How has Covid changed your plans for the summer?

Itineoman · 27-05-2020 10:03pm #1

We were lucky to get away to the continent for twelve years in a row starting in 2006 with two young children - aged six and four at the time. We went everywhere and loved every minute. But time moves on and we went nowhere in 2018 due to the eldest having the Leaving Cert. I must say I missed being away but needs must. Last year neither would travel with us - typical teenagers - so Mrs Itiineoman and I slipped away for a week in the UK (North Wales is great by the way and I can't wait to go back) and this year had planned on doing something epic again in Europe. The daughters had even agreed to fly out to meet us somewhere for a week. But Covid has scuppered the plans and I'm going to cancel the boat booking and stay at home.
So, instead I'm thinking of exploring the beautiful lesser touristy places in Ireland once the restrictions lift- Places like along the Barrow, Around the lakes of the Shannon, and the Wild Atlantic Way.(ok That's touristy i admit)
I'm a wildcamper/campsite avoider by nature - based on years of Aires/Stelleplatzen/Airee di Sostas when away. Graiguenamanagh is going to be first on the list ( yes it's borderline a campsite but Shhh!) and looking forward to exploring places like Whitegate on Lough Derg again.
So what's your plan when the MH is back on the road? Will you stay in Ireland? Would you travel overseas? Where would you go first? What do you miss most? For me it's a few pints in a cosy pub parked up near somewhere near open water in Ireland or doing a barbecue of fish or meat bought from a market locally with a glass of wine in my hand somewhere in France.

alias no.9 · 27-05-2020 11:36pm

This waa to be our 4th French trip in the Motorhome but like yourself it'll be an irish trip.

Where my head is at right now, it'll be 2 weeks touring Mizen / Sheeps Head / Beara / Ivergh peninsulas.

Good selection of Aires down that way and motorhomes are generally welcome. It's that bit further than is practical for us to get to even on a long weekend in normal times so we're going to embrace it.

BorneTobyWilde · 27-05-2020 11:38pm

alias no.9 wrote: »

This waa to be our 4th French trip in the Motorhome but like yourself it'll be an irish trip.

Where my head is at right now, it'll be 2 weeks touring Mizen / Sheeps Head / Beara / Ivergh peninsulas.

Good selection of Aires down that way and motorhomes are generally welcome. It's that bit further than is practical for us to get to even on a long weekend in normal times so we're going to embrace it.

What camper do you have? Always wanted one

alias no.9 · 27-05-2020 11:46pm

BorneTobyWilde wrote: »

What camper do you have? Always wanted one

6 birth Rimor Superbrig on a Transit Mk7, we've 3 boys so anything smaller would be a challenge

Itineoman · 28-05-2020 12:34am

alias no.9 wrote: »

6 birth Rimor Superbrig on a Transit Mk7, we've 3 boys so anything smaller would be a challenge

Nearly bought one of these new in 2009 - how are you finding it?
I thought it was a lovely van and the nicest of the Rimors at the time. Also the dearest.

30-05-2020 1:30pm

...need more jack stands. Fleet in for overhaul.

CelticRambler · 31-05-2020 1:59pm

I'm in the fortunate position of living in Central France and working everywhere else

so I've been taking advantage of the lockdown (which, ironically, doesn't apply to me ... ) to not go travelling! Although a couple of weekends ago, I did take a wander on foot, to gaze at the forbidden lands of the Black Forest and the Swiss Alps on the other side of the Rhine.

But otherwise, I'm finally getting around to doing all the "must get around to that" jobs on the van that haven't quite been got around to over the last few weeks months years.

alias no.9 · 01-06-2020 11:29pm

Itineoman wrote: »

Nearly bought one of these new in 2009 - how are you finding it?
I thought it was a lovely van and the nicest of the Rimors at the time. Also the dearest.

We have it a little over 3 years and it works for us. We have the fixed rear bed and the 3 boys sleep in the overcab bed and no faffing about converting the dinette to a bed.

Going to look at making a single bunk in the cab a bit like a cabunk for when we hit the end of the road with the 3 of them in the overcab bed.

