Winter wheels for motorhomes

If putting tire chains in any vehicle can be a hard and complex process, imagine how hard it will be with a motorhome. This is when winter tires come to the rescue. Because even though we associate its use with roads full of snow, their benefits can be found even in the absence of snow. This is because when temperatures drop, the winter wheels can maintain grip and traction on slippery terrain, thus ensuring a safe driving experience.

How to use the winter wheels?

It is recommended to change all four wheels, by doing this we are avoiding the unbalancing of the rear axle, and making sure that we enjoy an efficient drive. Additionally, experts advise changing the tires approximately every 6 years.

What wheels should I choose?

When the wheels in our vehicle are in poor condition that could translate into having serious problems on the road. Therefore, choosing the right wheels for our motorhome is key, and should not be overlooked.

• Specific tires for your motorhome: In these cases, the manufacturers use the initials CP (camper, camping) to distinguish them from the rest. Also, if you see that it has the initial M+S this means that it is also prepared for winter conditions. Despite having the initial CP or M+S engraved you must be wondering what are the differences with a regular tire. First of all, they are prepared to support a larger amount of weight per axle, and secondly, they have more layers which directly translates into a bigger reinforcement.
• Motorhome winter wheels: In this case, the materials used for their fabrication are designed to maintain their flexibility even at low temperatures. By doing so they can maintain a higher grip than in the case of any conventional tires. Additionally, their design patterns and studs make sure that the vehicle can maintain its traction in both snow and ice.

Now that you know everything about winter wheels, you are ready to enjoy your motorhome all year round. Lastly don’t forget to drive safely and enjoy the journey.

La entrada Winter wheels: How to choose the perfect tire. se publicó primero en Vicente Velasco - Correduría de Seguros.

1 month to change your driving license

If you are settled in Spain, you might already have a Spanish driving license. But if not, you should keep reading. Because after the 31st of December, the moment you enter Spain or obtain your residency, your driving license will only be valid for 6 months.

What should you do?

After the 31st of December, the UK officially stops being part of the European Union, which in turn means that all the EU traffic agreements will no longer be valid. This translates into the fact that UK driving licenses will only be valid for the first 6 months once you enter Spain. So, if you are a resident and want to keep driving, you should ask for an exchange, renewal, or replacement of your current license for the Spanish equivalent before the 31st of December.

We recommend trying the exchange or “canje” since it only represents the homologation of the driving license, making it much easier to obtain.

The “Dirección General de Tráfico” (DGT) has dedicated a part of its website in which they inform and facilitate all the procedures for the exchange, renewal, or replacement of any British driving licenses.

We sincerely hope that this post has been helpful. Also, remember that in Vicente Velasco Insurance Brokerage we have been experts in the motorhome sector for more than 20 years, so we have the best advise, routes, and coverages to offer

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1. Discover Toledo with your motorhome (Castilla-La Mancha) 

Not too cold, not too hot, visiting Toledo during the fall months is the perfect moment to enjoy this vibrant city. Known as “La Ciudad de las tres culturas” (the city of the three cultures) due to the peaceful coexistence of Christians, Arabs, and Jews for centuries, the visitor will be immediately surrounded by an incredible and diverse heritage. So, if you finally decide to go for it and visit the city, some of its key highlights are the Cathedral of Santa María, the synagogue of Santa María la Blanca, the Alcázar, the famous church of Santo Tomé (in here you can find the work of El Greco), or the monastery of San Juan de Los Reyes. Additionally, if you want to enjoy some wonderful city views the viewpoint of del Valle is the best choice.

Enjoying Toledo with our motorhomes has never been easier since you can park in the Safont parking which has a total of 100 spots and it’s free of use.

