Overseas Travelling

Tips for Travelling Overseas in Your Morgan

Thinking of taking your Morgan abroad? Whether you’re heading to the Continent for a weekend or planning a longer adventure, a little preparation can make your journey much smoother. Below we’ve gathered some useful tips to help you pack, cross borders, and enjoy stress-free motoring overseas.

Before You Travel

Documentation

Make sure you have the right paperwork with you:

Passport – valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates (check entry rules for your destination).
Driving licence – UK photocard is accepted in most European countries. Some destinations may require an International Driving Permit (IDP).
V5C logbook (vehicle registration document) – to prove you own the car.
Insurance documents – check your cover extends overseas. A Green Card may be needed in certain countries.
Breakdown cover – consider European cover for peace of mind.
Travel insurance – covering health, accidents and repatriation.

Packing Essentials

Spare bulbs and fuses – required by law in several countries.
Warning triangle – often compulsory.
Reflective jackets – must be accessible inside the car (not the boot).
First aid kit – required in many European countries.
Headlamp beam deflectors – to prevent dazzling on right-hand drive cars.
UK identification – a UK sticker is required if your number plate doesn’t already show “UK” with the Union flag.
Breathalyser kits – technically required in France (though not enforced).
European accident statement form – helpful if you need to exchange details.

Channel Crossings

Eurotunnel – quickest option, especially for avoiding traffic around ports. Easy loading and unloading, but book early at peak times.
Ferries – more relaxed and can be more cost-effective. Offers routes to France, Spain, Ireland, and beyond. Allow extra time for boarding.
Documentation checks – have passports, tickets, and vehicle documents to hand.

On the Road Abroad

Driving Laws & Differences

Speed limits – vary by country; motorways may be lower in rain or at night.
Alcohol limits – generally stricter than in the UK (often 0.05%).
Toll roads – common in France, Spain, Italy, and Portugal. Keep cash or a card handy, or consider a toll tag.
Low emission zones – several European cities require registration or permits (e.g. Crit’Air in France, Umweltplakette in Germany).
Priority rules – e.g. in France, “priorité à droite” still applies in some areas.
Roundabouts – traffic may give way differently than in the UK.

Travelling in a Morgan

Your Morgan will attract smiles wherever you go – but a few practical points are worth noting:

Luggage space – pack light and consider soft bags to make the most of available space. Boot racks are very handy for longer trips.
Weatherproofing – check your hood and side screens before departure. Continental weather can be extreme – hot sun one moment, torrential rain the next.
Comfort breaks – plan regular stops. Morgans are built for spirited drives, but a little rest helps you enjoy the journey more.
Fuel – petrol stations can be less frequent in rural areas, especially on Sundays. Keep topped up.

Handy Extras

Photocopies of key documents kept separate from originals.
A small toolkit, cable ties, and tape for roadside fixes.
Phone charger, European plug adapter, and satnav or mapping apps (with offline maps in case of no signal).
Phrasebook or translation app if heading somewhere less English-speaking.

Final Thoughts

Driving abroad in your Morgan is one of the great joys of ownership – winding mountain passes, sunlit coastal routes, and the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts you’ll meet along the way. With the right preparation, your overseas adventure will be safe, smooth, and unforgettable.

Safe travels, and don’t forget to share your stories with the Club!