I've added solar and a 4G router to give us a bit more freedom to use Aires without hookup or other overnight parking.

02-06-2020 1:33am

Hook-ups..

Itineoman · 03-06-2020 10:38pm

alias no.9 wrote: »

We have it a little over 3 years and it works for us. We have the fixed rear bed and the 3 boys sleep in the overcab bed and no faffing about converting the dinette to a bed.

Going to look at making a single bunk in the cab a bit like a cabunk for when we hit the end of the road with the 3 of them in the overcab bed.

I've added solar and a 4G router to give us a bit more freedom to use Aires without hookup or other overnight parking.

Enjoy it while the boys are at that age. You'll make memories for the rest of their lives. Our 19 and 17 year olds are just starting to get nostalgic about the Europe trips. We almost wavered at the weekend over a few glasses and looked at the idea of not cancelling the boat and maybe having them fly over to meet us a few weeks in. We were thinking that if that if things had relaxed then what harm to take the boat and then keep to ourselves in Aires and shop in supermarkets not much different from home. Then we looked at France's ( totally sensible ) travel restrictions and gave up on it right away. Cold light of reality next morning put the idea to bed for good - irresponsible to say the least. A Shame but a first world problem I think.

Itineoman · 03-06-2020 10:39pm

Sir Liamalot wrote: »

Hook-ups..

People of Ireland if you notice the weather a bit gloomy over the next while you can see where the sunlight is being absorbed.:D:D:D

03-06-2020 11:54pm

Beats extracting it from million year dead dinosaurs. Potent but not efficient by a long shot.

Itineoman · 03-06-2020 11:57pm

Sir Liamalot wrote: »

Beats extracting it from million year dead dinosaurs. Potent but not efficient by a long shot.

:D:D:D:D Still going to blame you for the colder weather that started today.
What's the output of the panel btw?

04-06-2020 12:01am

It's not my van. I haven't anything new enough to have a seatbelt alarm. :pac:

Itineoman · 04-06-2020 12:10am

CelticRambler wrote: »

I'm in the fortunate position of living in Central France and working everywhere else so I've been taking advantage of the lockdown (which, ironically, doesn't apply to me ... ) to not go travelling! Although a couple of weekends ago, I did take a wander on foot, to gaze at the forbidden lands of the Black Forest and the Swiss Alps on the other side of the Rhine.

But otherwise, I'm finally getting around to doing all the "must get around to that" jobs on the van that haven't quite been got around to over the last few weeks months years.

You're so lucky to live where you do - back in the good old pre Covid days we traveled them with the MH with the kids and ( mid life crisis -every good one includes a motorcycle ) I did them on the bike.

CelticRambler · 04-06-2020 12:13am

Itineoman wrote: »

We were thinking that if that if things had relaxed then what harm to take the boat and then keep to ourselves in Aires and shop in supermarkets not much different from home. Then we looked at France's ( totally sensible ) travel restrictions and gave up on it right away.

What restrictions? Are you looking at out-of-date info? Plenty of campers on the road since the paperwork requirement was dispensed with (not mine, though - need to put wheels and bumpers and lights and things back on first, if I'm to get it through it's CT :pac: ) Borders open up from the 15th, and the French camper dealers are running ads on the radio promoting the advantages of travelling in your own bubble!

Itineoman · 04-06-2020 12:41am

CelticRambler wrote: »

What restrictions? Are you looking at out-of-date info? Plenty of campers on the road since the paperwork requirement was dispensed with (not mine, though - need to put wheels and bumpers and lights and things back on first, if I'm to get it through it's CT :pac: ) Borders open up from the 15th, and the French camper dealers are running ads on the radio promoting the advantages of travelling in your own bubble!

I'd need to look at it again but whatever I read seemed fairly conclusive. I'll happily be disabused of the notion as there's nothing i'd like more than to head over. I know from your other posts that you know what you are talking about. I'll dig out whatever I found in the morning and ask what you think.

:)

CelticRambler · 04-06-2020 9:19am

Itineoman wrote: »

I'd need to look at it again but whatever I read seemed fairly conclusive.