Google Maps. GPS COORDINATES:

39.86472   /   -4.01944
N 39º 51′ 53» / W 04º 01′ 10»

2. Discover Cadaqués with your motorhome (Cataluña)

Located in the Cabo de Creus peninsula, Cadaqués is one of the most emblematic locations of the Spanish Costa Brava. The reasons behind this fame, well-deserved in our opinion, are its beautiful little beaches, and an incredible old town which still conserved the feel of a traditional Mediterranean fishing village. So, if you need of a quiet retreat there is no better option than discovering Cadaqués during the autumn months.

If you are looking for an overnight spot, we recommend visiting the area Autocaravaning Park Roses, which has a total of 67 parking spots, and a fee that ranges between 12/14 euros depending on the season. Additionally, the water and electricity fees are 3€ each. Besides this, the area has a bus stop nearby that will take directly to the city center.

Google Maps. GPS COORDINATES:

42.26861   /   3.15583
N 42º 16′ 07» / E 03º 09′ 21»

3. Discover Granada with your motorhome (Andalucía)

We reach the middle of our list of 6 little getaways, with the beautiful city of Granada. Even though visiting this town is all year round a good idea, discovering it during the fall is even better. This is due to the fact that Granada is surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of Sierra Nevada, which during this time of the year get stained with oranges, reds, and ochres. So, what a better way to discover this city’s rich history, gastronomy, and architecture than doing it while being surrounded by the fall colors of Sierra Nevada.

Luckily for us, we can make use of the parking of Alhambra, in which the parking fees range from 26.6 € to 49 €.

Google Maps. GPS COORDINATES:

N 37.17169, W 3.58002
N 37°10’18», W 3°34’48»

4. Discover Cáceres with your motorhome (Extremadura)

Discovering Cáceres during this time of the year is the perfect opportunity to explore this city declared a World Heritage Site. In here you will found a city surrounded by dozens of medieval towers, cobbled streets, fortress-houses, and Renaissance palaces that for sure will be the delight of any visitor.

When visiting Cáceres we can make use of its free motorhome area, which has a total of 10 parking spots. However, you should keep in mind that between the hours of 10 pm until 8 am the entrance of vehicles is not permitted.

Google Maps. GPS COORDINATES:

39.48056   /   -6.36694
N 39º 28′ 50» / W 06º 22′ 01»

5. Discover León with your motorhome (Castilla y León) 

In this city of the north part of Castilla León, we can find a rich heritage of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance buildings that are the result of a colourful history. In this town crossed by the Bernesga river, one can easily walk through its old town. We recommend starting your itinerary on the Plaza Mayor, from which you cannot miss its impressive Cathedral, the “Casa de Botines”, or the Palace of Guzmanes. Additionally, we recommend enjoying some tapas at the neighborhoods of “El Romántico” or “Húmedo”

If you finally decide to visit León, you can make use of its free motorhome area which has 9 parking spots reserved exclusively for motorhomes. For the remaining spots, you will need to pay.

Google Maps. GPS COORDINATES:

42.60472   /   -5.585
N 42º 36′ 17» / W 05º 35′ 06»

6. Discover Barcelona with your motorhome (Cataluña)

We end this list of 6 little getaways to enjoy the fall with our motorhomes with Barcelona. This city shines with its own light, and this is because here the visitor can find remains of its Roman and medieval times while enjoying one of the most vibrant cities in Spain. This city has so many emblematic buildings and sites that will make fall in love and come back again for sure.

So, if you want to enjoy such a wonderful city, you can make use of the motorhome area of City Shop, which has a total of 80 spots and a fee of 35 € per overnight stay. Additionally, the area has surveillance 24 hours.

Google Maps. GPS COORDINATES:

41.42417   /   2.20722
N 41º 25′ 27» / E 02º 12′ 26»

Before you start packing to enjoy one of these 6 little getaways, please make sure that you are complying with the mobility restrictions imposed in your area. Also, if you have already visited these cities, or you prefer other kinds of plans, remember that we also a multitude of routes and plans in our blog, so make sure to check it for some inspiration. As always, we hope you enjoyed our list, and if you have any suggestions just let us know in the comments.

