European Road trip 2023 ( The 3 lakes )

Thanks Paul.
Well we’ve been home a few days and we have really enjoyed the trip. I have to say and I didn’t say it earlier because I didn’t want to jinx it but the car has been fantastic. Apart from the engine light which came on 10 times during the trip (always on low revs and when hot ) It hasn’t missed a beat even with engine light on. I noticed when watching our short GoPro videos that when I did 145 on the Autobahn the light was on then and it didn’t hamper it. I think a Roadster was the perfect car for the trip and I’m glad I bought one with Automatic transmission ( I was a little appreciative when I bought it )
We have done 2600 miles and the car has averaged ( on the trip computer) 28.6 mpg which I think is pretty good. We have loved the places we visited and had a pleasant surprise at the same time. I thought the German people were very nice towards us even though I didn’t speak a word of their language which is embarrassing.
I would visit Germany again for a holiday but would think twice about Lake Garda in the summer. The place and the people were lovely but the mosquitoes were a real problem. I was bitten that much they were running out of place to chew on. Also the price of things was expensive. Lake Annecy had in my opinion the perfect mix. Not too hot, not many mossies and hotel prices away from the lake itself were ok. Eating out was good value again, not right in the centre of Annecy unless you’re loaded and money is no object. The total cost of our trip was a shade over £4500 which I didn’t think was too bad considering we ate out every night and had to pay for 17 nights accommodation. Booking.com was our weapon of choice for hotels but when we had chosen we contacted the hotel directly to see if they could beat the genius level 3 price which in 60% of cases they did as they were happy not to have to pay commission.
The highlight of the trip for me was driving over the Alps, it was my first time but hopefully not my last and also the car hotel at Frankfurt airport. I don’t think it was Debs though !
I’m going to attempt a montage of the holiday with pics and videos so if I manage it I will post it here.
Next year we will be back to our motorhome but this trip has given us ideas for new places to visit with it.
Below our last nights accommodation in Ostend and on the Eurotunnel where I kerbed one of my front wheels 😡IMG_8447.jpegIMG_8448.jpeg
 
Last edited:
Good tip on booking.com. I'd not thought of trying that.

I've clipped many a wheel on the Eurotunnel! A handy hint is to book as a larger vehicle which gives more width.

If you are planning to motorhome in Europe then it might be useful for you to know that our local pub lets you park up overnight in their car park for free as long as you pop in for a pint or two/meal (which I thoroughly recommend!). It's only 20 mins to the tunnel from there so people tend to drive from home and stop there before catching an early crossing the next day.
 
Hi Paul thanks for the tips, we should be ok for next years parking as we will be on your drive and getting our full breakfast before we set off for the tunnel ! ;)
The car is going into a custom exhaust place at the end of August to have the exhaust right from the front including the cats replaced to the rear section.We are leaving the rear section as its a Scorpion. The reason is that when I managed to look under the car I found it had cheap Chinese cats on and only 2" pipe that was rusty. I was also told by the mot tester that both Flexi pipes were badly corroded. The crossover pipe was again only 2in and was restricting the gases as when it gets to the scorpion rear it is 3". So I will have 3" all the way through and all in stainless.It will cost a bob or two with just the new cats coming in at about £600 for the pair. I will then with its new exhaust and intakes fitted take it to be tuned.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top