travelling around europe in a van

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How to tour Europe in a Motorhome-the ULTIMATE guide

Want to tour Europe in a motorhome or campervan? Feeling a little overwhelmed and not sure where to start? Here’s everything you need, from what kit to pack, what paperwork you need to carry, how to prepare your van, European road trip itinerary ideas and tips for life on the road.

Don’t forget to grab your free Europe motorhoming checklist below.

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Touring Europe in a motorhome blog- our story

I remember the first time we took our motorhome to Europe. There were SO MANY rules and things to pack and what the heck are aires and how do I book one and what route should we take and do we need…

To say I was daunted was an understatement. Everywhere I looked for advice had totally contradicting information. I spent the first few days of our Europe road trip feeling exhausted and terrified that I’d forgotten something vitally important.

If you’re also feeling intimidated by the idea of travelling Europe in a motorhome, camper van or even a caravan, don’t panic. Since that first trip, I quit my job so we could explore Europe by motorhome as often as possible (let’s just not talk about 2020…)

We’ve travelled nearly 60,000 miles and visited 17 countries. We have made many MANY mistakes… but we’ve also learnt a lot about vanlife in Europe and what NOT to do. And I’m going to share that with you today.

I promise- it’s not as scary as it feels right now.

Today I’ll walk you through the various steps you need to take to plan your own motorhome road trip to Europe and, hopefully, you’ll feel much more confident by the end of it.

Don’t forget to grab your free printable Europe motorhome travel checklist , which will help you remember everything you need.

Unsure what you need for your Europe road trip? Worried you’re missing something important?

Grab your FREE Europe Road trip Checklist NOW- everything you need: essential kit, paperwork and useful gear to take.

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How to Tour Europe in a Motorhome, campervan or RV – where to start

Let’s start with the basics. Before you can head off to Europe in a motorhome, you need a motorhome or camper van! You can either buy one or hire one and there are pros/ cons to both.

TOP TIP: If you’re planning a 3 month or more trip to Europe, definitely buy a motorhome- it will be MUCH cheaper. Here’s our complete motorhome buyer’s guide to choosing the camper for you.

If you don’t already own a motorhome and are considering getting one, hiring a motorhome or campervan for at least a weekend, preferably a week, is the perfect way to know if motorhome life is for you, before you spend a lot of money on one.

Also, if you are looking to buy a motorhome for the first time , hiring one is a great way to learn what layouts work for you, what you like and dislike and what you’re looking for in your own vehicle.

Having said that, we bought our first motorhome with no experience and no planning and set off to tour around Europe after only 15 days… So do whatever feels right for you.

Want to rent a vehicle for your road trip?

These might help:

• Discover incredible deals for motorhome/ camper rentals
• Find the best deals for car rental

READ: 10 essential questions to ask before you rent a motorhome

Motorhoming in Europe- 25 Essential things to know

Watch this video for 25 things you need to know about touring with a motorhome or campervan in Europe:

We hope you found the video useful. If you did, we’d love it if you followed us on Youtube . New videos with tips for motorhoming and campervanning in the UK and Europe are released weekly.

Motorhome Touring in Europe- where to stay?

Once you’ve got a vehicle to tour around Europe in, the next thing to consider is how do you want your trip to Europe to be and where are you going to camp/ park overnight?

• Do you want to stay at a campsite with pitches for motorhomes, campervans and caravans which has loads of facilities and activities for the kids to do?
• Would you prefer to wild camp in your motorhome and stay at a new place each night, far from crowds and cities? 
• Do you want to use aires/ free overnight parking spots in Europe and stay 2/3 nights in a place before moving on?

Deciding the type of holiday you want to have will make planning your motorhome trip a lot easier. Here’s a bit more information about the types of motorhome parking available in Europe to help you decide.

Motorhome campsites in Europe

Campsites in Europe are very similar to ones in the UK; you arrive, are given or can select a pitch with or without electric (depending on what you booked) and that’s it. Often, you will need to provide ID when you arrive and some places even keep hold of your passport while you stay.

Campsites often have great facilities- like swimming pools or a beach on a lake, watersports, play area, restaurants, fresh bread delivery, shop etc. Dogs are normally always welcome, but there isn’t always a dog walk/ run where they are allowed off lead.

European motorhome travel in the school holidays- or not?

If you’re travelling in the school holidays, you’ll want to book up the campsite (if you’re using one) asap- the best ones get booked up months in advance.

If you’re NOT travelling during the school holidays, you might want to consider getting an ACSI camping card – you’ll save a lot of money on campsite charges.

Aires in Europe

For us, we prefer to travel around Europe in our motorhome and explore different places during our trips instead of staying in one area. We generally stay only one night in a place (unless we’re planning to ride the motorbikes, in which case we find somewhere for a few nights.) 

There are two types of motorhome overnight parking options instead of campsites. The first are approved Motorhome parking places, which are called Aires in France , Stellplatz in Germany and Sostas if you’re campervanning in Italy . They’re all pretty much exactly the same!

Motorhome Parking Tips for Aires

You cannot pre-book Aires- they operate on a first-come basis. We found people tended to move on about 10-11am and most were parked up by 4pm, so try and move within that window for the best chance of finding a space. When we toured Italy, we left a little earlier (around 9ish) and aimed to be parked for lunchtime-ish, which we think helped us get in where we wanted without problems.

We like aires, as we feel happier leaving our motorhome if we want to go off an explore, and don’t want to deal with the noise or expense of a European campsite. We tow motorbikes behind our motorhome and love being able to use them without worrying if the van is ok.

You can find more on how to use aires and find motorhome parking around Europe here.

Wild camping with a motorhome or campervan in Europe

The other option for overnight motorhome stopovers in Europe is wild camping, which is staying somewhere that’s not an ‘approved’ place overnight and then moving on the next morning.

Rules for wild camping with a Motorhome in Europe

There are many different rules and different stories about motorhome wild camping across Europe. Wild camping is technically illegal in many countries, such as Switzerland – but we’ve stayed off-grid in our motorhome hundreds of times without any trouble at all. Heck, it was a night wild camping in the Alps in Switzerland in our motorhome which made us decide to change our lives and go motorhome travelling (almost!) full-time!

Wild camping in France in a motorhome or campervan is tolerated, as long as you’re not near the coast or in a restricted area. Find out more about motorhome wild camping in France.

My advice is to research the rules for the country you’re visiting, and then check out Park4night. Don’t park if it says ‘No Overnight Parking’. Also, always trust your gut. If you’re not sure and not happy, move on to an approved Motorhome stop point, so you can get a good nights sleep without worrying about being woken up for parking illegally.

You can find everything you need to know about how to wild camp with a motorhome or campervan here.

How to find free/ cheap Motorhome Parking spots in Europe

So, HOW do we find these overnight stopovers in vans in Europe? There are three apps we use. They’re all great but work in slightly different ways.

Park4night is what we mainly use when motorhome touring in Europe- and it is BRILLIANT. It’s both an app and a website- we tend to use the app most while travelling. There is a small annual fee but it’s well worth paying for.

This is how we use it:

• Drive to somewhere we want to explore- or a place en-route if we’ve got a long route planned.
• As we get closer, open up the app on my iPad or laptop (read more about getting internet in a motorhome )
• Put in the area you are heading for into Park4night and filter your options.
• Look at photos and comments to remove any with bad reviews, or which are too small for your motorhome to fit into.
• Check to make sure the place is open! A lot of places close between Oct- Apr.
• Then I tend to go on gut feel. I might have two or three options at this point but if I’m honest I’ll know which one of those three I like the idea of most, and that’s the one we head for first. If we get there and it’s full/ closed/ turned into a building site (has happened twice to us!!) then we have other options we can fall back on and we can head to those next.

We use Park4night as it tends to have the most options for places to stay in Europe. However, there are some other good choices too.

Planning to take your motorhome to Europe?

GUIDE: Stop the overwhelm with our step-by-step guide. Contains eBook, checklists and more. Complete Europe Motorhome Travel Toolkit

CHECKLIST: Don’t forget to grab your FREE Europe motorhome travel checklist HERE

GEAR – If you need any motorhome gear for touring Europe, here’s what we recommend.

Camper contact

Camper Contact works in a very similar way to Park4night, however, the BIG thing it offers which we love is you can remove all parking spaces which aren’t suitable for longer motorhomes. We love this feature when we are towing a trailer behind our motorhome and want to make absolutely sure it’s suitable for a longer vehicle.

Camper contact is free on the website but the app requires payment, which is another reason we prefer Park4night.

Searchforsites

Search for sites is another motorhome parking app but is better for in the UK. Again, it’s a really useful site and well worth checking as occasionally there are different places on here than on the other two. Pretty much all the reviews on here seem to be in English, which can help when you want to read what people thought!

Between the three of these motorhome parking apps, we’ve travelled around Europe without any problems. Once, in Italy in August, our preferred Aire was full, so we had to move on elsewhere and a few times the place we’ve been heading for no longer exists!

If you find out of date information, please take the time to update the app so other motorhomers don’t do the same thing. They are all great resources and, without them, motorhome road trips in Europe wouldn’t be nearly so easy.

Other parking schemes in Europe

In Europe, there are several schemes similar to Britstops as a great source of free overnight parking stops for motorhomes. In France, France Passion is a similar set-up, and there are others around Europe.

You can find a list of all the motorhome overnight parking schemes and how to find them here.

Motorhome Route Planning for Europe trips

Once you’ve decided where you’re staying, you can start planning a motorhome route in Europe . Obviously, if you’re just travelling to one campsite and back again, then the route will be fairly straightforward.

However, if you’re planning to use aires or wild camping, then you can decide where you want to visit, what you want to see and if you’re going to be using toll roads or not.

One thing to note is that we rarely plan an actual road route until we’re driving. or just setting off for the day. I don’t plan the roads in advance- just the places we want to visit during our trip. Everything else I do as we travel. If we want to visit a specific aire or campsite, I’ll note that in our plan. You can grab our free road trip planner and use that to help you plan your route and things to do.

The other thing you’ll need to plan is how you’re going to get to Europe. If you’re in the UK, will you take the ferry or use Eurotunnel ? There are pros and cons of both but it’s worth deciding quickly so you can book in advance and hopefully save some money.

TOP TIP: If you want some ideas for where to visit, here are some of the best Europe road trip itineraries for motorhomes and campervans.

Tolls in Europe

Many people are concerned about tolls in Europe and like to plan their routes to avoid them. There are pros and cons to this. Tolls occur in nearly every European country which doesn’t insist on a vignette. If you’re motorhoming in Germany you can enjoy some free autobahns (same if you’re motorhoming in Holland .) 

When you plan a route in a country without a vignette, you have two options:

• The quick way (which uses tolls roads when necessary)
• The cheap way (which doesn’t!)

There is no right answer- it’s whatever’s best for you. If you only have a week for your motorhome holiday , many people will want to get to their destination asap, which means using toll roads.

If you have more time, you may want to save money and take the slower, but usually prettier, back roads. Do whatever’s right for you.

If you want to get an idea on how much a toll route might cost, use the website https://www.viamichelin.com/

This site will tell you the approximate driving costs for your trip, both in fuel consumption and tolls. The fuel setting is annoying as you can’t select for a motorhome/ camper, although you can select the appropriate mpg, but the toll charges & vignette costs (as long as your motorhome is under 3.5 tonnes and 3m tall,) are very accurate.

Motorhoming in Europe- paperwork you need to carry

So, you’ve got a vehicle, a plan for overnight stays and the beginnings of a route. Now it’s time for the paperwork you need to carry, both for your motorhome/ campervan and also for you.

Nobody likes this bit, because it’s pretty boring, but it’s also essential. We’ve been stopped twice, both times in France and both times near the ferry at Caen. The police seem to love waiting there and pouncing on Motorhomers and campervanners who might have forgotten something.

In France, fines for speeding or incorrect paperwork must be paid in cash on the spot, or else you’ll be escorted to the nearest police station- not the most welcoming start to your holiday! However, if you have all the following, there’s nothing they can do except wish you a ‘bonne journee’ and see you on your merry way.

READ MORE: Essential advice for motorhome touring in France

Complete list of paperwork needed to tour Europe in a motorhome

Here are your next steps for paperwork and staying organised (don’t forget you can download our FREE Europe motorhome travel checklist to keep organised)

Want to head to Europe with your motorhome?

Grab your FREE (printable) checklist and discover 25 things you NEED to take with you when you travel in Europe. Make your life easier today.

• Make sure your passport is in date (with 6 months left)
• Make sure your motorhome insurance covers Europe travel
• Read the rules for driving in Europe after BREXIT
• Get a green card (if required- check with your insurer)
• Motorhome logbook (the REAL one- not a copy)
• If the vehicle is company-owned, hired or leased, you need a letter from the company stating their permission for the vehicle to go to Europe.
• MOT (date of)
• Driving licence- yes, your UK driving licence is legal in Europe but you might need an International Driving Permit .
• MOTs & logbooks for any other vehicles you are taking (like our motorbikes)
• Trailer EU certification if necessary
• Animal health certificate for pets (read about how to take a pet to Europe after BREXIT )
• Personal Travel insurance
• Drone Insurance (read our review of the best travel drones here)
• Put together an EPIC road trip playlist
• Do your last minute vehicle checks
• Details of ferry/ train bookings
• For larger motorhomes visiting France, you might need blind spot warning stickers

Motorhome Insurance

You need motorhome insurance which covers travel in Europe (and other places like Morocco if you’re planning to venture further afield). You also might want to get Breakdown cover which includes recovery to Home- just in case the worst happens. Bring your original certificate with you, not a photocopy.

Health Insurance

The rules for health cover for UK residents in Europe have changed after BREXIT. You now MUST have travel insurance. Make sure you read the conditions carefully- many ‘cheap’ policies don’t cover you for more than a week or two at a time, so if you’re planning on going away for longer you’ll need to find an appropriate insurer. Ideally, get repatriation cover to the UK- just in case.

Europe Motorhome Travel- Essential items you need to carry

Unlike in the UK, there are some things you legally NEED to carry in your motorhome, campervan or car when you’re touring Europe. These essentials Europe travel accessories include:

• UK vehicle sticker or UK on your reg plate- with the British flag, not an EU circle
• First aid kit – did you know it is illegal to NOT stop at an accident in France and many other places in Europe?
• Warning Triangle
• Hi-vis jacket which must be easily reached without leaving the vehicle (or getting off a motorbike!) We recommend carrying one per person, including for toddlers.
• Spare light bulbs for vehicle
• Headlight deflectors as our UK headlamps are pointing the ‘wrong way’ for European roads-
• Radar detectors are forbidden EVERYWHERE in Europe.
• Motorhome speed stickers for some vans
• NO- you do not need a breathalyser.
• You might also need a red/ white striped reflective board if you have bicycles or a motorhome storage box.

Useful kit for travelling Europe in a Motorhome or camper

Assuming your van is already packed with these essential motorhome accessories , there are a couple of things which will make your life easier when touring Europe in a camper.

Motorhome Wi-Fi

Is wifi in a motorhome an essential? For us it is- we work from the road, so we need a reliable way to contact the outside world (and upload blog posts like this!) Our life just wouldn’t work if we didn’t have a decent Internet connection. 

For years, we had a wifi dongle in our motorhome and, quite seriously, it’s BRILLIANT. We’ve travelled all around Western Europe and it didn’t let us down once. Oh ok, it’s failed to get a signal just once and we were parked on the top of a mountain in the Swiss Alps at the time- I’m not sure I can blame it for that!!  

We use data SIMS with Vodafone, 3 and EE and we find EE and 3 to have the best coverage across Europe. You can buy Prepaid SIM cards of data from Amazon ( like this one ) or take out a monthly contract (which is what we did)

More recently, we’ve installed this internet system in our van and it has been equally good, although we haven’t been able to travel much to really test it out.

Data Roaming in Europe

If you are travelling outside your home country, you need to make sure that data roaming is enabled on your phone AND that you have a plan which allows you to use data in other countries cheaply.

You will also need to know how to avoid paying high charges for data roaming in Europe.

Also, be aware that the data limit you have at home will probably NOT be the same as your allowance abroad- so be cautious with how much you use. It’s hard to track data usage, but things like using maps, watching TV in your motorhome , streaming videos or putting photos on Facebook can all use up a LOT of data very quickly.

We highly recommend investing in a proper motorhome sat-nav before your start driving around Europe, especially if you have a larger motorhome, RV or campervan. You want something you can put your vehicle dimensions into and be able to avoid narrow roads, low bridges or weak crossings.

Here are some of the best motorhome and campervan sat-nav systems on the market- have a look and make sure you know how to use it before you set off.

Never, ever rely entirely on the sat-nav; keep an eye out for road signs and height restrictions as well. I also use my personal iPad or phone to find us an alternative route should we hit a traffic jam- both of those have ‘traffic’ setting enabled on them so we can see where the traffic is and how to get around it.

I often end up navigating our motorhome down tiny country lanes in the middle of nowhere- after all, it’s not a proper adventure unless there’s grass growing in the middle of the road!

Also, be careful where you mount your sat nav, especially if you’re using an ipad. Many countries now say it’s illegal to have the satnav mounted on the windscreen or blocking the driver’s view. We use this mount and mount our iPad on our dashboard, where it’s low enough to not cause any problems.

Campervanning in Europe – POWER!!!!

One of the joys of touring Europe in a Motorhome is the freedom that you can find on the continent which you just can’t get in the UK. Being able to stay off-grid in our van gives us that freedom. But, in order to do that, we need to manage our motorhome power requirements.

The solution to this is an inverter (and possibly a power pack, depending on how power-hungry you are!) We are VERY power hungry- we have two laptops, two iPads and 4 phones! ( Don’t ask!! Yes, I know there are only 2 of us!!)

We charge as much as we possibly can whilst we are driving the motorhome, including the laptops. We do this by running the invertor as we drive. The inverter is connected directly to the motorhome leisure battery and then we added a 2-plug extension lead, which allows us to charge our laptops on a drive, saving our precious battery power while we’re camped. 

We fitted and love this inverter but there are many other options out there if you need a different size/ power output.

I didn’t want a generator on our motorhome . I didn’t want to be THAT van with the generator going all evening, ruining everyone else’s peace and quiet. But, as my husband said, if we’re going to camp in the middle of nowhere for days at a time, we need an alternative power source ‘just in case’.

We’ve agreed that we will NEVER use it except in an emergency or for servicing, and we did a lot of research to find the best one for us in terms of noise levels and size. I have to say we’re really pleased with this one . It’s small enough to fit in a tiny cupboard under our seats and I can lift it with one hand.

We’ve used it several times of the past couple of years, including while touring Norway and Austria. We’re really impressed at how quiet it is and how well it works even after months of not being started! 

12v Hairdryer

Whilst we’re on the subject of power, both Jade (our daughter) and I have long hair. We love letting it air dry on hot summer days, but if we’re motorhoming in winter it’s essential for us to have a hairdryer.

RELATED: Planning winter motorhome living or a trip? Read this first…

Believe it or not, we actually carry TWO hairdryers onboard (much to my husband’s ‘delight’…)

One is a good, powerful but lowish wattage one we use when we have electric hookup, and the other is a 12v one , which plugs into a cigarette lighter socket in the cab. Honestly, it’s not the best hairdryer we’ve ever tried, but better than nothing on a cold winter’s day.

Alternatively, a rechargeable hairdryer .

Solar Panel

We do have a solar panel onboard our motorhome- we believe it’s an essential motorhome wild camping accessory. It keeps the battery topped up whilst we’re camping and allows us to stay off-grid for a little while longer- at least if it’s sunny!

One of our very first motorhome trips to Europe almost ended after 2 days due to…err… gas. Or rather, a lack of it and an inability to get any more! There are some important lessons we learned and things you need to know about how to find LPG (gas) in Europe .

To combat that ever happening again (we hope!!) , we fitted Gaslow refillable bottles . These went easily into our existing motorhome gas locker and we were able to fit them ourselves. We used them for the first time last week and we’re really happy with them. Filling took a little while to figure out- turns out you need to TWIST the nozzle clockwise, but so far, so good! We’ve now had these installed for a year and wouldn’t switch back- refillable gas is SO MUCH cheaper and easier while travelling Europe in a motorhome. 

Motorhome Touring in Europe – Other items which might be useful

ACSI is a scheme you can buy a membership to (like a motorhome club ), which then gives you massive discounts on campsites for motorhomes, campervans, RVs and Caravans- as long as you travel outside the peak seasons.

We LOVE our European toll pass. It’s sooooooo satisfying being able to sweep past all the huge queues at some of the tolls and go through the automated toll pass lane in France. It also works if you’re motorhome touring in Spain & Portugal. The best bit for us is not having to worry to find the change at each toll- it just sends you a bill at the end of the month which is paid automatically by Direct Debit so its one less thing we need to worry about!

We bought ours at Sanef Tolling, although they have now changed their name to Emovis-tag.

Tyres & Snow chains

If you are planning to go motorhome skiing or tour Europe in a motorhome in the Winter, think about your tyres and snow chains . It’s compulsory in most countries with Mountains (France, Germany etc) to have winter tyres fitted and to carry snow chains which will fit onto your tyres. This is usually enforced between 01 November and 15 April. This list by the AA gives a great guide for you.

Red and White reflective warning backboard for motorhomes/ campers

If you have anything extending past the back of your motorhome/ camper (like a bike rack or a tow bar), you MUST have a red and white striped backboard on the back. Make sure it’s the aluminium one, not the cheap version- the cheap version is not legal in Italy.

Travelling Europe in a Motorhome or campervan- Safety

Here are some important things to know about travelling in Europe

Emergencies

112 can be dialled anywhere in Europe in an emergency, accident or distress situation.

Security and theft

We have several things we do to protect our vehicle and our possessions whilst we’re travelling. We also have several things we do to safeguard ourselves if we’re back in the UK preparing for our next trip. Be sure to grab our FREE guide to motorhome security.   

We have been lucky to have never been the target of theft, but it does happen. Most thefts are opportunistic- if you leave something outside unattended there’s a chance it will be taken- just like in the UK. Also, if you park in busy, built-up areas, there is more chance of ‘unsavoury types’ spotting the van and taking their chances- just like in the UK.

We strongly believe that touring Europe in your motorhome is no more dangerous than touring in the UK, but common sense should be used. We’ve chosen to fit an additional motorhome door lock which can be locked from both the outside and the inside.

Try and get your Euros in advance as you’ll get a better rate than if you use the ferry/ tunnel. You can get money out of cash machines abroad- but, of course, there are charges for that.

Also, don’t forget that not every country in Europe uses Euros . Here are some popular ones which might catch you out!

• Bulgaria – Lev
• Croatia – Kuna
• Czech Republic – Kurona
• Denmark – Krone
• Hungary – Forint
• Norway- Krone ( See how expensive our trip to Norway was !)
• Poland – Zloty
• Romania – Leu
• Switzerland – Swiss Franc

There are others in the East as well- make sure you check in advance- but nearly everywhere has a cash machine so you can always get money out if you need to.

We think it’s sensible to carry a spare set of keys for the motorhome with us. We hope we will never need them, but a spare set is going to be completely useless sitting back in the UK. So we decided to bring them with us and keep them well out of the way.

Make sure you’re carrying enough Medication for you and any pets you have. We always carry a little more than necessary- just in case! Be prepared to explain your medication and prove what it is with a doctor’s note or something similar- just in case customs question you.

Mobile Phones

Using a phone whilst driving is illegal in many countries. It is also illegal in some countries (such as France) to use a headset with an earbud whilst driving. Your phone must be completely hands-free.

Driving in Europe- what to do in the event of a road traffic accident

You should have a European Claim Form provided by your insurer before you leave. In the event of an accident, all parties complete and sign the form at the scene and then send a copy to your insurer for assessment.

What to do at the scene:

• Stop your vehicle immediately but safely- out of the flow of traffic if possible.
• If a vehicle is blocking the road, use hazard lights and put the red warning triangle 30 metres from the scene to warn approaching traffic
• Name and address of all the people involved in the accident
• Vehicle registration numbers of all parties
• Insurance company details of all parties
• Take photos of damage using a camera, GoPro or phone

For more details, read our step-by-step guide on dealing with a road traffic accident in Europe

Motorhoming in Europe- Other Things to know

Sidelights must be switched on in the following countries at ALL times: Croatia , Denmark, Italy, Norway, Sweden & Switzerland

Daytime lights MUST be switched on for Motorbikes at ALL times in all conditions in ALL countries. Ours are wired so they automatically come on with the engine- saves us forgetting!

On-the-spot fines are common in all countries, although if you’re campervanning in Ireland the Police are not authorised to collect fines. Some places, like Croatia, give you 8 days to pay. Other places, such as if you go touring in Portugal , equip their police officers with an ATM to ensure fines are paid immediately!!

Be careful of low-emission zones and areas which require a congestion charge or something similar, such as Paris and London. These places are often clearly signed but it can be worth Googling requirements before you visit an area. Also, don’t forget you need a Vignette for Motorways/ toll roads in Switzerland and Austria. For a complete list of rules in each country, here’s the AA.

Touring Europe in a Motorhome – Final thoughts

Phew!!! There is a LOT of information in this post- and at first glance it can be overwhelming. None of it is ‘difficult’, but it will take up a bit of your time as you get it all organised. Here are some final tips to help you make the most of your big adventure!!

• Driving on the right is not as terrifying as it seems! Don’t forget- all the roads are set up for it- you don’t have to remember to go around the roundabout the wrong way- it naturally happens as that’s the way the road system works.
• Learn a little of the language. In France, Germany, Belgium and Holland, English is widely spoken, but they love it if you make an effort. After al, you are in their country and if you show a little respect to them they will really help you when you need it.
• Accept that you are a tourist- you will make mistakes and probably look like an idiot. But that’s part of the fun of travelling!
• Learn to ‘slow travel’- travelling by van is about the journey as much as the destination . This can be hard when you’re on a tight schedule, but try not to overbook your time so much that you can’t relax a little or explore random things that you find along the way- like an ice cave we randomly found in France…??!!
• Having said that, do a little research as you travel so you don’t miss some amazing places. We like to pick an area and then Google it to see what great adventures are waiting for us.

New to motorhome or camper travel in Europe? You might find these posts helpful:

See all our Europe motorhoming posts here

NEED GEAR? If you need any kit or essentials for motorhoming in Europe, here’s what we recommend and where to find it

I hope you have the BEST adventures- be sure to tag me in your posts and show me where you end up! Let me know what you think of the guide in the comments below- I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Want to save this list for later? Here’s the pin. Enjoyed this post? We’d love it if you shared it on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. Thank you!

Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.

Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.

If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.

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55 comments.

Lots of great info there. Thank you. 🙂

You’re very welcome! Hope it helps with your upcoming adventures!!

This is fatastic Kat and very timely. We are travelling in September to France & Switzerland in a hired van (before we buy our own yipeeee) so we were just starting to get our heads around all the planning. This is perfect as you have done all the work for us, so thank you so much for that. You are a star 🙂 x

Great information – thanks! When you were wild/free camping, did people have much camping stuff out in the off-season? As we’re going to be in a fifth wheel it’ll be a bit cramped if we can’t push a slide or two out!

People happily sit outside and enjoy a campfire and dinner, but don’t get awnings and things out when they’re wild camping. Those places are more designed to be a one night stop. I think you’ll be fine with the slides, though I admit we haven’t seen any fifth wheels on our travels- you’ll probably have loads of people wanting to come and have a look inside!! 🙂 I think as long as it looks like you’re not planning to stop for a week, you’ll be fine. Of course, if you end up somewhere really remote,you won’t have a problem as no one will see!!

Yes, we’re basically hoping that in the off-season it’ll be quiet enough to pop the slides out and the support legs down. We’re thinking that keeping the truck attached will make us a bit more ‘ready to go’ should the need arise on the aires – though as you say, if we’re somewhere remote and out the way we might stay a bit longer 🙂

Thank you for sharing this journey with us! We would love to pack up and head off in an RV but were hesitant with (coming up) teenage children – I can’t wait to follow your journey and see how you go 🙂

Hi Ange- thanks so much for reading and commenting. Honestly, if I had my time again I’d take my daughter out of school at 12/13 or maybe even a few years younger and travel with her- I think it’s such an amazing way for them to learn and grow. Hope you enjoying following our travels. 🙂

We are from Port Elizabeth, South Africa. My family (me, wife two kids 11, 9) will be hiring a camper for 20 days in December in Munich and plan to drive the black forest route and down to Rome via Switzerland and back to Munich. Do you have any experience of the cold in that time and how hired campers hold up? Will we find sites open that time of the year and do you know if there will be any exciting activities for the kids, with exception of viewing architecture and views? Any other advice?

Thanks for the awesome info!

What an exciting adventure you have planned! Funnily enough, we’re going to Munich in December too! 🙂 As you probably guessed, your experience is going to completely depend on the weather and how much snow has fallen so far. You will DEFINITELY need a camper with heating, so make sure your rental has that fitted (you’d be surprised how many don’t!) You will also need snow tyres/ snow chains- even if it hasn’t snowed. This should be provided- but please check. Also, do you know that most hire campers don’t come with bed linen/ towels and sometimes not even pots & pans? It depends entirely on your rental company of course, but it’s something to check.

If it’s a relatively modern camper with heating, you should be just fine in the cold. You are right that many campsites shut, but if you check out the sites I listed, you’ll be able to find the ones which stay open. Regarding activities for kids, it depends what kind of things they like. Our daughter is quite happy sitting in the van, listening to her music and watching the world go by. There will be plenty of walks- just be careful with the weather. Also, places like swimming pools, leisure centres and bowling alleys will all still be open, as will most theme parks- but please check in advance. You might find many roads in the mountains have been shut but there should always be an alternative route which is open. Hope that helps! Have a great time. 🙂

So just a report back. We didn’t see you In Germany but what an adventure we had. Munich, Black Forest, rhine falls, Lucerne, Italy all the way to Rome and back up to Venice, finishing in Rome. 3300km.

Your advice re the heating was spot on. I can recommend Indie Campers to your readers. They were amazing and friendly. The episode on the parking apps was a game changer. We used Park4night- amazing for piece-of-mind.

Come tour South Africa! It’s great here. It’ll blow your mind!

Keep on camping!

Peter, Susan and kids

AMAZING! Thank you so much for giving me an update- it’s so fun to hear it’s all gone well. So glad you had a great experience. We would LOVE to tour South Africa- what’s the best time to visit to see big cats (a dream of mine!) Take care x

No real best time, they are always around but June, July, August is great for Kruger Park (dry season) which is a must do. It’s a huge reserve which requires at least a week or two to properly see. There are many many sanctuaries though, where they have rescued cats and cubs (cheetahs and lions). Good opportunity to cuddle little hand-reared cubs. If you go camper vanning here, and you have the time, I would begin and end in Cape Town.

Our Neigbours also offer a lot in spectacular views and wildlife. Namibia ?? , Botswana ?? , Zimbabwe ??, Mozambique ?? , not to mention the kingdoms of Lesotho ?? (incorporating the beautiful Drakensburg mountains) and Swaziland ??

We live in Port Elizabeth which has amazing beaches and lovely world class private game reserves and is the gateway to the garden route which takes you back to Cape Town.

I’m presently researching camper hire beacause I haven’t even seen a lot of what I’ve just described to you. I imagine a full round trip would require between 6000 and 10000 km so not for the faint hearted. We drive on the lefthand side (previously a British colony). Van Hire options seem limited (bobocampers, and Maui seem the best) and strangely more expensive than Europe.

If we do take on the endeavor, I’ll let you know.

Great info, thanks for the effort. Lots of details still for us to consider and heating has now become an important one for me.

I assumed the dashboard heater was the only one available and would require you to be driving or idling. What kind of heating is generally available which I should insist upon? Like fuel pellets or gas?…or electric heater to use when plugged in?