La entrada 6 little getaways to enjoy the fall with your motorhome se publicó primero en Vicente Velasco - Correduría de Seguros.

1. La Garrotxa (Girona)

The Jordá beech forest is spectacular throughout the whole year, however, its best imagine can be found during the fall months. So, if you leave nearby and enjoy going for a hike, don’t hesitate to grab your motorhome a get to know this forest taken out of a fairy tale.

If you decide to stay overnight a good option is the motorhome area of Tavertet, which has a total of 10 spots and a fee of 10€ per overnight stay (including water change and electricity). Additionally, the city center of Tavertet has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest, making this getaway the perfect combination of nature and culture.

GPS COORDINATES:

41.99472   /   2.41583
N 41º 59′ 41» / E 2º 24′ 57»

2. Faedo de Ciñera (León)

The second position in our top 10 trips is the Faedo de Ciñera. Did you know that our next stop in today’s list has been declared as the best forest in Spain? Yes, Faedo de Ciñera is an incredible beech forest situated in the Montaña Central Leonesa. Here the visitor will be surrounded by one of the best-preserved natural spaces in Spain, so it is worth a visit.

To visit Faedo de Ciñera one can make use of the motorhome area of Boñar, which has a total of 13 parking spots and it’s free of use. Additionally, just a few kilometers away one can find the Museum of Fauna Salvaje de Valdehuesa, the sky station of San Isidro, or the caves of Valporquero.

GPS COORDINATES:

42.87278   /   -5.32583
N 42º 52′ 22» / W 5º 19′ 33»

3. Natural Park of Gorbeia (País Vasco)

The Natural Park of Gorbeia is a well know spot to enjoy the wonders of fall if you are in the Basque Country. In here the visitor can wander throughout a landscape that has all the shades of green red, and orange. So, grab your hiking boots and go for a little walk in this little piece of heaven on earth.

For those of you who want to experience the Natural Park of Gorbeia, the motorhome area of Leguitanos is the perfect option. A total of 5 parking spots, and located in a recreational area near a reservoir, what else can we ask for.

GPS COORDINATES:

42.96889   /   -2.64806
N 42º 58′ 8» / W 2º 38′ 53»

4. Muniellos Forest (Asturias)

Well, of course, we were going to add a trip to Asturias, and in this case, we have decided to present you the largest oak forest in Spain, the Muniellos forest which has been declared a Natural Reserve by Unesco and is integrated into the Natural Parks of Fuentes del Narcea and Ibias. So if there are any doubts left, the lucky ones that can visit this fantastic natural spot are for an incredible treat. However, we are obliged to remind you that due to its preserved status, one must request permission before visiting it, since only 20 people are allowed per day.

If you have decided to visit this part of heaven on earth you can always make use of the motorhome area of Casa Funsiquín which has a total of 8 spots, and it is free for the bar/shop customers. Additionally, this area is perfectly located since is extremely close to the forest of Gedrez, and the visitor has to option of organizing an excursion to the Monasterio of Hermo or go for the sighting of wild bears.

GPS COORDINATES:

43.01306   /   -6.60861
N 43º 0′ 47» / W 6º 36′ 31»

5. Arán Valley (Lleida) 

We continue with our top 10 trips with the Arán Valley. Since it is precisely the fall season the time of the year where the Arán Valley acquires its maximum splendor. Since the numerous mountain villages, and the incredible wild nature of this place, will make sure that the visitor lives a memorable rural getaway.

A good option for visiting the zone is spending the night in the motorhome area of Benasque for just 2 € the night. Also, if you decide to repost your fuel tank, and the total amount is over 40€, the services offered in the area are free of charge.

GPS COORDINATES:

42.61222   /   0.52694
N 42º 36′ 44» / E 0º 31′ 37»

6. Sierra del Segura (Albacete) 

The Sierra del Seguro is one of the most interesting natural spaces of the province. Full of narrow valleys and canyons, offers and unique experience for those adventurers. We highly recommend visiting the viewpoints of Liétor.