The rules have always been conclusive ... but revised at regular intervals. The last revision was on the 28th May, so if your info dates from before that, it's no longer applicable.

As of 2nd June, there is no longer a 100km limit on journeys, campsites are allowed re-open (whether they do or not is a decision for each site), and bars and restaurants are also allowed serve sit-down meals with appropriate measures.

The announcement on the 28th may confirmed the re-opening of intra-EU borders from the 15th June (note: intra-EU - does not include the UK at this time); and the Germans announced ?yesterday that they're doing the same.

Next review will be on or about the 22nd June.

Itineoman · 04-06-2020 12:24pm

CelticRambler wrote: »

The rules have always been conclusive ... but revised at regular intervals. The last revision was on the 28th May, so if your info dates from before that, it's no longer applicable.

As of 2nd June, there is no longer a 100km limit on journeys, campsites are allowed re-open (whether they do or not is a decision for each site), and bars and restaurants are also allowed serve sit-down meals with appropriate measures.

The announcement on the 28th may confirmed the re-opening of intra-EU borders from the 15th June (note: intra-EU - does not include the UK at this time); and the Germans announced ?yesterday that they're doing the same.

Next review will be on or about the 22nd June.

Here’s what I was going on.
https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/france/

https://ie.ambafrance.org/covid19-eng

https://www.irishferries.com/ie-en/frequently-asked-questions/top-10-faqs/coronavirus-covid-19/#restricted

I thought I saw somewhere else that 21 July was the earliest one could expect to move freely. But you’re obviously better placed to to know what’s what on the ground. I’d love to make it happen if at all possible. Is there a source where I can follow this myself?
Thanks for the helpful advice

_Brian · 04-06-2020 12:39pm

Been to France for 16 years without a break until this year.. Achill Seal Caves is the destination this year.. I expect it will be our only outing with the caravan for the year where it usually gets 5-6 trips including 3 weeks in France.

CelticRambler · 04-06-2020 2:30pm

Itineoman wrote: »

Here’s what I was going on.
https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/france/

https://ie.ambafrance.org/covid19-eng

https://www.irishferries.com/ie-en/frequently-asked-questions/top-10-faqs/coronavirus-covid-19/#restricted

Ah right, I see what you're seeing: those are the restrictions in force while the borders are still "closed" - as they are until the 15th June.

As I'm living here, I'm getting the "heads up" information two to three weeks before it comes into force. So were you to travel today you'd have to give a good reason for why you want to come to France ("holidays" isn't enough, you have to fit one of the defined categories) ... but from the middle of the month onwards, "holidays" becomes "help get the tourism industry back on its feet" so all of us Schengenites are expecting those justifications to be dropped.

The domestic/internal restrictions have been progressively reduced over the last several weeks, so if/when you visit, it'll be pretty much business as usual [with masks and social distancing].

Itineoman · 04-06-2020 2:43pm

CelticRambler wrote: »

Ah right, I see what you're seeing: those are the restrictions in force while the borders are still "closed" - as they are until the 15th June.

As I'm living here, I'm getting the "heads up" information two to three weeks before it comes into force. So were you to travel today you'd have to give a good reason for why you want to come to France ("holidays" isn't enough, you have to fit one of the defined categories) ... but from the middle of the month onwards, "holidays" becomes "help get the tourism industry back on its feet" so all of us Schengenites are expecting those justifications to be dropped.

The domestic/internal restrictions have been progressively reduced over the last several weeks, so if/when you visit, it'll be pretty much business as usual [with masks and social distancing].

Sounds good to me. If you could give the odd heads up now and again it would be appreciated - Thanks again for the reply:)

Dublin Mum · 05-06-2020 10:28am

We’ve amended our ferry booking to Spain until after the 20th July (was originally early July) in the slight hope it may go ahead. It will be a different kind of holiday but similar to what we’d experience if we were to spend that time in Ireland. We’d normally have been away every weekend since restrictions were introduced, and would have spent 2 weeks travelling Ireland at Easter as well as all the bank holidays. We haven’t used our Motorhome since February midterm so really looking forward to getting back out there again.

