There is a new entry and exit control system about to launch in the EU.  It is explained in this link. https://www.euronews.com/travel/2024/05/02/how-exactly-will-the-eus-new-entry-exit-system-work-all-your-questions-answered It's well worth a read through so you know just what it entails. This is NOT the ETIAS system.  After lots of delays that will (possibly) come into force next year. ETIAS is explained further down the article. Category: Visas, EES, ETIAS, Border Restrictions ..read more

We all became accustomed to no real Border Controls for the last many years.  Brexit has changed all that. As ever, things are becoming more and more complicated, with Visas, the need - or not - for them, Border Controls, Duration of Stay restrictions, Food imports/Export restrictions, etc, etc. Hopefully any emerging detail can be logged here and we can keep an eye on what happens next. EDIT:  I have moved the Topic concerning Food Import/Export restrictions in here as well. Category: Visas, EES, ETIAS, Border Restrictions ..read more

Yet another minefield being carefully laid by politicians.  Amongst other rules, it's based around what are called the 'Phytosanitary Regulations', which The UK opted out of at Brexit.  The UK has called ours the 'Border Target Operating Model' and adopted the acronym BTOM for our version. How appropriate! It's tit-for-tat following the wholly predictable (and always present) EU rules for non-member states, ie no dairy, or meat, etc, without certification. A caveat to all this:  I can't be 100% certain the link describes the final level of imposition of the new rules at the e ..read more

The MS charity shop here closed 7/8 months ago, and yesterday in its place we have a bakery. It’s the 2nd shop of an established company 15 miles away, so hopefully they know their trade So for tea this evening it’s pasties. Now being Cornish I can tell a good one from a bad one, Devon pasties don’t normally pass muster with me, but let’s see.  I really hope my choice is well founded, it’s called The Exeter Beast and it is huuuuuge!  I’ll let you know how I get on with it later ?   Category: Non-Motorhome related topics ..read more

hi all our new van to us (hymer 680) heating doesnt seem to be as hot as our old van with the same heating, i have tried it on gas and electric and mix 1/2 it just doesnt seem to be belting out like our old one did, when i turn it from high to boost nothing seems to happen, has anyone got any ideas please?  steve  Category: Technical ..read more

Thinking of a trip to Spain in the autumn, we've used this route before but not since the B word. When does your 90 days EU time start - when arriving at Santander/Bilbao or when leaving Portsmouth? Similar question for the return trip, when does your EU time finish - when leaving Santander/Bilbao or arriving at Portsmouth? Category: Tolls - Ferries, Tunnels and Bridges ..read more

This morning's entertainment: The Remoulade will be ready to eat tomorrow, after a night in the fridge to chill and blend its flavours.  The Kimchi won't be ready for at least a week but will keep for months and months. There'll be no more homemade anything with Celeriac until the Autumn, Clereriac is invariably just too expensive until the end of the summer months. Category: Cooking or Food ..read more

I have had to get a new iPad. I was out of memory on my old one, and our son did not want me wandering off across Europe without one.  It has a different connection to my old iPad and my iPhone. It came with a cable that is identical both ends, and a three pin plug to attach it to at the other end. As a result I can’t it plug it in to the USB ports in the van. ? Any suggestions please?  Category: Electrics Technical ..read more

Weather forecast looks promising. So tomorrow morning we leave for Rome. Even though the headquarters of the company where I worked was in Rome and therefore I went there at least once every fortnight, I hadn't been a tourist since my daughter Sara was the age of the youngest granddaughter. Which means thirty years ago. On the outward and return journey a couple of small characteristic villages to choose from: Civita di Bagnoregio, Sutri, Vitorchiano, Torre Alfina or Ronciglione. Happy Easter to everybody. Anna&Max Category: General Motorhome discussions ..read more

Catches a few out if you renewed your passport early all those years ago. ..and don't forget, you also need 3 months validity left after your return date Holidaymakers going to EU caught out by 10-year-passport rule - BBC News Category: General Motorhome discussions ..read more