For visiting Sierra del Segura we recommend the motorhome area of Úbeda, which is free and has a total of 10 parking spots, a maximum stay of 48 hours. Additionally, the fact that the area is located in a city which has been declared a World Heritage Site, offers the possibility of combining nature, architecture, history, and tradition in just one visit.

GPS COORDINATES:

38.00639   /   -3.37944
N 38º 0′ 23» / W 3º 22′ 46»

7. Beech forest Tejera Negra (Castilla La Mancha)

We are almost finishing our top 10 trips, but we still have a few more to go. If you want to visit a beech forest but cannot go to the north of Spain, you always have the option of discovering Tejera Negra, the southernmost beech forest in Europe. Tejera Negra offers its visitor a fairy tale setting that will not disappoint.

In our opinion, the best option is spending the night in the motorhome area of Guadalajara, which is free of use and has a total of 10 parking spots reserved for the motorhome. By staying in this location, you will be able to discover the more rural areas of this part of Spain, without renouncing to visit the old town of Guadalajara

GPS COORDINATES:

40.63611   /   -3.175
N 40º 38′ 10» / W 3º 10′ 30»

8. National Park of Ordesa and Monteperdido (Huesca)

The Natural Park of Ordesa and Monteperdido is widely known for the amount of hiking and trekking that it offers opportunities. So if you want to combine some outdoor activities, while enjoying an astonishing Pyrenean landscape, Ordesa was tailor-made for you.

The best alternative for visiting this part of Spain is staying in the motorhome area of Ainsa for 5€ per night and has a total of 20 spots. Additionally, you will be able to visit its medieval village

GPS COORDINATES:

42.41861   /   0.13444
N 42º 25′ 7» / E 0º 8′ 4»

9. Natural Park of Montseny (Cataluña) 

A green spot that is just one hour from Barcelona, what else do you want! Now in all seriousness, the beauty of its landscapes combined with the numerous hiking routes, make this spot the perfect getaway.

If you want to spend the night in this location, we recommend the free motorhome area of Arbúcies. This is perfect for those who want to discover the Natural Park of Montseny, and also plan to visit the Montsoriu castle.

GPS COORDINATES:

41.81417   /   2.52056
N 41º 48′ 51» / E 2º 31′ 14»

10. Lagoons of Gallocanta (Zaragoza)

We finish our top 10 trips to discover Spain in motorhome with the largest salt lake in Europe. A place in which there is the possibility of spotting over 220 species of birds, especially if we go during the fall months when they are on their way to the warmer climate of Africa.

A good option for visiting this place is spending the night on the motorhome area of Peñaflor, which has a fee of 15 € per day a total of 150 parking spots. Additionally, the area is a perfect location for those who want to visit the Cartauja de Aula Dei and the Peña del Cuervo.

GPS COORDINATES:

41.72778   /   -0.79194
N 41º 43′ 40» / W 0º 47′ 31»

As you might be able to see Spain offers a wide range of landscapes and outdoor activities that allow us to find the perfect trip for everyone. Because we don’t need to go far to discover beautiful and breath-taking places. To conclude, in Vicente Velascon Insurance Brokerage we hope you have enjoyed our post, and if you have any recommendations of your own don’t forget to leave us a comment.

La entrada Top 10 trips to discover Spain in motorhome se publicó primero en Vicente Velasco - Correduría de Seguros.

Camping Estrella de Mar (Cataluña):

The first campsite in our list is located only 16km away from Barcelona in Castelldefels and has everything that you may need for a little getaway any time of the year. In particular, it has a plots for caravans, motorhomes, and even tents. Furthermore, if you prefer a bungalow you also have the option. Besides its amazing infrastructure, its proximity to the beach of Castelldefels and Barcelona, make this campsite the perfect option for those of you who are looking for some relaxation without renouncing to the city life.

