We have been staying in a Aire near Los Alcázares in Murcia Spain for the past 21 days We will finish our adventure on the 16th of October having been on the road for nearly 20 months. Last week we recapped our first six months in pictures and this week we will cover the reality of travel in a motorhome.
We were overjoyed to have David’s cousin and family visit the area from Ireland, great to link up and laugh, eat out and generally do things that you would do on a normal two-week holiday. Play golf for David against his ‘first cousin once removed’ Alex and win!! The 25-handicap v his 6 seemed to do the job!
But the taste of victory was short lived as we headed to the Go-Kart track and David was whipped by Alex on 55 seconds then his dad Simon on 57 and David coming in at the snails pace of 1 min 14 seconds. Maybe driving a motorhome slows you down!!
But the week had other issues which were sadder and tougher to deal with. Karen tripped up while out for a walk and fractured her right wrist, so off to the hospital and now in a cast wanting me to buy a bell so I can be summoned to assist as required. This will be an inconvenience for the last two weeks of our trip but all surmountable. Thankfully Karen’s EHIC card covered all her fantastic care in the hospital. That said if it did not we have in place a comprehensive Staysure travel policy for this part of the trip. During the first part of the trip we used Big Cat travel insurance.
But life was brought into focus when our neighbour on the campsite had a heart attack and unfortunately did not recover. Though rushed to hospital they could not save him, and the campsite manager had to bring his partner to the hospital and go through the processes required.
It turned out that he had just turned 65 and retired and they had decided to travel in their motorhome for the winter with their dogs. But this was not the end of the poor lady’s problems. Their travel insurance did not cover the repatriation of her partners body a fee of €35,000 or if cremated in Spain €5,500. If ever there was a reason to check travel policy, this is it. The only positive thing was as she did not have to drive the van back as she did not drive, so she was not on the policy. The Dutch equivalent of the AA was transporting the motorhome back to Holland. She though had to pay for her own flight back and their dogs were going to be transported back by another Dutch couple for her.
If you are in a motorhome and one of you does not drive it, but can drive do not put them on the insurance as they will even though they may have lost a loved one have to drive the vehicle home.
We think that Covid has caused issues, it broke our hearts to see the pain the poor woman was in and how little we could do to help. We are so grateful that we have been able to avoid tragedy while we have been away. Hopefully Karen’s wrist will be as bad as it gets, but if ever there was a reminder to make sure you get a good insurance policy while you travel this was it.
Until next week, stay safe.
Katherine says
Omg. That poor woman. All their dreams.
Is that the same wrist Karen? Hugs to you both. Xxx
Michael Stanley says
A crying shame. Poor woman.
Hopefully Karen done t’other wrist in this time. Fragile things. Can still boil the kettle whilst you batter cushions and upholstery, Dave.
David says
She has a bell for service calls now. But cooking cleaning but hair dressing is tough.
Lesley says
OMG what an eventful stay you‘ve had! I too have insurance with Staysure. I’m now feeling quite relieved. As you say, it just shows how important it is! The poor woman!
Definitely get Karen a bell. Ha ha! I hope she’s recovered soon. What an end to your travels.
It was lovely to see you both and the photos of you in competition with Alex! Do you think he went easy on you David? I hear he’s been winning the money all week!!!
David says
Well Lesley Alec thought he had me after a dreadful front nine. But my handicap and an amazing back nine won it. 55 out 44 back! Have got the bell for her not that she did not know how to get my attention already. Not you two are ok and David is back golfing soon. Hugs from both of us.
David says
Well Lesley Alex thought he had me after a dreadful front nine. But my handicap and an amazing back nine won it. 55 out 44 back! Have got the bell for her not that she did not know how to get my attention already. Not you two are ok and David is back golfing soon. Hugs from both of us.
Carol Kubicki says
Broken wrists are so easily done, I hope the healing is pain-free. None of us know what is around the corner and so paying for good insurance to sort out any problems that happen along the way is one of those things I don’t like to skimp on.
David says
Indeed Carol oddly the EHIC did the job for Karen but insurance is a must now days. Amazing how quickly things can go wrong.
Gary and Zoe. says
Oh my. Another hospital visit! Karen, be careful !! Well done you guys for sorting out the insurance requirements etc… there is a definite lesson there.
We were saddened to hear about your friends demise, just at a time when their lives were there to be enjoyed too. It can be a cruel world!
Was good to see you are still having fun. the Go-Cart circuit looks brill. Would love to have a go! Shaun is on his way to Spain as we speak. Have you planned to meet him?
Stay safe and see you soon. Enjoy the last few weeks of your fab adventure!
Sam ELTIBI says
Hi Karen and David,
Just to wish Karen Speedy recovery and you both safe return home. I trust you had such a wonderful time and unforgettable experiences, there is nothing in the world that can match that, these memories I trust will be treasured and embedded for long.
I am looking forward to start international travel after Covid era, UK will be one of my first destinations to see Karen, Richard A., and other friends.
Stay safe!!
All the best.
Sam
Sam ELTIBI says
Hi Karen and David,
Just to wish Karen Speedy recovery and you both safe return home. I trust you had such a wonderful time and unforgettable experiences.
I am looking forward to start international travel after Covid era, UK will be one of my first destinations to see Karen, Richard A., and other friends.
Stay safe!!
All the best.
Sam
Peter says
Sorry to hear about your wrist Karen. Take care and safe return.