Most motorhomes have gas heating and this is preferable if possible. If you have electric heating you won’t be able to use it unless you are plugged in at a campsite- and not all campsites with electric will be open at that time of year. The dashboard heating at the front won’t be enough to heat the back so the kids will freeze- and it will be COLD in December. Like, really cold. I assume the rental company has modern (ish) vans, so they should all have heating throughout. Make sure you have the appropriate attachments to be able to refill with gas in the various countries you are going to- each country in Europe seems to need a different attachment!!

last week i make a tour of europe and get guideline throgh this channel. that is best way. so here i will recommend to others also that before travel please read this article.

Thank you Bella- I’m so pleased to have helped you! How did you enjoy your tour??

Thanks for this Kat – we are traveling from Paris to Rome in October. Our family (2 adults and 2 children who will be 8 and nearly 7) are flying in from Australia and renting a van from Indie campers. We want to stay at the cheaper aires in both France and Italy but we will need power/water, as the van only has 50L of water in it, and we’ll have our iPads and phones to charge and no inverter as we are traveling from overseas, is this possible? Can you suggest in particular?

Hi Heather- that sounds fun! You’ll find many aires/ sostas have fresh water available. Also, you can always pull into one during the day to refill, then drive off again. If you’re careful, 50L might last a couple of days- you may want to buy bottled water to drink. You should be able to pick up a cheap 12v phone/ipad charger- maybe from a garage or hardware shop- this should allow you to charge phones etc as you drive- leaving you free to camp wherever you like! Hope that helps!

Hi, just a brilliant article for all all first timers. You covered everything that one needs to be aware of and I’m extremely grateful. Thank you. One thing though, what is the ‘approximate’ cost of taking this trip? I maybe missed this, so apologies if this was the case. Best of wishes and happy trails for 2019.

Hi Amanda- I’m glad you found the post useful. Costs are difficult to predict as they can include/ not include a variety of things. I broke down our costing for a 2-week trip here- https://wandering-bird.com/cost-tour-europe-motorhome/ which you might find useful. 🙂

Great blog… we plan to travel with 4 young kids for a year around Europe but scared we need a biig vehicle and don’t think it would take well to the roads in Europe

Do you have any experience with American style winnebagos over 8m in length and if we could still get around without too much trouble?

Hi Devon. I don’t have any personal experience with Winnebagos but we have seen a few whilst touring. You’ll need to be very careful where you stop. Length isn’t an issue (we’re over 9m with our trailer), but width might be a problem at aires and even on some campsites. Also take into account toll costs- if you are over 3m in height it increases the toll costs considerably. Good luck!

What’s up to all, because I am truly keen of reading this web site’s post to be updated daily. It consists of good information.

Where the best place to buy the motorhome?

Hi Shon- check out our post on advice to buy a motorhome- you’ll find that helpful.

Hi Kat , It’s me again ….picking your brains ! We are touring for a year but doing it in 4 and 3 month chunks , coming back for 3/4 weeks inbetween each chunk for Xmas and to see elderly parents and sons , grandkids , really struggling to find travel insurance for this type of tour , can you recommend a company that could accommodate us ?

Hi, Really enjoyed reading the advice. We are planning a trip late summer 2020. What is the protocol/experience with a Motorhome for large cities. Where do you park, is it safe to leave at a campsite all day, should you find a campsite near a train station. Is this easy to do, or am I complicating the planning? Thanks

Hi! So pleased you enjoyed the article. We recommend not trying to drive your motorhome into a city (we did that in Edinnburgh- it wasn’t pretty!) Instead, find a campsite (or aire if in Europe) which is near a bus or train station and go in that way. Campsites are generally safer than aires, but take your valuables with you, including passports. We’ve left our motorhome in both campsites and aires all day without any problem whatsoever. Have a great trip!

great blog thanks for sharing.

Thanks for all the info, really helpful. I am planning a trip through Europe August 2020 for my parents and I and we are planning on getting a campervan, we have one here in NZ so we are comfortable with the set up and all that. Just wondering what you think would be best for going into the bigger cities with a Camper, is it best to find a spot outside a city (Rome, Paris etc..) and then train/bus in to sightsee for the day of is it not too difficult to navigate and find parks in the city centres? I figure if we do this we would need to pay for a campgroud so the campervan would be secure while we are sightseeing…???

Hi Kelly! Absolutely- we try to avoid driving into cities at all costs. We went into Edinburgh with our motorhome and trailer… it was not pretty! Most cities in Europe have a campsite nearby or near a train/ bus station. In Europe you can probably find an Aire, where the van should be fairly safe (of course, nothing is guaranteed and read the reviews of the Aire first.) In the UK, you’ll probably need a paid campsite as there aren’t many aires sadly. I hope you have a wonderful time! Let me know how it goes!!

This is so helpful to someone inexperienced (like me). Can you please tell me if winter tyres and/or snow chains are necessary to travel through France and down through Spain leaving before Brexit and returning in March? I am so confused.

Hi Debra, I think I already answered this in an email to you, but if you need more help please feel free to ask. 🙂

Looking forward to planning a year out around Europe in 2020/2021 and have already learned so much from your extensive information, thank you. Now planning to buy a motor home and will be taking all your advice. This will be our travel Bible.

Thanks Erick- let me know how it goes!

This has been a long read but very helpful, informative read it all dont skim through it. Brilliant every thing you need to know this is my first time , going to France I am 74 so have no worries now. Thanks.

Fantastic Keith. You will love France! Let me know how it goes!!

Hey there! We’re about to embark on our first campervan trip in March driving from Tuscany through Italy and France to England. We were going to just use google maps, but do you think a sat nav would def be better? We live in Australia and have done lots of campervanning in Oz and NZ – but never in Europe / UK!

Hey- great question! I think it depends on the size of the campervan. If it’s a small van, no higher than 2m, then you should be fine with a normal car sat-nav or Google maps. If you want to avoid low bridges and tight roads, a proper sat nav is essential- especially in Italy where roads can be a bit… crazy!! Have an amazing trip!!

thanks so much for all this info, we’ve been on the road now for a few weeks and really enjoying it! Would you have any tips for insurers please? We’re currently on our basic insurance that allows us to go abroad for three months but we’re looking for an insurance to cover us for a year or more. We’ve tried Adrian Flux already, which didn’t work. Thanks 🙂

Loved reading this and was hoping to get some help as you guys are pros . In a few months its tge euros football finals and I’d like to do so e of it by campervan. Passing through countries I never would before and watching random games to . Any thoughts on how to plan my route.

I’m guessing get dates of games and do it that way but you might have a better idea,

Thank you any help would be great

this is amazing post thanks for haring information with us

You’re very welcome- glad you enjoyed it

Thanks for this. Great post- I learnt a lot

What’s your opinion on motorhomes that have a place to store a motorcycle vs pulling a trailer?

I think I’d love one… except that we’d lose our end lounge, which we love and also there’s no way we could fit ours bikes inside- they’re both 900’s and way too heavy for the van. But if you’re happy with a smaller, lighter bike and a garage, it’s a great option.

I have been reading several articles on this topic for a while now but the points on which you have built this post are totally awesome. Thanks for that.

Hi, loads of great information which is really helpful to anyone setting out on the great adventure. We started out in 2011 and spent nine years full-timing in our Dethleffs Alpa (rear lounge and a garage!). There’s a couple of things which I think might be helpful. You don’t mention the Efoy system when talking about generators and off-grid power requirements. The Efoy is a silent running 12v generator which is completely “green” and runs on methanol. It’s an expensive initial outlay (about £3,500) but it’s a life-saver and allows indefinite off-grid living. Second thing is, open a Euro bank account with Credit Agricole. It’s called “Britline” and has English speaking helpers. If you don’t want to do that, use a UK credit card which doesn’t charge for foreign transactions. We use Nationwide. Of course, everything’s changed now with Brexit and the “90 in, 90 out” rule which will greatly affect people like us who want to spend most of the year travelling in Europe. If you’re interested in my way of avoiding this restriction just let me know.

Your advices for tours in Europa are very good. We are from Germany and I think you have absolutely nothing forgotten in your guide.

Thank you- glad you enjoyed it. We love Germany 🙂

Great article, we are following a very similar path to yours (living on a narrow boat, I have finished work and my husband is still working for now). Have you any thoughts on the 90 days in 180 rules post Brexit? We “were” planning to leave and not come back for a very long time!

Giving up my job in London in April 2024 to re-start my life with my wife and our dog Dougal, i’m so depressed and need to escape. The work starts now clearing the house out for rental, saving as much money as possible and finding the right camper to buy, we might start off in the UK, travel up though Scotland and then hit Europe for the winter. Our parents are 70-80 and the thought of not being near them when they need us and been holding us back but I have to do it for my own sanity. Thanks for all the tips, I have a lot more reading to do!

Good luck to you! Let me know how it goes 🙂

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Traveling Europe by Campervan: Our Tips for “Van Life Europe”

by Drifter Planet | Dec 6, 2019 | Road Trips , Most Popular Blog Posts

It has been a few years that we bought a campervan. In the time, we have driven around Europe in our van from east to west and covered many countries.

We drove to 11 different countries on our campervan, that includes three national parks, mountains, beaches as well as two music festivals . 

With very little knowledge at the start of our first trip, we made a few rookie mistakes. Nothing serious but we laughed a lot at our stupidity and eventually learned how to explore Europe in our campervan like pros.

A lot of information that we needed about traveling Europe in a campervan wasn’t really available online because most of the website focused on living in a van, versus traveling in one. 

Anyway, before we share our essential tips for exploring Europe by camper van, we’d like to discuss a few things to help you decide if van-life is really for you, and if it is – then what kind of van you really need.

Why Should You Consider Traveling Europe by Campervan?

Us with our van in Bosnia and Herzegovina

I’m sure you know how a typical first timer’s Euro Trip looks like. A little bit of Paris, Amsterdam , Rome, Venice, London, Berlin , Vienna, Zurich, Porto , Lisbon , Budapest and Prague – usually all on trains and buses.

Guess what, these are really the most expensive European destinations. Moreover, the train transportation is expensive in Europe, especially in Western Europe. 

If you’re on this page already, then I’m sure you’re looking for something different. Maybe you’re looking to explore the lesser visited and under the radar places in Europe that you can’t easily reach by trains or buses.

The best part about travelling around Europe by campervan is that you can go literally anywhere you want.

You don’t have to worry about high internal transportation costs, schedules, and connections. It makes your itinerary super flexible and as a result, an entire layer of possibility opens up for you.

Scenic camping spot in Geirangerfjord, Norway – Traveling Europe by Campervan

Europe is one of the best continents for road trips because of super easy border crossing.

For instance, if you start driving in Belgium, you can be in Germany or France or Luxembourg or even the Netherlands in just a matter of 2-3 hours, and you won’t even realize that you’ve crossed the border because there aren’t any check points. 

Just to recap, the below points summarize why exploring Europe by campervan is awesome. 

• Public transport cost, 
• Super easy border crossing, 
• Flexible itinerary
• Access to smaller towns, natural sites and offbeat areas

Camper van vs Normal Van vs Caravan

Wild Poppy field on Rugen Island and a car with a caravan in the background

Many people interchange these terms but they aren’t the same. We all know what a van is, but let me define a camper van for you.

A campervan is a van that’s specifically made for camping with a sleeping space inside. Or, a normal van converted into a campervan.

Apart from a place for sleeping, ideally a campervan also has a place for cooking. Some camper vans also have toilets inside. 

A caravan parked next to a lake in Slovenia

A caravan also has all of this inside or even more, but it isn’t a camper van. Just for clarification – a caravan is a wagon what you attach onto your car and drive. You can’t drive a caravan without a car that tows it.

What Kind of Van do You Need?

If you’re a couple on a budget that loves adventure, then get yourself a small campervan. A smaller vehicle will give you an advantage of letting you enter smaller lanes. Moreover, the cost of camping, toll and parking is much lower for smaller vans. 

On the other hand if you’re a family with more than one kid, then it makes more sense to get a bigger campervan so that you have the space and comfort you need. These are the typical RVs (Recreational Vehicles) that you see in American movies.

These are further divided into Class A Motorhome (looks like a big bus), Class B Motorhome (looks like a cargo van, bigger than a truck) and Class C Motorhome (looks like a moving truck house). Normally the Class C Motorhomes are the most common campers that you see on European roads. 

If you’re enjoying your retired life with your partner and driving around Europe, then get yourself all the comforts you need. Get a spacious campervan that has a nice bed, kitchen and sitting area.

Van vs camper van vs Motorhome vs Caravans – Tips for Van Life Europe – Infographic

Renting a Van in Europe vs Buying

Should you buy a camper van for the purpose of exploring Europe on it, or should you just rent one? The answer depends on many factors.

If you’re visiting Europe for a few weeks or a few months, then obviously you will rent a camper van and not buy one.

However, if you’re going to travel on the van for a longer period of time (say a 6 months or a year), then renting can end up being expensive. In that case, buying makes more sense. You can find vans to rent on this car rental search engine . 

Buying a campervan isn’t as easy as renting one. Below are the points you need to consider before deciding whether you should rent a camper van or buy one. 

• First, you need to have enough money. Campervans aren’t cheap and even if you look for a used one that’s very old, be prepared to spend at least ten to fifteen thousand euros.
• Second, buying a van comes with the hassle of paperwork.
• Third, buying makes sense as long as you’re sure you will actually end up using it enough and as long as you can sell it back when you’re done.
• Four, buying comes with an expense of insurance and repair costs – keep all of that in your mind.

If you’re a total van newbie and would like to just get a glimpse of VanLife to determine if it is really your thing, then just rent one. This will also give you an idea about what kind of van you actually need.

VAN LIFE TIPS SECTION 1: Sleeping in the Van

Our camping set up – campervan tips

The best part of “VanLife” is actually sleeping in your own little home on the road and waking up to an amazing view. In reality, you won’t have an amazing view everyday, but you can at least try.

Van Life Sleeping Essentials

There are many van life aspects where you can be cheap, but your mattress shouldn’t be one of them. Invest in a comfortable mattress otherwise you will hate your van.

If you’re not able to find a compact mattress that is easy to travel with for the size of your van bed, then just look for just a mattress topper.

Tips for Sleeping in the Van

Carry your pillow as per your sleeping habits. Make sure you’re carrying thin as well as thick blankets so that you are good to go for different weather conditions. European summers can be strangely hot and suddenly very cold in a matter of hours or days. 

You will also need to get insulated covers to stop the condensation on the windows when it is cold, and also to keep the insides of the van cool during summer.

A silver thermal insulated window screen will also act as a black out curtain so that you can peacefully sleep after the the sunrise. [Btw, the sunrise occurs around 4:30 am in most of Europe during summer.]

Don’t have an air conditioner in your van? Neither do we. We do however have a battery operated Makita fan that works for 10 hours after a full charge.

I highly recommend this fan to you if you want to sleep comfortably during Europe’s summer heat. Summer means mosquitos, and Citronella mosquito repellant stickers will keep you safe. Plus they’re natural!

• Mattress or Mattress topper
• Pillows, blankets, bedsheet.
• Insulated window covers / Silver thermal window screen
• Citronella mosquito repellant stickers

VAN LIFE TIPS SECTION 2: Cooking in a Campervan 

Outdoor camping cooking set up – Van Life Europe

Apart from sleeping in it, another amazing aspect of traveling on a camper van is cooking your own meals on the road.

No, you won’t cook while you’re driving but at parking places or camping spots. We have a lot of information to share about cooking on a road trip outside and inside the camper van, so we decided to create an entire section about it. 

Do You Really Need a Kitchen Inside the Van?

Not Really. If you have a travel stove and a small cylinder, you can cook outside. We have both – a stove inside the van and a smaller portable stove but we cook most of our meals outside. 

Why? Well, because baby K was usually sleeping inside when we cooked our dinner and it made more sense to cook outside. It was generally more convenient to cook outside after spending most of our day inside the van.

Van Life Kitchen Essentials

If you’re building your van and converting it yourself into a campervan, then here are a few things we have in ours that are essential for any motorhome kitchen. 

Van Life Kitchen Essentials – Traveling Europe by Campervan

You will need a small countertop stove, a slot for the cylinder that’s preferably built into one of the kitchen cabinets, a sink, a small refrigerator, and multiple kitchen cabinets to store things.

It will make your life simple if you have one drawer that’s just for the cutlery, a hanging bag for plates, cutting board, cooking oil, a kitchen tissue roll fitting and small hooks where you can hang things.

Don’t carry a lot of kitchen dishes but only the basic stuff. Carry at the most two pots – one small and one medium-ish.

A small hand sized non stick pan is also a good to carry cookware. A cutting board, a big spatula (or two) for the non stick pan and pots, soup bowls, plates and cutlery and you’re good to go.

I haven’t seen a campervan that doesn’t have a refrigerator inside. In case yours is a van converted into a campervan, then it maybe doesn’t have a place for a fridge.

You can buy a small cooling box to store your food and use it as a makeshift refrigerator. 

Your van also needs to have a small exhaust window on the top if you’re planning on cooking inside. If you don’t have a sink, then you can carry a bucket where you can keep your dirty dishes and wash them outside when you’re done. 

Campervan Cooking Equipment

The stove inside your van can be a propane cooktop or even an electric cooktop. If your van doesn’t have one, then get yourself a portable stove and gas.  A camping stove with 2 burners doesn’t cost double but is is surely useful so that you can boil rice or pasta on one and make sauce or curry on the other one.  

If you have electricity in your van then get an electric kettle, it will make your life much simpler.  An outside camping grill won’t cost much and it is surely a good to have item.

Campervan Food Essentials + Camping Meals

Simple rule – keep it short, fast and efficient. 

We ended up buying a lot of useless cooking stuff before our first trip but we realised much later that we don’t need it all. We just need enough of the basic stuff when we’re on the road. Some of the easiest meals to make on the road are pasta and rice with daal. 

Our of our camping meals – Pasta

Buy premade pesto, sauces and a lot of pasta to shorten your cooking time. Visit local markets and grocery stores to buy fresh vegetables to put in your pasta.

You can make a really good pasta sauce using avocados and you don’t need to cook it. Just mash avocado pulp with olive oil, garlic, lime juice, salt and chili. Add this to your hot pot of newly boiled pasta and your epic camping meal is ready.

Cook daal and rice together with salt and a few spices – it is called khichari in India. It is a “one-pot-meal” that’s perfect for camping and it always tastes good. Instead of daal, you can also add vegetables to make fried rice. In that case, you will just have to roast garlic, ginger and veggies for a few minutes in the pot and then add water and rice. 

Just a recap, here are some awesome camping meals that you can cook in a jiffy. Most of them are vegetarian options but you can un-veganize them by adding smoked salmon or eggs or chicken. 

• Pasta (raw avocado pesto, pre made sauces, or just with veggies)
• Daal and Rice cooked together ( Khichari )
• Stuffed wraps or Burritos (Get tortilla wraps and stuff them with kidney beans, garlic, peppers, corn, jalapeños, avocado, salmon – try everything)
• Toast with bananas / eggs / avocados / cheese
• Bratkartoffeln (as called in Germany) or Aloo ki sabzi (as called in India) – potatoes sautéed in oil, garlic, chili, onions and herbs. You can add spring onion greens on top for the extra oomph. Or, meat eaters can add bacon.
• Sautéed veggies. Buy or pick fresh veggies and sauté them in a pan with oil and herbs. 

VAN LIFE TIPS SECTION 3: How to Make Your Life Simpler on the Road

Tips for Van Life Europe

Alright, so you have your van, your kitchen is all set and you’re ready to go. What’s next? Most likely you have your destination picked out already. But hey, road trips are more about the journey and not much about the destination.

You will end up spending most of your time driving your van, so it makes total sense to consider the apps and tools to make your life simpler on the road.

Invest in a decent GPS Navigation system

Get one that covers all the countries in Europe – at least most of them. You will be surprised to know how some of them don’t. With a decent navigation system like TomTom , you won’t need to depend on your smart phone all the time.

Apps for Planning the Road Trip Itinerary and Route

You may have a rough idea of the route already, but you can modify it while you’re on the road using Google Maps , we discuss this in detail in the next point.

We also use an app called CamperContact , it has a database of almost every camping spot in Europe and they’re geotagged so it is easy to open the app and find a spot near you. If you upgrade the app to buy a full version, you will be able to view more details about the camping spots.

The biggest headache of driving a van in Europe is parking it. There’s an app called ParkMe , it will sort your life out by helping you find parking spots near you and how much they cost. 

View of the beach from our van in Spain

Getting the Most Out of Google Maps on your Road Trip

It is the most obvious app to use for road trips but not many people use all the awesome features to maximize their experience. If you know how to use Google Maps really well, you don’t need any other app. Really!

Google Maps will help you find anything around you, not just restaurants or gas stations but also camping spots.

Although there are many dedicated apps for finding campgrounds in Europe, we end up using Google Maps more than anything. Just type “camp” or “camping” in the search box and you will get a list of suggestions. You will also be able to usually see pictures, read reviews and see the prices  of the camping spots.

Do you know you can search for waterfalls on your way to your destination so that you can make an epic stop? Try it. Just put “waterfall” in the search box and you will be amazed to see the result. Similarly, you can just find anything anywhere.

Want to save money and avoid toll? Set your Google Map’s navigation setting to avoid tolls and highways. It is as simple as that. As a result, your route may end up being a bit longer but will be cheaper and more scenic. 

ADAC Membership will Save Your Life

ADAC is the largest automative club in Europe and it was founded in Germany. They have a massive fleet of mechanics on the move that help motorists. They also provide air ambulances in urgent needs.

I do not know of any single camper van or a caravan owner here in Europe that doesn’t have an ADAC membership. Not just for vans, but is for any kind of automobile as the organization helps the members in case of needs and emergencies on the road. If you sign up for a “plus membership” (ADAC Plus-Mitgliedschaft), you get services all over the world. 

I am not affiliated with ADAC in anyway, but I’d just like to share their details with my readers because I truly see a value in this membership. You can check more details here on their website .

2021 Update : Our ADAC membership saved us. In 2021, we did a road trip to Italy and towards the end of the trip, my husband had a cliff jumping accident in Puglia . It was a very difficult time but thankfully ADAC coordinated everything for us.

They arranged for my husband’s surgery in Italy, they flew our family of 3 back to Germany for free, sent a car for us to reach the airport, and also got our car back from Puglia and delivered it right at our doorstep with all the luggage inside.

VAN LIFE TIPS SECTION 4: Finding Camping Spots

Our camping spot in the Netherlands – A typical campground

While traveling in Europe on a campervan, there are three kinds of camping spots that you will find:

Paid Camping Spots

An awesome thing about traveling in Europe on a campervan is that there is no shortage of decent camping areas.

Almost every town or village has a paid camping area that’s specifically designed for motorhomes and tents, and includes shared toilets, kitchen, bar, restaurants, a small supermarket, toilet disposal unit for vans.

Free Camping Spots 

Yes, it is possible to find free camping spots too. Keep in mind that these “free” camping spots aren’t exactly beautiful. These are usually in gas stations parking spots or in rare cases, even supermarkets. 

As you drive along the highway in most of the countries in Europe, you will see many resting spots along the way. Usually there is a sign that says what all you can expect in that resting spot. Some of them have a fast food restaurant, a paid toilet, an overpriced gas station shop, or even a children’s play area. 

Finding these resting spot that you can use for parking are very easy because they’re well marked on the road. In any case, you can use Google Maps and park4night a pp to find them.

On all our road trips in Europe, we did not do find much of free camping spots that were picturesque. We mostly spent a little money to park in a scenic spot and enjoy our evening in a proper camping area with all the amenities. Only the times when we had to drive till the night was when we slept in our van in the fuel station parking.

Wild Camping in Nature in Europe – Is it Possible?

Our Camper van parked near a yellow flower field in Germany

Wild camping isn’t allowed in most of the countries in Europe and most likely you won’t end up doing this. You can get arrested for this in most of the instances.

So, as opposed to what it appears in a typical “VanLife Europe” instagram post, you can’t just stop at any random scenic spot and camp in a majority of countries.

Out of all the European countries, there are just a few countries where wild camping is allowed on land that’s owned by the state. These are Spain, Norway, Sweden, Ireland, Estonia and Latvia. Even so, it is not easy to find land that’s not privately owned. We don’t encourage this because you can get into trouble for this. 

How to Find the Best Camping Spots

Our camping spot in Croatia

The best part about traveling on a campervan is being outdoors. It is about finding a scenic spot, setting up the camp and enjoy being outside instead of the comfort of a hotel room. This is why I make an effort to find the best spots in the area while traveling on our campervan. 

I use a combination of Google Maps, CamperContact and Booking.com apps. Yes, booking.com also has camping spots. 

I prefer Google Maps because I can zero down on an area, search for something that’s next to the river or lake (based on the satellite image), read reviews and see pictures. 

Many Campgrounds in Europe are Closed During the Low Season

How to save money while travelling Europe? Travel off season. Ironically it doesn’t quite work out like this because most of the places are closed during the low season. 

Many campgrounds close operations towards the end of September and at the beginning of October. We got a big shock while we were driving in Spain, Portugal and France in October.

We knew some places would be closed during the low season but we didn’t know everything would be. There were days where every campground that we drove to was closed for the season. That’s when we decided to just park our van in the parking area of a fast food place on the highway. 

If you’re traveling in Europe with your campervan during the low season, then be sure to call your camping spot in advance to see if they’re open.

VAN LIFE TIPS SECTION 5: Avoiding Costs – How to Make Your Van Life Affordable

How to avoid toll in europe.

I had no idea how expensive the toll fee can end up being while road tripping in Europe. There are some countries where the toll is super high (like France), and the others where it is non existent (like Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands). 

There was one particular day as we drove from Normandy (France) to Bordeaux (France), we paid total toll of close to 100 Euros.

It is easy to avoid the toll most of the times – just change the setting of your in your car’s navigation system. You can set up your navigation settings on Google Maps app to avoid tolls and highways.

When in Austria, Switzerland and Slovenia , make sure you buy vignettes as soon as you enter. Vignettes are road tax stickers that are prepaid. They are mandatory in these countries. 

Just go to any gas station and ask for a vignette. You can find one based on the number of days you’re going to spend in that particular country. If you ever get caught without a vignette, it is going to be super expensive for you. I know a friend who paid EUR 200 in Austria for this.  

Lower Fuel Costs 

Somewhere in Portugal – Van Life Europe tips

A little effort and a few good driving habits can help you save a lot of money on a road trip. Not just with campervans but in general you should pay attention to how you drive and make an effort to lower your fuel costs. 

Too much accelerating and pushing breaks is not good for the fuel efficiency. Drive at 60 as often as you can and on the right gear. Keep checking the air in your tyres frequently. A little drop in the air pressure can significantly increase your fuel costs. 

Whenever possible, hunt for a cheaper gas station along your way and fill up the tank to 90% before it gets close to empty. GasBuddy app is great for finding current fuel costs as per your location and can help you find cheaper gas stations. 

Avoid Gas Stations Along the Highways

Gas stations along the highways are way costlier than the others. A few cents make a difference and can add up to 8 – 10 Euros when you’re filling up your tank. 

Most of the Western Europe is Expensive

Road tripping in France, Switzerland, and Austria is expensive because of the toll, fuel prices and camping costs. If you’re on a budget, then you may want to spend less time here or skip these countries entirely. 

The Balkans are Beautiful and Affordable

Amazing camping spot in Bosnia’s Una National Park – Free of Cost

I have said this before and I will say this over and over again. The Balkan countries are beautiful and affordable. The difference in costs is significant and should be enough for you to pick where to go.

I did write a very detailed Balkan road trip itinerary , and our favorite country for a road trip in that area is Bosnia-Herzegovina . If you are lucky, you may just find a beautiful camping area here like we did, and it was for free.

I also like the ease of road tripping in Croatia , as well as Montenegro . For me, the most interesting was Serbia because it is so offbeat, pretty and mysterious. 

Big Cities = Parking Problem

Skip the likes of Paris, Amsterdam , Rome, Belgrade, and all the big cities.

First, parking will be difficult to find and expensive. Second, most likely there will be traffic and it will kill your mood. Third, everything is usually expensive in the big cities. 

Save Money on Camping when You Can

Save Money on Camping – Traveling Europe by Campervan

Camping costs can be very high if you’re traveling with a big van during the peak travel period – the summer. San and I paid normally 20 Euros per night at most of the places with a small van.

The cost goes up if you have a bigger van and if you need an electricity recharging point. 

Some of the most beautiful parking locations in Europe are on land that’s owned by farmers or the government. Not many of them will let you park there – unless you’re very lucky.

While I agree that camping at a scenic spot and waking up to an amazing view is the best part of van life, it can turn out to be expensive.

If you want to be smart with your money, you shouldn’t aim to find a beautiful camping spot every night. Parking your van near such scenic spots is never cheap!

From time to time, try to find free camping spots such as gas station parking areas along the highway in countries that allow like Germany and Belgium, or supermarket parking in other countries. Of course, you can only do this if none of the travelers need to put up a tent to sleep. 

Save Money on Eating

If you have read this article thoroughly, then you probably know what I’m about to say, but I reiterate here: Cook your own meals to save money.

Buy fresh local produce and cook some epic camping meals to make your road trip memorable. Scroll up to the cooking sections to read about easy camping meal recipes. 

Quick Country Specific Tips for Road Trips

Tips for exploring Europe with a Camper van

Germany’s highways are free but most of the toilets along the road are not. If you stop at Sanifair or Serways, the toilets will be extremely clean and will cost from 50 to 70 cents.

The parking and resting stops along the highway are really big. You can normally park your van in these spots for the night to sleep.

While driving in Germany, be very careful about the traffic rules and road signs. You can stopped at many random spots for an alcohol or drug test. Even if you have not consumed drugs on the same day but consumed a week before, you can be in trouble.

Apart from Liefkenshoektunnel in Antwerp, Belgium’s roads are all toll-free. The signs are mostly in local language. Did you know 60% of Belgium is Dutch and 40% French? So expect to see the road signs in either French or Dutch but not both of them together often. 

The Netherlands

The roads are very good in the Netherlands but expect congestion in summer near beach destinations such as Zandvoort. When driving in towns and cities on smaller roads, always give priority to the cyclists.

For affordable parking near cities in the Netherlands, look for “P + R” (Park and Ride) signs. You can park your van here and use the public transport to enter the city.

Of course, if you’re including a busy city like Amsterdam in your itinerary then this is where you can park and get inside Amsterdam using public transport. 

Out of all the countries that we have road tripped in, France has the most expensive toll. There are really good resting stops along the highway with free toilets.

France is one of the few countries where the toilets also featured a super tiny WC for the toddlers. It was adorable and thoughtful. The only other one I saw was in Belgrade, Sebia.

When entering the highway, you will get an entry ticket at the toll station which you will have to present later at the exit toll station and make a payment. If you lose your entrance ticket, then you will be charged for the longest length – so keep it safe.

The expressway class S roads, national roads and motorway class A roads are very well maintained in Poland. However, the same can’t be said about the smaller provincial level roads. Certain A level roads are tolled. 

Poland is infamous for reckless and aggressive driving behavior, so watch out when you’re there. 

Our van in Spain – Europe by Campervan Tips

Many travel guides mentioned that driving in Spain can be nerve wrecking and many roads are “one-way”, but we did not face any challenge ever.

With the help of our GPS and Google Maps, we thoroughly enjoyed driving in Spain. Not just along the coast but the landscape was spectacular even in the middle of the country. 

Spain completely lifted our spirits up when we arrived here form dull France. The weather was petter, people had massive smiles on their faces, the food was more flavorful, and things were affordable.

While in Spain, we loved stopping in small Spanish towns and visiting the coffeeshops / bars for a quick snack and drink. Eating and drinking in Spain was generally affordable for us as compared to France and Germany.

We were warned by many about watching out for erratic driving behavior in Portugal but we did not encounter any. The experience of driving through small Portuguese towns, from the mountains to the coast was beautiful.

Pastel de Nata on Dona Ana Beach, Lagos, Portugal

When in Portugal, make sure you stop at smaller road side bakeries and try the famous custard tarts / egg tarts (pastel de nata). I talk about the egg tarts in almost all of my blog posts from Portugal.

