Hi everyone and Doberden!Well my wife my cat and me will be leaving the UK on Saturday for Popina (near Silistra) to stay at my mates place til I can furnish our house.We are catching the Euro Star to Calais and then will be relying on my trusty sat nav.First off I would be grateful for any tips or warnings that I could encounter on the way and possibly solutions.Are there Hotels/Motels along the route that anyone could recommend but not to far off the beaten track.I am informed that this trip if all goes well will take about 3 days. Toll roads, I have never been on one so is everything clearly displayed including where to pay? I have my breakdown cover and a green card which gives me comprehensive insurance for the trip,also I have the required kit such as a warning triangle spare bulbs etc.
I must confess to being a apprehensive as it is a long way by road, I would have flown but if you read My Cat that will tell you why not and I am persuing the airline for a refund.

Thanks for any help you can give.

Hi Speedgunner

It is a long way, but for the main part, the roads are good and progress can be made quite quickly (until you hit Bulgaria that is!).

When you cross the border point into most countries where you need to by a 'vignette' or 'vinetka', it is well signed.

Hotels / Motels are not a problem. Last time I did the journey, we just dived off the main road into any sizeable town and started looking for a room and food. We never had a problem and always found hotels that would accept us and our dog!

Hope you have a good trip.

Wishing you a safe trip.
I'm sure it will be enjoyable in the long run to start your new adventure in life.
Sorry can't help with any advice but just think of your new home and friends.

Hi Speedgunner

We did the trip by road ourselves 3 years ago now and it was just fantastic! Our sat nav took us directly to Silistra. We traveled through the day ensure we stopped every few hours for a drink and a picnic - we took an electric coolbox with us so all foods fresh, It was lovely to pull over as there are picnic tables in the parking areas all the way to Hungary.

We had no problem with hotels just don't use the ones directly off the motorway they cost twice as much pull off and follow the roads round lots of place to choose from. Fill up before you get to Hungary as we traveled a long way before we could get fuel. As Chris says When you cross the border point into most countries where you need to by a 'vignette' or 'vinetka', it is well signed.

You can cross at Silistra. Do you know Archie in Popina?

Have a wonderful trip, enjoy yourselves drive during daylight. Allow up to 4/5 days don't rush

Thank you for your advice it is appreciated and taken.

Hi Speedgunner.Wishing you a safe journey across.I'm not sure which route you are taking,but if you are going through Romania,this for us has been the slowest part of the journey and not for the faint hearted at night (especially through the mountains.)

I'm sure you'll find it a fantastic experience and a good start to your new life!

Thanks for your wishes, we won't be travelling at night if we can help it.We are catching the Euro Star at Folkstone and then following thw Sat Nav, having said that I did print off instructions from the RAC route planner which is similar to the route the Sat has on it. As I was taught it is only an aid and a back up is essential just in case!

good luck with your journey, you can buy vinnette at the garages near the borders and most have big signs up to remind you. its a easy run all the way to romania, if you drive through romania at night watch out for people walking in the middle of the road as it is very common and if a lorry trys to over take you let them as most have no problem with running you off the road. we drive it several times a year without any problems and get all the way using a sat nav. but we do take a map for back up. safe journey