Camping Playa La Arena (Cantabria):

The perfect combination of nature, location, and views, the campsite Playa La Arena offers its customer a wonderful experience. With a total of 118 plots, bungalows, and a hotel with 10 rooms this place will make visiting Cantabria worth it.

Camping Deva (Asturias):

Of course, we were going to mention a campsite in Asturias, and today’s pick is Camping Deva in Gijón. The third contestant is a strong one, its proximity to Gijón combined with incredible greenery, and wide offer of plots and bungalows, make it the perfect option some a cheeky getaway. So, if you were planning on visiting the north of Spain, don’t hesitate, come visit us!

Camping Suspiro del Moro (Granada):

If you are looking for a peaceful and quiet place, this campsite was made for you. Located only 10 minutes from Granada, and surrounded by olive trees Suspiro del Moro offers a variety of plots, bungalows. Additionally, its wonderful location makes it the perfect base for those of you who are looking to experience the wonder of Sierra Nevada or the buzzing city life of Granada.

Camping Lizarra (Navarra):

Our next campsite is sheltered by the Urbasa, Andia, and Loquiz mountains that offer a multitude of outdoor activities, like hiking. Additionally, camping Lizarra has a designated area for camping and another for bungalows, plus it organizes several activities.

Camping Valle de Iruelas (Ávila):

One of the main attractions of this place is its location in the middle of Gredos and the reservoir of Burguillos. So, by staying in here its customers will be able to have all the commodities while enjoying plenty of outdoor activities.

Camping Monte Holiday (Madrid):

In the middle of Sierra de Guadarrama Monte Holiday campsite, offers several options, like plots for tents, motorhomes, and caravans, but also tree houses for those that want to spice things up. Additionally, the place is perfect for families with kids, since it has an adventure park and an eco-farm that will be the delight the little ones. Moreover, and due to the current COVID-19 situation, they are offering a 100% refund in case of a lockdown.

Camping Larrouleta (País Vasco francés):

The last campsite in today’s list is located in the French Basque Country in an environment that combines nature, outdoor activities like fishing, and hiking, and fun for all the family. Also, its location in Urrugne, and its closeness to the mountain and the Spanish border, make it a perfect option for those who want to discover the beauty of the Basque Country.

We hope you have been able to see throughout this post, that campsites go beyond summer. Nowadays, they offer a multitude of possibilities and activities so that their customers return home with the best memories. As always if you liked this post, don’t forget to leave us a comment, or suggestion, because in Vicente Velasco Insurance Brokerage we are always glad to hear from your experiences.

La entrada Campsites go beyond summer se publicó primero en Vicente Velasco - Correduría de Seguros.

1. NEW ZEALAND

What a better way of starting our top 10 trips to travel around the world than with New Zealand, which is possibly the perfect country for motorhomes. Roads full of kilometres that are accompanied by spectacular landscapes that will remain in your memory forever, not in vain New Zealand is one of the most used countries to shoot films.

2. ICELAND

Of course, Iceland was going to be on our list. By taking road 1, which has 1,399 kilometres, you will be able to drive through the whole island with the commodity of your own house, while enjoying glaciers, waterfalls, volcanos, and the traditional Icelandic landscape.

3. FRANCE

France has been one of the most visited countries in the world for years now. However, among its numerous locations, we think that traveling and enjoying the Loire Valley with your motorhome is probably the best. In addition to the wonderful architecture and culture that this part of France has to offer, the country has plenty of motorhome areas where we can rest. If you are still thinking about visiting this side of France, I don’t know what are you waiting for.

4. SCOTLAND

Lands of castles, legends, amazing landscapes, and extraordinary folklore. What else do you need? Now in all seriousness, Scotland is an amazing land, especially since its small extension will allow for visiting several jewels like Lake Ness, Edinburgh, the Island of Skye, or the Highlands, without touring for kilometres on end.