Itineoman · 05-06-2020 11:25am

Dublin Mum wrote: »

We’ve amended our ferry booking to Spain until after the 20th July (was originally early July) in the slight hope it may go ahead. It will be a different kind of holiday but similar to what we’d experience if we were to spend that time in Ireland. We’d normally have been away every weekend since restrictions were introduced, and would have spent 2 weeks travelling Ireland at Easter as well as all the bank holidays. We haven’t used our Motorhome since February midterm so really looking forward to getting back out there again.

Same here. Van has been parked up since February. I’d booked the ferry to Cherbourg mid-July and it’s beginning to look possible. Luckily I can change to cancel anytime so we’ll sit on it for now and see how things are going at the end of the month.
If the risks are the same here and abroad then travelling in our own “bubble” as CelticRambler puts it, doesn’t seem to be a bad option.
We’re aires all the way people so we wouldn’t be caught up in crowds in campsites.
Jury’s out for now though.

Dublin Mum · 05-06-2020 11:34am

Itineoman wrote: »

Same here. Van has been parked up since February. I’d booked the ferry to Cherbourg mid-July and it’s beginning to look possible. Luckily I can change to cancel anytime so we’ll sit on it for now and see how things are going at the end of the month.
If the risks are the same here and abroad then travelling in our own “bubble” as CelticRambler puts it, doesn’t seem to be a bad option.
We’re aires all the way people so we wouldn’t be caught up in crowds in campsites.
Jury’s out for now though.

I made the decision to change our ferry last week as I was worried about ferries booking out for later July/August following government announcements and I’m anecdotally hearing of people with property in France and Spain who’d normally fly, now exploring the possibility of ferry travel.
I have 3 school going children so am restricted with when we take holidays.
I’m also worried about not getting away next year as ferry (and flight) prices could possibly increase significantly having been non existent for the last 3 months.

Like you were happy to use aires, wed normally spend a week out of 3 at a bells and whistle campsite with water parks etc but I’ve explained to the children that it unlikely to happen this year and they’re happy with the possibility of just getting away.

kerryjack · 05-06-2020 1:30pm

When will campsites in Ireland reopen anyone any idea.

Dublin Mum · 05-06-2020 1:34pm

kerryjack wrote: »

When will campsites in Ireland reopen anyone any idea.

20th July. But not all are opening. Any I’ve contacted have said they’re only opening to self contained motorhomes and will operate on a aires basis just water, EHU, cassette and grey water emptying (no campers kitchen, toilets, showers). Others haven’t made a decision if they’ll even reopen at all.

Dublin Mum · 05-06-2020 2:36pm

Dublin Mum wrote: »

20th July. But not all are opening. Any I’ve contacted have said they’re only opening to self contained motorhomes and will operate on a aires basis just water, EHU, cassette and grey water emptying (no campers kitchen, toilets, showers). Others haven’t made a decision if they’ll even reopen at all.

Apologies 29th June following government announcement today.

pollymv1 · 07-06-2020 8:33pm

I'd a great weekend in my camper in Westmeath. Our country is beautiful in the sunshine.

jace_da_face · 08-06-2020 1:22pm

pollymv1 wrote: »

I'd a great weekend in my camper in Westmeath. Our country is beautiful in the sunshine.

Is this allowed now, in Phase 2?

CJhaughey · 08-06-2020 2:07pm

jace_da_face wrote: »

Is this allowed now, in Phase 2?

20km or in your own county whatever is greater.

jace_da_face · 08-06-2020 4:38pm

CJhaughey wrote: »

20km or in your own county whatever is greater.

Sure, but I mean overnight wild camping.

zambo · 10-06-2020 7:43pm

"help get the tourism industry back on its feet" so all of us Schengenites are expecting those justifications to be dropped.

The domestic/internal restrictions have been progressively reduced over the last several weeks, so if/when you visit, it'll be pretty much business as usual [with masks and social distancing].[/QUOTE]
Hi,
As we in Ireland are not in Schengen do your dates apply?