Driving in Slovenia was a good experience for us because of the road condition and landscape. Be sure to get a vignette as soon as you enter Slovenia. You can get is from a gas station and it comes out to around 15 euros per week (2019).

Croatia has highways that connect the major cities and they are not free. Upon entering the roll road, you will get a ticket. You will need to present this ticket at the time of exiting the toll road. The toll fee isn’t expensive in Croatia. The Croatian highways have frequent rest stops and some of them also have play areas for children.

When in Austria, you need to get a vignette – failing which, it can get very expensive. The vignettes can be bought in gas stations in Austria as “Vignetten” for 10 days €8.90. If you’re just driving through Austria and not staying, then get a Korridor-Vignette instead. It is valid for a single trip for €2 or a round trip for €4.

If you’re caught driving in Austria without a vignette, it will end up being very expensive for you. It starts with a little over €100 and can go up to €300 on the second day if the fine is unpaid. Post that, valuables can be seized from your car.

The vignette needs to be stuck on the windshield to be valid, preferably in the top centre or the driver side corner. Do not share the vignette with anyone otherwise you will have to pay a very high fine.

Switzerland

Switzerland has some of the most beautiful roads for driving in Europe. Just like Austria, you need to buy a vignette to drive on them, failing which can end up being very expensive for you. 

Watch your speed while driving in Switzerland because there are many areas that have speed cameras after every 2 kilometers. Believe it or not, you can be literally thrown into the jail for speeding. Your driver’s permit can be revoked if you’re caught driving 20 KMs per hour more than the allowed speed limit. 

Bosnia & Herzegovina

We have driven twice in Bosnia & Herzegovina (B&H) and it was a memorable experience. While driving in B&H, we have been warned not to leave the paved road for even a toilet break because of the threats of landmines.

The country is beautiful and affordable but don’t expect the very good roads. Our best driving experience in B&H was along the river Drina.

Europe by Campervan itinerary ideas – Some of Our Favorite Routes

Tips for traveling by Camper Van in Europe

Nature trail in the Balkans

This is our favorite road trip itinerary for road tripping in Europe and is mostly around the Balkans. This itinerary starts in Croatia where you can start in Zagreb or Pula or Plitvice Lakes . From there, this itinerary goes from one natural paradise to another in Bosnia & Herzegovina , Serbia , Montenegro , Albania, Bulgaria, Romania and the Balkan countries. This trip also includes many national parks. You can find more details here in my post about this epic Balkans road trip itinerary . 

Germany’s themed routes

Germany has many themed routs that road trippers will love. There’s the famous “romantic road” that most of us have heard of but do you know there’s also the fairy tale route, a castle road and a wine route? We have a post about Germany’s themed road trips on our website, check it out.

Portugal and Spain

Our second visit to Portugal and Spain was in 2019 with our new camper van. We actually started from Germany and crossed Belgium and France but the best part of our road trip was in Spain and Portugal. We suggest you start in Zumaia (Spain), and from there drive along the coast the Galicia area. Make sure you include Valdovino and Playa del Silenco in your itinerary.

From A Guarda in Spain, you can drive to Portugal’s coast starting from Afife, Porto, Vagos and Figueira da Foz. From there, you have an option to continue along the Portuguese coast to Lisbon, or you can drive to the middle of the country to see the mountains in Serra da Estrela Natural Park. From here, you can enter Spain and spend some time in the Salamanca area.

Check my blog over the next few weeks because I aim to publish an epic Spain – Portugal road trip post.

The Best of the Netherlands

The Netherlands is an amazing country to cover on a road trip, especially if you don’t have a lot of time in your hands. The Netherlands is small as compared to many other European countries. We have a post about amazing places to visit in the Netherlands with an itinerary suggestion that starts from Belgium or France. We have another post with a suggested road trip itinerary for Netherlands that includes a few offbeat places. 

Northern France Coast – Normandy to Bordeaux

The route from Normandy to Bordeaux in France is lovely and you will get to see some amazing natural and architectural attractions. You don’t necessarily need to stop at the starting and ending big cities. Instead, make a stop at Etretat, Honfleur, Mont Saint-Michel, and a few other small towns of your choice along the way.

Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way

Driving along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way is surely the best route in the country for a road trip. The best part is that it can be modified in many different ways. We did a road trip that started in Kerry, then went on to Westport , Achill Island and Ballina in Mayo County.

East Bohemia in the Czech Republic

Prague isn’t the only destination in the Czech Republic but there are many other picturesque smaller towns, castles, and natural attractions that are worth a visit. Start at Pardubice , then head to Sec to relax in the nature and enjoy the viewpoints, next – head to Litomysl and explore the art scene and end your trip in the magical Svojanov where you can get a break from camping and sleep in a castle.

Tuscany to Selento (Italy)

Drive from Central Italy to South Italy’s beaches. Start in the Tuscany region, which is known for picturesque landscapes and historical art scene. It is where the Italian Renaissance art scene began and spread all over. From here, you have an option to drive to Rome or head to Monti Sibillini National Park and move towards the coast. We recommend the latter because the more you drive, the more you would want to avoid entering big cities. 

From the Sibillini mountains, you can make your way to Selento by making stops at small fishing villages on the way such as Termoli, Trani – or find your own new destination.

The Dolomites in Northern Italy

Drive around Northern Italy’s little villages up in the Dolomites. You can start this trip in Verona and make your way up to Trento, Alpe Cimbra , Val di Non . This area looks really beautiful in spring because of apple flowers. You can also stop at the lovely Lago di Tovel – a stunning clear lake that’s surrounded by the mountains.

Many Italians say that North of Italy isn’t the “real Italy”, but this trip is about nature. To enjoy the best of Italy’s culture, make a trip to South of Italy.

Austria & Slovenia

Explore the Alps and spectacular alpine lakes. Start in Austria’s Salzburg from where you can go to Mondsee or Ebensee lakes. Next, visit Hallstatt, then Slovenia’s Lake Jasna, Lake Bled and finally Lake Bohinj. Lake Bohinj is spectacular and you can camp right next to it in Camp Zlatorog Bohinj.

Final Thoughts about Travelling Europe in a Van

Living in Europe, we have tried multiple ways of exploring this continent. We have used buses, trains, hopped on to budget flights and also backpacked across Europe, but nothing compares to road tripping.

The experience of t ravelling around Europe by campervan opens up a lot of possibilities in terms of accessing destinations that are not served by public transport.

Greg Anderson said that one should focus on the journey and not the destination. This quote applies really well to the Van Life experience. It is truly about the journey.

So, are you interested in driving around Europe in a van too?

Did follow our campervan travel tips or are you living the Van Life?

Tag  @drifterplanet  on Instagram and hashtag it  #drifterplanet . We will be happy to share your journey with our audience.

PS: Drifter Planet contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we will earn a little commission at no extra cost to you.  We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

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13 Comments

I found your website very helpful as I plan my family’s summer camper van getaway. I do have a question about stickers that I may need for the vehicle as I enter different countries. We are planning on Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. Any info for where to find that out would be great! Thanks, S

Great ! I have a future plan of visiting Europe by campervan. I’m Eduard from Romania, I saw that you haven’t been here and I tell you it’s a pity ! You should visit sometime also Romania, you won’t regret it !

I have been to Romania in 2018 and I have quite a lot of blog posts about it on my website. 🙂 You can find them under “destinations”

Hi there! I am in love with this article! I do have a question. I want to live on the road. So literally ten years or so be vanlife 100%. How do I as an American, buy a vehicle that I can KEEP.? Everyone does the buyback in 2 years thing but we don’t want to return it we want to keep it and keep traveling. Every country with requirements says you must have residency.

hi there! we will be traveling to germany, austria, swiss , france and netherlands via a RV.

any suggested route u think we should be going ?

Excellent stuff, I am also planning to retire in Europe and will need a Campervan

Great post for europe traveling. Thank you so much for sharing.

Glad you liked it. Yes, the best way to travel within Europe is by van or a camper van.

Really appreciate your elaborate details, which I found to be very useful.

We are relatively new to camping and traveling in campervans. My family includes myself, wife and toddler son of 2 years. Our only camper van experience have been in last July when we made a 12 days ring road trip in Iceland in a motorhome. Now we are planning a 15 days trip in Europe starting end of April. Vienna-Prague-Salzburg-Munich-Luxembourg-Paris. My question is, in your opinion, is this route safe for family travelers? Can I find camping spots (paid ones) easily in this route? or is it far away from each other? What’s your advice when we approach cities? Shall we opt for a parking spot on the outskirts of the city and travel by rent a car in the city? Any other things that we needs to take care of? please advice.

Hi Jithu, wow a road trip with a camper van in Iceland sounds really good. I do like your 15-day itinerary but in my experience driving in those big cities that you just mentioned, isn’t so easy with a van. You will have to find paid camping spots that are a little outside. We did drive through some big cities like Paris but the experience was horrible because of the traffic and lack of parking spots to even get out to eat in a restaurant. Of course, things are different if you have a small car but not with a camper van. So, with that experience, I’d suggest you park outside the bigger cities and use public transport or a bicycle with a child carrier to explore the cities. Or, just avoid the cities and pick smaller towns or national parks.

Thanks a lot for your valuable comments dear 🙂

Hello Drifter Planet,

This article is very useful. We are a couple planning their first 2-weeks rented camper van trip starting in Munich, to Berlin, Prague, Budapest and Vienna, returning to Munich towards the end of October. Would it be worth getting the insurance you mentioned?

Also, you say that many camping sites may be closed, so the alternative could be Gas stations in Germany or supermakets elsewhere. The question is if it is safe to spend the night in those parking lots, and also what to do about the electricity and also the waste disposal… Please let us know your thoughts. Thanks for your advice (we may have other questions as we get closer to the date).

There should be an pate to this excellent information. These days there are many Low Emission Zones, Congestion Charging & Urban Traffic Restrictions in Place within Europe. For example in France every vehicle has to have a Crit’Air. Both Spain and France cities/towns with relatively small populations will be implementing low emission zones. Rules are confusing and there is no single standard. In Europe vans that are registered as commercial vehicles often have lower speed limits imposed on them over vehicles registered as Camper Vans.

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Last Updated on September 19, 2023 by Drifter Planet

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Van life in Europe: A bucket list of road trips to go on

Updated On 22nd February, 2024

Van life in  Europe  is  #vanlife  goals and summer 2021 has road trips in Europe written all over it (at least we hope so).

When planning a 2021 road trip in Europe you have 44 countries, containing contrasts of landscape, culture, food and language to choose from. You have the mountains, the ocean, lakes, culture, history and so much squeezed into a relatively small area. When you have a vehicle to road trip through Europe with, you have freedom and you can define adventure. Europe is your oyster and so if you’ve never taken on a European  road trip , I have a feeling that by the end of this post you’ll be adding one to your 2021 road trip bucket list.

See the  best capital cities to visit in Europe  here.

Where do you even begin to start planning a European adventure though? There are so many options, right?  Planning your next adventure  begins with dreaming and identifying the things that make you tick most on a road trip. I have so many Europe travel guides on my blog so if you’re still looking for inspiration after this epic blog post of road trips to go on, be sure to scroll back up and check out the below:

• Europe: The ultimate travel guide
• The best things to do in Europe: a Europe bucket list
• 22 top tips for travelling in Europe
• Hidden gems in Europe that you must visit
• 21 cheap places to visit in Europe
• 10 spring weekend breaks in Europe
• Van life in Europe: a bucket list of Europe road trips

In this blog post, I’m going to share a bucket list of European road trips, some of which I’ve been on and some that are still on mine.

P.s. If you’re completely unaware of the fact that I have just converted a VW T5 high top transporter, well,  where have you been?

Come and join life on the road with me on Instagram – @wheresmolliesvan.

SHOP MY #VANLIFE ESSENTIALS HERE

Van life in Europe: A bucket list of road trips to go on…

1. A month surfing in Portugal

This was top of my bucket list and I’ve finally ticked it off! I’ve just returned from 8 incredibly dreamy weeks road tripping through  Portugal  and I can confirm that it’s every bit as amazing as the rumours tell you it is.

Think surf, surf and more surf, camp spots by the ocean, morning coffees on the beach, beach days with friends and all the spacious nature.

I spent 3 weeks making my way down the west coast from Ericeira to Sagres, followed by nearly two weeks in  Lagos  before heading back up the coast through  Lisbon  and on to  Nazaré  to catch the big surfers ride some record-breaking waves before returning back to  England .

I highly recommend adding Portugal to your road trip bucket list!

See  my guide to driving from England to Portugal here.

EXPLORE ACTIVE TRAVEL ON MY BLOG HERE

See my  21 cheap places to visit in Europe here

2. Belfast to Dublin, the loop of Ireland

It’s so close to home (if you’re based in the UK like I am), I’ve heard it’s insanely beautiful and you can drive up to Liverpool and get your van on the ferry to either Belfast or Dublin.

I’d love to get the ferry over to Dublin and drive south along the coast.

Included on my bucket list are adventures like:

• Giant Hedges,  as featured in the Game of Thrones.
• The  Giant’s Causeway  in Northern Ireland
• views with the  Cliffs of Magho  and the  Kilkeel & Mourne Mountains.
• taste some  Irish whiskey  along the way!
• admire some of the many  castles in Northern Ireland  like Kinbane Castle, Dunluce Castle and Slane Castle.
•   Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge  which connects the mainland to the small island of Carrickarede!  Eeeeek!

EXPLORE IRELAND ON MY BLOG HERE

Check out the  best weekends away in Europe here.

3. The romantic road in Germany

Built just after World War II this self-drive adventure spans 220 miles (350km) between Wurzburg and Fussen. I actually found out about it on the Christmas Markets road trip I did through Europe as I spent a night in Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber (one of the destinations on the Romantic Road itinerary).

I’ve heard that the title ‘Romantic Road’ is a bit of a marketing ploy, none the less that the route takes you through some incredibly beautiful towns and it’s deserved of a place on your van life bucket list.

Top tip:  Start in Wurzburg and travel South to Fussenso.

EXPLORE GERMANY ON MY BLOG HERE

See my  ultimate Christmas Market road trip itinerary through Europe here.

4. Drive through the National Parks in the South of France…

I’ve never been to the south of France but ever since I saw a photo of people floating down Verdon Gorge on inflatable everything’s… it’s been top of my list.

I also love a good glass of wine and rumour has this is the country to find it. National parks, campfires, wine under the stars (reasons I’ve got a roof rack on my van) and floating down gorges. Count me in.

EXPLORE FRANCE ON MY BLOG HERE

5. Scotland’s North Coast 500

There are so many  amazing places to visit in Scotland  but this one is always right up there at the top of people’s bucket lists, particularly when it comes to road trips. The North Coast 500 is Scotland’s answer to America’s Route 66 and has become pretty iconic in the last couple of years. I hear more and more about it in the travel community. This may mean picking a time out of the season to do it as I think it’s getting pretty busy, but, for a good reason.

I spent 5 weeks in Scotland in @wheresmolliesvan and it was absolutely insane for van life and road-tripping! I have dropped all of my top tips, pull-ups, favourite hikes and best things to do in the  Scotland Google Map Legend here.

• See my  guide to planning a road trip in Scotland here.
• The best things to do on your NC500 road trip, Scotland
• Top tips for your road trip in Scotland
• A 2-week road trip itinerary for Scotland

EXPLORE SCOTLAND ON MY BLOG HERE

6. John O’Groats to Lands End

I feel like as soon as you get a van in Europe, you escape to the likes of the Alps and the Algarve. I get it and I’ll also be doing the same,   but I’m also so excited to uncover more of the UK and expose the incredible landscape we have right here.

How awesome would it be to drive 874 miles – the whole length of Great Britain from the northeast to the south-west and see what we come across on the way!?

See my  top places to visit in the UK here  and make sure you don’t miss  these incredible spots in Cornwall  when you get to the end!

EXPLORE THE UK ON MY BLOG HERE

Check out my  hidden gems you must visit when planning European adventure here.

7. A girly trip in the champagne and wine regions of France

Does it need an explanation? Last year, at the very end of Lydia and I’s epic road trip through France and Switzerland, we stopped in  Epernay , the champagne capital and toasted our epic adventure. How fun would it be to get a group of girls together and stay in a cute cottage and do some vineyard bike tours in France!

EXPLORE ROAD TRIPS ON MY BLOG HERE

8. A climbing and hiking week in Switzerland

This is hands down the location that blew my mind the most in 2018 and to be honest on my travels so far. It was also where I did my first  Via Feratta . I’d love to go back and alternate days climbing and hiking with days by the lakes here.

EXPLORE SWITZERLAND ON MY BLOG HERE

See my  22 top tips for travelling in Europe here.

9. Fjords of Norway

I recently took a week holiday with my Mum and cruised (literally) through the fjords of Norway. Whilst there’s not much room for going off the beaten path when on a cruise ship, I took every opportunity to read magazines in local coffee shops and was so inspired by the imagery featured and displayed.

I’m definitely coming back.

Winding roads, freedom to roam, all the waterfalls and… have you seen the Atlantic Road?  Say no more.

EXPLORE NORWAY ON MY BLOG HERE

Top tip: Get more  sustainability tips for travelling in Europe in this blog post !

10. A snowy Alps road trip

My van is 4WD and I’ve invested in having heating installed so… I am ready for the mountains. The Alps are my favourite place in Europe by summer and winter and, just like with surfing, I’ve never had the chance to fully immerse myself in snow sports. I really want to nail it.

The resorts are so close to each other and you can cross over multiple borders and get a really varied adventure through different terrain. Done deal. Now I just need an instructor friend to come with me?

EXPLORE WINTER SPORTS ON MY BLOG HERE

11. Weekends in the countryside

As you’ve seen, I have a million van life dreams that will have me out of the country for weeks at a time but do you know what I’m also  reallllly  looking forward to? Hopping into my van on a Friday after a full week of work, chucking in the essentials and heading out of the city into the countryside, with my pup of course. Tea straight from the stove and long walks through the fields.

EXPLORE VAN LIFE ON MY BLOG HERE

See my  10 dreamy spring weekends in Europe here.

12. Albania coastline and mountain villages

Albania is one of the places in Europe that has blown my mind the most. Think the beauty of Croatia but before word caught on about it. Untouched beauty. Raw travel experiences and the feeling of discovering coastline where the mountains meet the ocean, all to yourself.

Think mountain villages tucked away and magic surprising you around every corner. Albania is insane and one of the  hidden gems in Europe . If you’re looking for a lesser-known, off the beaten track location for your road trip in 2021, this is it! See my  4-day Albania road trip here.

See my  Albania travel guide here.

EXPLORE ALBANIA ON MY BLOG HERE

SEE ALL MY YOUTUBE TRAVEL VIDEOS HERE

My list honestly grows by the day so as it grows, I’ll keep updating here for you!

Any suggestions, send them my way!!!

EXPLORE EUROPE ON MY BLOG HERE

Have you got a van?

What road trips in Europe have you been on? I’d love to know!

Love as always + happy adventuring,

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IT’S LOVELY TO MEET YOU

I’M MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. 

I’D LOVE TO SHARE THE JOURNEY WITH YOU, WE’VE GROWN A LOT SINCE THEN!

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Road tripping through Europe with a campervan in 2024 (Itinerary)

With another eventful year behind us, where our trips were less wild and our adventures less spontaneous than they used to be. A year where we were constantly inspired by the beautiful pictures and crazy videos that our social media algorithms presented us.

Since we knew the roads would be calmer in November so we decided to follow our ‘Saved Instagram pictures’ and enjoy a wonderful autumn trip through Europe.

Our bucket list took us from the outskirts of Brussels to gorgeous medieval German castles, from the astonishing Dolomites to the picturesque Venice, and finally from fashionable Milan to the peaceful Strasbourg – How is that for an adventure?

In this itinerary, we’ve listed all the info you’ll need for a road trip through Europe with a campervan; what items to pack, how to rent a campervan, itinerary ideas, and finally: some tips for a fantastic adventure on the road.

Page Contents

Our road trip summarized in numbers. 

• 1x stuck in the Italian snow
• Crossed 7 country borders
• 0 Speeding tickets
• … a thousand new adventures and stories to tell about

The roadtrip

After an earlier adventure in which we discovered the Dolomites with a campervan , we immediately knew that we wanted to travel the same way; through Europe with a campervan! 

As we see it, this is the easiest solution to travel through various countries while still complying with all the COVID measurements and having a minimal risk for infection; we’d stay in our own bubble while still having all the comfort we needed: large beds, a small kitchen, and even a shower!

Our goal would be to drive from Brussels to Venice and back while discovering the most fabulous places we could find; after all, we had an immense amount of inspiration and a huge bucket list of places to visit. 

Essentials for a road trip in a campervan

Are you planning to go on a campervan road trip, but want to make sure you have the essentials with you? We briefly listed the essentials that made sure our trip was a success.

Ecoflow River Pro Powerstation

As content creators, we’re always haunted by our fear of not having enough power, from the fear of being stranded in the middle of nowhere without a GPS to the fear of having a dying camera battery just when you’re about to shoot your favorite location. 

Either way: We’ve all been there, so we all know these are valid worries! No wonder why one of Google’s top road trip-related searches is about finding or generating power. While there are various solutions, we found one that put our minds at ease before starting our road trip; The Ecoflow River Pro Powerstation !

In essence, the Ecoflow River Pro is a massive power bank with 2 AC power outlets and a few USB connections, generating enough power to charge our Macbook M1 Pro laptop 13 times, our smartphone 58 times, and our Sony A7III camera over 30 times. Due to its dimensions, the River Pro can usually last 8 hours, being a massive help for every road trip.

When you’re planning to cross various borders or wander around mountain passes, you’ll have to switch radio stations regularly, or you’ll end up with noise. Our trick? Make sure everyone has made their own Spotify playlist in advance! That way, you won’t be bothered by the noise and leave room for spontaneous singalong moments to occur.

Data Roaming

If you are located in Europe and are traveling through various countries, you’ll need to ensure that your data roaming is enabled on your phone to keep having an internet connection. 

You shouldn’t worry about the amount of roaming you use, thanks to the European Union’s roaming regulations which say data providers can’t charge for roaming in the European Union. However, keep in mind: Switzerland is not included in this regulation! So don’t forget to turn off your Data Roaming when entering Switzerland.

What have we learned about road tripping through Europe with a campervan?

Our campervan trip through Europe confirmed something we already knew: that it’s very easy to travel between European countries. A 100 kilometers drive can bring you to a different cultural and diverse community.

Next to this, we had a few other learnings as well. 

The ease of a camping site with decent facilities

While traveling in a sustainable campervan, you’ve got different options in terms of camping:

• You could visit an official campsite which has loads of facilities.
• You could park overnight at Highway stops.
• You could wild camp and stay at a new place every night.

Most European countries have different rules and regulations about camping, but generally, they (Switzerland, Italy,…) aren’t allowing wild camping … which makes it technically illegal. However, in most cases, overnight parking where you don’t set up camp or leave in less than 24 hours is allowed. 

Our tip? Make sure you can drive off at any moment so that nobody can complain about it.

The thing is: If you’re on the road for over a week, you’ll need to clean your campervan and want a more luxury shower. Don’t hesitate to stop wild camping and pause at a camping site with decent facilities. 

The ease of planning

Being prepared for your campervan trip ensures that you can switch gears faster and need to spend less time worrying. The things that helped us a lot were:

• Backup locations. Since we used our itinerary as a guideline, we had the flexibility to skip specific locations because of bad weather. Having backup locations made it less of a hassle to find hidden gems.
• Ecoflow River Pro . We knew we would probably wild-camp a lot, which meant not having the power to charge our electronic devices (laptop, camera,…). Luckily our friends at Dutchtravelshop.nl hooked us up with this mobile power station, which we didn’t have to recharge one single time during our 8-day trip.

The costs Tolls and Vignettes

Something we have underestimated is the fact that most European countries have toll roads, which can make your trip very expensive very fast. Luckily, there are exceptions, such as Germany, Netherlands, and Belgium.

Some countries such as Austria and Switzerland are working with a vignette, which is a prepaid motorway toll in the form of a sticker you typically purchase from petrol stations before you cross the border and which you stick on your windscreen.

Alternatively, you can always avoid tolls by picking alternative routes on Google Maps or Waze, but these will guide you through the smaller roads, resulting in a slower and longer route. 

Our tip? If you have the time, save your money and go for the slower, more scenic route. If you’re in a hurry or have a tight schedule: go via the tollways.

Our road trip Itinerary

Since the lockdown started, we’ve been saving Instagram pictures of destinations that inspired us and deserved a place on our bucket list. We’ve added them all to a Google Maps collection and started planning the regions we wanted to visit.

From there on, we casually decided that we wanted to visit the Dolomites, Venice, and Milan. Because the beauty of a road trip in a campervan is that you can make up your itinerary along the way: when you’re experiencing bad weather, you can just start a few 100 km’s and adjust your itinerary as you go.

Additionally, once your start to post Instagram stories or timeline pictures of your trip, people will automatically start to recommend locations that weren’t on your bucket list to start with!

Remember that our style is to have a flexible road trip itinerary and adjust our planning accordingly. As a result, we’ll need an internet connection during our trip, which can’t always be found when traveling to rural destinations like the dolomites.

DAY 1 – Getting started

Our first day was mainly focused on picking up our campervan, unpacking the bags, and learning how to drive the campervan properly. Ultimately we already wanted to drive to our first location so that we could start our hike early!

Pickup Campervan in Brussels

We started our trip by picking up the campervan in Brussels in the afternoon, where we finally met the owners of the campervan face-to-face, received an extensive explanation of how the campervan functions, and finally managed the paperwork (for example; noting down the milage of the car, check for damages, etc).

After unpacking our bags and filling the drawers, we started driving towards our adventure! We left Brussels around 3 pm and drove straight to our first stop in Rheinland-Pfalz. Just when we crossed the steep hills of Malmedy, darkness fell over the highway, and fog started to appear. 

Since the darkness prevented us from sightseeing opportunities, we quickly arrived at our first stopover and sleeping place – the “Wanderparkplatz” in Nothweiler on the German-French border . This parking is located in the middle of the woods, which explains why we came across some wild boars on our way to the parking spot.

Wegelnburg – Wanderparkplatz Nothweiler

After (wild) parking at Wanderparkplatz Nothweiler, we looked up at the sky and noticed how beautiful the stars were in the sky. We decided to unpack our Nanlite Pavotube II’s light tubes and used them to illuminate the (unlit) hiking trail, looking for the perfect spot to stargaze.

We decided to follow the winding hiking trail that crosses the German-French border until we found an open spot, which we used to capture the stars.

Day 2 – Chasing castles

We knew in advance that during our road trip to Venice, we had to pass through the German provinces of Rhineland-Palatinate and Baden-Württemberg. Both regions are known for their medieval castles, of which most have a panoramic view.

Our goal was to visit the most impressive castles on our route to Venice.

Wegelnburg, Germany

Wegelnburg , a ruined castle located in a forest on the French-German border, is best known for its panoramic view and incredible sunrise.

We wanted to witness that specific 7 am sunrise, so to observe this, we had to start our hike at 6 am, where we followed the zigzagging hiking trail to the Wegelnburg. This took us 5 kilometers, regularly crosses the German-France border, and passes by several other ruins on its way. The hike was covered in darkness since the sun was still about to set, making it an authentic experience. However: seeing the sunbeams roll over the mountains with such a fantastic panoramic view was just … unreal.

Be aware tho: the entrance of Wegelnburg is surrounded by fencing, so at first, we thought it was closed to visitors, but nothing could be further from the truth!

We found a shorter hiking trail on our way back, which brought us directly to the village, only 200 meters walk to the Wanderparkplatz Nothweiler. 

Schloss Lichtenstein, Germany

To make our route to Venice even more interesting, we aimed to visit interesting stopovers every 2 to 3 hours (+- 200 to 300 km). In this instance, we drove towards Schloss Lichtenstein : a 12th-century fortress built on top of an 800-meter high cliff.

We noticed that the castle was managed from a commercial point of view, where everything involved a cost: parking, entering the courtyard, etc. 

Nevertheless, the panoramic view over the valley and the fantastic color palette of the surrounding trees, hills, and valley made it worthwhile. It also struck us how beautifully everything had been restored and how detailed they had for their sculptures.

Hohenzollern Castle, Germany

Located less than 40 kilometers from Schloss Lichtenstein, you can find Germany’s most visited castle: Hohenzollern Castle! The castle has been known as “The Crown of all Castles” ever since 1267. Reason enough for us to visit it and admire it with our own eyes!

Our tight itinerary wouldn’t allow us to stop by the Hohenzollern Castle for an extended visit, so we decided to admire the castle from Zeller Horn’s legendary viewpoint ; It’s the mountain range located about 1.5 kilometers away, at the same height as the fortress. As a result, you have the best view of the castle and the surrounding area.

We have to be honest tho: it took us a while to find the exact location of the Zeller Horn viewpoint, but once we found it … we loved it! You can judge for yourself … 

Plansee, Austria 

While we had already discovered some of the most amazing places, we decided to push our luck: our goal was to visit Plansee lake, located just beyond the Austrian border, and search for its very instagrammable viewpoint that looks down over the lake.

Unfortunately, a combination of traffic jams and mandatory stops (buying our Highway Vignette to enter Austria) caused us to arrive just after sunset. We learned during our road trip through the mountains that as soon as the sun has set, it’ll be pitch dark in a matter of minutes. The same goes for our visit to the Plansee lake: as soon as we crossed the bridge, we couldn’t move without using our Nanlite lights.

After our short stop at the lake, we decided to continue our journey to a place to sleep for the night: the legendary Innsbruck city.

Innsbruck city

We’ve visited Innsbruck city numerous times, and we may even say that it’s our favorite city in Austria. This is because of its beautiful mountain background, architectural gems, alternative culture, and Innsbruck’s importance on the winter sports community.

Once we arrived, we decided to head downtown to reminisce memories from the past and see how the historic buildings (such as the Liberation Monument on Landhausplatz and the building with the golden roof) are lit up at night.

We decided to end our evening at the Hard Rock cafe to explore the same downtown area the next day after dawn before the shops opened.

Day 3 – Arriving in the Dolomites

During our previous road trip, we visited the Dolomites and missed out on a few of our bucket-list locations. Since the Dolomites were only a slight detour from our route to Venice, we decided to give some of these places a second chance … but not before we wandered around Innsbruck first! 

Innsbruck, Austria

Imagine the feeling of waking up, opening the doors of your campervan, and looking out across the streets of Innsbruck with their impressive mountains as a backdrop. Well, that’s precisely how we woke up!

After a quick shower in our campervan, we decided to wander around the city again and rediscover the same historic buildings, but this time using daylight. 

Another reason why we stayed in Innsbruck is that we’ve been following Holzkern Watches on Instagram for ages and noticed we could visit their shop in Innsbruck. We made an appointment, and were welcomed by their store manager Stefan who explained to us more about Holzkern’s philosophy and lifestyle, showed us how an automatic watch works and how to replace the chains of a wristband.

During our visit to the store, we fell for the charms of the La Concorde watch and the Intergalactic watch , which we took home as a reminder of our road trip.

MMM Corones

Since we visited the Dolomites last year, the MMM Corones (being designed by Zaha Hadid) have been on the top of our bucket list. When we entered the region around the Dolomites, we noticed that the lakes weren’t frozen and the roads were not covered with snow … so our first reaction was to visit MMM Corones.

Unfortunately: the ski lifts were closed because the season hadn’t started yet, and the roads were now permanently closed and accompanied by prohibition signs. So one thing is sure: MMM Corones can only be visited in a dignified manner when the ski lifts are open.

With pain in our hearts, we had to make a cross over our visit from MMM Corones, but luckily there are plenty of other places to visit in the region … so we decided to drive to the legendary Lago di Braies .