5. ALASKA:

Alaska was made for traveling with a motorhome since the lack of traditional accommodation makes it almost impossible to discover this State without problems. Additionally, one can park in almost every place, and the location where is prohibited is signalled. Besides these technical advantages, Alaska offers a few of the last wilderness spaces in the world. So, if you can to experience Alaska to the fullest, we recommend starting in Anchogare (the most populated city) and heading north to visit places like the National Park of Denali

6. AUSTRALIA

Previously in our list, we talked about New Zealand, well now its time for its neighbor Australia, which doesn’t have anything to envy. With phenomenal roads like the legendary Pacific Coast Drive, or the Great Ocean Road, the visitor will be able to be delighted by the best parts of this country, while enjoying a safe and easy drive.

7. CANADA

Canada another country on the American continent. By traveling through the country one can experience the enormity of nature. We cannot recommend enough spending some additional time on the West and the Canadian Rockies

8. NORWAY

Norway is a must when we decide what countries one should visit. The roads that serve to discover the Norwegian fjords, especially the Atlantic Highway, will take your breath away, while at the same time they ensure perfectly safe driving. So, if you want to combine comfort and spectacular views Norway was made for you.

9. GERMANY 

Germany is one of the most common destinations to enjoy our motorhome. The country has a motorhome tradition and as a result of this is full of well-equipped areas. If you don’t know where to start, we recommend the Black Forest, in here you will be able to tour through amazing landscapes and villages. Also, you can cross to Austria and visit the Tyrol region. You will not regret it!

10. USA

As you have been able to see throughout our top 10 trips, the world is full of wonderful places to visit. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, fill your tank, and start visiting these countries with your motorhome, you will not be disappointed. As always in Vicente Velasco Insurance Brokerage we want to know your opinions about our blogs, so leave us a comment!

La entrada Top 10 trips to travel around the world with your motorhome se publicó primero en Vicente Velasco - Correduría de Seguros.

Overnight stay in Arenas Negras (Tenerife) 

Spending the night in the recreational area of Arenas Negras is a total must. Located in the middle of a forest, its main attraction is the incredible volcanic landscape that can be found by just walking 10 minutes.

By staying in this area you should take advantage of its perfect, and go for the hike that connects La Montañeta with Arenas Negras. Throughout this journey of approximately 3 hours, you will be able to see spectacular panoramic views of this national park, as well as the Llano de Maja.

GPS COORDINATES: 28°19’56.0″N 16°45’29.7″W  // 28.332233, -16.758244

Overnight stay in Peñón del Cuervo (Málaga) 

The second location in our list is the Peñon del Cuervo a protected area in which its main attraction the beach is divided into two by the “Peñón” giving it a magical feeling specially during sunset or sunrise.

You will be able to park on the BBQ zone that is located just 50 meters from the sea.

GPS COORDINATES : 36° 42′ 47″ N, 4° 20′ 6″ W // 36.713056°, -4.335°

Overnight stay in La Mussara (Tarragona) 

La Mussara is an inhabited village that is located at 1,000 meters of altitude and even though it has a halo of mystery, it offers to its visitors a multitude of hiking possibilities. So if you like trekking and spooky histories La Mussara was made for you. If you want to expend the night and explore the area in more detail you can always park next to the ruins of the Sant Salvador church.

GPS COORDINATES: 41°15′08″N 1°01′42″E

Overnight stay in Ágreda (Soria)

Ágreda is commonly known as the Villa of the Three Cultures, this is the result of multicultural heritage that is perfectly represented on the 10^th-century Arab wall, the beautiful streets of the Jewish quarter, and its Christian. So, just be walking throughout the streets of this town declared Asset of Historic Interest, the visitor will be transported to other times. Addition to its incredibly rich history and architecture the town offer and excellent cuisine, and a multitude of hiking trails.

