24 replies to this topic

[Binzo94]

So im thinking about driving to amsterdam in my mini , its a round a 1100 mile round trip, any advice at all guys
Thanks

[GTIAlex06]

ear plugs and a cushion

[Cooperman]

You get a nice breakfast on the P & O Ferry from Dover to Calais.

[surfblue63]

You could go from Hull to Rotterdam, save a few miles.

[Marcos Controls]

I used to get the ferry from Harwich to Hook of Holland. Avoids driving through France and having to carry a breathaliser. All depends on whether you want to drive all the way and go through the tunnel, or sail part of the way.

[Carlos W]

Good service before you go, take basic tools and European break down cover then crack on! If you're going Dover to Calais give me a wave when you come through Kent!

[leefleming]

Take a tool kit! You might need it

[minisilverbullet]

European breakdown cover - it is a life saver. not speaking form experience

[Kam]

You'll love it! Driving in europe can be fun in a grand tourer or a bike but better in a mini, if you think people over here wave at you...

Have you driven long trips before? Has your mini? Ever driven abroad before? Plan it well in advance and make sure obviously the car is up to scratch as best you can and take some basic tools, sat nav and maps and european breakdown cover, plenty of reading to do online to get you clued up

Check these out as a starter and good luck

http://www.ferry-to-...ing_abroad.html

http://www.theaa.com...seas/index.html

[gronkjor]

I've driven from Manchester to Denmark and back a few times with no breakdowns (touch wood).
Just give it a good service, take your time and enjoy it! Love driving my Mini around abroad!

[Cooperman]

Remember, in Europe they drive on the wrong side of the road. Before I went to France for the first time I tried it from St. Albans to Watford - it's b****y dangerous!

[Kam]

Remember, in Europe they drive on the wrong side of the road. Before I went to France for the first time I tried it from St. Albans to Watford - it's b****y dangerous!

What? practising to drive on the wrong side of the road over here? yeah you might find it don't really work over here

Alot more straighforward and not daunting atall over there as the traffic seems to be moving in the same direction

Only thing that seems to catch people out is the roundabouts, just take extra care and if you see a Brit coming upto one take extra care!

[Ado1379]

good luck!!
not that youll need it :/

[Cooperman]

I often used to do Harwich - Hook of Holland when I had an office in Germany and a lot of customers in Holland.
There used to be a crossing from Isle of Sheppey to Vlesingen, Sally Line, which was overnight and did a fantastic buffet dinner. Then it was straight onto the Dutch & German motorway system which made life easier.
It's now an easy journey from Calais though, via Gent, Antwerp, Utrecht and on to Amsterdam.

[Ethel]

You'll need a very big low loader, is it worth the effort, they also have canals in Amsterdam, but admittedly not as many drug dealers.