Lago di Braies

Lago Di Braies – also known as Pragser Wildsee – is the biggest lake in the Dolomites and is known as the most beautiful lake of the Alps because it’s surrounded by beautiful pine forests, towering limestone peaks, and included a unique boathouse. As a result, most people know it as (“Lago di Instagram”). 

The last time when we visited the lake, it was totally frozen and covered in snow. This setting certainly had its charm, but we also wanted to visit Lago di Braies before the snow fell. Unfortunately, there was so much fog that we still couldn’t admire the lake in its best condition. Next time!

St. Johann church in Villnostal

Noticing that the sunset was approaching fast, we decided to revisit one of the most legendary sites in the Dolomites: St. Johann in Ranui Church in Val di Funes, Villnostal.

While driving over the winding roads, we noticed that the weather conditions would be utterly different from our previous visit: there wouldn’t be any snow, but the church and its surroundings were covered in fog. 

Unfortunately, we didn’t notice too much of the sunset since the fog blocked all the sunbeams. By the time we left the church, it was already pitch dark.

Alpe di Siusi & Earth Pyramids Renon

We decided to drive up to Compatsch to experience the sunrise at Alpe di Siusi to save some time. Last time, we missed this view since it’s located in a nature resort and has a curfew for cars: no-one can drive by between 9 am and 5 pm.

This time, we could access the road to Compatsch, but while we were driving up the mountain, it started to snow, almost to the level of a snowstorm. When we arrived in Compatsch, our van got stuck, and a local farmer had to pull us out of the snow. 

According to the local weather forecast, it would snow for the entire night, and we would miss the sunrise anyway since it would be covered in fog. In fear of getting stuck, we decided to go back down the mountain and skip our visits to both Alpe di Siusi and the Earth Pyramids of Renon. 

We ended up spending the night at a truck stop next to the road.

Day 4 – The road to Venice

We knew it wouldn’t be the shortest route to Venice, but we decided to drive via Santuario Madonna Della Corona and Lake Garda since it captured our imagination.

Santuario Madonna Della Corona 

What’s more astonishing than an ancient place of worship, located 800 meters into the side of a cliff? We wanted to experience it, so we drove towards Santuario Madonna Della Corona, only a 15 minutes drive from Lake Garda (the Italian part)!

We parked at Localita Santuario 1 in Spiazzi, on a parking lot that usually wouldn’t allow campervans and mobile homes, but we decided to risk it since it was empty. The reason for this might be the thick fog that stood over the mountain, on the fact that it’s not the most touristic period to visit Santuario Madonna Della Corona.

Although we could not fully admire the Santuario Madonna Della Corona due to the thick fog, the location continued to impress us. We also had the opportunity to check our fitness by climbing the steep stairs to access the sanctuary.

After arriving, we learned that this sanctuary is a place of pilgrimage that already existed before the year 1000! We’ve listed our findings in this specific destination article about Santuario Madonna Della Corona .

Lagi di Garda

In less than 24 hours, we went from a small snowstorm in the Dolomites to a 20-degree summer breeze at Lake Garda. 

The small town was quite dead, considering the tourist season was already over here, so we just briefly wandered through the city. Our goal was to catch the sunset in Venice before 5 pm anyway, so we quickly left the lake.

Venice City

Where we spent the past few days in quiet or remote regions, with endless possibilities to park and wild camping … Venice would be a bit more crowded and strict. That’s why we decided to spend the night at the campsite of Venezia village, which had some fantastic facilities: decent showers, an elegant restaurant, and a clean swimming pool. 

An additional advantage was that there is a bus stop in front of the campsite, with busses that go directly to Venice. The ride to the city takes no longer than fifteen minutes and drops you off at Piazzale Roma.  

By 4 pm we arrived at the tourist center, where we were overwhelmed by history and architecture! Strolling with our camera in hand, we followed the small corridors of the city, arriving at a (relatively empty) San Marco square just after sunset.

Unfortunately, The darkness brought in some shady types, from aggressive salespeople who punched us on the shoulder to get our attention to pickpockets popping up from sketchy streets and following us until we noticed them. As a result, we decided to skip the rest of the city and return the following day.

Pro-tip; Gelateria il Doge’s ice creams are known as the best in the old town.

Day 5 – From Venice to Milan

By now, our road trip was already halfway through, so after enjoying Venice’s charms in the morning, we had to start on our way back. This time we chose to spend the night in the city of Milan since we wanted to discover some of their ancient buildings as well.

Be aware: Something we didn’t realize before going on this trip is how many toll stops you can find in Italy, especially between Venice and Milan.

Venice, the city of canals

Since we ended our wanderings around Venice early the night before, we decided to sleep in first… and then head back into the city!

This time we parked our campervan in Venezia Tronchetto Parking because we were only planning to stay in the city for a few hours. Ultimately, we stayed for 4 hours and realized that we had paid more for this parking spot (without any facilities except) than staying an extra night in the camping Venezia Village. Yikes!

Unlike the previous evening, where we walked to San Marco square via Basilica S.Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, we now had the time to take a different route: via Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute.

Milan and its impressive Duomo di Milano

Since we took our time to wander around Venice, we arrived in Milan during rush hour and had to endure several traffic jams before arriving in “Camping Village city of Milan.”

The campsite’s reception was already closed, but luckily google maps had a function that allowed us to know perfectly see what public transport connections would lead us to the Duomo di Milano. Our trip was a bit more delicate since we needed to transfer from the bus to the metro, in a place we had never visited before. Luckily we had google maps to fall back on.

Since this route to the center of Milan took almost an hour commute, we only found the time to discover the illuminated cathedral and the neighboring streets. To make it easy for us, we also made a quick McDonalds stop here.

Day 6 – From Milan to Strasbourg

We had less than two days to cover 1000 kilometers and go from Milan to Brussels. This gave us enough time to visit the center of Milan and then leave for Strasbourg in the afternoon.

Milan, Italy

Since Milan is such a beautiful city accompanied by ancient architecture, a sense of fashion, and art … we made a small “bucket list” of locations that we had to see during our visit to the city center. 

Castello Sforzesco

Castello Sforzesco – also known as Sforza Castle – is a fortress that was built during the 14th century. 

Over the centuries, the fortification was destroyed in various wars, by the troops of Napoleon and during World War II. It was extensively rebuilt in 2005 and currently houses several of the city’s museums and art collections. That’s why it’s currently one of the most famous landmarks in Milan.

Arco della Pace

Arco della Pace is a huge triumphal arc located where the ancient Romans built their city gate. The gate is called “The Porta Sempione” and refers to the district it was located in.

While the origin of the arc can be found in 1807 when Napoleon was in command of the city, the construction of the “Arch of Peace” was paused when the city of Milan fell under the control of the Austrian Empire. The construction of the Arch was resumed in 1826 and was finally completed in 1838.

Bosco Verticale

The Bosco Verticale – or Vertical Forest – are two residential towers built in 2014 and are already known as the most iconic and most recognizable buildings of the last decade in Milan.

Pictures of the building often surface on Instagram and Pinterest, as it is iconic for its pioneering incorporation of a vertical forest.

Duomo di Milano

The Milan Cathedral, known as Duomo di Milano, is without any doubt the most known building in Milan.

It is logical too since they started the constructions in 1386 and only finished working on it more than six centuries later: in 1965! What’s even more impressive is the fact that the cathedral contains over 3400 different statues.

Strasbourg, France

As mentioned: Milan is still a 1000km drive from Brussels, so we had to keep going if we wanted to back on time! We decided to pass via Switzerland, which meant buying a new vignette when crossing the border and disabling our roaming data.

Once we arrived at Strasbourg, we parked at Parkplatz Friedhof since it was close to the city center, and parking on a Sunday would be free of any charge.

Day 7 – Back to Belgium

Every fairy tale comes to an end, and unfortunately, ours too. It was the last day where we were actually on the road; we wanted to enjoy it until the end. That is why we chose to discover Strasbourg in the morning and pass quickly via Veves Castle in the afternoon.

Being a university city on the border of France and Germany, Strassbourg is a very characteristic and cultural city, with enormous history. Proof of this is the street art that can be found all around the city or the ancient buildings scattered around the city (such as their cathedral).

We had some help from some locals; we were advised to discover the part of the city known as “Le Petit Paris.”

Vives Castle

What’s a better way to end our trip than to visit a 12th-century castle? We arrived rather last-minute: 10 minutes before the castle closed, so we didn’t have the chance get to explore it from the inside … but the sunset made up for it!

If you don’t know about Veves Castle yet, make sure to read the extensive guide we wrote, it contains the history of the castle, the legends around the castle and how to reach it. 

A fascinating part about the castle is that the same family has owned it for the last 800 years, and that is classified as an exceptional heritage by the region of Wallonia. As a result, the castle is referred to as Sleeping Beauty’s castle.

Day 8 – returning the campervan

Our last day was mainly focused on bringing back the campervan, where we had to pack our bags, clean the campervan in a self carwash, and ultimately fill in the paperwork again ( check for damages, note the number of kilometers we’ve driven,…).

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Hey there! I'm Elliot Clennam, a passionate photographer based in Brussels, Belgium. My love for capturing the essence of my surroundings has led me on countless adventures, from exciting road trips to bustling city escapes.

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The Definitive Guide to Europe by Campervan

Imagine the feeling waking up each day, grabbing your morning coffee and looking out across the lake/mountain/beach you parked next to the night before.

You take a look at the map, plot a course and make your way to the next destination. In your own time, on your own schedule, in your own home on wheels. This is life when traveling Europe by campervan.

It is a steep learning curve once you decide to campervan in Europe for the first time, particularly if you are not from Europe. 

We are here to fast track you past the initial planning stages and help you plan your trip by campervan around Europe. In this Guide to Europe by Campervan we have listed all of our best campervan travel tips.  

There is A LOT of information here so don’t forget to save or share the article to refer to later.

• 1 How To Plan Your Europe By Campervan Itinerary
• 2 To Buy Or Rent a Campervan In Europe?
• 3 The Best Campervan Layouts
• 4 Get To Know Your Campervan
• 5 LPG Gas Bottles
• 6 Best Campervan Gadgets
• 7 Essentials Apps for Campervan Life
• 8 Connectivity Tips
• 9 Navigation Tips for Campervanning in Europe
• 10 Toll Roads
• 11 Using Ferries in Europe
• 12 Campervan Camping In Europe Guide
• 13 Campervan Security
• 14 Campervan Meals
• 15 Tracking your Europe Road Trip Costs
• 16 Important Documents to Carry
• 17 Ready To Plan Your Trip?
• 18 Final Travel Europe By Campervan Advice

How To Plan Your Europe By Campervan Itinerary

We explored Europe by campervan for 5 months on a family gap year and it was an incredible experience. The region is well set up for touring by campervan.

The ease of travel between countries and the cultural and natural diversity of Europe make it the perfect road trip destination.

The natural thing to do first when planning to campervan around Europe is plan the itinerary.

There are millions of different campervan routes in Europe and it can be hard to whittle it down to a manageable list. 

We suggest you start with this list of questions to help you narrow your planning efforts:

• How much time do I have
• Where will we start and end the road trip
• How much driving am I prepared to do each week
• What time of year will I be in Europe (the weather is an important consideration)
• Do I want to travel slow or do I want to tick off as many places as I can.

Next we suggest you pull out your Europe bucket list, a spreadsheet, a map of Europe, Google Maps and your Weather App and start planning.

Expert Tip:   When looking at distances on Google maps, add half the time again to get a realistic idea of the time it will take to drive in a campervan. Travel by campervan is slower than by car and you will most likely stop a number of times on the way. In our experience a 3 hour trip on Google Maps typically becomes a 4-5 hour driving day.

We love using Lonely Planet Guide Books when we first start planning a new trip.

They give a good overview of a country or region, the key sights, and best time to go. They are a helpful way to come up with your Europe bucket list in order to start planning.

Click here for the latest prices for Lonely Planet Europe .

As you start to form your high level itinerary, my best piece of advice is don’t lock it all in!

The beauty of travelling Europe in a campervan is that you can also make it up as you go along. Prioritise the countries and sights you want to see and adjust your Europe itinerary as you go.

Europe Itinerary Planner

If you would like more guidance to plan your Europe itinerary, we recommend this Europe Motorhoming Travel Toolkit by motorhome experts, Wandering Bird.

The toolkit includes a Europe travel ebook, printables, video tutorials and guides to route planning, camping, motorhome security and much, much more.

It is an invaluable resource full of tips and ideas and so helpful for first time motorhome Europe travellers.

>> Click here to check the price and find out more

To Buy Or Rent a Campervan In Europe?

Buy or rent? This is one of the most difficult decisions and unfortunately there is no right answer to this question. It really depends on your situation.

So to help you choose here we guide you through a couple of key questions to help you make this important decision.

In short, renting is the simplest and easiest option and the best choice for short trips (less than 8 weeks).

There are many European motorhome rental agencies, but we recommend   Motorhome Republic . They have a huge network of vans across Europe and offer discounts for longer bookings.

Click here for a no obligation quote from Motorhome Republic.

Renting an RV in Europe makes sense for short trips, but will cost more if you are travelling around Europe for a longer period.

Considerations for renting or buying a motorhome in Europe

Here are some things to consider when weighing up whether to buy or rent an RV in Europe.

Length of trip in the campervan

The longer your trip the more sensible it is buy. On our calculations it was worth buying a camper van if the trip was longer than 2.5 months.

Less time than that and it was probably easier to hire a campervan in Europe.

The time of year

Off season rentals are typically much cheaper as loads of campervans are returned at the end of summer.

If you are brave enough to start your trip in winter and are prepared to negotiate, you should be able to get a much better price on a Europe RV rental for the off season.

Van repairs

Are you prepared to take responsibility for fixing the van, should things go wrong? When renting a campervan in Europe, if anything goes wrong, the rental company will resolve the issue.

If you buy the van you are going to have to work it out yourself.

We met a couple in Montenegro who had been holed up in the campsite for a month waiting for a part for their van to be shipped from the UK.

Thankfully we had no major issues with our van over the 5 months.

But it is a big consideration. For this reason, before purchasing a van we strongly recommend you have it checked out by a mechanically minded person.

Your country of origin makes a difference

As a non-European it is a little more complicated to purchase and insure a van in Europe.

It makes a private sale with an individual buyer very complicated unless you have friends or relatives in Europe who are prepared to purchase insurance on your behalf.

But the good news is that it is possible to purchase a campervan as a non-resident through a number of smaller European campervan companies.

If you are interested in buying a European camper van, contact us and we can put you in contact with our preferred company, a small family run business.

Expert Tip: If you need to transfer funds when purchasing a van in Europe we use and recommend Wise. Much better rates than most banks and quick and easy to set up. We saved hundreds of dollars transferring funds for our van purchase using Wise. Click here to find out more.

Look at campervan buy back schemes

If you don’t want the hassle of selling the campervan privately at the end of your trip, there are companies who will offer a guaranteed buy back. This will cost you more than purchasing and selling privately, but it is cheaper than renting.

You are assured of selling the van and it simplifies the process at the end of your trip. It is a good compromise between renting and buying privately. We opted for this option and we very happy with our decision.

If you would like to get a quote for buying a camper van in Europe through a buy back scheme, contact us and we can put you in contact with our preferred supplier.

So in summary, buying a van requires a large financial outlay but will most likely save you more over the long term.

But if you don’t want the hassle, motorhome hire for European travel is easy and worry free.

Get a campervan rental quote today and start planning your road trip!

The Best Campervan Layouts

Before you choose to purchase or rent a van, you should spend some time thinking about the best campervan layout to suit your needs.

There are literally thousands of different van configurations. It is hard to know what will work if you haven’t been RVing in Europe before.

Questions to help you find the best van layout

To simplify your van search, use these questions to prioritise what is important before you start looking.

How new do you want the van to be? What modern features does it need to have?

Are you prepared to accept an older van with older furnishings, no air conditioning, fewer mod cons. Older vans are generally much cheaper to buy or rent.

Or are these things important to you? For example, if you are considering Europe campervan routes in the south through Summer, air conditioning will make your trip much more comfortable.

Van size is a big consideration and will depend on how many people are traveling, but also the style of trip you want to take.

Do you want to go offroad on your camper van Europe trip? Do you want to free camp in out of the way places? Do you want to be able to drive the van into major cities? A smaller van is better for these types of European road trips.

Do you have kids? Do you want them to have a separate sleeping area and/or their own beds?

What size van are you comfortable driving? There are pros and cons to both. A small van is easier to drive and park and is easier to take to out of the way places.

But a larger van usually has a toilet and kitchen onboard, provides more comfort inside when traveling to colder countries and allows you to take more stuff.

It is worth noting that European camper vans on average tend to be smaller than what you find in Northern America, but are perfectly suited to RV through Europe.

Right or Left Hand Drive

Do you want a right or left hand drive? If you are going to spend most of your time on the continent, it makes more sense to buy a left hand drive vehicle.

Many vans for sale in the UK are right hand drive, so always check when enquiring if it is a left hand or right hand drive.

Bed Configuration

Are you prepared to convert a table into a bed each night or do you want permanently set up beds when you RV Europe?

If you are on a long term road trip, converting a bed each day can become pretty tiresome, but it means you can take a smaller van.

We took this compromise on our US month long road trip , but didn’t want to for a longer Europe tour.

If you have kids and they are still in car seats or booster seats this needs to be factored in to your decision.

Expert Tips: If you are traveling with kids, we talk more about bed configuration when traveling Europe by campervan with kids here .

Do you want to carry bikes or other large sporting equipment like kayaks or paddle boards that will need to be stored in or on the van?

Kitchen Appliances

Can you cook everything in your campervan kitchen on a gas cook top? Can you live without an oven and grill in the van?

Camper Van Amenities

Do you want to be able to free camp for days at a time off the grid with sufficient power and amenities to do so?

A van with a fridge that runs on gas, lights that run on a dual battery and a toilet onboard will help you achieve this.

Heating and Cooling

Will you be traveling through hot climates on your campervan Europe trip?

If you don’t have air conditioning you will need a van with plenty of opening windows (preferably with insect screens).

Will you be travelling Europe in the winter? If so you will need a campervan heater.

Related: The best campervan accessories for van life

Get To Know Your Campervan

Once you have chosen your van, it is really important to familiarise yourself with the vehicle before you set off campervanning around Europe.

We cannot stress the importance of this enough: get to know your new home before you go too far from where you rent or buy it.

Travelling Van Pre-Travel Checklist

• Check the campervan is mechanically okay. Ask when was it last serviced. Check the tyres.
• Do all the windows and blinds open and close correctly?
• Do all doors open, close and lock properly?
• If there is an alarm, does it work and how does it function?
• Confirm the appliances (fridge, heater, 12V outlets, AC outlets, air con if you are so lucky) are working and you know how to use them.
• Have the company/seller show you how to fill the LPG tank. Have they provided the necessary attachments for the countries you are visiting?
• Check you know how to open and close the campervan awnings.
• Check if the awning comes with tie down ropes. If it doesn’t we recommend you buy them to secure the awning. Click here to see the tie downs we recommend .

Know the van dimensions

It is also really important to know the height, length and width of your van!

Unlike rving in the US , there were MANY occasions heading down a country road or under a small bridge we would notice a road sign indicating the maximum width or height.

We would have to stop and find another way around because we wouldn’t fit in our large motorhome. It is VERY important to know this!

Campervan Parking

Navigating into campsites and getting out of carparks is often tricky and we saw a few other drivers hitting light posts and fence posts in their attempts to reverse their RVs!

Our van didn’t have parking sensors or a reversing camera and it was impossible to see what was behind you.

We suggest that if you are traveling with other people, one of you always get out and direct the driver into or out of the spot as you campervan through Europe.  

Agree on a method for helping the driver with reverse parking. We found that hand signals worked better than voice commands.

Supermarket carparks are a good place to find large spots to park when in visiting towns in Europe.

They had more space and we could take up a few spots. Much less stressful than trying to park on a busy street!

Managing Waste Water

Larger campervans come equipped with grey water tanks. This collects all the used water – from the kitchen and bathroom sinks.

The older the van, the more likely it is this tank is going to have a unique and not so great odour.

If you rent or buy an older van our recommendation is to empty the grey water tank before setting off on long driving days.

When we didn’t empty the grey water tank we would be driving along with our sleeves held over our noses! The smell of grey water wafting through the van is terrible and was much worse in hotter weather.

We tried everything to improve the situation. From special tank cleaner to dishwashing liquid to putting ice cubes into the tank. Nothing got rid of the smell. The best solution was to have an empty grey water tank whilst driving.

If your van has a toilet we suggest you use toilet chemicals. Carry spare bottles of toilet chemicals as they were not always easy to find in smaller towns.

Thetford Aqua-Kem is a popular holding tank chemical and the one we used on our trip around Europe. Click here to check the latest prices .

LPG Gas Bottles

If your campervan has a refillable LPG bottle, monitor the gas level and don’t let it get too low. In some countries such as Portugal and Austria it was difficult to find LPG so we tried to keep it above half full.

Having said that, we used the gas for cooking, heating and cooling the fridge when off the grid and it really didn’t use much gas at all. We probably could have only filled it once or twice in 5 months.

Note also that there are four of different types of LPG gas bottle fittings used across Europe. Our campervan came with all of them and we could screw on the one we needed when we refilled.

The website mylpg.eu/adapters explains which fitting type is used in each country and also has a listing of LPG filling stations.

Also, if you were like us and had no idea how to use an LPG pump, have a look on YouTube for some guidance!

Best Campervan Gadgets

There is additional equipment and motorhome accessories you will use all the time and we recommend you purchase for travelling in Europe by campervan.

1. 12V USB Port Adaptor

You will need to buy a 12V USB port adaptor to charge your phones and tablets. Make sure you get a good quality one with a high current output to enable fast charging of your phone.

It will need to be dual USB like this one so you can power the GPS at the same time as charging a phone.

2. Voltage Inverter

If you have electronic devices such as a laptop or camera battery charger that are powered by AC voltage then see if you can find a 12V charger for them.

Alternatively, we recommend buying a voltage inverter which allows you to run an AC device from a 12V port.

When choosing an inverter you need to check that the inverter output is the correct AC voltage and is rated at a significantly higher power than the device you are powering.

For example, I needed to run my laptop power supply which was 220V at 180W so I bought a 500W Car Power Inverter. Click to check the latest prices on the Inverter.

If you are coming from the US you need a 12v to 110v inverter for US voltage electronics like this one .

We also recommend you purchase bicycles when touring Europe in a campervan.

Campsites are often located a little out of town and the bikes give you more flexibility to get out and explore the local area without having to drive the van everywhere.

You can easily purchase them secondhand on ebay like we did, or look for a good deal on a new bike that you can sell at the end of your trip.

The large supermarket chains like Carrefour and Aldi often had new bikes for sale and Decathlon is a cheap sportstore found in Europe with affordable bikes.

Many campervans have a bike rack on the rear to carry bikes. If not, ask your rental agency or seller if one can be added.

An adaptor, inverter and bikes are our top three campervan products for motorhome travel to Europe.

For more of our favorite travel accessories see our list of 14 Travel Essentials here .

Read next: Best gifts for Motorhome owners

Essentials Apps for Campervan Life

It is easy to stay connected on a campervan trip around Europe. We travel with a laptop, a tablet, 2 kindles and 4 mobile phones.

The kids have a mobile device and headphones each because it was the cheapest way for them to have access to music and audio books.

We talk more about this in our article on road trip activities for kids. Click here to read it .

To satisfy everyone’s need for music, we purchased a Spotify family membership for access to music online.

Spotify is a great app. Everyone had their own playlists and could access unlimited new music throughout the trip.

It is also possible to save playlists to listen to when offline.

Download Spotify for free. Click for: Apple Store free download (iOS) Google Store free download (Android)

Another option for access to tunes is Amazon Music . They also offer a family membership plan and have the option to play music when offline, similar to Spotify.

Click here for a 30 day free unlimited trial of Amazon Music.

2. Borrowbox

We also signed up with our local public library to borrow ebooks and audio books for free. This was one of the best decisions we made for RV travel in Europe.

It has saved us hundreds of dollars and also helped entertain the kids on long drives.

Check with your local public library whether they are set up. Our library used the Borrowbox app.

The kids would listen to audiobooks on their phones as we were driving and we could download ebooks to the tablet.

Download BorrowBox for free. Click for Apple Store free download (iOS) Google Store free download (Android)

The only limitation with the Borrowbox app is that often new releases were not available, and popular books were constantly on loan.

So the other option is to sign up for an Audible account . Audible gives you access to a huge range of new release audiobooks, podcasts and originals as part of a monthly membership.  Click here to sign up for a free trial on Audible.

A podcast app is another way to download content for both kids an adults. We use Castbox.

Book exchanges seem to be a thing of the past and we very rarely found somewhere to exchange English books, especially kids books, so the kindles were essential.

We traveled with two kindles which were shared between all 4 of us.

Our family bought us an Amazon voucher as a farewell gift. We made very good use of this during the year when we couldn’t find books to borrow from the library.

Click here to see the latest Kindle and price

If you plan to work or homeschool while travelling Europe by motorhome, a laptop is essential.

We love our Microsoft Surface Pro as it is lightweight, a fully functioning laptop that can also be converted to a tablet for use by the kids.

It was well used not only for work but also for watching movies, planning our Europe trip along the way and for the kids to do login to online learning sites for homeschooling.

Click here to see the latest prices for the Surface Pro

Connectivity Tips

Wifi vs mobile data.

One of our top campervan tips is not to rely on camp ground WiFi when you travel Europe in a campervan.

I was very surprised in Europe to find WiFi connectivity generally pretty poor. We found camp grounds almost always promised WiFi but in reality it was slow and unreliable and sometimes expensive.

Like most people these days, internet connections are an important part of travel.

Plus as we didn’t book any of our trip in advance we were planning most nights once the kids were in bed. 

To reduce frustration levels with WiFi we recommend you purchase local prepaid data plans.

In 2017 the EU introduced a new law forcing mobile data roaming costs to be the same across Europe as in the country where you purchased the SIM.

This means you can get a SIM in your first country and know it will work practically everywhere at the same rate.

While there are still huge variations in the plans on offer, it is much easier than before when it often made sense to get a new prepaid SIM in each country.

The Prepaid Data SIM Card Wiki is an amazing source of information that we used to determine the best deal.

Read Next: Best Road Trip Gifts for Travel Lovers

If you are using free WiFi it is important to protect your data by using a VPN when travelling Europe in a van.

A VPN (virtual private network) allows you to use public and open WiFi connections without the risk of your data being compromised.

We use NordVPN all around the world when we travel. Just switch it on when you connect to WiFi and know your information is safe.

Click here to see the latest deals with NordVPN.

Navigation Tips for Campervanning in Europe

We highly recommend that you have a number of different navigation tools on hand to help plan your journeys.

There was never one tool that met all of our needs and we used all of these methods most days.

1. Road Atlas

For high-level planning, our first point of call was our Philip's Big Road Atlas Europe .

This may seem a little old school, but we regularly referred to this map to give us a good overview of distances for itinerary planning.

Our son also loved highlighting our Europe road trip in the atlas to track our journey and it is a great memento of the trip.

>> Click here to check the price for the Philip's Europe Road Atlas .

Traveling with kids?   Read our tips for road trip activities for kids here

A dedicated GPS/Sat Nav with up-to-date maps is essential for a few reasons:

• It doesn’t rely on mobile connectivity
• It keeps your mobile free for other purposes when driving
• The GPS shows you the speed limit when you are driving and just how sharp that upcoming bend is.

There are many different types of GPS, but you are best to look at sat navs for motorhomes with European road maps included.

We had an entry level TomTom GPS and found it simple and reliable to use plus we liked the Australian voice option who would tell us “mate, if those back seat drivers don’t keep it down, ditch them at the next servo”.

However it didn’t have settings specifically for large vehicles which would have been helpful considering the number of small roads and villages we navigated.

>> Click here to check the price for TomTom GPS for motorhomes

3. Google Maps

The only problem with a GPS is that sometimes it might suggest tiny roads or routes through village centres that our 7m/3.5 tonne van could not pass through.

Unfortunately there was no option to filter out roads not suitable for oversized campervans.

So we would also use the Google Maps app on our phone to see what route it suggested because it tended to be better at avoiding small roads.

We strongly recommend when you have WiFi you download Google Maps for use in offline mode to avoid being reliant on mobile data.

The other great thing we used Google Maps for (if you have an internet connection) is to use satellite view or street view to check just how wide a road is.

If you can see lines in the middle of the road you are good to go. If not, you may need to think twice in a large van.

4. Other Tools

We also occasionally used an app (or website) called Via Michelin which was able to give estimates for toll costs and more realistic travel times compared to Google maps.

Also ensure you research different country rules in relation to things such as driving laws, low emission zones, how tolls are charged and child restraint requirements.

The rules differ a lot between countries. We had to change our plans in and around London due to restrictions on older vehicles entering greater London.

Our Philip’s Big Road Atlas Europe had an excellent country section in the front that summarised the basic rules and regulations for each country.

Toll roads are common in Europe (except Germany and the Netherlands) and they can be very expensive to travel on in a motorhome.

We recommend you do your research on the cost of toll roads in each country, how much time they will save you on the journey and how they have to be paid. It differs country by country.

The Via Michelin site was useful for estimating tolls on different routes.

France was super expensive because our campervan was over 3m tall and classified as a bus.

We spent 30 Euros ($35 USD) on one 5 hour drive down the west coast of France. Italy and Spain were much more reasonably priced and had fewer tolls.

How to pay Tolls in Europe

In most cases you can pay the toll using cash or a credit card at a toll booth.

One exception is Portugal which has no toll booths, just toll points with cameras that scan your number plate.

In Portugal you must register a credit card against your number plate at the Welcome Points just over the border on their main motorways.

Then your card is automatically charged when you pass a toll point. More information on the process can be found here.

Another variation is the vignette. This is a prepaid motorway toll in the form of a sticker which you typically purchase from petrol stations near the border and display on your windscreen.

Vignettes are required in Switzerland, Austria & Slovenia and some other Eastern European countries.  They come with varying length validity. Being caught out will result in a hefty fine.

If you want to avoid tolls, you can set your GPS/Sat Nav and Google Maps to do this.

As a rule of thumb, if we weren’t in a hurry we would avoid toll roads. If we were traveling a long distance we generally took the toll roads to maintain the sanity of both parents and kids.

Using Ferries in Europe

It is possible to move between countries by ferry in your campervan instead of by road.

There are a number of transport ferries that operate between Spain, Italy, France, Montenegro, Greece and even Africa.

This is worth considering if you want to get to South Eastern Europe quickly to save time or if you want to extend your trip touring Europe in a motorhome into Africa.

We share our experience taking two transport ferries to get from Spain to Montenegro here .

Campervan Camping In Europe Guide

When camping through Europe you have three main options for camp sites:

• Paid campgrounds 
• Cheap Aires
• Free or wild camping

Paid Camping across Europe

If you plan to use camp grounds in Europe my best recommendation is to purchase an ACSI camping card .

ACSI is a non-peak season discount program containing over 3000 campsites around Europe.

We saved hundreds of dollars camping through Europe in the low and shoulder seasons over the 5 months with our ACSI card.

You need to order this before you arrive in Europe (unless you have a friend who is local) and make sure you allow plenty of time to receive the membership card and guides.

We bought them directly from ACSI and had them sent to a UK address. They took about 6 weeks to arrive.

It was worth paying a little extra for access to their mobile app as it was a good way to search for campsites in the general direction we were heading in.

We also suggest you don’t rely too much on camp site reviews. Also, don’t believe bigger is always better.

Often in the larger campgrounds the actual sites were small and expensive. Look for smaller, locally run campsites, or look for free campsites.

Cheap Camping in Europe

One of the best ways to save money when touring in Europe by campervan is to stay at Aires. Aires are simple sites set up specifically for people travelling Europe in a motorhome. 

Three great resources to find these sites are:

• searchforsites.co.uk
• campercontact.com
• park4night.com

Europe has an extensive network of Aires and they are perfect for RV camping in Europe.