If you want to spend the night in Ágreda, you can always go to its motorhome area, which has a total of 50 parking spots, and it’s free of use.

GPS COORDINATES: 41.84667 , -1.93167 // N 41º 50′ 48» , W 01º 55′ 54»

Overnight stay in the Darnius reservoir (Girona) 

We could not finish this post about the best overnight locations without talking about Darnius. Because when the visitor approaches this reservoir it is immediately welcomed by such a beautiful landscapes. Not in vain this place is well-known for its incredible panoramic views, natural resources, and crystal-clear waters every visitor happy.

You will be able to spend the night next to the lake and wake up with some amazing views.

GPS COORDINATES: 42°21’10.5″ , N 2°49’27.1″E // 42.352925, 2.824192

With this post we will like to remind you that Spain is a beautiful country which is full of spectacular overnight locations, that would make any motorhome owner happy. So if you have been in them before let us know your opinion in the comments.

If you are a motorhome addict like us, remember that in Vicente Velasco Insurance Brokerage we are always posting the latest news of the sector, and the best routes, so that you can enjoy your motorhome life to the fullest.

La entrada Try this overnight locations with your motorhome at least once in your life. se publicó primero en Vicente Velasco - Correduría de Seguros.

There are plenty of things that we love about the motorhome lifestyle. However, spending the night by the sea, with the sound of the waves, a starry sky, and enjoying a sunrise full of blue and orange tones is one of the best. But since the Ley de Costas can be a little bit confusing, many of us still don’t know what is allowed and what not. So, if you want to finally know for sure keep reading this post.

Historical background

The law 22/1988 had the clear objective of guaranteeing the public use of the seashore and preserve its natural environment. However, since the use of motorhomes in Spain during this time was only residual, the law didn’t include any specification regarding motorhomes. As time passed and the motorhome lifestyle started to grow in Spain the new regulations didn’t make any attempts to specify nor regulate the uses and practices of motorhomes next to the sea.

As a consequence of this legal and administrative neglect, we are going to answer the most usual questions regarding the Ley de Costas:

What lands does the Ley de Costas cover?

The answer to this one can be really simple and tricky at the same time. The easy answer is that the law covers all the land that is near the sea. Nevertheless, we need to specify the following:

“ The Ley de Costas affects practically all public territory that is near the sea, such as the shoreline, the estuaries, as well as their accessions; marshes, lagoons, marshes, estuaries, and in general any lowlands that are flooded as a result of the flow of tides, waves or seepage of seawater; cliffs; the islets in internal waters and territorial sea; works and installations for coastal lighting and maritime signaling built by the State, in addition to the land used to serve them”

What places have authorized access?

It may seem obvious but any place in which the vehicle access is authorized and there is a parking space available, we can park our motorhomes without any problems. However, the problem lies in when the local administration sets a limitation on the kind of vehicles that have access to these places.

Up to this point, everything seems clear, so you might be wondering what is the controversy about? Well according to one of the articles in the Ley de Costas, there is a strict ban on camps and camping. And even though us motorhome users clearly know the differences between parking and camping, many authorities don’t know how to differentiate between the two.

To summarize, as you have seen throughout the post the main problem is that the law doesn’t take into account the needs of this tourism and vehicles, leaving a lot of room for interpretation, which can be a problem for those that are not familiarized with the motorhome lifestyle.

If you want to keep reading about the latest news of the sector, routes through the best cities and regions of Spain in Vicente Velasco Insurance Brokerage we have always the best blog post. Go check them out!

La entrada Ley de Costas: Can I spend the night with my motorhome by the sea? se publicó primero en Vicente Velasco - Correduría de Seguros.

1. Choose wisely your overnight stay location.

When deciding where you are going to spend the night there is a multitude of options. Some of the best and most common examples are private or public motorhome areas, parkings, campsites, or the authorized areas that we can find at gas stations. Additionally, we can always make use of local parks and streets. However, we must be careful because every municipality has its own regulations for overnight stays. So, try to always be sure of the local ordinance, and in case of any doubts don’t hesitate to contact the local police or the “Guardia Civil”, by doing this you should be able to avoid any fines.

