Travel — Beyond the Pitch
Caravanning opens up the world. Here is our guide to touring abroad, travelling with additional needs, and making the most of the journey itself.
Touring Abroad
France
France is the most popular overseas caravanning destination for UK families, and for good reason. The road network is excellent, the sites are outstanding, and the Club’s Red Pennant insurance covers you comprehensively. The Channel Tunnel crossing with a caravan is straightforward — book in advance and allow extra time for the loading process.
Spain and Portugal
Longer drives but exceptional rewards. Spain and Portugal offer some of the best winter caravanning in Europe — mild temperatures, beautiful scenery, and significantly cheaper site fees than the UK. The Club’s overseas travel service can help plan the route.
Essential Documents for Abroad
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date)
- Vehicle registration document (V5C)
- Insurance certificate (caravan and vehicle)
- Red Pennant Overseas Holiday Insurance documents
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
- GB sticker or number plates with GB identifier
- Breathalyser kit (compulsory in France)
- Warning triangle
- High-visibility jackets for all occupants
Assisted Travel
Caravanning with Additional Needs
Caravanning is one of the most accessible forms of family travel for families with additional needs. The consistent environment of the caravan, the ability to bring familiar food and equipment, and the freedom to set your own schedule make it significantly easier than hotel-based holidays for many neurodivergent families.
Accessible Sites
The Caravan and Motorhome Club designates accessible facilities at Club Campsites. When booking, look for the accessibility symbols in the site listing. Abbey Wood Club Campsite near London, for example, has dedicated accessible facilities and a separate accessible shower room.
Sensory Preparation
For neurodivergent families, preparation is key. We use visual timetables to show the children what is happening each day. We involve Bodhi in the planning — giving her a sense of autonomy and control significantly reduces anxiety around transitions. We always bring noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, weighted blankets, and the spinning chair for service station stops.
In the Car
Making the Journey Work
The journey is part of the adventure, but with young children it requires planning. We build in movement breaks at open spaces where the children can run and stretch — not just service station car parks. The spinning chair goes in the car for every trip and has been a genuine lifesaver for sensory regulation.
What We Pack in the Car
- Tablets and handheld games — fully charged
- Familiar snacks — avoiding the stress of new foods on travel days
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- Fidget toys
- Spinning chair
- Change of clothes for each child — accessible, not in the caravan
- First aid kit
- Wet wipes — always
Service Stations We Recommend
Gloucester Services (M5) — the best service station in the UK. Real food, a farm shop, and a beautiful meadow for the children to run in. Worth planning your route around.
Tebay Services (M6) — another exceptional stop, with a farm shop and stunning Cumbrian views.
[PERSONALISE: Add your own favourite service station stops and any tips for the journey from Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire to your regular destinations.]