They cannot be booked in advance and typically have a waste dump point, fresh water and toilets. Sometimes they have electricity hookups and showers.

The sites fill up quickly in summer so make sure you arrive by early afternoon to have a chance at a spot.

We occasionally used these but found them not to be ideal for stops of more than one night with the kids. 

We also strongly recommend checking out memberships such as France Passion .

They offer free overnight camping in wineries and farms for members. A similar system was operating in Portugal too. 

Free Camping in Europe

We found the park4night app to be an excellent resource for finding free or wild camping sites in Europe.

Download park4night. Click for Apple Store download (iOS) Google Store download (Android)

This app lists free (and fee based) camping sites all over Europe.

The sites and ratings are all user-generated. The sites range from supermarket car parks to gorgeous spots along the coastline.

It is available offline if you pay the small monthly fee and we recommend paying for this option.

TBH we thought we would free camp way more than we did. It is a great money saver and was much easier in some countries and places than others.

I wish we had found this guide to wild camping before our trip, as it gives a great overview of what you can and can’t do, plus recommends hundreds of good stops based on personal experience.

But in reality we had a 7 metre, 3.5 tonne, 2 wheel drive van that couldn’t sneak down little dirt tracks.

We found we stressed more when stopping in a carpark with the kids as they couldn’t go off and explore.

If I am honest, sometimes the effort to search for a free camp was beyond me at the end of a long day driving with the kids.

But, there are many people who travel all over Europe and rarely pay for a campsite. It is definitely worth doing.

Note that free camping is illegal in some countries (such as Croatia) and in others they make it hard to find a place to stop (such as Italy).

Some countries allow it in the off season but not through summer. Take a look, give it a go and see what works for you.

If you want to know more about wild camping in Europe, this wild camping guide is a fantastic resource.

It outlines how to stay legal, how to choose the best places to camp and much, much more. Click here to find out more.

Booking Camp sites

Our best tip when you are planning your road trip by campervan in Europe is not to book too much. Resist the temptation to book anything in advance!

We had a very high level view of the countries we wanted to visit and in what order, but did not book anything before we started. We decided every couple of days where we would go next.

This approach gives you so much freedom to be flexible, to stay longer at places you like, to take up recommendations you receive along the way, or choose a place based on how everyone is feeling at the time.

We found that if we arrived at a campground by mid-afternoon we always found a site.

However, the summer school holiday periods do require a little planning.

Camp sites get very busy over the school breaks, especially those on the coast or on lakes.

While most campsites have a percentage of their sites that cannot be booked, in order to claim one you will need to arrive very early during the summer.

We dealt with this challenge by heading inland to the mountains during summer where we had no trouble finding accommodation.

So look at visiting less popular places away from the coast during these busy times or be prepared to arrive very early at your destination and cross your fingers.

Campervan Security

It is important to plan how to keep your campervan and valuables secure.

Thankfully we were never broken into during our trip but it is worth taking measures to have peace of mind that your stuff is going to stay with you.

Our van was pretty old so we figured it was unlikely to be stolen (there were much better ones around!), but we were more worried about a break in.

Being an older van there was no alarm, no deadlocks and windows that were pretty easy to pull open.

Related: Best Anti Theft Backpacks for Travel

In cities we always stayed either in camp sites or in secure parking stations. We always pulled the blinds down when leaving the van in a car park or on the street.

Often one of us would stay with the campervan when doing grocery shopping if the area didn’t have a good vibe.

We didn’t come across many other travellers who had experienced a break in so there is no need to be overly concerned.

I just really didn’t want the hassle of losing our most important things, so were happy to take precautions.

Pacsafe Portable Safe

One of the things that gave us the most peace of mind was our Pacsafe Portable Safe.

It is a theft proof bag that can be used to store valuables in your van. We used the Pacsafe Travelsafe Portable Safe to lock our passports, documents and devices in when we weren’t in the campervan.

The bag was secured under one of the seats to lock it to the van. If we were free camping we would also secure it at night.

This bag has been one of our best travel purchases. We take it on every trip and use it everywhere we stay.

>> Click here to check the price and size options for the Pacsafe Portable safe .

Campervan Meals

In a past life eating out and experiencing the local food was a key part of any trip.

However, when you are feeding 4 people every day for 5 months in Europe, eating out quickly becomes a huge expense!

So if you are keen to save money, plan to cook most meals in the van.

To try and stay on budget we rarely ate out, but we still found ways to experience the local food.

Browsing the aisles at the supermarket for local treats and buying smaller snacks/treats when we were out sightseeing became our cheaper way of experiencing the local food.

Expert Tip:   Make sure you have enough food on hand to get through Sundays! Supermarkets are usually closed on Sunday, even in large towns

We recommend purchasing a camping recipe cookbook.

In the book we purchased every recipe could be cooked on a gas top. This ultimate RV cookbook was a great resource and we used it every day during our trip.

>> Click here to check the price for the camp cookbook .

Other essential kitchen items were:

• A stove top coffee maker for great coffee every day. We love our little Bialetti Moka Pot and it comes with us whenever we travel by camper van. Click here to check the price.
• A gas stove toast maker. 
• Unbreakable wine glasses. Tumblers work just fine too, but these just add a little extra!

Read more: The best campervan accessories

Grocery Shopping

It is a good idea to do your grocery shop on route between destinations.

Campgrounds are often not close to the shops and it is annoying to pack the van up to go to the supermarket once you arrive and set up camp.

Look for large supermarket chains to spend less, buy in bulk and shop less frequently.

Discount Supermarkets

Lidl and Aldi were by far the cheapest supermarkets in Europe.

We would look them up in Google maps while driving and make a detour to shop there on the way to our next camp site.

They may not have the best range of products but they saved us HUGE amounts of money. 

We can highly recommend that you buy beer, wine and spirits at the discount supermarkets.

We found many drinkable wines in the 2-4 euro price bracket and even found a decent bottle of gin at Aldi for 7 euros.

Admittedly our standards are lower when on a campervan road trip, but we still want to enjoy a glass of wine or beer at the end of the day!

Tracking your Europe Road Trip Costs

We recommend you set a budget and track your spending. I know if sounds boring, but it is not much fun if you plan to travel for 6 months and run out of cash in 3.

Costs can easily get out of hand, especially if you are doing a lot of activities, staying at camp sites and eating out.

We researched costs a lot before starting our trip. It is pretty difficult to find this information for a family of 4 and we just had to go with our gut a bit.

Expert Tip:   If you have the space, stock up on long life pantry items in cheaper countries to save money.

We set a budget by country, tracked it each day and reviewed it on a monthly basis.

Having a budget helped us make adjustments to our trip when we needed to in order to stay on track.

Budgeting Apps

There are a number of mobile apps out there to track your travel spending once you are on the road.

The one we love and use is Trabee Pocket . It allows you to easily track all your spending by country and category in the local and home currency on the go.

Download Trabee Pocket. Click for Apple Store download (iOS) Google Store download (Android)

You can also export your costs to other applications such as excel where you can track your overall travel budget. We highly recommend this app.

Transferring Money

If you decide to purchase a van in Europe and need to transfer funds internationally, we use and recommend Wise.

Wise offer competitive exchange rates without the huge fees charged by the banks and make international money transfers so simple.

Set up is quick and money can be transferred quickly and easily. Click here find out more about Wise.

Important Documents to Carry

Ensure you have a printed copy of the insurance papers and rental agreement/proof of ownership handy. Old school I know, but trust me, it is required!

We made the mistake of only having a soft copy of our camper insurance papers available on our mobile phone.

On crossing the border from Montenegro to Bosnia, we had to deal with a very irate Bosnian border officer who insisted that only a paper copy would do.

We were in the middle of nowhere and were forced to purchase additional van insurance at the border. Let’s just say it wasn’t a good day.

Also take originals of everyone’s birth certificates and marriage certificate.

You never know if and when you may need them and it is almost impossible to get them once you are touring Europe and moving regularly.

Ready To Plan Your Trip?

We have shared a bunch of information here for you to get started.

But if you are ready to get into the detail of trip planning, we highly recommend you take a look at the Europe Motorhoming Travel Toolkit by motorhome experts, Wandering Bird.

They have been exploring Europe fulltime for the best part of 3 years and share all their best tips and experience with you in one handy toolkit that offers outstanding value.

So what’s inside? The toolkit includes:

• Detailed Europe motorhome travel ebook
• Printable checklists
• Video tutorials
• In depth guide to off-grid camping in Europe
• Motorhome security guide, log book and MORE!

If you have started planning your first motorhome trip to Europe, this toolkit is hands down the best purchase you can make for stress free trip planning.

Final Travel Europe By Campervan Advice

Last but not least try and get off the beaten path on your tour of Europe.

While Western Europe offers many beautiful destinations, some of our favourite places were small towns in Eastern Europe. These countries are also significantly cheaper to travel in.

The beauty of traveling Europe in a motorhome is that you aren’t constrained by train or bus lines or hotels. You can travel anywhere!

This style of travel presents you with a great deal of freedom that you can’t achieve when traveling any other way.

Our Europe campervan trip was one of the highlights of our family gap year . 

We heartily recommend it as a family friendly way to travel and cannot wait to plan another trip.

If you are planning to RV through Europe and you have questions, please let us know in the comments below or contact us – we are happy to help.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Have we missed anything in our Motorhome in Europe guide? Leave your best tips for touring Europe in a campervan!

Read more about travel to Europe

• Europe by campervan with kids
• The best campervan accessories to buy
• Family Cycling Trip along the Danube River
• How to travel the world with kids
• Montenegro in pictures
• Triglav National Park, Slovenia

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Rachel Rodda

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The adventure in Europe begins!

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19 thoughts on “the definitive guide to europe by campervan”.

Thanks for this detailed guide. We won’t be setting out for a couple of years when we retire. I am curious why you recommend bringing marriage license? Did you need to present it? Same question for birth certificate. Is a passport not enough? Thanks

Hi Cheryl, we took them as a backup precaution for two reasons – one was if we lost our passports. With copies of our birth certificates (and marriage certificate as I had changed my name), it would help fast track the process of getting new passports. When you are on the road it is quite slow to get things posted to you from your home country (and hard if you have packed everything away in storage at home). The second reason was to prove we were the parents of our children. In some countries (especially in Africa) they wanted to sight the kids birth certificates on land borders to prove we were their parents. It was also helpful if only one of us was traveling with the kids. I believe it is done to help prevent child trafficking. I hope this helps!

Rachel: THANK YOU so much for the comprehensive info! This one post answered 99% of my What About questions.

Hi Jodi, That’s great – there is a lot to learn when planning a Europe campervan trip. I’m glad we could help you out.

Hi I loved reading up on your advice . I am planning a 6 to 12 month trip around Europe. Just my wife and myself. Age 55 to 60 . We are pretty seasonal van travelers around Aus . Seeing your comments about the road access in off road camps answered my question regarding the size of van . I will be taking 2 x bikes . Is it worth getting an electric bike for my wife ? She hates hills . Also is there opportunities to tour across country a little by bikes . Maybe stay is B and Bs . One more thing did you see many travelers who carried a small boat and motor? I fond this a terrific part of my trips around Aus. Hope you can put a bit of light on these subjects. Cheers Jim Central coast NSW

Thanks for your message. We saw plenty of people with electric bikes in Europe – they are popular, so worth considering. There are plenty of opportunities to tour by bike in France, Germany and Austria. You can read about our bike tour along the Danube in this article https://www.adventureandsunshine.com/4-day-family-cycling-trip-danube-austria/ We didn’t see many campervans towing boats – but I am sure it is possible. It really depends where you want to travel. The challenge with Europe compared to Australia and the US is the size of many roads is small and narrow, which makes it especially challenging with long or wide vans, particularly in towns and mountain areas. Good luck planning your trip!

Hi Rachel Just want to say thank you for your answer. Much appreciated. We already made a budget (was around 200AUD$ per day) which then seems realistic since we are traveling without kids. Kind regards Christian

Hi Rachel, thanks for a great guide. We are looking at Rving in europe for 3 months (maybe longer) from Dec 20/21 winter with 2 kids who will be 8. We want to do some skiing in Austria and Italy and also want to take advantage of school holidays and low work commitments during those months in AUS. Hence the time of year. When i was a kid my parents took us on a 12 month trip through europe in an RV, mainly free camping with no heating when off grid and we survived, but that was the 70’s and we spent the winter mainly in southern europe. Im interested in what months you travelled and whether you think winter in and around the alps in a heated RV is a good idea. We could go a bit later and still ski through to easter, but im thinking that even if we do push the trip ending out to April, we may as well still go in Dec or Jan because work is slow and kids are on holdiays. Your thoughts?

Hi Tony, we traveled over the summer months from May through September, so I can’t give specific advice for RVing in winter. However, our van had a great heater and we were always warm when inside the van. My biggest concerns would be where to put all the ski gear (and where to dry it) and the fact you may need to spend a lot of time inside the van together. If you were skiing for just a short period that would probably be fine if you could find a campsite open where you could hang and dry your gear. Heading to southern europe over Dec/Jan is a great idea – it will still be cool, so not beach weather, but will be much quieter. Note however that many smaller areas all but close down over winter so consider where you want to go and check how much will be open over that time.

Hi Rachel Sounds like a really good trip. My girlfriend and i are thinking about taking a campervan Europe tour for +6 months…so we are ofcause interested in your trip. Is your budget to find here on this site? If not, can you share it? if yes, some level of details would be nice so that we can adjust it to our needs.

really nice site you have here. Thanks 🙂 Kind regards Christian and are spec

Hi Christian, we haven’t shared our costs on the blog, yet. Costs will vary enormously from person to person dependent on a lot of factors. Number of people, countries you visit, the size of van, whether you free camp or pay for campgrounds and how many paid activities you do. We traveled for 20 weeks with 2 adults and 2 school aged children. We mostly paid for campgrounds. Our average cost per day was $250 AUD. That includes the van, petrol and gas, laundry, campsites, food, sightseeing and activities, visas, public transport, equipment we bought for the van etc. Hopefully that is helpful! It is possible to travel much cheaper than that for 2 people who free camp more often and are able to buy and sell the van independently.

I know that Full time traveling is really hard for those who never tried any dare in normal life but peoples like you are real-life heroes. who never step back from any problem and fight with this. and your adventure always gives you great memories…. I like to read it and would like to read more n more about your van life…. Keep it up…. love all of you…

Great guide. We are at the beginning of considering a camping trip in Europe so glad to find your guide. Thanks for sharing

What great tips. We plan to travel Europe by camper van in summer next year and are just going through the shall we buy or rent scenarios. Previously rented for a month in NZ #FarawayFiles

It is a tough decision and depends on a lot of factors, with time being the biggest one. It is a fab place to visit by camper though! We would love to explore NZ by camper – one day!

What great tips Rachel. I think my favourites are – use a physical map and know the dimensions of your vehicle. We learned about those (again!) the hard way in Sicily and we only had a medium sized car. Google maps is certainly not your friend in some situations. Thanks for joining #FarawayFiles

Agreed, Katy. In a world full of online content, the physical map was still well used. I can’t recall how many times we cursed our Sat Nav or google maps! In a camper you definitely need to do a little research before you set off.

Great info here! I hope to one day go on a RV trip closer to home (across Canada, at least for my first taste of RV travel!), and even though that isn’t Europe, I think the pointers you’ve shared here are relevant! I had no clue that guaranteed buy-back ‘programs’ existed!

Thanks Bryna. The buy back schemes are a great compromise between buying and renting. Not sure of any companies in Canada who offer it. Let me know if you find one – we would love to do an RV trip across Canada!

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10 European Campervan Routes – Inspiration for your next Road Trip

No doubt traveling around in a campervan emits a feeling of freedom and awakes everyone’s adventurous soul. And Europe has numerous options for campervan routes to take! It is the perfect continent to explore different countries, cultures, and sights within one single trip and have a once-in-a-lifetime road trip experience. As for me, living in Germany and therefore quite in the middle of Europe, I love to explore all the neighboring countries and cities. Therefore, I have compiled 10 different European campervan routes , from which you can pull inspiration for your next road trip adventure. All suggested routes are usually recommended for around 2-3 weeks , but of course, you can easily adapt them to your travel plans.

Have fun planning one of these European campervan routes and see you on the road!

Need a CamperVan for your trip? Then I recommend you to choose PaulCamper , the largest camper-sharing marketplace in Europe. It lists over 10,000 camping vehicles throughout Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom for you to enjoy!

Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. Without costing you anything extra, the small commission will help me produce more free content for you. For more information, please refer to my  privacy policy .

Table of Contents

1. Slovenia and Croatia

Route: Lake Bled – Ljubljana – Piran – Pula – Zadar – Split

Suggested duration : 2 weeks

Overall length: 826 km (9 hours of driving)

Going on a Balkan road trip through Slovenia and Croatia is the ideal way to see many amazing places in a short time without breaking the bank. The suggested route offers the perfect combination of adventurous nature activities, relaxing beach days, and city sightseeing. Starting at Lake Bled , a magical place in the middle of Slovenia, you will have the chance to experience the country’s beauty in many ways. For more inspiration regarding this place, make sure to check out my list of the best things to do at Lake Bled . After some fun activities at the lake, you will continue your route to Ljubljana , the charming capital of Slovenia.

The small and colorful town of Piran will be the next stop on your Slovenia road trip itinerary . This place will amaze you with its picturesque old town, narrow alleys, and sunset views from the town wall. Even though the town is very small, there are quite a few interesting things to do in Piran .

The campervan route leads you over the Croatian border and into the historic city of Pula . Must-see activities in Pula include visits to the Roman Amphitheater, the Augustus Temple as well as the vibrant markets. After doing some sightseeing, it is time to move on along the Croatian coast to Zadar . The city is well-known for its historic ruins, churches, and a photogenic old town. The last stop on this road trip is Split . You definitely cannot miss the Diocletian’s Palace as well as the Peristil Square in the middle of the city when spending one day in Split . I recommend spending some relaxing last days on Split’s beautiful beaches.   

2. North Germany, Denmark & Norway

Route: Hamburg – Hirtshals – Kristiansand – Stavanger – Bergen – Oslo

Suggested duration: 3 weeks

Overall length: 1,500 km (23 hours of driving)

Budget : €€€€€

This is one of the European campervan routes that are perfectly suited for adventure-seeking couples or friends, who want to see and experience a lot and have a sufficient budget available for the trip. Starting in Hamburg , one of the most beautiful cities in Germany, you will head north to the very top of Denmark . Of course, if you have enough time, other stops in Denmark, like Copenhagen or Aarhus, are possible.

In Hirtshals , you will take the ferry to Kristiansand in south Norway . From here, you are open to experiencing the variety of fjords, mountains, national parks, and other beautiful places that southern Norway has to offer, at your own pace and within your itinerary. Make sure to visit the charming towns of Stavanger and Bergen during your trip. After many days of hiking and other nature-based activities, you will arrive in Oslo , the capital of Norway. Must-see activities in this city are visiting the Viking Ship Museum , strolling around Frogner Park, and taking a tour of the Akershus Fortress. For more inspiration, make sure to read my ultimate Southern Norway road trip itinerary .

3. Switzerland and North Italy

Route: Zürich – Lucerne – Bern – Turin – Milan – Bologna – Venice

Suggested duration: 2 weeks

Overall length: 1,000 km (12 hours of driving)

Budget: €€€€

From the mountains to the sea – this could be the motto of this beautiful European campervan route. Starting in Zürich , the biggest city in Switzerland, you will admire the old buildings in the city center, eat the most delicious cheese fondue, and stroll around the lake. Besides its picturesque mountains and lakes, Switzerland offers beautiful cities as well. On this road trip, you will also explore Lucerne and Bern , the country’s capital.

From Bern, you will head south and enjoy some Italian travel experiences . Turin , which lies in the region of Piemont, is well known for its outstanding architecture and cuisine. Besides many other things to do in Turin , the city is the ideal place to slow down in an Italian café and take photos of the aesthetic baroque buildings. Milan , the international center of fashion and design, as well as Bologna , the vivid and historic town, are other stops on your way through Italy. After spending several days strolling through pretty alleys and eating pizza, you will end your road trip to Venice , one of the most popular places to visit in Northern Italy . Even though the city is considered to be rather expensive, there are quite a few tips for visiting Venice on a budget and enjoying your trip to the fullest!

4. Austria and Budapest

Route: Innsbruck – Zell am See – Hallstatt – Graz – Vienna – Budapest

Suggested duration: 2-3 weeks

Overall length: 900 km (11 hours of driving)

Budget: €€€

This Europe campervan route takes you across Austria to the Hungarian capital Budapest. On your way through the mountains, you will experience a city break in Innsbruck , explore the ski region Zell am See, and visit the picturesque town of Hallstatt. On your way to Hallstatt, you can also make a stop in Salzburg, the city which is famous for the great musician Mozart. In both Graz and Vienna, you will find numerous beautiful Renaissance and Baroque-style buildings. Vienna, the vivid capital of Austria, will welcome you with many bars and restaurants as well as a beautiful castle (Schönbrunn Palace). From Vienna, it is only a 2.5-hour drive to the next capital – Budapest. Must-do experiences in Budapest include bathing in the famous thermal pools (Széchenyi Baths), going on a typical Danube river cruise, and walking across the Chain Bridge.

5. French Rivera and Catalonia

Route: Nice – Saint-Tropez – Marseille – Montpellier – Lloret de Mar – Barcelona – Tarragona

During this trip, you will travel alongside the sea the whole time and get plenty of vitamin D. Starting in Nice or Saint-Tropez at the Côte d’Azur, you will begin your trip in one of the sunniest and wealthiest corners of France. I recommend you continue your trip alongside the French Rivera by exploring the cities of Marseille and Montpellier. Once arrive in Spain, you can enjoy the party life in Lloret de Mar before heading to Barcelona, where you have the chance to visit the world-famous Sagrada Familia, try all the Spanish food, relax at the beach, or go shopping in the city center. You will see, there are countless things to do in Barcelona! From here, a trip to Tarragona is worthwhile as well. The city in southern Catalonia offers the perfect combination of ancient culture, lovely beaches, and adventurous amusement parks.

6. Andalusia and Portugal

Route: Málaga – Marbella – Gibraltar – Seville – Faro – Lagos – Lisbon – Porto

Overall length: 1,200 km (13 hours of driving)

This campervan route is perfect for all sun-seeking travelers and city-hoppers out there. The more time you can allow for this itinerary, the better! There are numerous cute places along the route which are all worth a stop. Malaga , the starting point of this itinerary, is one of my favorite European cities and the perfect vacation spot in Andalusia. The next stops are the picturesque city of Marbella as well as the British overseas territory Gibraltar . Make sure to plan enough time to visit all the beautiful historic buildings in Seville.

From Seville in Spain , you will drive across the Portuguese border and straight to the beautiful Algarve , the most southern region of Portugal. Both Faro and Lagos are THE destinations for having an incredible time at the Algarve and there are numerous beautiful beaches in Lagos and Faros. If you are eager to see more of the country, you should continue your trip to Lisbon , the charming capital of Portugal. For good reasons, the city on the Atlantic coast is regularly rated as one of the most beautiful cities worldwide. The last stop of this beautiful route is Porto .

7. Switzerland and France

Route: Bern – Lausanne – Geneva – Lyon – Clemon-Ferrand – Bordeaux – La Rochelle – Nantes – Paris

Overall length: 1,500 km (17 hours of driving)

This route is perfect for travelers who want to explore the different regions of France and seek a good mixture of cities and nature. Starting in Bern , the capital of Switzerland, you will explore the Western region of the country with its glittering lakes, mountain peaks, and picturesque cities of Lausanne and Geneva. From Lyon, you will drive through France’s breathtaking landscape to the Atlantic coast. In Bordeaux, the center of the famous wine-growing region, you will be immersed in French cuisine and culture. Heading further north, the beautiful cities of La Rochelle and Nantes are already waiting for you. Paris , the city of love, marks the end of this stunning route. The metropolis is one of the most visited cities around the world for good reason. As for me, I simply cannot get enough of all the Paris bucket list activities .  

8. Germany and The Netherlands

Route: Munich – Nuremberg – Rothenburg ob der Tauber – Frankfurt – Mainz – Cologne – Rotterdam – The Hague – Amsterdam

Overall length: 1000 km (12 hours of driving)

Located in the middle of Europe, Germany, and the Netherlands are perfect starting points for European campervan routes in any direction. However, they also offer great routes themselves. Especially southern Germany with its beautiful cities Munich, Nuremberg, and Rothenburg ob der Tauber is very attractive to international travelers. The vibrant cities of Frankfurt and Mainz should also be on your Germany Bucket List .

Continuing your trip along the Rhine River, you will not only drive through the country’s main wine regions but also discover historic castles. After you have discovered all the things to do in Cologne, the city with the iconic cathedral, you will cross the border to the harbor city Rotterdam in the Netherlands. In The Hague, you will finally reach the sea. Ending your trip to Amsterdam , the country’s lively capital, you will be amazed by the variety of colorful markets, lovely canals, narrow houses, and art museums.

9. Paris and South England

Route: Paris – Rouen – Brussels – Antwerp – London – Brighton – Bournemouth – Stonehenge – Bristol

Overall length: 1300 km (17 hours of driving, including ferry)

The last one of all European campervan routes promises lively metropolises, sightseeing tours, and the spectacular coast of southern England. Not only will you cover three amazing capitals (Paris, Brussels , and London) and three countries (France, Belgium , and England) during one single vacation, but also have a ferry trip included. If you are willing to explore lively cities such as London on a budget , discover beautiful coastal towns, eat the best English food, and visit a world heritage site ( Stonehenge ) all at once, this campervan route in Europe is perfect for you!

10. Italy Roundtrip

Route: Milan – Genoa – Cinque Terre – Pisa – Florence – Siena – Rome – Naples – Amalfi

Overall length: 1000 km (14 hours of driving)

Italy is one of the best destinations to enjoy the European summer and one of my favorite European campervan routes. During this marvelous Italy road trip , you will get to know the different regions of Italy, explore the picturesque place Cinque Terre , and enjoy all the things to do in Naples . You will learn about history in Rome , go shopping in Milan , drink wine in the Toscana , and take photos at the Leaning Tower of Pisa . On top, you will swim in the sea in Amalfi , marvel at ancient art masterpieces in Florence , and stroll around the harbor front in Genoa . I promise, this road trip, no matter if it’s with your friends or a solo trip to Italy , will not only be a lot of fun but also recharge your batteries completely!

You have finally decided on a route but you don’t know what to pack for the trip? Maybe my ultimate campervan packing list can help you out! Need more road trip inspiration? What about an epic Eastern Canada road trip ?

Which of the European campervan routes do you like most? What are your suggestions for the best campervan routes around Europe? Let me know in the comments down below!

Useful Travel Resources

• 🏨 Find and book accommodation on Booking.com
• 🎡 Fill your journey with unforgettable experiences with tours on GetYourGuide
• 🚘 Need a car for your trip? Hire it with Rentalcars
• ✈️ Buy cheap flight tickets with WayAway
• 🔰 Insure your trip with Insubuy

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The Ultimate Guide to Travelling Europe in a Campervan

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning that if you click through & make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Has it been a dream of yours to travel Europe in a Campervan? Then look no further – this comprehensive blog post is FILLED with tips and advice on how to have the best van adventure ever.

We spent 8 months living in our beautiful Ford Transit campervan conversion exploring Europe, and now you can too with the help of this guide. We get asked a lot about how we did it and what it costs so we are sharing our experiences, the good and bad with you!

So if you are curious about what it takes, already have a camper van or want to add a road trip through Europe to your bucket list – dive right in. We are not leaving any details out- it’s stuff like this we wish we had known before we left on our trip.

Why Travel Europe in a Campervan?

How much does it cost.

• What to Consider Before Buying a Campervan?

Converting Your Van

Our route through europe, where to camp in europe, the best campervan resources, our van essentials – must have items, departure checklist.

• Petrol, Tolls and How to Avoid Them

Mobile Data

• Our Favourite Free Camping spots with GPS Co-ordinates

Location Highlights

Our whole route in detail.

• Freedom! Whether you buy a used motorhome or decide to build your own, we think the freedom that this gives you when travelling is the best feeling in the world!
• Being able to sleep wherever you want- next to amazing beaches, mountain views and lakes. You name it – having a van allows you to park and sleep in places that you never could do on a normal trip.
• Choose how long you want to stay and where, while having your own home to sleep and cook in also saves money.
• You can take everything you need with you for your favourite activities – we took surfboards, bikes, skateboards and snorkelling kits. Always be prepared for an adventure!
• Outdoor living and camping life with all the home comforts! We loved how homey and comfortable our van was.
• Travel for longer , spending less money.

Our daily budget was approximately £25 per day. This meant for 8 months we had a budget of £6000 for food, gas, petrol, tolls, parking/camping and sightseeing between the two of us. This budget for us, was super easy to stick to. We were in it for the long haul and once you are on the road you realise how little you actually need to spend in order to have an incredible time. 

Our camper van cost us about £6500 to purchase and convert. This might seem like a big investment including the daily budget, but once you sell your van you get that money back. Think how much money you would be spending on transport and hotels, the hours wasted on public transport and not being able to stay in some of the most insanely beautiful locations in Europe.

What to Consider Before Buying a Campervan

• Can you stand up in it? 

Phil is 6ft 6 so this was a tricky one but most High Top/Roof vans have exactly that amount of head room. This will make your time in your van much more comfortable. Medium Roof vans also work for some people. If you plan on spending a long time travelling in your van you will 100% want to be able to stand up.

• Reliability ! 

We spent hours researching the pros and cons of various types of vans and which models might suit our needs. Try and get something with a good service history and ask a garage to give it a once over. Is it easy to get replacement parts abroad, how many miles on the clock etc.

• A good nights rest

A comfy nights sleep was high on our list as we were planning to be in the van everyday for 8 months. Luckily building our own van allowed us to plan our bed layout and what mattress we wanted. We loved our double memory foam bed so it was worth the effort researching!

• How self sufficient do you need to be? 

We wanted to be able to go fully off grid for a few days at a time without having to fill up on water, empty our toilet and get supplies. So we had a fridge, large water storage, solar energy and running tap to keep us sustained.

• Do you want to live off grid?

How much electricity will you use or need – will you go solar and be a true off grid explorer? Getting a leisure battery that runs separately to your vans battery will give you so much extra power, you get even more time to be off grid by having solar panels.

It took us about 2 months working 6 days a week to do our Ford Transit campervan conversion! There are so many resources out there about how to plan and do the conversion. We loved using Pinterest for inspiration on designs, watching YouTube videos for how to guides and reading blog posts. Anyone who can use a few tools can get started from home once you have your van or motorhome. I had never used many of the tools before and built an entire kitchen from scratch.

We started off catching a ferry from Poole in the UK to Cherbourg in France and decided on a clock wise route of Western Europe. Our plan was to drive a maximum of 1-3 hours a day between locations. This worked out pretty perfectly for the length of our trip. We stayed in some places for just one night and the ones we liked we stayed more. For example we stayed in Paris for 3 nights and Rome for 5 nights but stops in between may only be for one night. To determine our route we would get out our resources ( Camperstop book, Park4Night app and Google) and see where looked good, had good camping spots and was within driving distance.

When you travel Europe you can park in places called Aires, also known as Motorhome stops. These are dedicated campervan parking spaces with varying facilities. Run by the town municipalities or privately owned they are often free or cost a couple of Euros per night. Some of the privately owned ones can have more facilities and will charge more (Up to £20 depending on where they are located.)

If you are looking at camping somewhere that has a lot of facilities then a Campsite will suit you. Things like showers, toilets, washing machines, swimming pools, scenic camping spots etc.

• Free Camping

Europe is very well suited to free camping. This is where you park somewhere that is not a designated Aire or campsite. You are parking your van in a space that allows overnight parking and have to be self sufficient. These could be side roads, beach car parks etc. You will have no facilities and can generally park for free for a night or two. The rules change from country to country and you must respect the local authorities. Most importantly, in order for free camping to remain allowed in Europe you must always leave no trace, never leave rubbish behind and be respectful of noise.