CelticRambler · 10-06-2020 8:50pm

zambo wrote: »

As we in Ireland are not in Schengen do your dates apply?

Can't say for definite, as there's not much talk about the subject just at the moment. In principle, if Ireland continues to impose quarantine-on-arrival to all incoming passengers, France would not accept non-essential travellers from Ireland (they're applying this to the UK and to Spain). However, Macron is very keen to see a co-ordinated response across the whole EU and might make an exception for Ireland/Irish visitors on the grounds that the rate of infection was never as high as it was in France (or Spain, or the UK).

WildWater · 11-06-2020 1:01am

This will be our 10th season as motorhomers. 2+3 and a dog. Over the years, we have had fantastic use out of 'the van' and just love it. Especially going to France and beyond. Although we have definitely clocked up more nights and milage on these here shores.

As is the way, the kids are getting older and life is changing and we don't get away as much during the year as we used to. The kids are still happy to come away in the van its just, almost every weekend there is a commitment. But that's okay as we always expected our usage pattern to fluctuate. We still use the van a lot for single day activity. EG on a Saturday we would often need to be at the same sports ground from 9am to at least 2:30pm so having the van for that is absolutely fantastic.

Sorry, rambled there but I was getting to the point that usually we would have our summer holiday booked well in advance but this year, we were finding it very difficult to find that 3 - 3.5 week period that we usually get away for and hence didn't book the ferry. Thus, we were planning a home based holiday anyway.

CelticRambler · 20-06-2020 7:59pm

Well, I went for a bit of a drive today (in the car - camper still has to be made road-legal

) - breakfast in France, lunch in Switzerland, dinner in Germany. No sign of any Covid controls anywhere - it's as if it never happened. Over the course of many hours and several towns in Switzerland, I didn't see a single person wearing a mask.

The shop I went to (yes, I drove 175km to go to one shop, in the hope of buying one particular item ...) was restricting access to 160 people at the same time, with an entry voucher system to make it work (which it did). Quite a contrast with France (at least where I'm staying/working at the moment) where I'd say at least 80% of the customers in the supermarket were wearing masks ... but no control on numbers. Can't really comment about Germany, as I only passed through to see if I could - but my sister was at EuropaPark and said it was very quiet. I'll be going up to Frankfurt next weekend.

Campers parked on aires all over the place, though I couldn't get close enough to see how many of them were local to each country.

So, if you can get off the island of Ireland, it's pretty much "business as usual" now on the continent.

Benbecul97 · 26-06-2020 8:37am

alias no.9 wrote: »

This waa to be our 4th French trip in the Motorhome but like yourself it'll be an irish trip.

Where my head is at right now, it'll be 2 weeks touring Mizen / Sheeps Head / Beara / Ivergh peninsulas.

Good selection of Aires down that way and motorhomes are generally welcome. It's that bit further than is practical for us to get to even on a long weekend in normal times so we're going to embrace it.

Eyeries & Bantry. Are there others down that way?

Dublin Mum · 26-06-2020 8:39am

Benbecul97 wrote: »

Eyeries & Bantry. Are there others down that way?

Yeah there are a good few on the app.

Benbecul97 · 26-06-2020 9:35am

Dublin Mum wrote: »

Yeah there are a good few on the app.

Thanks, but what app?

Dublin Mum · 26-06-2020 9:42am

Benbecul97 wrote: »

Thanks, but what app?

O sorry, the Motorhome Parking Ireland app. Best fiver you’ll ever spend.

Itineoman · 29-06-2020 12:41pm

Dublin Mum wrote: »

O sorry, the Motorhome Parking Ireland app. Best fiver you’ll ever spend.

I use Park4night It’s free in the app store and covers everywhere you’re likely to visit.

SixtaWalthers · 06-07-2020 2:34pm

It didn't change our plan exactly but yes, we will have to see which places are open after 4 July and what are the restrictions. Also, will have to purchase a stock of disinfection sprays and wipes etc.

