Driving abroad

As said, how about inviting a friend to join you- and s/he can fly back and have a holiday at your place. Win win for both.

About 45 mins south of Alicante but the journey is an integral part of my holiday, and I adore the scenery whatever the direction. It is a long journey but over 3 days its manageable. Nevertheless I look forward to a good night's sleep at the hotels whenever I finally reach them.

We drove from Leicester to Denia once in one go- when we were much younger and shared the driving- madness though!!! Sheer stupidity!

I agree. Our kids tried that once with the grandkids on board, we forbade them ever to do it again saying that they could not visit the property again unless they had stayed 2 nights in hotels in France en route.

Talk about coincidence! After I read your post about Télépéage, granjura, I found the web site and sent the link to DS1 who is driving down to Corsica at the end of the month. He has just emailed me to say he had already ordered his tag and had an email today to say it's on its way.

OH and I were both over 70 when we last went to USA and were able to hire a car no problem - of course we are used to driving on the right and it is easier with a hire car in US as they are automatic gear boxes.

Very helpful Granjura .thanks.

Thanks granjura. We have the Italian version but obviously it's no good in France. It's certainly much easier and you don't have to fiddle about with cash or cards at the toll booths! We shall investigate the French version. We thought about it before but weren't sure how to go about it!!

I don't think there is a limit of 70 in the US because we have hired cars there many times. I asked when booking if there was a limit and the answer was "As long as you are over 21". I said "I think I can manage that!". However, you will know yourself when it gets too much, and now we feel we don't want the hassle.

I wish they would sort out the télépéage so that it works over the border in Spain. It gives a funny little sigh and dies when you get to the first barrier in Irun!
We reckon that you get the annual payment back in fuel if you go through one of the very busy ones like Tours in high season. My daughter has had one for ages and they love the way people see the UK reg and assume they can't possibly have the badge, then look amazed when they go sailing through. I am surprised by how few of my French neighbours have them though; it really is a no-brainer.
It is great that they are putting in loads more of the speed limited drive-through barriers too, rather than having to stop and start again.