• Camperstop Europe Motorhome Guide

This was such a great resource for us for when we were on the road. Camperstop is a book you can purchase that has over 9000 of the Aires in Europe listed with GPS coordinates. You will find that certain countries have more aires than others so you may have to mix up the types of places that you stop.

If you are going to buy one resource- let it be this one .

• Campercontact

Campercontact is a website and app that is run by volunteers. You can search for Aires all over Europe just by searching by location. There are photos, reviews and GPS co-ordinates.

When we were in Germany, about 3-4 weeks into our trip we met someone at an Aire who happened to mention the app Park4Night. From this moment on it became one of the best resources we had for our trip in finding free camping. The information on the app is user generated, with people stating GPS coordinates of where they managed to stay for free! People can then rate these locations for future users. These locations range from side roads with free parking to cliff sides overlooking incredible beaches. It saved us an incredible amount of money and allowed us to stay in some of the most insanely beautiful locations that you would not normally be able to stay.

Ensure that you get a good GPS device with up to date maps for all of the countries that you are going to visit. As most of the information for where to stay is given in GPS coordinates this makes it a lot easier navigating. You will also be able to see where there are toll roads (and there are a lot) and how to avoid them. It will also inform you of the local speed limits for each country.

• Big Road Atlas – Europe

We also found it incredibly useful having a paper map. As our route was not set in stone, we would only plan where we wanted to visit a few days to a week in advance. You can plot your route on the paper map, which is also a lot of fun. It also becomes handy if for some reason your GPS device stops working and you need to go old school.

Get your Big Road Atlas here .

• Pinterest  

A great place to start to get your design ideas is Pinterest – there are thousand upon thousands of boards where you can get ideas. We had a particular style in mind as we needed space for our bikes and surfboards inside the van. It served as a great resource for us and helped in the planning process greatly. Every van design is so unique to each owner and it’s incredibly inspiring to see everyones camper van hacks.

• Fellow Travellers

Ask other people who have done this before for their advice. If you don’t know anyone personally there are plenty of blogs, forums, instagram pages all dedicated to #vanlife. Like this one for example. Don’t forget to pin this to Pinterest for reading later.

• Where to shop for food

Without a doubt the best place to shop for food in Europe is Lidl. This supermarket is in practically every country, has large carparks and cheap and delicious food.

Portable Toilet for Campervan

We debated this essential a fair bit before we decided to get one. Phil didn’t think we needed one and I did. In the end we realised it was a must have and enabled us to have a lot of off grid camping experiences. It is easy to build in to the framework of the van so it stays hidden. It is super easy to empty and clean. We would never do this trip again without one.

Get the Portable Toilet we used here .

Portable Electric Camping Shower

There are many different ways that you can have a shower in a van these days, no matter the size. Our shower was an outdoor one we plugged into to the back of our van using the power generated from our leisure battery. When the back doors to our van opened we simply placed a curtain rod with a shower curtain between the doors for privacy.

Get the Portable Electric Camping Shower we used here .

Campervan Fridge

Something we also debated whether to get because they cost quite a bit of money, was a fridge. Deciding whether to get one depends on how long you are going to be travelling for. As we were going for 8 months we deemed it necessary, we especially appreciated it in the summer heat wave enjoying our cold beers. There are several things that you have to take into account when getting a fridge. Does it need a flat surface, will its temperature remain low enough for the country you are visiting, so we recommend doing a lot of research.

We absolutely loved ours – this is the model that we got here .

Solar Panels for Campervan

We fitted 2 of these to the roof of our van and it kept our leisure battery charged long enough for us to be able to camp off grid for quite a few days. If you want to reach some off the beaten locations and not rely on plugging your van into electricity at campsites then we highly recommend fitting these. We did not need to plug in our van to external electricity sources our entire trip.

Your Vans Security

Van theft in Europe is quite common in certain areas and something you should definitely be aware of. Especially if you are keeping all your worldly belongings inside.

We fitted a sliding bolt lock to the inside of our back doors as an extra precaution. You will also want to consider where you park your van and always carry your important belongings with you (passport etc).

We unfortunately had our van broken in to when we were in Portugal. They broke open our side door window and climbed in taking the closest belongings they could find. This unfortunately happened to be my empty leather bag I treasured which had my wedding ring inside, my backpack with our DSLR camera, our hard drive with 6+ years of travel photos and our wash bags. These just happened to be left inside on this day when we visited the beach for just 1 hour. When we visited the local police station they were not surprised this had happened as it was very common in that area.

All we could have done was park somewhere more populated and not have left our belongings inside. We parked in a beach car park but right at the back because we wanted to camp there in the evening. Luckily for us there was a campervan shop close by so we could fix our window easily. But always be sensible, park in busy places when leaving your van and look after anything important.

A Good Mattress

One of the best purchases we made was getting a proper memory foam mattress. As Phil is quite tall we wanted to sleep lengthways and you can purchase shortened memory foam mattresses designed for boats which fit perfectly in a camper. When you don’t have a huge amount of living room this makes your time in the van so much more comfortable.

Mosquito Net

Having a mosquito net is definitely worth investing in. If you plan to travel when it is warm outside then you will more than likely want to have your windows open or even your doors. We had a mosquito net built into our window but would have loved one for our doors.

At dusk the mosquitos love to invade your van if you have the doors open – imagine your van being 40-50 degrees inside and you want to cool it down. Once you settle down to sleep, that is when you will spend all night irritated by buzzing noises flying past your ears every few minutes. Take heed of this advice, many nights were ruined by mosquitos invading our van.

Ventilation

Temperatures during summer in your van can get particularly high. The hottest our van reached was over 50 degrees inside during the peak of summer. We had a roof window installed which helped but what made a huge difference was having a fan that we attached to the wall. We didn’t manage to get the fan until half way through the trip, a huge mistake not having it before we started.

Get a fan like the one we used here .

Collapsible Table and Chairs

Grab a couple of collapsible camping chairs and a table to complete your alfresco dining situation. The chairs can be used for multiple purposes and just extend your living space. A collapsible table also means you don’t need a permanent fixture inside and creates more space.

Get the table and chairs like we used here. For the table click here and for the chairs click here .

Power Source

So you can go down two routes when designing your van. The simple DIY route where you just use battery powered lights and will charge your devices when you are driving using the cigarette lighter socket. The more advanced route is to have a leisure battery that supplies electricity to your lights, fridge, shower and electrical sockets so that you can charge devices when the engine isn’t on. Combine this with solar panels and you won’t need to charge the battery by driving much.

Gas for Cooking

We debated about what type of gas supply to get for our cooker for quite some time. For you it will depend on how long you are travelling for.

If you are planning on going on a short road trip, anywhere up to 1-2 months then i would say that you can buy a normal camping gas cooker and canisters.

If however you are planning on a longer journey as we did then you might want to consider purchasing a refillable LPG canister. Many of the European petrol stations have LPG pumps designed for filling up cars and you can buy the appropriate canister heads for each country. It is a lot cheaper and lasts a long time, we only had to fill up twice in 8 months. Be warned though, if you convert a camper van, filling these LPG canisters can be tricky if they are located inside your van. This is because some petrol stations deem it dangerous to do so.

Van Insurance

Ensure that you have comprehensive campervan insurance before you depart. If you plan to travel for an extended period of time outside of your home country then you will most likely need to purchase a specialised insurance policy.

It gets quite tricky determining if you need a campervan insurance policy or a normal van insurance policy if you have converted your camper. The way that this is determined is dependant on what permanent fixtures that your van has in place and then the DVLA classify your vehicle. If you have an accident and your van is not insured correctly this can cause problems when it comes to claiming. So you have to ensure that your policy covers you.

We used Adrian Flux as they were the only company that would cover us for the length of time that we needed in Europe. They were also the only company that offered us a policy for a campervan IN conversion (I.e not completed).

This may be different if you are from the UK now due to Brexit so it is worth shopping around and getting quotes on who will cover you. People often will get a camper van insurance policy over a normal one because it is a little cheaper. Obviously if you have a standard RV then it will be a much simpler process than insuring a self built camper.

You can find details for classifying your vehicle type with the DVLA here :- 

Breakdown Cover

We cannot rate this product highly enough. For a couple of hundred pounds for an 8 month journey this cover paid for itself. Let me tell you why…

Unfortunately for us, just 3 weeks before we were due to return to the UK our van broke down in Northern Spain. Yes, we managed to travel for over 7 months across the whole of Western Europe without a problem and then on the home stretch it goes kaput!

Luckily we had European Breakdown Cover and it honestly saved the rest of our trip. They provided a weeks worth of accommodation for free, a hire car for the entire duration that our van was at the mechanics, which was several weeks! They also provided flights home AND picked our van up from the mechanics and shipped it back to our home address.

Unfortunately the van could not be fixed in Spain, not only were they quoting an insanely overpriced bill, they didn’t get around to inspecting the van for 2 weeks. It was on the advice of our breakdown cover rep that we get it fixed in the UK to save money. Needless to say we think this is worth investing in. You just never know what is going to happen and it can cost thousands to either fix your van and/or ship it home.

Travel Insurance

As with any trip it’s super important to get a travel insurance policy for the duration of your trip. As someone who has had to claim on travel insurance policies in the past I can attest their worth and importance.

European Driving Kit

Most countries in Europe will require that you have a driving kit in your car at all times. These will include things like First Aid Kits, Visibility Vests, Warning Triangles. You may also need to apply headlamp stickers when driving in certain countries. Check what you need for each country you are planning on visiting and then buy the kit that has everything you need.

Get your kit here .

Petrol and Tolls

Petrol in europe.

This will be one of your biggest out goings on your budget. Since you will most likely be travelling long distances, the cost of petrol does add up and takes a huge chunk out of your daily spends. Prices vary from country to country with the cheapest we found to be in the tiny country of Andorra (it is tax free there).

These are temporary tax discs that you need to purchase before you enter certain countries. You can purchase them from lots of petrol stations before you cross the border and they are valid for varying amounts of time dependant on how long you plan on being in each country. We had to purchase Vignettes for Slovenia and Austria on our route (see below for full list of countries we visited)

Toll Roads and How to Avoid Them

Lots of the roads in Europe have tolls to pay and it is worth doing a bit of research before you embark on your route to see if you can avoid them. They can often make a journey far quicker but it is worth weighing up the prices versus time spent saved. Prices can be anywhere up to 50 euros depending on how long the route is.

For example if you plan on using the Mont Blanc tunnel to Chamonix it costs almost 50 euros, just to travel through the tunnel! The alternative route over the mountains is not even worth considering.

However if you take these tolls into account on your route it can help with your budget before you depart. Your GPS device will be able to tell which routes have toll roads and you can find out the costs online. You can then use your map to check if the alternative non toll roads are much slower. Often they can be much more scenic and only a little slower.

Currently you can use a UK sim card in Europe for up to 90 days as if you were at home. If you plan on travelling for longer than 90 days then you will need to think about alternative options.

We purchased local sim cards in some countries as they are pretty cheap. If you encounter problems with your SIM cards it can be difficult to rectify if you cannot speak the local language. Local sim cards are the simplest and cheapest route to take.

There are portable wifi devices that you can purchase that allow multiple devices to access the wifi. You pay a monthly fee but these are very expensive. It ultimately depends on how much time will be spent on the internet – will it be light use researching your destination or heavy use working on the road.

Our Favourite Free Camping Spots

Iconic locations.

Italy: Bellagio, Lake Como lat.45.976601 long.9.25433, 51 Via Alessandro Volta

A car park located on a hill overlooking Lake Como in Bellagio. A short walk to town where you can catch the passenger ferry to Menaggio and Varenna. Free fresh water available with little passing traffic. We stayed 2 nights.

Italy: Rome – Villa Borghese, Viale dl Giardino Zoologico

Imagine staying in the centre of Rome for 5 days for free! We found this spot on a blog post and it was perfect. Down a quiet street, next to the Zoo. Walking distance to Villa Borghese Park and central Rome. A diamond find for free camping.

The Mountains

France: Chamonix, Mont Blanc lat. 45.93312 long.6.884868

Great shaded wooded area, suited to smaller and larger vans than motorhomes. Nice picnic area and close to main road into Chamonix with biking trails accessible.

France: Les Gets, lat.46.149799 long.6.6582, 310-328 Route des Pesses

We stayed here for 4 nights for free. It’s a car park at the base of the town with access to toilets and water. Easy walk to town and quiet at night.

Northeast Spain: Montserrat GPS Unknown

On our way to Barcelona we stopped for a night here. There are plenty of places to stop along the way with the most incredible views of the mountains. I recommend using the Park4Night app to find a space to park.

The Most Scenic Viewpoints

Southern France: Views of Monaco, lat. 43.734501 long. 7.40159, 1094 – 1158 Route de la Tete de Chien

If you want insane views of Monaco/ Monte Carlo park here for the night. Hike up the Tete de Chien at night and morning for incredible city views. Picnic benches available.

Southern France: Valensole lat. 43.822179 long. 6.017428

Quite rural spot not far from the road, shaded under trees with great views of the lavender fields. Waking up to the smell of lavender and possible farmer. Accessed via private road, very private and beautiful.

Northern Spain: Llastres lat 43.51675 long. -5.269843

Great spot with ocean views. Good BBQ area and easy walk down hill into beautiful fishing village of Llastres.

The Best Beach Camping Spots

Northern Spain: Ferrol lat 43.556571 long. -8.298003

Absolutely stunning beach car park location. Literally overlooking the ocean with direct beach access. Bins and toilets available in season.

Belgium – Belgian Beers in Rochefort and Waffles in Brugge .

Netherlands – Lisse for Tulip Season and Amsterdam during Kings Day.

Germany – Heidelberg for history and castles. Triberg for the original Black Forest Gateaux and home of the Cuckoo Clock. Lindau in Lake Constance – just wow!

Austria – Salzburg – pretend you are in the Sound of Music!

Slovenia – Lake Bled , such a beautiful town and stunning lake. We would love to come back to Slovenia and explore more.

Croatia – Rovinj , a cute and colourful fishing village with incredible sunsets and seafood. Kamenjak National Park for endless nature and ocean vistas. Plitvice Lakes – the most insane set of lakes and waterfalls we have ever seen.

Italy – Alberobello , home of the unique Trulli houses. Matera – a cave town situated on a gorge, Wonder Woman was filmed here! Positano , an iconic place to visit in Italy. Pompei – visit this ancient towns ruins for free on the first Sunday of every month. Rome and Florence for the history and architecture, Tuscany for the rolling hills and Venice for the winding lanes and Burano. A dream come true visiting Lake Como and Lake Garda. Basically we loved all of Italy!

Southern France – Valensole for the lavender, Verdon Gorge for the most insane turquoise blue water and Tete de Chien for views overlooking Monaco. Cascade du Sautadet and Vallon Pont D’arc for water sports heaven in the Ardeche.

Southern Spain – Barcelona for Gaudi art and Tapas, Valencia for the Art Science Park and Nerja for dreamy town beach vibes. Puerto Banus for high fashion and luxury, Tarifa for kite surfing heaven and Seville for flamenco!

Portugal – Benagil caves , a huge cave with a hole in the roof and a beach inside and Ponta da Piedade for incredible coastal views. Lisbon for city chic and Pastel de Natas (Portuguese egg custard tarts) and Sintra to visit Pena Palace. Porto is a coastal city, you must see the Livraria Lello, marvel at the stunning tiles and cross the Dom Luis bridge.

Northern Spain – We adored Northern Spain for the Pico de Europas , San Juan Gaztelugatxe and San Sebastian . Incredible hiking and Pintxo’s – like tapas.

France: Cherbourg – Cambremer – Paris – Epernay (Known for Champagne)

Belgium: Rochefort – Dinant – Namur – Brugge

Netherlands: Lisse – Amsterdam

Germany: Heidelberg – Baden Baden – Schiltach – Triberg – Freiburg im Breisgau – Lindau – Garmisch Partenkirchen

Austria: Salzburg – Hallstatt – Gmund

Slovenia: Bled 

Croatia: Rovinj – Premantura – Plitvice Lakes – Zadar – Split – Dubrovnik – Split (Ferry to Ancona in Italy)

Italy: Ancona – Assisi – San Benedetto Del Tronto – Amatrice – Lake Compotosto – Mattinata – Alberobello – Locorotondo – Matera – Sorrento, Day trip to Positano – Pompei – Rome – Siena – Tuscany Hills – Florence – Verona – train to Venice – Lake Garda (Sirmione – Moderno – Torbole) – Molveno – Andalo (Dolomites) -Lake Como (Menaggio, Varenna, Bellagio) – Aosta 

France: Chamonix – Les Get – Tigne

Italy: La Thuile – Finala Ligure

France: Menton – Monaco – Nice – Canne – St Tropez – Verdon Gorge – Moustiers St Marie – Valensole (lavender) – Cascade Du Sautadet – Vallon Pont D’arc- Villefranche de conflet

Spain: – Montserrat – Barcelona (Gaudi) – Cambril – Valencia – Nerja – Puerto Banus/ Marbella (fancy rich place) – Tarifa – Seville (flamenco)

Portugal: -Albufeira – Benagil (caves) – Lagos (Ponta da Piedade) – Sagres – Lisbon – Cascais – Sintra (pena palace) – Ericeira -Peniche – Porto

Spain: Oia – Santiago De Compostela – Ferrol – Cudillero – Llastres – Covadonga – Picos De Europa – Llanes – San Juan De Gaztelugatxe – Bermeo/Bakio – Mundaka – San Sebastian

France: Saint Jean De Luz – Biarritz – Hossegor/Seignosse

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Rachel Hughes

Hey there! I'm Rachel Hughes aka Ever The Wanderer. I am a Digital Media Creator and long term travel expert. I help people realise their worth and what they can achieve.

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24 comments.

So interesting! My husband and I rented a campervan in Iceland and loved it. We never thought about traveling main land Europe in a campervan. Thanks for sharing!

Oh I’d love to visit Iceland by campervan! That must have been amazing! I highly recommend mainland Europe it’s honestly one of the best things we have ever done

Loved reading about your trip! I have so many dreams about doing a trip like this. Well, I guess I’ll start by doing something in California and the Western US. I didn’t know about portable toilets and showers. Good to know about those. Question, how do you factored for seasonality? Seems like you avoid traveling during winter (is that true?). Also, reading about the incident in Portugal made me wonder if a portable safe or another security mechanism exists. I have never thought about it but going to do some research.

Ah thank you! It was such an incredible journey for us! We can’t wait to do it again! We have done a few road trips in the US but never by campervan so that’s definitely on our list too. We planned to travel in the summer but a lot of people to go in winter as there are places with very mild temperatures like Portugal. A lot of vanlifers head there in winter, or pop in a wood burning stove and head to the mountains in the snow. Although I’m not sure we would do that, might be too cold haha. A portable safe is a great idea, unfortunately campervan windows are all built the same and have tiny plastic latches which can easily be broken. You just have to not leaves valuables inside I think or have a very secure safe. Some people had glass windows broken, if a thief wants something bad enough they don’t care. Next time we will definitely be more prepared.

Oh wow what an adventure it could have been! I would love to do something similar next year and reading your post just made me wanna do it even more. Can’t wait to hit the road again! 🙂

Wow this is an epic guide! And kudos to you for buying and converting your van for such little money. I’m struggling to buy one at the moment; the van market in the UK is not normal – dammit COVID.

Ah thank you! Yeah there weren’t too many vans around at the price point we wanted but we got lucky. I’ve not looked lately to see what it’s like but I think it’s a great investment because we got it all back plus extra when we sold it!

This is the kind of trip that I’d dream about forever (it’s literally my dream trip) but never actually do because I’d think it was unachievable. This post has changed that completely, and where you’ve included things to consider when planning a campervan trip has given me the confidence that I could do this! Really great post, thanks so much for sharing.

Ah I’m so glad I could motivate you to do it! That’s always my goal to show people how achievable dreams can be!

This is exactly the kind of guide that I need now! I’m in the process of swapping my car for a van to travel full time, so it was the perfect timing to come over your post. You really aswered a lot of the doubts I’ve had, especially considering extra battery/solar panel, toilet/shower etc. Saving this for when I get my van:)

Oh awesomeness best decision ever! Yeah we really thought about what to include in the post given the experience we had to make it easier for others! Solar panels were an awesome idea, so much off grid camping. And 100% a toilet and shower 😊

A great trip with so much information shared! Would love to tour around Europe.

Kariss Ainsworth

Doing this is a total dream of mine, van live looks amazing

It must be so cool to discover Europe with a camper van! I appreciate all the tips and info you gave, I am sure this will be super useful for the day I want to try this kind of adventure!

What an incredible adventure this must have been! Love all these tips and it’s interesting to see which places you chose to stop off at.

Michelle du Toit

Thank you for compiling this insanely useful guide to campervanning! Hubby and I are only at the stage where it’s a dream for us and your blog has covered a whole lot of tips that haven’t even crossed my mind yet.

It is a dream worth investing in for sure. Honestly the most free we have ever felt

What a beautiful itinerary. How long did it all take you? Living in Europe, it is hard to find time to do a full-blown road trip, I always end up just going to one place and back. Pinning it for when I finally find the time for this 🙂

Thank you! The Itinerary took us 8 months. The van build took two. Yeah you definitely need to make the time and it is so worth it!!

I have been thinking about doing a campervan road trip, but doing it in Europe seems pretty amazing!

Love this article! I am absolutely impressed by how many places you managed to visit on your road trip around Europe. Your photos are so beautiful as well.

Vanessa Shields

This sounds like the most amazing 8 months getting to see so many places by campervan! I would love to do this one day as long as the mattress was comfy. Lol. That would make or break it for me. I’d probably buy a van already updated like yours to make it easier. So cool how you can visit so many locations at your leisure this way!

This is incredible and super helpful. It’s honestly always been a dream of mine to backpack through Europe – though a camper van sounds even better! Especially since I’m not as young as I once was 😉

Ankita Sharma

well-written post! A friend of mine likes to travel and I was going on a trip with him. There was home setup in his car. Apart from this, I also watch vlogs of some couples, their setup is also similar. I liked the whole setup.

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Europe by Motorhome: The Best & Only Touring Guide You Need!

This post may contain affiliate links, from which we earn an income.

Campervan & Motorhome in Touring Europe

Do you want to explore Europe in your motorhome or campervan? The best thing about Europe is the culture, cuisine, rich history, nature and diversity, enough to last a lifetime of exploring. Taking a motorhome across Europe seems like an awesome idea, especially with our ultimate guide to help you work it all out!

We’re Phil and Izzy and we’ve been full-time touring and travelling in a motorhome in Europe for over five years. In this post, we share everything we’ve learned on the road in Europe.

Find out how you can travel Europe in a motorhome with practical motorhome advice, Europe motorhoming itineraries, travel tips and hints about living in a motorhome full time and loads of other useful stuff!  

Basic Requirements for Europe Motorhome Travel

This section has been updated to reflect the post-Brexit agreement between the UK and EU on 24th December 2020. It’s boring, but spend just one day doing the research before you head off, and you’ll have one less thing to think about. If you do get stopped during your European tour you’ll have all the correct equipment and documentation to show. Our advice and travel tips cover the basics:

• You must have at least three months remaining on your passport (issued in the past ten years) at your intended date of departure from Europe. If you’re travelling in a motorhome in Ireland , your passport only needs to be valid for your stay (UK citizens do not need a passport to travel to Ireland which is in the Common Travel Area).
• A UK driving licence is needed for touring in a camper van in Europe. Your UK licence allows you to drive in all EU countries. If you only have a paper driving licence or a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man then you will need an  International Driving Permit .
• You must have at least third party motorhome insurance for your vehicle. You are not required to have a green card to prove you have vehicle insurance coverage when travelling in the EU. Make sure to check if visiting non-EU countries like Montenegro, Serbia and Albania that you are covered – you’ll need a green card for these countries too.
• You must display a UK sticker on the rear of your vehicle, instead of a GB sticker, unless you have a UK number plate which displays the Union Jack flag. If you’re travelling in Spain you will need a UK sticker even if you have the new style UK number plates.
• Headlights must be adapted for driving on the right.
• You may need evidence of a return ticket and that you have enough funds to cover your stay – there is no fixed amount that a customs official might ask for, but you need to be able to show that you can maintain your motorhome lifestyle. Having said that, in the two years since Brexit, we don’t know anyone who has been asked to produce either a ticket of evidence of their financial position.
• Brits should get a  GHIC  or EHIC (Global or European Health Insurance Card) – not a legal requirement, but free so why not?
• We would also recommend your own travel insurance and Europe motorhome or campervan breakdown cover, but these are not legal requirements. We like True Traveller backpacking insurance if you need cover for more than three months.
• An  Animal Health Certificate , if you’re taking pets with you.
• Any country-specific requirements for your vehicle – our country-by-country motorhome touring guides  contain up-to-date information about what you need to carry in Europe. 

The Ultimate Guide to Motorhoming in Europe

If you’re planning a motorhome trip to Europe for the first time, our guide has top tips, advice and info to help you plan your tour.

Don’t struggle to plan your European trip, find out everything you need to know before you go + loads of motorhoming tips for when you arrive.

Motorhome Europe After Brexit

Although the UK left the EU at the beginning of 2020, because the pandemic came swiftly on its heels, many of us are still realising the repercussions and getting used to how it affects travelling in a motorhome.

You can find out all the details you need in our guide to motorhoming in Europe after Brexit , and in our guide to motorhoming in Ireland , which due to being in the common travel area (CTA) has some different rules.

In the meantime, here are a few frequently asked questions and answers about what happens when you cross the English Channel:

Do I need a visa for Europe?

Nothing changes with your passport, but from 2025, the EU will introduce the  ETIAS  (European Travel Information and Authorisation System), which will be an additional entry requirement for visa-exempt travellers and will involve the traveller registering their details online before travelling, mainly for security purposes.

How long can I stay in Europe?

UK citizens can only stay in the Schengen Area (a zone in Europe where countries have no internal borders and allow the free and unrestricted movement of people) for  90 days in every 180 days  in the Schengen Area. 

The 90 in 180 day rule works on a rolling basis and it can be difficult to work out whether you are within the rules or not, especially if you have visited the Schengen area on several occasions in the preceding 180 days.

Long-term travelling by motorhome in Europe is still possible, you just need to be organised and have a plan to ensure you don’t overstay. This comprehensive post about campervan travel in Europe post-Brexit explains all the details and offers advice and insight into how long-term motorhome touring in Europe is still possible.

What food can I take in my motorhome to Europe?

The European Commission says the following:

• Travellers are not allowed to bring in  meat ,  milk or their products .
• There is an exemption for  powdered infant milk, infant food, and special foods or special pet feed  required for medical reasons if weighing less than 2kg and provided that: such products do not require refrigeration before opening, that they are packaged proprietary brand products for direct sale to the final consumer, and the packaging is unbroken unless in current use.
• For  fishery products  (including fish and certain shellfish such as prawns, lobsters, dead mussels and dead oysters), travellers are allowed to bring in up to 20kg or the weight of one fish if this is higher.
• For  other animal products , such as honey, live oysters, live mussels and snails, travellers are allowed to bring in up to 2kg.

Can I use my mobile data in Europe?

Internet access in Europe very much depends on who your mobile phone contract is with and when you started the contract. All UK providers now limit data usage in the EU in some way or another, and it’s a good idea to check with your provider to make sure you don’t run up a big bill. You can find lots of information in our guide to the best SIM cards in Europe , especially if you’re planning to be away for more than a few weeks.

We have been using and recommend ConnectPlus for cloud SIM connectivity in the UK and Europe. You can choose from unlimited data packs to just single days, depending on your needs. The device is no larger than a slimline smartphone, connects with up to ten devices, is charged easily with a USB and can be delivered within a few days of ordering. Use the code ‘thegapdecaders’ at checkout to get 50% off in the first month!

Can I take a pet to Europe in my motorhome?

The good news is that you can take dogs, cats and ferrets to Europe. You’ll need to book a pet-friendly cabin or kennels on the ferry or travel via the tunnel from the UK. Your pet will need a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and an animal health certificate (AHC).

When pets are travelling to Norway from countries in the EU/EEA (such as Germany or Denmark ) the animal and necessary documentation must be presented to Norwegian Customs for checking. Walk or drive through the red zone in the Customs area to present your paperwork and pet.

When travelling to Norway from Sweden, the animal and documentation need not be shown to the Norwegian Customs if the animal has been kept legally in Sweden and meets all requirements for entry.

It can take some time to get all the documents together and the vaccines organised, so make sure you start the process well in advance and find out more about travelling in Europe with a dog before you set off with your fur baby!

Europe Campervan Hire or Taking Your Own?

Taking your own motorhome to Europe is relatively simple. There’s no need to temporarily import your vehicle, even if you’re touring and you don’t need to have a left hand drive van. Just make sure you have the right documentation and required safety equipment, and you’re good to go.

If you’re new to motorhoming, or campervanning on the continent for the first time, then a two week holiday in Western Europe is a great way to start, especially if you rent a motorhome .

Your rental company will ensure your campervan hire for Europe will come equipped with everything you need to enjoy a few weeks across the channel in July or August, and you’ll enjoy a great taste of European motorhome life .

Our recommended European campervan and motorhome hire company is Motorhome Republic , which has hundreds of pick-up locations across Europe, all perfect starting points to see all the best bits as you road trip Europe .

An aggregate motorhome and campervan booking site, Motorhome Republic pull together all the best deals from many different rental companies, to offer you a wide choice of options alongside an excellent English-speaking expert motorhome Concierge Team.

If you’re coming from North America and are used to traveling in a recreational vehicle, motorhomes in Europe are a little different from RVs in the States. Styled differently and significantly smaller (even if it feels large to us Brits!), we generally don’t have slide-outs, full-sized appliances or beds in our motorhomes.

Most European motorhomes use cassette toilets, rather than having a black or black and grey waste tank, but you’ll be pleased to know that European motorhomes are usually left-hand drive, so just like travelling in an RV at home 🙂

RELATED POST: Everything You Need to Know About Motorhome Hire

Preparing Your Van for Europe

When planning and taking a motorhome or campervan road trip across Europe you’ll need to consider whether you have the right accessories in and on your motorhome for touring.

If you’re heading off on a short two week campervan trip in Europe, then you may already be well set up for this type of holiday and won’t need any special preparations to have a fantastic trip. 

New motorhome owners  or those planning a longer tour may want to make some changes or additions. What you change or add will depend on how much you want to spend and how you want to travel Europe in a motorhome.

• Which countries will you visit?
• Will you wild camp or stay on sites? How off-the-beaten track do you want to be?
• Will you be travelling Europe in a campervan across seasons, or sticking to summer or winter?
• Are you intending to leave Europe and/or the Schengen area for different regions of the continent?
• What’s your budget?

For us, we have found the additions below to be worth the extra cost when spending more than a month or so on the continent. If you intend to travel long-term or regularly in Europe, then these extras will pay for themselves.

RELATED POST: Motorhome Accessories, Equipment & Options

If you’re planning on spending winter in mainland Europe then you may need heating in your motorhome. Some areas in countries like Spain and Portugal are warm enough year-round for you to not need heating, but if you head into the mountains, then you could well be facing freezing temperatures.

RELATED POST: Winter in a Motorhome – Tips, Tricks & Essentials

Gas and LPG

You can’t take a UK gas bottle to Europe and exchange it. This means if you run out of gas, you’ll have to carry your empty bottle and buy a bottle in whichever country you are, as well as a suitable regulator. This is not difficult, but it is a hassle and an added expense.

Disposing of your empty bottle is illegal, and it’s also illegal to re-fill Calor gas-type bottles at the pump, so there really is no easy way to get gas if you’re not prepared.