TigerTim · 14-07-2020 10:47pm

We usually spend a few days in Casey's Campsite in Clonea, Dungarvan. On the Greenway & the beach & we love it. Just phoned the site today & they're not opening this year. Sad. Was hoping to get there over the next 2 weeks.

T.

Benbecul97 · 15-07-2020 8:26am

TigerTim wrote: »

We usually spend a few days in Casey's Campsite in Clonea, Dungarvan. On the Greenway & the beach & we love it. Just phoned the site today & they're not opening this year. Sad. Was hoping to get there over the next 2 weeks.

T.

Phoned them last month. It's not that they are not opening this year, they're just not opening to tourers this year. They are open for their mobile homes owners and their 'regulars'.

CelticRambler · 22-07-2020 5:37pm

Itineoman wrote: »

If you could give the odd heads up now and again it would be appreciated

For info (if you haven't heard through other channels) since the start of this week, it is obligatory in France for everyone over the age of 11 to wear a mask in all publicly accessible indoor spaces; and outdoors in certain towns (mostly tourist hot-spots).

For additional info, if you're looking for somewhere particularly less affected, the greater South-West area (except Bordeaux) has next-to-no cases (single digits per département). This'd be a good year to visit some of the places that the Irish regularly avoid!

Itineoman · 24-07-2020 1:41am

CelticRambler wrote: »

For info (if you haven't heard through other channels) since the start of this week, it is obligatory in France for everyone over the age of 11 to wear a mask in all publicly accessible indoor spaces; and outdoors in certain towns (mostly tourist hot-spots).

For additional info, if you're looking for somewhere particularly less affected, the greater South-West area (except Bordeaux) has next-to-no cases (single digits per département). This'd be a good year to visit some of the places that the Irish regularly avoid!

Thanks for this. Yesterday with a heavy heart I went and cancelled the sailing which was planned for next Monday (and got my money back - yay!) as the advice coming from the government here is not to travel at all unless it’s essential. So I believe we’re doing the responsible and right thing. So it is staycationing for now. At the moment we’re parked up in a very quiet Dingle but we had a cracking time last weekend in Glenbeigh in the sunshine. We were remarking earlier that normally around now we’d be in just that corner of France you mention above. We can speak enough French to chat away with the natives so we’re comfortable moving off the beaten track and it is far more rewarding.

rustynutz · 24-07-2020 10:33am

We went to france the last couple of years and had been planning a month in Spain through the newly opened Sandanter route this year. We would usually do a few weekends around Ireland during the summer too.

When it came closer to the campsites opening it was becoming clear that it was going to be difficult to get into any campsites without booking well in advance (we like to decide on a Thursday, depending on weather, if we are going to travel that weekend), or some taking minimum 7 night bookings, plus the surge in people buying caravan and campers.

So when I got the opportunity to take a season pitch at our closest campsite (Enniscrone in Sligo) I took it. So our motorhome is parked up there for the rest of the season.

Dublin Mum · 24-07-2020 9:56pm

Sitting in our motorhome in Rosslare waiting to board the Kerry ferry to Bilbao. Travelling for 3 weeks, with an additional 2 weeks self isolation on return. Not sure where to yet, original plan was the Costa Brava but might head towards Galicia now. South West of France is also a possibility.

Had written it off for ages but as Europe opened up we realised it might be a possibility.

Itineoman · 27-07-2020 6:31pm

Dublin Mum wrote: »

Sitting in our motorhome in Rosslare waiting to board the Kerry ferry to Bilbao. Travelling for 3 weeks, with an additional 2 weeks self isolation on return. Not sure where to yet, original plan was the Costa Brava but might head towards Galicia now. South West of France is also a possibility.

Had written it off for ages but as Europe opened up we realised it might be a possibility.

Galicia, Lugo,Asturia are all very nice and very cheap compared to France. We did a few stretches of the Camino there in 2017 with our van as backup. We’ve one fond memory of a night in Leon - €16 each covered food and drink. Tapas comes as a given with a beer. A beer (20 cl) is anywhere from €1 upwards depending where you are. I’ll be back when this is all over. ðŸ˜€
Have a blast.

How has Covid changed your plans for the summer?

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