysterics then when I tried to order a pizza next, as Mark slunk off very embarrassed to our table Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveo132 Posted July 27, 2022 Author Share Posted July 27, 2022 (edited) I did mange to book a table in my very broken French in Spa a few years back. They didn't speak English but I got us a table. Fingers were used to for counting.... Then we were joined by our friends who live out there, so speak perfect Dutch, French and English. Put's us to shame really. Edited July 27, 2022 by daveo132 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The G Man Posted July 27, 2022 Share Posted July 27, 2022 Boring stuff but...... 1. Make sure your insurance is aware, also you need a green card, from your insurance to state you are fully comprehensive insured. 2. Take out adequate breakdown cover, green flag offer a great package for driving in Europe that covers FULL recovery of your vehicle, back to the UK, amongst other benefits. 3. Copies of the V5 and, well anything to do with insurance. 4. Travel and health insurance It can get quite expensive, very quickly without adequate cover, for both you and your car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The G Man Posted July 27, 2022 Share Posted July 27, 2022 (edited) .....oh and take photographs of all documentation before you set off.... Edited July 27, 2022 by The G Man Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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