Besides these precautions the best advice is to use common sense and when possible avoid spending the night by yourself or leaving valuable objects on sight. It is always better to feel secure and go to a private area than spending the night in a sketchy place, just for the sake of not paying a few euros.

2. Alarm system.

Of course, one of the first things that comes to mind when traveling is having a good alarm, and luckily for us, there is a multitude of devices that will suit every pocket. Therefore, we recommend the following tips:

• Our 25 years of experience in the motorhome sector, has told us that in the majority of cases of thefts, the alarm system of the motorhome was disconnected. So please try to avoid this at any cost.
• The cabin doors are the most accessible, so try to put the most effort into protecting them.
• We recommend having an acoustic alarm plus a magnetic door and window opening sensors.
• Additionally, if you don’t have any pets a volumetric sensor that will detect any movements inside the vehicle is a great option.

3. Protect your motorhome  doors.

When it comes to getting access to your motorhome, its doors are the easiest and most common option. This is due to the fact the usually its locks aren’t resistant enough. As a consequence, we always recommend installing security locks, like for example the HeoSystem. Another very good option is to install an exterior security lock like Safe Door, by doing so you are making it extremely difficult to open a door or window.

We know that even though we can take all the precautions in this world, the possibility of suffering a theft is going to be there. However, we can always minimize it by having common sense, avoiding any sketchy situations and locations, and of course, have good insurance coverage. If you need some advice on the latter don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. As a reminder don’ forget our tips for a safely overnight stays with your motorhome 

La entrada Tips for a safely overnight stay with your motorhome se publicó primero en Vicente Velasco - Correduría de Seguros.

General tips for driving in the snow with your motorhome/camper

• Try to always have a full gas tank. So that in case you have to stay the night in a cold place you can turn on the heating without problems.
• This one is extremely important, reduce your speed, leave a bigger security distance, and avoid any sudden movements.
• Before turning on the heating, you should check that there aren’t any big amounts of snow on the roof that could be clogging the heater vent.

Tips for your holding tanks

• Keep your holding tanks from freezing. Usually, the holding tanks in our motorhomes are completely exposed to the elements, and this can create a problem since they are not properly insulated. That’s why we recommend the following solutions:
  • Antifreeze: Pour some antifreeze in the grey and black water tanks to keep them from freezing up.
  • Install some heated tank pads.
  • When dumping your tanks, make sure that both valves are closed and also only dump when they are full.
  • Use the skirting method to reduce the amount of heat that will escape from your motorhome underbelly. If you are in a tight spot, you can always use snow, because eventhough it may seem extrange, but it is an amazing insulator.
  • When it comes to your fresh water tank, the antifreeze solution is not an option so we have the following tips: First of all, keep the tank full, since a larger quantity of water will be less likely to freeze; Second, don’t leave your water hose attached to any water connection since contents will freeze. However, if in the end you still end up with a frozen hose you can always use a hairdryer to soften them up.

Tips for snow chains

When it comes to choosing the correct snow chains you should be aware that there are several types: Spider Spike Chains, Textile Chains, and of course the traditional steel chains. Now that we have a run down through the different types of chains, we can identify which is the best alternative for us, and in this case, a key determinant is the use frequency. Because if you are going to be installing and removing your tire chains constantly, easy installation is probably a top priority for you, so keep this in mind. Additionally, if you are planning on going on a trip where winter conditions are harsh, maybe the best solution will be just using winter tires instead of snow chains.

As always in Vicente Velasco Insurance Brokerage we hope you enjoyed these tips, and don’t forget to let us know your opinions in the comments, and share this article in your social media

La entrada Tips for driving in the snow se publicó primero en Vicente Velasco - Correduría de Seguros.