Would You Like to Experience the Road to Reales?
In a previous Bailey blog, I reviewed the Road to Reales campsites, so it only seems fitting that I discuss the trip in finer, financial detail. Thankfully, our friends at The Caravan and Motorhome Club have a member discount scheme which can save a surprising amount of money.
If you’d like to retrace our footsteps, here’s how you can do so without spending money unnecessarily. It’s worth noting that the following prices are for two people travelling in a 7.5m motorhome during May 2025.
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The Crossing
We booked the Portsmouth to Caen ferry as the overnight crossing allows for an early start and maximises travel time. The daytime return sailing fitted perfectly with check-out time at the De Haro campsite. Both ports are easily accessible and navigable, even for those with larger leisure vehicles.
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The Campsites
We stayed at six sites across France, Spain and Andorra. Except for a three-night stay at Camping Bardenas, we spent one night at each campsite.
Camping La Motte
Le Fouilloux, France. (Caravan and Motorhome Club network)
A peaceful countryside site, ideal for your first night when planning a longer drive from the port.
Camping de Haro
Haro, La Rioja, Spain. (Caravan and Motorhome Club network)
Surrounded by vineyards and perfect for wine tasting.
Camping Bardenas
Villafranca, Navarra, Spain. (Alan Rogers network)
An excellent base for exploring the Bardenas Reales desert.
Camping Xixerella Park
Andorra. (Alan Rogers network)
Nestled in the Pyrenees, with fantastic mountain views.
Camping Domaine de la Faurie
Lot, France. (Caravan and Motorhome Club network)
Stunning setting with a pool and restaurant. A fantastic rural stopover.
Huttopia Camping Lac de Sillé
Pays de la Loire, France. (Caravan and Motorhome Club network)
Great final night stop before heading to the ferry.
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Trip Costs
Here’s a breakdown of what we spent (based on two adults in a motorhome):
| Cost | Cost |
|---|---|
| Ferry and campsites (via CAMC) | £1100 |
| Fuel (incl. £28 AdBlue) | £428 |
| Tolls | £200 |
| Food and drink | £200 per person = £400 |
| Bicycle hire in Bardenas Reales | £40 |
| Wine tasting | £20 per person = £40 |
| --- | --- |
| Total | £2008 |
For two people, that works out to £1,004 each for a full 10-day European motorhome holiday, including food & drink, wine tasting, bicycle hire, and pinchos in local bars.
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Want to Save Even More Money?
If your travel itinerary allows you to explore Europe for more than 10 days, a different route can save more money. The Caravan and Motorhome Club offers combined deals on certain crossings, which can save a significant amount of money. For example, booking a Dover-Calais crossing with P&O and the same campsites brings the ferry and campsite cost down to approximately £500. Even with additional site night(s), fuel, and tolls, there’s still a saving to be had. Look for ‘Combined Deal’ when booking crossings AND sites on The Caravan and Motorhome Club website.
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Why This Trip Works
- Easy to book: One call to the Caravan and Motorhome Club, or a website visit, sorted out our ferry and sites.
- Motorhome-friendly: All the sites had good access, friendly reception teams, and were in ideal locations.
- Incredible variety: vineyards, deserts, mountains, and lakes - this trip has it all.
- Club benefits: Discounts, help when needed, and trusted site recommendations.
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ABTA Bond
It’s worth noting that booking crossings and sites at the same time gives you an ABTA bond. But what is an ABTA bond?
It is a financial guarantee provided by a travel company that is a member of ABTA (the Association of British Travel Agents). It protects consumers’ money if the travel company goes out of business.
Key Points:
- Purpose: To protect customers who book holidays or travel services through an ABTA member.
- How it works: The bond is a financial security, often backed by a bank or insurance company. If the travel company fails, the bond is used to refund customers or repatriate them if they’re already abroad.
- Who requires it: All ABTA members must provide a bond or equivalent financial protection to meet ABTA’s licensing conditions.
What It Covers:
- Package holidays that do not include flights (as ATOL covers flight-inclusive holidays, another protection scheme).
- Refunds if your travel provider fails before you travel.
- Assistance and potentially alternative arrangements or repatriation if you're abroad.
If you’re a Bailey motorhome owner looking for a hassle-free and affordable way to explore Europe, the Road to Reales route is a brilliant choice. With a bit of planning (and the help of the Caravan and Motorhome Club), you can be sipping Rioja in the sun or admiring Pyrenean views in no time. I highly recommend it.
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