If you’re touring for more than a month or so, we would highly recommend a refillable  Gaslow  or  Gasit  system which can be filled in any EU country (including the United Kingdom) at the pump using a set of special adaptors.

You’ll save money every time you fill, LPG (called GPL in Europe) from the pump is around 70% cheaper than buying it in a bottle.

The downside with a refillable system is that in the UK lots of garages have stopped selling LPG at the pump as the take-up of LPG vehicles has been surpassed by electric technology. A good compromise is to have one bottle on a refillable system and one UK bottle, and we hear about more and more people doing this.

If you’re planning to visit Morocco in your motorhome , gas at the pump isn’t available (nor in Finland) so this does need careful planning.

RELATED POST: An Easy Guide to Motorhome Gas & LPG in Europe

If you are planning on free camping in aires or wild camping in Europe (if you’re a wild camping newbie, it’s the ideal place to start) then you will need equipment to ensure you have electricity when you’re overnight parking off grid .

This might include a solar panel and you may want to upgrade your leisure batteries. You could also consider a solar generator , which is portable and will provide you with enough power to wild camp as much as you like, as long as the sun is shining!

RELATED POST: An Easy Guide to Motorhome Electrics

Air Conditioning

With summer temperatures regularly getting into the early 40s in Europe, air conditioning can be a lifesaver. One summer in France, despite being dyed in the wool wild campers, we spent every night in a campsite or aire, just so we could plug in and have air con!

If a roof-mounted a/c unit is too expensive, take a look at portable air conditioning solutions – the technology has advanced in recent years, and some of them are pretty good. Make sure to check the size though, as they can be large!

If you’re travelling in summer, then an awning of some description is an absolute must. Having one fitted retrospectively can be expensive, but a drive-away awning, a simple gazebo or even a collapsible umbrella can do the trick.

Water Filter

If you’re planning on visiting countries where the quality of potable water is questionable, or you don’t want to drink de-salinated water (common in southern Spain), then a water filter is a great option.

We have a Nature Pure filter fitted, a job a competent DIY’er could manage. We love not having to buy bottled water and then having to cart the empty bottles around until we find a recycling point.

What Kit Do You Need In Your Motorhome?

Are you taking a 2 week campervan trip in Europe or longer? Will you be travelling Europe in a camper van across seasons and into different regions of the continent?

Packing List

Have a look at our  essential motorhome kit list  for an idea of what kit and gear we think is important when taking a motorhome to Europe. You’ll also find links to a free motorhome packing list covering kitchen, garage, gadgets , safety equipment and personal essentials.

RELATED POST: 101+ Motorhome Essentials You Need + Packing Checklist

Motorhome Internet & Wifi

Connectivity is important if you want to stay in touch with loved ones, post on social media and keep up with what’s happening in the world.

We know that information regarding European roaming on a UK contract changes frequently so we keep our post about motorhome internet and wifi up to date, so you can check the best equipment and European sim card options for your needs.

RELATED POST: An Easy Guide to Motorhome Wifi & Internet

Motorhome TV

We all like a bit of TV, and being in Europe doesn’t change that. There are lots of ways of getting TV in a motorhome, and when you’re abroad there are a few things to be aware of if you want to watch UK television.

RELATED POST: Motorhome TV – Five Ways to Watch in Your Van

You also need to consider how you’ll get out and about, especially if you intend to remain static on a site or an aire for more than a few days.

If you’re in an urban area, local buses, trams and metros may work, and public transport is the best choice for city visits . If you’re more remote you’ll want to be able to get to the nearest village or head out for a day.

Make sure you research thoroughly if you want to tow a car – the law regarding A-frames in Europe is often misquoted and not always clear. You may find some helpful information on various  Facebook forums  for motorhome owners, and on the UK Government website .

RELATED POST: The Best Motorhome Bike Racks & Bikes

Gross Vehicle Weight

What and how much you pack will also depend on the gross vehicle weight (GVW) of your motorhome and how much storage space you have.

As a general observation, if you fill your storage space you are likely to be overweight – just because you have loads of cupboards doesn’t mean you should fill them all!

Read our guide to understand how motorhome weights work and don’t forget to include your toys like bikes,  kayaks , gadgets and so on when thinking about weight.

RELATED POST: An Easy Motorhome Weight Guide

Driving a Motorhome in Europe

Each country differs, but on the whole, driving in Europe is very safe – the continent has by far the lowest RTA fatalities in the world. Sweden and Denmark have the best safety records, with Bulgaria and Romania lagging, and everywhere else somewhere in between.

As long as you practice caution, take it slowly and follow road signage, you’ll soon settle into it.

We’ve had both right and left hand drive motorhomes, and although LHD is a little easier, especially on narrow roads. Right hand drive is not a problem if you have a willing passenger!

Be aware that the  Republic of Ireland ,  Malta  and  Cyprus  all drive on the right, just like the UK.

Satellite Navigation

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of motorhome routes through Europe. Make sure you have a motorhome sat nav that has European mapping, or use a  satellite navigation app  such as Google Maps, CoPilot and Maps.me

Yes, it’s possible to use a paper map but ideally, you want up-to-date information and be able to set your dimensions in the sat nav if you’re in a larger van. This helps to avoid routes with weight or height constraints, like low bridges and allows you to set your route to miss toll roads if you prefer to take the more scenic route.

RELATED POST: Motorhome Sat Navs: Best Models & Options for 2024

We would also recommend installing a dash cam, which is a five minute job if you buy a plug-and-play model.

A common scam, especially in Eastern Europe, is for a driver to pull in front of you at speed and then brake hard causing you to hit them. Unless you can evidence their actions, you will be held liable and will have to pay any excess on your insurance, and maybe lose your no claims bonus.

Be aware that dashcams are illegal in Portugal and Austria due to their privacy law surrounding filming people in public.

Speed Limits for Motorhomes in Europe

Speed limits for motorhomes vary across Europe, and can also vary depending on your weight. When you enter a new country, there is usually a roadside sign advising you of these limits.

If you use a sat nav, it will inform you of speed limits, as well as update you with traffic news, and let you know when you’ve crossed a border on your campervan journey.

Speed cameras are common in Europe, and may be fixed or mobile. Both types of speed cameras can be visible or hidden, and it’s easy to be caught, even if you’re over the limit by just a few kilometres an hour. 

Your sat nav may be programmed to alert you to speed cameras, however, this is not legal in all European countries, so check with our country-specific information below – or maybe just stick to the speed limit 🙂 

Don’t think that because you’re from another country you can avoid speeding fines. If your motorhome is registered in the United Kingdom or anywhere in Europe, there is a data-sharing protocol in place which means you’ll be tracked down in your home country.

Toll Roads in Europe

Tolls on motorways are common across Europe , and if you’re looking to get somewhere quickly and easily, taking the toll road is often the most cost-effective option. 

With pay-as-you-go tolls, you can pay with cash or by card at the toll booth. We think the best choice is an electronic tag like an  Emovis Tag , which is linked to your credit card and works in France, Spain and Portugal, or a  Telepass device  which works in France, Spain, Portugal and Italy. 

Where a vignette (physical sticker) is required, you must order this in advance or stop at the first fuel station on the motorway as soon as you enter the country and buy one there. 

Vignettes are required in Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, Montenegro, Romania, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Hungary, Moldova and Belarus, and you can buy some of these online at Digitale Vignette .

If your motorhome is over 3,500kg, arrangements will be different and you may need a physical onboard unit, which has to be collected and pre-loaded at the border.

In our experience, Norway and Portugal have the most complex toll systems, with different toll road operators requiring different processes. Check out each country in our motorhome touring guides.

Fuel in Europe

Fuel costs in Europe vary wildly from country to country. Generally, the further east and south you go, the cheaper the fuel.

Greece is the exception to the rule and although the furthest south and east you can go in Europe, it has some of the most expensive fuel on the continent!

Use the excellent Mappr tool to see at a glance what you’ll pay per litre.

In some countries, like Italy , there are two prices for fuel – one for self-service and one for attendant service and the latter can be up to €0.15 per litre (or 57¢ per gallon) more expensive! Beware Italian garage attendants who usher unsuspecting road trippers to the more expensive pumps…

In Europe, gasoline is generally called benzine or sans plomb and in the UK it’s called unleaded petrol – the pump handle is almost always green .

Diesel is usually called diesel or gasoil , and the pump handle is always black . But, these names can change slightly by country, so if you’re unsure use a translate app to work it out.

Low Emission Zones in Europe

Low Emission Zones (LEZs) are areas, usually in towns and cities, where the most polluting vehicles are regulated and either cannot enter the area or have to pay to enter the low-emission zone. Most EU countries have LEZ in place.

Vehicle emissions are classified in Europe by Euro Standards, which determine and categorise a vehicle’s emissions to determine its pollutant levels. 

Before you travel into a low emission zone (mainly cities) you first need to find out if your vehicle is affected – this will depend on the vehicle type, age and fuel. 

Each county has different regulations like Crit’Air in France and umweltplakette in Germany. Some require you to pay to enter online, some ask you to buy a physical vignette or sticker, some don’t allow you to enter during specific times of the week and some only allow Euro 6 (the least polluting) vehicles to enter. It’s complicated! 

If you are planning on visiting cities along your campervan route, this is an area to look at early on as it can take weeks for the physical sticker to arrive. Find out more about each country in our motorhome touring guides.

Common EU Driving Rules

• Under EU law, seat belts must be used in all vehicles. Children over 1.35m can use an adult seat belt. Those under 1.35m must use equipment appropriate to their size and weight when travelling in a car, like a car seat or booster cushion. 
• It is illegal to use your phone at the wheel in all EU and European countries. In France and Spain, you may not even use a phone as a satellite navigation device or with hands-free equipment. 
• All EU countries have different alcohol limits set in their drink driving legislation which may be different or lower to your home country. It’s best not to drink any alcohol if you’re planning on driving anywhere afterwards. 
• All European countries with mountains have rules about snow tyres and snow chains. Make sure you check these rules if you’re taking a road trip of Europe in colder weather. 
• Member states of the European Union have a standardised set of road signs, very similar to the UK.
• In many European countries, certain discourteous behaviors, such as rude gestures in Germany and honking the horn without cause in residential areas in Spain and Italy are offences for which you can be fined! Make sure you’re aware of the specific European driving laws for each of the different countries that you intend to visit. 

Road Conditions

Some European countries have less money to invest in their roads, and generally, the further east you go, the longer the roads have to wait for repair. 

Large potholes, badly laid tarmac, lack of road marking, and poor quality of repairs can make driving challenging on country roads, and even on motorways in some countries. 

Go at your own pace until you’ve got the measure of your surroundings, and leave enough room between your car and the vehicle in front, so you can see ahead and avoid the worst bits!

Driving Standards

Driving standards across Europe vary, from the considerate and patient Norwegians to the fast but competent Germans, and the feisty and loud Italians!

Each country has it’s own distinct bad habits and the best way to learn is to watch the locals and take it slowly until you’re comfrotable with what to expect. 

In  Greece , the  Balkans  and  Italy , overtaking on bends, at the brow of a hill and generally where visibility is poor, is very common. Other drivers tend to slow down to ensure there is room for all the vehicles on the road, but it can be very disconcerting the first few times it happens. 

In  France , drivers will sit very close to your bumper waiting for the opportunity to overtake. They will also have their indicator flashing, to let you know they want to get past, and they do seem to have a particular dislike of motorhomes!

In  Italy , the drivers are incredibly impatient and will honk their horns at the drop of a hat. They don’t give an inch if you’re trying to enter the traffic flow, so you have to do as they do, and just go when even the smallest opportunity presents itself. 

Even though speed is not limited on 70% of the  German autobahn network , the roads are often so busy that a de facto speed limit is established. But if you do get an empty stretch, observe any signage before you put your foot down! 

Regardless of the driving laws in each country, you’ll always see locals breaking them. Using phones at the wheel, not wearing helmets on motorbikes and blatantly ignoring the speed limits are common.

Don’t get sucked into thinking this is OK – local police seem to have a lot less tolerance for tourists breaking the rules!

Europe Motorhome Destinations

How on earth do you choose where to go when touring Europe by campervan ? There are so many different places to see, how do you fit it all in?

You could spend literally years in a camper in Europe and not see it all. If you don’t have much time or only want to take short trips, you’ll need to decide what to prioritise when route planning.

Is this a break from work to chase the sun and chill? Are you a culture vulture looking for Roman ruins and ancient worlds? Do you love hiking in the amazing national parks of Europe? Or, like most of us, looking for a bit of both? 

If you’re looking for inspiration or don’t know where to start planning, our ready made and downloadable motorhome road trips for France, Germany and Italy and three months in Europe include detailed interactive maps, travel times and distances, day by day ideas for destinations, hikes and activities plus recommendations for campsites and aires at every destination.

Motorhome Touring Guides

Check out our motorhome touring guides for the most popular European countries, where you’ll find information about driving, motorhome services, camp sites, wild camping spots, suggested routes and top destinations. Be inspired by stunning landscapes, mountains and coasts and incredible road trips .

Motorhome Germany – A Complete Touring Guide

The Complete Guide to Motorhome Touring in France

How to Tour Spain in a Motorhome – A Complete Guide

Top Tips for Touring Portugal in a Campervan & Motorhome

How to Tour Norway by Campervan

The Complete Guide to Touring Italy by Motorhome

Motorhome & Campervan Greece – Complete Guide

Planning Your Morocco Motorhome Adventure

Motorhome Stopovers & Travel in Belgium

Motorhoming in Ireland – A Complete Guide

The Best Motorhome Holidays in Europe

Motorhome Route Planner Europe

Ok, so now you’ve got some ideas about where to go on your motorhome trip of Europe, you need to plan your Europe travel route.

Planning a route for touring Europe in a campervan can be as complex or as simple as you want. Some people like a clear plan and a short amount of driving time per day with overnight stops booked or planned in advance, others like to just go with the flow and see what happens. 

It’s why we fall out every time we look at a map or start any road trip planning!

RELATED POST: How to Plan a Europe Road Trip – The Complete Guide

Do you want access to our FREE resource library packed with travel resources & motorhome checklists?

Overnight Stops for Motorhomes in Europe

When it comes to where to stay overnight in a motorhome or campervan, Europe has lots of great options;

Motorhome Campsites

Campsites are a great option if you have a family or you like to stay out for more than a few days at a time. They also make great overnight stays if you’ve been on the road for a while and facilitate things like clothes washing and cleaning your van.

We love a good campsite after a month off-grid or a long trip. Suddenly, everything seems effortless – no worries about whether there will be enough sun to top up the leisure batteries and no issues about how long it takes to rinse the conditioner from my hair in the shower! If there’s also a bar, we look forward to meeting fellow motorhomers for a good chinwag!

One way to save money on your trip is to get an ACSI card. This discount card is invaluable if you’re planning to use European campgrounds, with the scheme giving you up to 60% off per night prices out of high season. This can mean a site for as low as €13 a night.

It’s worth getting this sorted before your camping trip to Europe as ACSI need a couple of weeks to post the card and books to you.

The Best Campsites in Europe – For Campers, By Campers

ACSI Camping Card – 2024 Review & Step-by-Step Guide

Motorhome aires.

Motorhome aires are a great way to stay overnight for very little money, and can often be found in popular small towns and villages in the countryside of Europe from the north coast of France and the French Riv to the beaches of the Peloponnese.

French aires have paved the way for other countries to set up similar schemes, where the aire is funded by the local municipality to encourage motorhome visitors into the area.

There are now more than 10,000 aires across Europe, and many of them are like free campsites, with services often provided at no extra cost.

The costs and arrangements at each aire differ, so make sure to read the rules when you arrive. Aires cannot be booked and work on a first come, first served basis.

Aires in popular destinations fill up quickly, so make sure you have a back-up plan just in case, especially after a long drive when all you want to do is relax.

Park4Night  is a great app for finding aires, or use  All The Aires  books to identify where you want to stay.

Motorhome Aires in France – All You Need to Know

Motorhome Aires in Spain – All You Need to Know

Wild camping.

Another popular option, motorhome wild camping is widely accepted across Europe (except Portugal, which has really cracked down on this).

If you’ve only ever motorhomed in the UK, you might be surprised at the ease with which you can wild camp your way across the continent, without raising eyebrows or upsetting the locals. Much of Europe is much less densely populated than the UK and there are vast areas of land which are not populated at all that make good places for an overnight parking spot.

There are some rules (and a few unwritten ones too) which will help you find the right spot and stay safe when wild camping. Enjoy the freedom and hopefully a stunning view!

Motorhome Wild Camping – Your Complete Guide

How to Find Free Overnight Motorhome Parking UK & Europe

Alternatives to wild camping.

If you’re not a wild camper at heart but don’t always want to stay on a site, there are lots of schemes to help motorhomers stay overnight in interesting places and are easy to build into your road trip itinerary if you want to get off the beaten path.

From France Passion to Portugal Easycamp , In Camper Con Gusto in Italy and Espana Discovery , all these schemes offer a place to stay overnight in a motorhome.

Motorhome Services in Europe

Another surprise to UK motorhomers is just how easy it is to find services in Europe, one of the great things about motorhoming on the continent. Right across western Europe you’ll find services on a regular basis, almost in every town.

Many are free, some have to be paid for, but it’s usually no more than a few euros to empty your toilet cassette and grey waste, and fill up with fresh water. This makes the idea of camping off-grid so much easier.

Services can be found in aires, fuel stations, motorway services, supermarkets and on the outskirts of towns and villages. Use Park4Night to find services near you.

RELATED POST: Living in a Motorhome in Europe – Your Complete Guide

Van Life Europe

You’ve done it… you’re on the road and starting your European motorhome tour, although adventure is probably a better word!

Frequently Asked Questions 

Whilst we all have views about van life in Europe, some topics crop up time and time again. See our post about the  questions  we always get asked – if your burning question is not there then feel free to  email us . We’re always happy to give an honest answer if we can and we love questions.

What do you do if something goes wrong?

Things can, and do, go wrong. At the time, it can be very anxiety provoking, especially if you don’t speak the language, or the problem is taking a lot of time to resolve and detracting from your holiday. 

We drove around France for three weeks (it was August and EVERYWHERE was closed) with our over-cab bed held up with acro props and it was really stressful.

A good first place to ask for help is our  Facebook group  – remember to share the make and model of your vehicle when asking for help. Try researching your problem on the internet, there is so much information available, you may just find the answer.

Search in Google for a motorhome workshop near you. Most of these places are run by motorhomers themselves and they will help if they possibly can.

You will also find a list of top 20 motorhoming FAQs here – from why your fridge isn’t cooling to why your tap doesn’t work.

How much does it really cost to tour Europe in a motorhome?

Lots of people ask us how much it costs to live in a motorhome in Europe. Our answer is always the same – it depends on how you want to live.

Make sure you have emergency funds accessible to you, whether that’s cash stashed in a secret place (not our recommendation) or an emergency credit card. Read more about general safety in our motorhome security guide.

RELATED POST: What Is the True Cost of Touring Europe in a Motorhome? A breakdown of weekly, monthly and annual costs + tips to help save money on the road

How do you make sure your relationship survives?

Being with your other half 24/7 in a small space may not be quite as romantic as you imagine! Motorhome life may come as a shock if you’re both used to rushing in from work at 6pm, collapsing in front of the TV before bed and then repeating for five days a week.  

RELATED POST: Ten Truths of Travelling Together

How do you manage preventative maintenance on the road?

Prevention is always better than cure as far as motorhomes are concerned. In our experience, water and condensation are the two areas where people have the most problems.

Often it’s a simple issue, but the first time something goes wrong can be challenging and if you don’t know, you don’t know. 

How to Stop Condensation in a Campervan

An Easy Guide to Motorhome Water Systems

Are you looking for more useful motorhome advice check out these top posts….

Motorhome Tips for Beginners – Essential Know How for Motorhome Life

20 Amazingly Simple Camper Hacks

Motorhome Washing Machines – Which Is Best for You?

How to Take Your First Motorhome Trip

On-the-Go Convenience: An Easy Motorhome Toilets Guide

Motorhoming Made Easy – Your Top 20 Questions Answered

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How to travel Europe in a campervan, motorhome or caravan

Travelling Europe in a campervan, motorhome, RV or caravan is really one of the best ways to see and experience the continent, but the idea can be daunting at first! If you’re feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to start, don’t panic. This article contains everything you need to know to set you in the right direction. We cover everything from organizing your campervan or caravan and finding places to stay, to the practical things like wifi and finding LPG gas. Keep reading and you’ll set out on your trip of Europe in a campervan or caravan with confidence.!

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Our story of travelling Europe in a campervan AND caravan

I remember flying to Europe in 2019 to begin our campervanning journey through Europe. We had just had an incredible 5 weeks campervanning around New Zealand and had fallen in love with the freedom and practicality of having our own little home on wheels! I loved the fact that we could pick up and drive off to where ever we wanted, whenever we wanted. We could visit cities, and head to tourist attractions without tours or public transport. We could cook our own meals when we wanted and we didn’t have to lug all our belongings around every where. It was liberating for a long term traveller.

We spent some time with Bens family in the Netherlands while we organised a campervan. He was an old Italian model and we named him Luigi. Luigi was fabulous as we crossed Europe and explored Croatia, Romania and Southern Hungary for the summer with our dog, Whiskey. He felt like home. For us however, there were a couple of key things that Luigi couldn’t offer us, and after a lot of investigation, we decided to try a caravan. This decision was purely based on our circumstances at the time. I’ll explain more in the section on campervans below because don’t worry, your circumstances I’m sure, are quite different.

With our new caravan we headed back to Croatia for the winter, and saw some of Bosnia Herzegovina and Montenegro before Covid hit and we had to return to the Netherlands. The end of 2020 and 2021 has sure put a damper on our plans but we’ve managed to (safely) take the caravan around the Netherland. You can’t keep a good couple, their dog and a caravan tied down!

Well, lets begin at the beginning, with the campervan or caravan. This is an exciting stage that requires a little forethought. You’ll need to decide

• Campervan, motorhome or caravan? Which should you choose?
• Buy or rent: Do you want to buy or hire your campervan, motorhome or caravan?

Motorhome, campervan or caravan – What’s the differences?

What is the difference between a motorhome or a camper van in Europe , I hear you ask? Truth be told, they are different, but you’ll often hear the words used interchangeably. I wouldn’t get too caught up in the wording, except that you’ll need to be quite clear about whether you want a motorhome or camper van when you begin looking to buy or rent yours.

General features of motorhomes, campervans and caravans

• Sleeping area – this will either be a permanent bed, or it will be a seating area that converts to a bed at night. Sometimes your vehicle will have both depending on the size.
• Kitchen facilities – The kitchen can be anything from a small sink and single burner cook top to a larger area with an oven, bench space and a decent sized fridge
• A dining area – A table and some seating
• Toilet – Unless you have a particularly small campervan, it will usually have a portable toilet as a minimum. Larger campervans, motorhomes and caravans will have a properly fitted toilet
• Shower – Large models will have space for a shower
• Storage areas – Excess space will be used to house storage areas in which to store your belongings.

Let’s quickly break down the differences between motorhomes campers and caravans and how they relate to the features you’ll have.

By definition, a motorhome is a larger vehicle that contains a sleeping area and storage space, built into larger van style bodies, trucks or buses. They look quite a bit bigger than say, the easily recognizable VW camper. There are positives and negatives to having such a larger vehicle.

Advantages to a motorhome are related to the size and comfort level of having so much space. The bed is a permanent fixture so you don’t have to put it together every night like you would a convertible seating area. Kitchens in motorhomes are often larger, containing an oven and fridge and adequate bench space for cooking.

There will be a larger, and probably more comfortable lounge and dining area with a fixed table and most likely a bathroom with a fixed toilet and shower facilities. It is also more common for motorhomes to have heating and air conditioning. Newer models may also have floor heating, which is useful if you’re travelling in winter. Nothing is worse than cold feet!

Disadvantages to campervanning Europe in a motorhome funnily enough are also related to the size. The larger your motorhome the more difficult it can be to maneuver through small streets. This can be avoided by sticking to main roads. You may still, however have some issues with parking at camping spots as some do not have spaces large enough for very big motorhomes. Standard sized motorhomes shouldn’t have a problem though.

The other issue with motorhomes comes if you want to visit cities. Especially some of the old cities of Europe. You’ll have a hard time parking anywhere. This can be negated by taking bicycles with you, or towing motorbikes on a trailer behind you. Of course, if you’re staying out of the cities then that solves that problem all together.

If you’re thinking a motorhome sounds like something you’re interested in, don’t be discouraged by the issues, there are thousands of people who get by just fine. Just know that you’ll need to do a little extra planning.

As mentioned, many people these days use the terms motorhome and campervan interchangeably, however by definition, a campervan, also known as a camper van, or camper, is essentially a van that has been fitted out in a more conventional van size.

Advantages of travelling Europe in a campervan include the fact that it is smaller, so it is easier to drive. They handle and move more like a big car. Of course there are variations in the size of campers. The smaller they are, the more true the above is. Parking is also much easier in a smaller campervan, both in cities, at tourist sites and at camping places in most countries.

Disadvantages depend on the overall size, they may have a permanent bed, or seating that needs to be converted. The kitchen is often smaller, with a smaller fridge and limited bench space. Seating and table space will also shrink as the size of the campervan gets smaller.

These are not necessarily all bad things, just make sure you choose an option that suits your needs. If you cook for example, a kitchen with a larger kitchen but smaller seating area may be preferred to a larger seating area with a smaller kitchen. The campervan layout is the most important thing.

I don’t think it needs to be explained that a caravan doesn’t have an engine. It needs to be pulled by another vehicle. The advantages and disadvantages of a caravan are the same as those for motorhomes and camper vans in relation to size. The bigger the caravan the more space and the larger the facilities and storage. The smaller the caravan, the easier it is to tow and the less space you’ll find inside.

The main advantage to a caravan over a campervan or motorhome is that you now also have a separate vehicle. You don’t have to pack everything up every time you want to go somewhere, you just lock up the caravan and drive away. You’ll also never have a problem with parking, unless of course you’re dealing with normal city traffic.

If you’re trying to decide between buying a motorhome or a caravan, we’ve had both and have written a complete comparison article to help you choose what’s right for you.

Which is better – campervan, motorhome or caravan for travelling Europe?

This is quite a personal question and I would encourage you to think about the following things

• How long do you intend to travel?
• How confident are you driving a large vehicle or towing?
• What is your daily/weekly/monthly budget?
• Do you want to stay at caravan parks or in the middle of the forest?
• How much space do you need?
• Are you able to buy a caravan and a car in Europe?
• What kind of places do you plan on spending most of your time? For example old European cities, or out in nature?

The reason we swapped our campervan for a caravan

Our campervan to caravan journey was actually a three step process. In New Zealand we had a small camper. We then upgraded to a larger campervan for Europe. Then we decided on a caravan. Our reasons were the answers to the above questions.

We intend to travel long term. For us that means that we want to be comfortable as it is an ongoing situation. We personally had two problems with Luigi, our large campervan. The first, was that we love old cities, and we sometimes had a hard time driving around and parking him. Others get around this issue by taking bicycles or motorcycles. They leave the campervan somewhere and they bicycle to the attraction, or to the supermarket even. This wasn’t an option for us as our dog Whiskey was old at the time when we switched to the caravan. He has since passed.

Based on our needs we felt a car would be useful for us.

We also needed more space and obviously getting an even larger motorhome wasn’t on the cards for the reasons above. If however, you’re travelling for a month or two, or without a dog, then less space is perfectly manageable. We had no issue in New Zealand with our smaller camper for 5 weeks.

Many, many people travel Europe in a campervan with no issues at all and we were very sad to see Luigi go. Just know, however, that a caravan is a genuine option.

Campervan layouts – some things to consider

Before you begin looking at campers or motorhomes to hire or purchase, it helps to have a bit of an idea about the layouts and what is best for you.

The sleeping situation

Campervan beds can either be fixed beds, or seating that can be made into beds in the evening. Not only that, they can also be high with a ladder, like a bunk bed. For example the bed may be on top of the drivers compartment, as in the photo below. That window is where the bed is.

If you’re young and agile then climbing the ladder into bed is not so difficult. However if you’re not…

The size of the beds is also important. Ben is a big guy. Not only that, he overheats at night. Our beds in Luigi were too narrow for us both to comfortably sleep. Our campervan had a second ‘bunk style’ bed at the back and I slept in that one. When we decided to sell Luigi, we knew that we wanted a bigger bed that we could share.

Cooking in a campervan

So, I cook. I like cooking, we eat pretty healthily, it’s important to me. When we campervanned around New Zealand, our campervan fridge was so small we had to shop every second day. Luigi had a bigger fridge but it still wasn’t ideal. When we upgraded to the caravan, a big fridge was a must.

Cooking in a big campervan or motorhome is much easier than cooking in a small one. That doesn’t mean though, that cooking in a small campervan is impossible. You find your own tips and tricks and ways of making it work. You will however have to get used to going back to basics, as in a smaller campervan there is not a lot of room for a variety of pots and pans and certainly none for different kitchen equipment and things like blenders or slow cookers. Even if you had the bench space, you won’t have anywhere to store them.

Privacy.. what’s privacy?

The smaller your campervan the less privacy you’ll have. Conversely, the larger your campervan or motorhome, the more privacy you’ll be able to niche out. If you’re travelling with friends, go bigger.

In a very small campervan you won’t have any room division. If you have a toilet, it will most likely be a cassette toilet, which is like a small box that has a hole with a seat around it. With no division of the room, peeing becomes a pretty public act.

The larger you go in size, the more likely it is that you’ll have a separate ‘toilet’ room. So that’s something. You may also have a door or divider that breaks the camper into smaller sections. Our caravan now, for example, has the main living space, then a sliding door that closes off the bedroom and bathroom together.

Heating and air conditioning – yes!

If you’re travelling Europe in the shoulder seasons than maybe you can get away without heating or air conditioning, but in the height of either winter or summer, you’re going to want them, trust me.

We were in Croatia in the height of summer with our air conditioning free campervan. There was literally a night that all 3 of us (including our dog Whiskey) slept outside because it was so, so hot. 2 days later we left Croatia for Romania which is a few degree’s cooler during the day, but much cooler overnight.

Our caravan now has both good heading and good electricity. Having done two winters in the caravan I’m confident saying that you won’t survive a European winter without heating.

After campervanning around New Zealand we wrote an article on things to consider when choosing a campervan , have a read and it’ll help you to think about layouts and facilities that are important to you

Buying or renting a campervan, motorhome or caravan in Europe

Hiring a campervan in europe.

Advantages of hiring or renting a campervan to travel Europe

• Quick and efficient, faster and easier than buying
• Everything is taken care of for you
• Easily available to non EU citizens
• Comes (almost) fully stocked
• A great way to try different models ‘before you buy’
• If you breakdown or have an accident the company will help you
• More convenient for a short trip
• Renting a more luxury model for a shorter time is cheaper than buying a brand new luxury motorhome

Disadvantages of hiring or renting a camper or motorhome

• The primary disadvantage is the price as it will be more expensive in the long term.

Expert tip : We always use Motorhome Republic to hire our campervans. It’s a great platform listing all the companies and their available vehicles so you can compare and find the perfect motorhome for you.

Buying a campervan in Europe

If you’re a European citizen you should have no problem buying a campervan or caravan in Europe. We’d recommend doing your research and possibly hiring a campervan for a smaller trip before you commit to purchasing one, just so you can really test it out. You may find something is important to you, when you hadn’t thought about it previously.

If you’re not an EU or UK citizen, it can be more difficult to buy a camper van as you’ll need a fixed address somewhere in the EU or UK in order to have the vehicle registered and insured. The good news is that there are ways to do it and we’ve met people on the road who successfully managed it.

I have to confess we’ve never had a problem buying our campervan or caravan in Europe as Ben is from the Netherlands. Obviously then, I haven’t had to use any of these services. I’ve done my best to research this section for you and point you in the right direction but I can’t make any personal recommendations as we haven’t done it or dealt with any companies relating to this.

