If you’re like many people, the idea of traveling through Europe with a campervan sounds like the ultimate adventure. You can see many countries and experience many different cultures in a relatively short amount of time.
Europe’s road system is also ideal for campervan travel, and the possibilities are endless in terms of where you’d like to explore. But many of you may wonder how to plan your campervan Europe trip and remember everything you need to do before the trip!
Campervans are an excellent option for solo or small family trips, and you always have the option of renting one instead of going all in and purchasing your own. However, it’s important to keep several things in mind when planning your first campervan adventure, especially if you’re new to this way of travel.
These are some of the essential factors to consider so that you’ll know how to plan your European campervan trip confidently.
Consider Your Interests
Your campervan/motorhome Europe trip route will all depend on where you’re interested in going and how many locations you want to see.
If big tourist spots fill up your itinerary, you may not be able to spend as much time in any of the places. If you prefer the outdoors over cities, try to slow things down, so you’ll be able to fully appreciate the beauty around you.
Remember Important Documents
The must-have documents you need to remember when traveling to various countries within Europe depend on your citizenship status. You don’t want to forget those on the dresser table at home!
EU nationals aren’t required to show a passport, but it’s always wise to bring your ID card with you. If you’re not an EU national, you’ll need a passport and visa. You’ll also need to determine if the country you’re traveling to is in a Schengen area or not. This can impact what paperwork is necessary.
Additional Necessary Documents May Include:
- Vehicle Insurance Papers
- Proof of Ownership/Rental Agreement
- Original Birth Certificates
- Marriage Certificate (If traveling with a spouse)
Check Camping Restrictions
European campervan camping sites offer a range of amenities depending on their cost. You can find free campervan parking at areas like fuel stations and parking lots, but these don’t typically offer much besides a spot to sleep.
Most European countries don’t allow wild camping, so your best alternative would be a paid camping site. Most villages and towns have a motorhome or campervan campsite with shower and laundry facilities.
It’s really up to you and your traveling companions as to where you’d like to stay and if it’s necessary to spend the money on a paid site for each stop.
Get Roadmaps/Find the Best Route
If you’re new to campervan road tripping, we recommend adding at least an hour to your travel time from Point A to Point B.
You know, in case you get lost. ????
Plan your route using an app like Google Maps or a GPS. This will save you from acting like you meant to add 30 minutes to your drive because you turned left instead of right.
Check for Vignettes
In addition to tolls, you’ll also have to plan for the cost of vignettes in certain European countries.
Vignettes are essentially prepaid stickers that prove you’ve paid the road tolls. Depending on where you’re traveling, the stickers can be valid for several days or up to a month.
Get Senso4s Plus
Duuh! Your campervan Europe trip won’t be complete without our Senso4s Plus gas level sensor.
It’s perfect for worry-free gas monitoring on the go, and you can use your smartphone to keep tabs on gas levels to avoid running out in the middle of cooking a delicious campervan meal.
Calculate the Costs
When taking a campervan holiday in Europe, your travel costs will depend on how often you eat out, whether or not you stay at paid or free campsites, and which destinations you’re traveling to. Save money by cooking most of your meals and only paying for campgrounds when you need to use specific amenities. If you need tips on wild camping, we’ve got you covered!
Fuel will also be one of the highest costs when traveling, but you can reduce this by using the GasBuddy app and not being too heavy on the accelerator. Save the crazy tactics for the race track!
Consider Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a must for Europe RC and campervan travel, especially if you’re renting instead of driving your own vehicle.
Unfortunately, life happens, so we recommend purchasing over the amount you think you’ll need. This can also be helpful with medical bills in the event of an accident.
Plan for the Weather
One final factor you’ll need to consider when planning your motorhome routes in Europe is the weather.
If you want to avoid overly cold areas in winter, check which countries and cities are the warmest. This will also influence the type of gear and clothing you’ll need to pack for the trip.
Europe is a fascinating continent to explore, and traveling by campervan gives you the freedom to go where your heart takes you. We hope these tips on how to plan your campervan Europe trip will help you make the most out of your next road trip experience!