Driving Straight from UK to Portugal and Back

ChanceSchmerr
 Share

Recommended Posts

ChanceSchmerr Campanas

ChanceSchmerr

Posted
Posted

Anyone else done something like this?

Next week I'm renting a large van from a hire company in the UK, and driving it to Northern Portugal to collect some furniture and personal effects that I need to bring home to London....and then turning right around after a night's sleep to drive back to UK so I can get the van back within 3 days, as it's over £100 a day for the rental ( makes me REALLY miss $10 a day U-Haul rental in Canada/US!!!!!!). Even with that egregious cost - It's still cheaper to do it this way than to have it shipped!

Taking the Eurotunnel train from Folkestone to Calais and same coming back. Seems like the migrants in Calais focus on the large lorries so we should be safe in a van.

Anyone else done anything like this before? It'll be about 17 hr driving from Calais to Northern Portugal. (could be 16 hrs but I've modified the route in France to avoid long AutoRoute stretches because the Toll prices are RIDICULOUS). I'll be doing it straight in both directions - my wife will be with me just in case, but I expect to drive nearly the entire time because I've done long roadtrips before across the US. Going there, I'll be driving through the night in France, arriving in the early afternoon to Portugal. Leaving first thing the next morning means I'll be in Calais late evening that next day.

I'd welcome any tips from those who have done long drives like this in the past. I'm very confident from previous driving experience but I'm sure others have done more!

And no - I won't be buying any cigars along the route or coming back. This trip is pricy enough already and I won't have the time to stop in Spain or France to get any RE's, sorely as I might wish to LOL!

Wish me luck, folks! peace.gif

  • Like 1
ayepatz Campanas

ayepatz

Posted
Posted

Regularly do 12-13 hours to Germany and Austria by car and bike. I tend to stop every 3 hours or so for fuel and a break. I always have a quick bite to eat, as it seems to keep me more alert.

Carry a pack of chewing gum in case you get tired - truckers tip for staying awake (you can't fall asleep when chewing, apparently) - have lots of water with you.

Allow time for an hour's nap somewhere in your schedule.

And check the AA website for the list of everything you need to carry by law in each country - warning triangles, hi-vis jackets, etc.

Do your homework with the Chunnel. There could be all sorts of delays with the current situation. On UK side, Operation Stack was enforced, with trucks backed miles up the motorway.

oliverdst Prominentes

oliverdst

Posted
Posted

You have experience so I think you will be fine.

17 hours with how many stops?

Have a schedule but do not try to fight against the clock. If it has to be longer don't stress. Portugal will be there anytime.

MrGTO Campanas

MrGTO

Posted
Posted

I always stop and brush my teeth when I got tire driving. It always worked for me when I drove cross country.

  • Like 1
Tino Campanas

Tino

Posted
Posted

Start a row with the wife, that will keep you awake nyah.gif

Thrassos Perlas

Thrassos

Posted
Posted

There is a way to avoid the high "peage" toll costs, just press the button and tell them in french they charged the wrong amount. Most of the times you get a 40% discount right away, no questions asked.

wabashcr Campanas

wabashcr

Posted
Posted

Sounds like the tunnel will be a mess with the ongoing migrant crisis in Calais. From what I've read, it sounds like you should be prepared for significant delays in both directions.

As for long drives, I always make sure I have plenty of cool air blowing in my face and something on the radio, and I can drive all day and all night. I love long drives, especially through scenic areas or regions I've never been to. While the purpose of your trip may not be exciting, I hope the journey itself is. Godspeed.

CaptainQuintero Prominentes

CaptainQuintero

Posted
Posted

I'm not completely sure but I think the Calais crisis is affecting all traffic. It might be an idea to fly/ferry to Holland or Belgium and rent from there, or simply ferry your hire can to holland/belgium?

Ditto on checking laws, eg its the law to travel with certain things in France now, I think high vis and spare tires?

ErikB Campanas

ErikB

Posted
Posted

I'm not completely sure but I think the Calais crisis is affecting all traffic. It might be an idea to fly/ferry to Holland or Belgium and rent from there, or simply ferry your hire can to holland/belgium?

Ditto on checking laws, eg its the law to travel with certain things in France now, I think high vis and spare tires?

I had no problems travelling from Dunkirk to Dover recently
  • Like 1
ChanceSchmerr Campanas

ChanceSchmerr

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks for the tips, folks! I'll be sure to post after my successful return :)

I quite like some of those ideas - particularly the gum-chewing and teeth-brushing ones! I'll definitely be working in some breaks to keep fresh, and I've been keeping constant watch on the Folkstone/Calais situation - right now it looks okay for traffic, but I'll be watching it right up until I leave.

Should be an interesting voyage. Just a shame it's a hire van so I can't enjoy a good cigar whilst enroute - I could sure use one after all this thesis work the last few days!

ChanceSchmerr Campanas

ChanceSchmerr

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Apart from all the advice that's been given, I'd suggest you get a decent bite somewhere to eat, since you're coming to the North of Portugal (I assume to Paços de Ferreira or something nearby) - food up here is great, if I may say so. If you want any recommendations, PM me and I'll be happy to help.

Thanks for the advice mate - I'm headed to my wife's parent's house just north of Arcos de Valdevez - so I know I'll be eating well for sure :D I love the local food!

Lotusguy Prominentes

Lotusguy

Posted
Posted

I used to do deliveries from Southern Germany to Denmark in a van or a Passat. 12-14hrs each way. The faster I drove, the less tired I was :innocent:

Of course, I was much younger then...

ChanceSchmerr Campanas

ChanceSchmerr

Posted
  • Author
Posted

On my way! First stop - Ely near Cambridge to pick up my Jolly Good Van Hire.

I hope they Jolly Well don't try to take advantage of me because I'm not from the UK!

  • Like 3
Rye Prominentes

Rye

Posted
Posted

Safe travels!

I always smoke in rentals, and have never been charged extra after. Never use the ashtray, dust-devil any ash that falls, and crack only the drivers side window to create a smoke vaccuum effect while rolling at cruising speed, and avoid draws while stopped at lights or in traffic.

ChanceSchmerr Campanas

ChanceSchmerr

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Made it to Portugal - drove straight through the night. I am BEAT.

Didn't bring cigars - I want to try Rye's suggestion but I think my wife may not appreciate the smoke in the car when she has no escape LOL! Going to eat, sleep and start driving back in.......12 hours. Yikes!

  • Like 4
Rye Prominentes

Rye

Posted
Posted

Made it to Portugal - drove straight through the night. I am BEAT.

Didn't bring cigars - I want to try Rye's suggestion but I think my wife may not appreciate the smoke in the car when she has no escape LOL! Going to eat, sleep and start driving back in.......12 hours. Yikes!

It seriously sucks the smoke right out! The only time a passenger even gets a whiff is at light up or stop lights where I just roll it down and hang my arm out.

Have a good rest and safe travels on the homeward leg!

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

Community Software by Invision Power Services, Inc.