For a complete guide to buying a motorhome in Europe as a non resident , you can check out our complete guide.

3 ways to buy a campervan in Europe for non-EU or UK residents

• Purchase your campervan in the UK using a relative or friends address.

Apparently the UK is the most relaxed country in Europe when it comes to registering vehicles for non-UK residents. You will need a UK address, however this can be a friend or family member. If you buy a camper direct from a dealer, you may be able to use their address for the registration of the vehicle.

Be aware that if you buy a vehicle in the UK it will be a right hand drive. This is different to the rest of Europe who drive on the left hand side. It’s not only the steering wheel that is different. The door to the campervan or motorhome will also be ‘on the wrong side’. If you stop your right-hand drive car on the side of the road in mainland Europe, you’ll likely be stepping straight out into traffic.

2. Buy your camper in the Netherlands or Germany

Campervanning and motorhoming are HUGE in the Netherlands and Germany, as it is in most of Europe. Both countries have businesses that will act as ‘middle people’ in the sale process. Some of the businesses will sell their own campers. Other businesses operate a sort of ‘fixer’ type situation. If you find a campervan online that you like, for a fee, they’ll go and inspect it for you. They’ll help to handle the sale transaction, the registration and insurance. Of course you pay for all of their services.

3. Buying a campervan in France.

Euro Camping Cars in France have established a unique and perfectly legal system for helping non-Europe residents buy a campervan or motorhome in France. Again, I haven’t done it, but it is legal, and many people have had great success. Their website explains everything you need to know about their services.

Consider looking for companies with buy back schemes

You’ve found a way to legally buy your campervan or motorhome in Europe as a non-resident. You’ve travelled around and loved every minute of your road trip. Now what? What do you do with your camper when it’s time to go home?

Firstly, you will need to sell your camper in the same country from which you purchased it. This will save you a lot of hassle. Secondly, how do you sell it quickly and easily so that you’re not sitting for another few months waiting to get your money back?

A buy back scheme is a great option. It simply guarantees that the place where you purchased your campervan, will buy it back from you at the end. They will obviously pay a reduced price. The longer you drove it, the more kilometers you did, the less money you will likely get back.

In which country should you hire or buy your campervan?

If you intend on buying, then obviously you’ll be restricted to the options and countries in the section above.

When you hire a campervan you’ll have plenty of options and can essentially hire a campervan to be picked up in any country. Consider your road trip itinerary before you make any decisions. You’ll want to know where you intent to start your trip. Also be aware that in most instances, you’ll need to return your camper van to the place where you picked it up. This means your trip will need to be a loop, or a general shape with a last minute dash for the starting place.

Insurance is necessary to travel Europe in a campervan

Insurance is mandatory in all European countries, and it’s the best thing you can pay for and not need. When you hire you campervan you can be assured that the company will offer you proper insurance for the vehicle.

One thing to take note of are the countries that are covered under your insurance. If you get your insurance in a Schengen country, the Schengen area is covered. However not all non-Schengen countries are covered under every policy. You’re best to confirm this when you get insurance otherwise your insurance card will tell you. Most western European countries use insurance cards that look like a credit card with your details on it and these will be valid in all countries except the ones that have a little x through them on the card.

If you try to enter a country outside of the Schengen area that is not covered by your insurance, you’ll simply need to ‘buy’ insurance at the border.

Be mindful that a little dent in a campervan, however unlikely, can quickly result in a very high repair bill. Be sure that you either buy the insurance excess, pay the excess upfront or you have coverage through your travel insurance to avoid huge issues in case of an accident.

Road side assistance

If you’re hiring your campervan, your hire company will usually assist you with any issues such as breakdown or accidents. If however, you have purchased your campervan and it’s insurance, you’ll usually deal with the insurer for damage and road side assistance if you break down. And trust me, road side assistance is helpful.

When we hit an enormous pothole in Romania and Luigi (our campervan) totally shut down on the side of the road, we were grateful for the road side assistance who found the nearest garage for us and organised someone to come and help. When they couldn’t fix him, they loaded Luigi onto the back of a flat bed truck, with us and our dog Whiskey still sitting inside! It was a slightly nerve wracking drive as we swayed and bounced our way into the nearest city on the back of the flatbed truck. An hour after that we were on our way again. Everything was handled by road side assistance.

Make sure you have refillable gas bottles, and enough of them, to get you through a decent period of time. Gas can be difficult to find, especially in some countries, so don’t let your bottles get completely empty before refilling them. If you have a lot of your items running on gas it’ll obviously go faster.

In the summer months, we only use gas for cooking and for our fridge while driving. A bottle can easily last us a few months. However our heating in the caravan runs on gas. Last winter, we sat for a week in -14 degrees. We obviously had the heating on the whole time and a gas bottle would last us 3-4 days! We would change it every 3 and run a full one overnight so we knew that it wouldn’t run out while we were sleeping. In the morning we’d reconnect the almost empty one to use the last of the gas when we were awake and could notice the heating was off.

Gadgets and helpful items for Campervanning in Europe

Having a good navigation system is really helpful in getting around. It’ll save you a lot of time and effort in doubling back and getting lost. Not only that, the larger your campervan or motorhome, the more helpful a sat-nav can be. Get one where you can enter the dimensions of your campervan and it will (for the most part) avoid sending you down narrow one way streets.

Of course you’ll still need to use your own judgement and common sense. Look out for sign posts and information and change your direction early if you think you’re heading somewhere where you’re not going to fit!

12V USB Port Adapter

You’ll need to be able to charge your phone and/or sat-nav while driving. This adapter goes in the old cigarette lighter hole and will keep everything charged while you’re navigating. There’s nothing worse than running out of battery half an hour before you’re supposed to arrive at a new destination.

An inverter

If you have electronic devices such as laptops and camera’s you’re going to want an inverter. An inverter takes the energy from the campervans engine and converts it to electricity you can use to power your devices. You’ll especially need this if you want to stay off the grid and wild camp.

Motorhome, campervan or caravan awning

An awning is really useful on a nice day to protect you from the hot sun. Many campervans will come with a built in awning that you roll out. If you hire a campervan it may come as an add on that you’ll need to rent separately. When we bought our caravan there was no awning, so we simply purchased one that slides onto the caravan and can stay there permanently.

A water filter

We had travelled for quite a while without a water filter and it didn’t seem to bother us until we spent a few weeks in Istria, Croatia, and the water tasted horrendous. We have refillable water bottles we take everywhere, rather than buying plastic, and we were really having a hard time drinking the water there. At the time, as a quick solution we bought a cheap small filter which helped… enough.

Bicycles come in handy when you’re campervanning in Europe. It’s much easier to jump on a bicycle and cycle to the shops than it is to pack up the whole camper or motorhome and go. Bicycles are also a great way to get into a city or a green zone. You can park the campervan somewhere safe and easy and ride the bike in. It’s really common to see motorhomes with bicycles on the back for this reason.

The Gross Vehicle Weight of your motorhome or campervan

Aside from the dimensions of your camper, you’ll want to take note of the gross weight of the campervan or motorhome. It will have a maximum weight that you’re allowed to carry. The more ‘stuff’ you load in, the heavier you’ll be. When you’re working out what to pack, try to remember that just because you have some space doesn’t mean you should fill it. Leave some space so you can collect things as you go.

Essential Apps to download to your phone

Apps to find camping places.

Park4Night ( park4night.com ) an app that is fantastic for helping you find free overnight parking near you.

Apps to make life more enjoyable on a road trip

• The Kindle App will allow you to download books so that you’re not having to try and buy them as you travel
• Borrowbox is an app that is used by some libraries, it allows you to borrow E-books for free
• Audible – You pay for books you download on audible but you own them
• Spotify – It’s worth the small monthly investment to have some good road trip music

Connectivity and WIFI throughout Europe

Let’s face it, life is a lot easier if you have internet. Especially when you’re heading into new countries and unknown territory. It’s also helpful if you want to keep in touch with loved ones. I remember solo backpacking in Cambodia and my dad freaking out because I wasn’t replying to his text messages. I was at Angkor Wat at the time and 1000 year old temples don’t often have WIFI. Needless to say, I bought a sim card the next day.

If you stay at camp grounds they will often have internet although how good it is will vary considerably. If you need good internet, I’d recommend getting a dongle and using pay as you go rechargeable data like this. Three is a fantastic company with good reception throughout a lot of Europe.

Campervan and motorhome security – How to keep your belongings safe

Generally speaking, I would say that when you’re travelling in Europe, your at no greater risk for theft or a break in than you are in your home country. That being said, we’ve never had any problems and maybe someone who has experienced a break in might disagree. As everything you presumably want and need is inside the campervan, it’s understandable to be worried.

I was never really worried in camping places, but I was more concerned when we had to park the campervan in an isolated place. This happens say, when you’re going hiking and you drive to a remote car park, or, it happens when you want to see an old city and you can’t get parking so you end up parking down some random backstreet. It’s the only place you’ll fit.

There’s different strategies and tips, and everyone’s opinion differs. Some say leave all your blinds open so everyone can see if someone is in there. Others say leave them closed so the potential robber can’t see whether YOU’RE in there or not.

At the end of the day, I always carry our most valuable items on me. Passports, laptop, camera, phones etc, all go in my day bag if we leave the campervan in a remote place.

The other option is to purchase additional door and window locks.

Driving in Europe

Driving is different in Europe in that you’ll be driving on the right hand side of the road. Other than that, it’s not that dissimilar to driving in countries like America and Australia.

In western Europe in particular, the roads are pretty good and you shouldn’t have any issues, however the further east you move, the worse the roads become, I think I mentioned the pothole in Romania that stopped our camper in it’s tracks.

Do you need an international driving permit?

Anyone who’s drivers license has been issues outside of Europe should get an international driving permit . Although it’s not mandatory in all European countries, some countries do require it, alongside your normal drivers license.

Green Zones

Green zones are environmental zones, usually in cities, that restrict entrance to cars that do not meet emission requirements. Some places ban diesel vehicles all together, others may allow you to drive there provided you have received a green sticker indicating you’ve past an inspection. The reality is that if you’re in a large diesel motorhome, you’re probably not allowed in the green zone, and even if you were, you’d never be able to park in there.

As a general rule, avoid green zones, or park the camper somewhere safe and ride a bicycle or take public transport into the city if you want to go.

Petrol/Gas stations

By far the most expensive place to buy fuel is along the highways. If you need to fill up, go a little further in to a town, away from the motorway and you’ll find it to be a lot cheaper.

I’ve said it a few times already, but trying to park a large motorhome can be stressful. Some tourist sites will have large carparks, catering to the community campervanning Europe, but not all of them will. It is difficult for anyone to park in a city, let along a vehicle that’s twice as long as a normal car.

Reverse parking, or even just reversing a large campervan or motorhome can be difficult and many people find a reversing camera to be of great use.

Other factors to consider when travelling Europe by campervan

Road and safety equipment.

Most European countries have mandatory safety equipment that you’ll need to carry on you at all times. If you hire a vehicle, make sure that they supply you with everything you need such as fleurescent orange vest and safety triangles. Winter tires are a legal requirement in most countries during the cold season. You may also need snow chains if you plan on going into the mountainous areas in winter.

If you buy a campervan you may need to source the safety equipment for yourself if you didn’t receive it.

Vignettes and road taxes

Vignettes are stickers that you add to your windscreen in certain countries to show that you have paid for the privilege of using their roads, mainly highways. The countries that use vignettes are

• Czech Republic
• Switzerland

You can usually buy a vignette at border crossings or at petrol stations close to the borders. You must have one or you can be fined.

Road tolls and a toll pass

Many countries have tolls their motorways. If you’re spending a decent amount of time in a country that has tolls, and offers a toll pass, it can be an easy way to avoid the long lines that sometimes occur at the toll way.

Security, Safety and emergencies

To be perfectly honest, we’ve never felt anything other than safe and secure in Europe. The only concern we ever really had was when we couldn’t find anywhere decent to park the campervan. It was sometimes necessary to park in places that we were unsure about. Other than that, most countries in Europe are safe and other people at the campervan sites are just doing what you’re doing and trying to enjoy life.

If however you have an emergency, the emergency number in Europe is 112.

Winter in mountainous regions of Europe

If you plan on driving in the mountains in winter, you’ll probably require snow chains. Make sure you know how to fit them properly. If you’re hiring a campervan, the hire company should show you how to do this.

Blood Alcohol Concentration

It’s important that you know the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) for each country that you go through as it varies between them. While some countries have 0.05, others have a legal BAC of 0, meaning you can’t drink at all before driving.

These are really the main things that you’ll need to consider when planning to travel Europe in a campervan but don’t let it stress you out. Make sure you cover the basics and the rest you can deal with as you go. You’ll love the freedom, I promise.

Where to stay with your caravan or campervan in Europe?

Campervan parks.

There are quite a few options for places to stay overnight with your campervan. We stay at campervan parks, also known is holiday or vacation parks. Here you have access to facilities such as showers and toilets, and washing up and laundry rooms. It is possible to find some incredible campervan parks throughout Europe.

Overnight parking places

Many countries have over night parking places where you can stop if you’re just driving through. While some are nicer and designed for tourists, others are essentially truck stops, but will do the job. They’re free if you don’t want to pay. You can find these on the park4night app that I mentioned above.

In France you’ll find Aires de Service, or aire de camping car, which are places that you can stop for the night. They cost anywhere from free to €15. For an extra fee you may be able to dump your grey water and fill up your fresh.

Wild camping

Wild camping, known as freedom camping or free camping in other places, is not so common, but fairly easy to do in Europe. This is where you stop somewhere that is not a designated camp site, for example, in the forest. To do this you’ll need your campervan to be fairly self sufficient. You’ll also need to check the laws of the country you’re in as it is illegal to wild camp in certain countries.

ACSI card for discounted camp grounds

If you’re travelling in Europe in the off season, this card gives motorhomers, campervanners and caravaners great discounts on campsites and is well worth getting. As mentioned, only if you’re travelling in the off season.

Where can I travel with a campervan in Europe?

Everywhere! In reality, you can travel across most of the continent in a campervan, motorhome or caravan. Europe has open borders so you can freely move throughout the region. Once you’ve crossed the border into one country, you’ll need to abide that it’s rules and regulations. I’ll cover that more below.

Europe by campervan: Travel Routes and Itineraries

Where to begin your road trip, or hire your campervan or motorhome.

Where you begin your trip and collect your camper is up to you. It makes sense to fly in to Europe and collect your camper from the same place. The exciting thing is that the best place to begin depends on your itinerary. Where do YOU want to begin your European adventure?

How to plan a European Campervan Route or Itinerary

Planning a route or itinerary for Europe, or for any road trip is quite a personal experience. You can either plan everything out, from where you plan to stop, what you plan to see and how many days you intend to stay. Or, you can leave it fairly open. I prefer to leave it open and really just plan the main stops. With plenty of space to move in between.

Before you leave home you’ll probably want to have at least a general route or itinerary planned.

European seasons

Europe is huge and the climate varies greatly across the continent, but also across the seasons. You’ll definitely want to factor this in during the preparation phase.

Cooler seasons

November to April are the winter months. These can be difficult for campervanning due to snow and ice on the roads. Not to mention that the temperature can get well into the minuses. It is possible, however you’ll need to be prepared.

If you want to travel in the winter, there are a few countries more suitable. For example, the south of Spain and parts of Croatia, Montenegro and Albania have a milder winter. Whereas central Europe, the Scandenavian Countries and those to the far west have bitterly cold winters. Not ideal for a campervan.

When campervanning in Europe in the winter, you won’t have as many accommodation options as many camp grounds close for the season. Those that remain open will usually have less facilities available.

Warmer seasons

Generally speaking, most people will campervan Europe during the warmer months. May to October are great months, with June, July and August being peak season.

From mid spring to mid autumn, the weather vary’s from balmy to hot, making the summer peak seasons for travellers. The coastline along the bottom of the European continent is buzzing as thousands flock to coastal towns.

Although it’s a great time of year to travel, summer in Europe poses it’s own challenges. The coastal areas of all countries are incredibly busy with both overseas and European travellers alike. Prices are also their highest at this time.

For motorhome or campervan travellers, you’ll need to consider whether you get air conditioning. Our first campervan in Europe did not have air conditioning. At the height of summer, on the Croatian coast, Ben, Whiskey and I all slept outside on the ground. It was just too hot to bare. Two days later we left Croatia for Romania which is a few degree’s cooler over night.

Peak periods

Europe is home to some of the worlds largest events, think Tour De France, the Dutch Keukenhof, or Germany’s Oktoberfest. Thousands of travellers flock to these area’s in the lead up to these events. You’ll need to be prepared if you want to join them. Otherwise you’re probably best to stay away from those areas at those times.

Another issue can be the ‘school holiday’ period, during summer in Europe. Popular campervan parks can book out months in advance.

Using ferries on your European road trip

A great way to get from A to B without driving the long way, or simply to get on and off an island, like England, Ferries are part of most peoples campervanning experience in Europe. Connecting countries like the UK with France, Spain and the Netherlands, and Italy with Greece, Turkey or Croatia, it’s a fast and efficient way to travel.

Depending on the size of your motorhome or campervan and the distance you need to travel, you can pay anywhere from a €200 to €1000 euro per trip.

Using google maps to plan your European Campervan adventure

Get comfortable using google maps route planner when you’re planning your trip. I really like it because it gives me distances and times for travel. For example, I might decide to leave one place and drive to the next, The distance always looks so small on the map but google maps says it’s a 9 hour drive! Then I can try to find a place to stop in between for the night or find something that we might want to see or do for the day.

You can also download offline maps which helps if you think you might be going somewhere with no internet access.

It’s a really useful tool.

Costs and budget for travelling Europe in a campervan

Ultimately your budget will reflect your personal travelling style. It is heavily influenced by how many attractions you visit or how often you eat out compared to cooking in the campervan. Accommodation costs will vary from person to person, for example staying in high end campsites every night will be more expensive than wild camping, which is free. Your campervan hire or purchase price will be your most expensive initial outlay.

Some necessary and regular expenses are

• petrol or diesel for the campervan
• campervan site fee’s
• Admission fee’s to tourist attractions
• Gas for gas operated cook top or heating in the campervan
• Laundry facilities (sometimes you have to pay at the camp sites)
• European road tolls
• European Vignettes (see below)
• Public transport if you leave the campervan at the campsite

Apps for tracking your spending

It’s really helpful to keep track of how much money your spending. It disappears so quickly when you’re paying little bits out here and there. Petrol, gas, the camp ground for the night. Keeping track as you go means you’ll make it comfortably to the end of your trip rather than running out half way through.

Two great apps you can download to your iPhone are Trabee Pocket and Trail Wallet. They are both pretty similar and will help you keep track of your spending in each country. You can also track in that countries currency AND your home currency. This is really useful if your mental conversion is not so good, like mine!

Transferring Money

If you’re needing to transfer money around, make sure that you either have your own wifi device, like a dongle, or you use a VPN to protect your banking data.

What do you mean some countries don’t take Euro’s?

Yep, just to confuse things, some countries in Europe don’t take Euro’s. This is easy enough to deal with as simply going to an ATM or taking a small amount of the other currency with you, will solve the problem.

Countries that don’t accept euros are

You’ll need to organise these things before you leave for Europe

Your passport and any necessary visa’s.

Your passport itself is fairly easy. You just need to have one, and it needs to have more than 6 months validity, and enough pages to be stamped.

Visa’s can be a little bit more tricky depending on what citizenship you have, and how long you intend to travel. Make sure you check your visa requirements and organise your visa in advance.

Read : Passports and Visa requirements for campervan travel in Europe

Drivers licence

It seems only logical that you’d take your drivers to Europe if you intend to drive a campervan, doesn’t it? Make sure to check that your license is sufficient though. You may find that you need to obtain an International Drivers License before you go. And if so, you’ll need to have that on you too.

Travel Insurance for travelling Europe in a campervan

Travel insurance is one of the things that we never, ever leave home without. It’s really easy to have the ‘It won’t happen to me’ attitude, but the reality is that ‘it’ can happen to anyone.

Make sure that you book good travel insurance before you leave. We always use World Nomads. We’ve dealt with them personally, when I fell sick in Vietnam and needed treatment in Cambodia and then also in Thailand (very long story there!).

World Nomads were fabulous and we were really impressed with their service and speed. They called a couple of times just to check up on me and make sure we were ok. They also paid out almost all of my medical expenses, despite the fact that we were really delayed in sending them all the information. I mean, we literally sent the bills months after the event. I was convinced at that point that they wouldn’t pay, but voila. We’re very happy with them.

Paperwork that you’ll need to carry with you

Before you set out, you’ll want to make sure you have copies of all necessary paperwork. This includes

• Campervan or caravan and car insurance paperwork. Make sure you have the original, some countries won’t accept copies or photos from your phone.
• A rental contract or purchase contract proving your right to the vehicle
• Your travel or health insurance information
• your original birth certificates and marriage certificate. These are not so easy to get on the fly if you need them
• your drivers licence
• Your pets health check certificates and proof of rabies vaccination. You’ll need this even if you’re from a country that doesn’t have rabies. If you enter a rabies risk zone your pet won’t be allowed back into the rabies free area without one.
• Details of anything you’ve booked in advance including campervan parks, tours, tourist sites or public transport.

Van life – What’s it really like?

We absolutely love the freedom and sense of adventure that comes from living life in a camper. The idea that you can pick up and go anywhere. That you can see something new and different. We’ve been able to see some incredible places and have wonderful experiences. Not to mention adopting our dogs from Croatia. We wouldn’t have been able to do that if we didn’t have our own home on wheels.

The challenges of van life

That being said it’s not always sunshine and rainbows. There are challenges to van life as much as there are to any other lifestyle. Adjustments need to be made to how you life. The smaller the camper, the more adjustments are required to make van life enjoyable.

It involves some downsizing

You need to get used to public toilets, the occasional cold shower and cooking with minimal equipment. Packing everything away every time you move can be a bit annoying but you do get in a good rhythm with it. Forgetting to lock a cupboard door is fun when stuff flies out while you’re driving. Generally, if you’re a minimalist or can get buy without ‘all the stuff’ then you’ll have no problem.

I love our life in our little home and I have absolutely no problem what so every with living in a smaller space. I have everything that I need and the space doesn’t bother me at all.

It can be tiring constantly moving

We sometimes struggle between moving and staying still. If you find a really good camping place it’s really easy to settle down for a while as opposed to keeping moving.

When things go wrong there’s no escape, your camper is your home AND vehicle

There are times when things go wrong with the camper. Like the time our wheel bent, yes, our wheel bent. We were about to leave Romania and head back to the Netherlands. We decided to make a push for it but the vibration got worse and worse. The first night we stopped in Hungary for the first night, then in Germany, and then made it home, but oh wow did we have headaches.

You may have the odd sleepless night

And, as much as we like to think they are, motorhomes and campervans are not sound proof boxes. There’ll be the occasional night you don’t sleep because the people next to you have music playing, or are sitting at their table outside your window talking. We were at a campground just outside Bucharest. Which, unbeknownst to us, was right beside a large venue which was holding a wedding reception. Hardcore dance music blared inside the campervan, it was so loud we couldn’t have heard our own music if we’d put it on and turned it right up. Everyone was in the same boat because we were packing up our campervan at 6 am, and so were all the others. No one had had a wink of sleep.

The other side to this is thunderstorms. Heavy rain or wind on a campervan or caravan roof can sound thunderous. Sleeping during really big storms can be difficult. And if a huge storm hits during the night and your awning is out, watch out!

How do relationships survive van life?

To be honest I think that depends on what the relationship is like to begin with. Ben and I have travelled together for years so we’re used to always being together. We don’t really have any issues with being together all the time. That being said, sometimes it’s nice to have some privacy, or a moment to yourself.

Our main arguments these days are about the toilet. After all this time he still argues every time I tell him that the toilet needs to be emptied. E-V-E-R-Y time. You know in relationships you have your roles. There are certain things one person always does and certain things the other always does. He always does the toilet, its just the way it is. The thing is, I always have to tell him it’s full. He never just notices and empties it. I notice it and I tell him. This is what we argue about!

Other ways van life can affect relationships

As a little side note, it’s important that you factor your relationship in when you choose a campervan. With our first campervan we had to sleep in separate beds because the beds were too narrow for us. We also had a fairly small table that had two bench style seats opposite each other. The seats were not wide enough for us to sit comfortably side by side. I mean, we could, but we were bumping elbows a lot.

Not only were we sleeping separately, we were always sitting opposite each other. It didn’t really do a lot for the romance.

When we bought our caravan we knew we wanted one with a big bed, as well as a larger seating area where we could sit side by side.

In conclusion

So, that’s a lot, right? While there’s a lot to know and certainly to do before you leave on you camper van or motorhome road trip around Europe, once you set off, it gets a lot easier. After a week or so the day to day basics become routine and you’ll find your rhythm.

I want to hear from you

Don’t be shy. If you’ve made it to the end of this guide on campervanning Europe then you’re ready to go. Drop a comment and tell me your plans. Also feel free to ask any questions you might have. You never know, maybe they’ll help someone else too.

About Christine

Christine and her partner Ben have spent the last few years traveling through New Zealand and then Europe by campervan. They travel with their dog Alisa, who they adopted in Croatia. You'll find them exploring old cities, hiking through National Parks, and taking unforgettable road trips.

2 thoughts on “How to travel Europe in a campervan, motorhome or caravan”

Hi! Can you park for free-boondock with caravan? Im from Croatia and i see motorhomes park in city centar regulary im in Istria,but never see caravan park like that.I see them only in supermarkets parking or shoping centar parking. But can leave caravan somewhere in Forest and leave with you car is this possible? Sorrry abou my English! Thank you!

Hi Daniela, I’ve never tried it in a caravan so I can’t be sure, but I think there would be some problems with boondocking in a caravan. Some of the issues I can think of are – Safety and security – You’d need to make sure that the caravan can’t be stolen – you could use a Hitch lock, which prevents someone else from connecting their car to your caravan and towing it, there are also wheel locks, and then things like extra door locks and alarm systems – Leveling a caravan is more difficult, so if you want to camp in the forest you’d need to find a place that has flatter ground from the start – It will be more difficult to move a caravan if you need to make a quick exit – either for safety reasons or because you’ve been asked to move. – You probably don’t have a waste water tank so you’d need to find a way to collect your waste water so that it doesn’t flow out into the environment.

Those are just a few reasons I can think of. Maybe some of our readers have more experience with boondocking in a caravan?

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The pandemic has forced us to rethink how we do many things in our lives, from working and schooling remotely to social distancing wherever we go.

Travel too has been greatly impacted and many are now seeking out COVID-friendly holidays as travel restrictions ease; looking to adventurous RV holidays as a way to avoid hotels and public transport, joining the millions who have already embraced vanlife.

Vanlife is the movement that’s rocking social media. It’s about simplifying your life and realizing what’s truly important. It’s easy to see why so many people are embracing the lifestyle as it offers a great deal of freedom, flexibility, and adventure.

Renting an RV is a great way to decide whether you want to commit to vanlife as a lifestyle or simply wish to experience it as a travel break from everyday life. The flexibility allows you to change your plans at a whim; stay an extra day in a place that invigorates you or easily escape somewhere where the weather may not be cooperating.

If you want to experience a holiday where the possibilities are endless , check out these top tips for renting an RV and taking a vanlife holiday around Europe.

European Vanlife: Top Tips for Taking an RV Holiday Around Europe

Renting an rv in europe.

Most travelers looking to take an RV road trip across Europe choose to rent as opposed to purchase unless you’re planning to travel for a very extended period of time.

You can now easily rent an RV in Europe thanks to Yescapa which allows you to connect with verified local RV owners looking to rent out their vanlife vehicles.

Both European and non-European residents can find an ideal campervan, converted van, motorhome, or caravan simply by joining the free community and browsing the listings. Just input the city or town where you want to book your RV, along with the dates you want to travel.

You’ll be able to select an RV that suits your size requirements to accommodate everyone, and you can select from a range of added comforts including kitchen facilities, bedding, heat and air conditioning, and onboard toilet and shower.

Pro tip:  As an added bonus, renting an RV through Yescapa provides you with included comprehensive insurance and breakdown assistance.

You can also narrow your search results to display RVs that offer disability access, child car seats, and allow pets if that’s what you need. Many RVs also come with handy extras like GPS, reversing cameras, bike racks, and winter tires or chains for European winter road trips.

After sending a booking request to local RV owners through Yescapa, you’ll usually get a response within 24 hours. You’ll also be able to compare RVs and read advice and reviews.

Where to Take a European Vanlife Holiday

Europe is one of the best places to take a vanlife holiday for the simple fact it offers many different countries with easy border crossings  (great thing about Yescapa being that you can rent an RV anywhere on the continent).

A European RV road trip allows you to explore the hidden gems and less touristy regions of Europe that many travelers don’t experience. Getting off the beaten path allows you to explore the natural side of Europe along with its charming villages where you’ll engage with locals instead of other expats and tourists.

You’ll encounter lesser known attractions that are often times equally as impressive as the big city attractions and can take time to explore the many national parks that Europe offers.

Pro tip:  Try to avoid the big popular cities like Paris, Rome, or London when taking a vanlife holiday for the simple fact these cities are quite expensive and make things like camping, parking, and navigating traffic quite difficult and stressful.

It’s also important to know that certain regions of Europe can be quite expensive for RVing such as Western Europe and even more so Scandinavia. One exception in the west is Portugal .

If you’re needing to stick to a strict budget or simply want your travels to be extended, stick to Eastern Europe with countries like Romania , Poland, Bulgaria, Slovenia, and Slovakia.

You may also want to consider avoiding the peak European travel season, which are the summer months of July and August. Taking a vanlife holiday at this time will force you to compete with both foreign tourists and locals getting away from the big cities for their summer holidays.

You can create an itinerary based on what countries you want to see or around famous European drives like Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, Italy’s Stelvio Pass, Croatia’s Adriatic Highway, Romania’s Transfagarasan Highway, or Norway’s Atlantic Road.

European RV Driving Tips

There are a number of different driving laws to be aware of when RVing around Europe and they can vary between countries.  However the great thing about booking with Yescapa is that their owners are available to address any concerns and make sure you’re aware of the rules and regulations of the countries you’re be visiting. 

Some things to keep in mind is that while most European nations drive on the right side of the road, several are the opposite and drive on the left including Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, and the U.K.

It is also mandatory in a number of European countries to have a physical toll sticker placed on your vehicle or purchase an online digital motorway vignette when driving on motorways or expressways.

This includes places like Austria and Switzerland. Failure to obtain a vignette can result in hefty fines and possibly even the seizure of belongings from your vehicle.

Pro tip:  If you do get fined for a traffic violation, know that you may be required to pay immediately in some European nations, while others may allow you up to a week to pay.

There are then European low emission zones to be aware of as well as making sure your sidelights remain on at all times in countries like Sweden, Italy, Denmark, and Switzerland.

Some countries feature many roundabouts to navigate, while others contain a lot of one way streets. Some countries like Bosnia & Herzegovina even have warnings about only driving on paved roads due to the possibility of old landmines that may be off-road!

Border control may wish to search your RV despite many European countries having open borders, and you can be stopped for random alcohol and drug tests.

Lastly, it’s always a good idea to measure your vehicle to know your height and length limits which is important when parking, entering parking garages, and passing under bridges.

Never let your fuel tank get too low either, as petrol stations may be spaced far apart in some regions and stations may be closed on certain days like Sundays.

Dealing with Language Differences

Take a vanlife holiday across Europe can be a bit more complex than road tripping across countries like the U.S. or Australia due to the simple fact that the language can change as you cross country borders.

While you may be able to get by on limited vocabulary and translation apps when communicating with locals, you will need to read up on what various road signs mean. In many cases, you’ll be able to recognize various road signs simply based on shape and color but others will require a bit of research.

You also have some countries like Belgium for instance where you may encounter various road signs in either French or Dutch depending on where you are.

Pro tip:  It’s worthwhile carrying a foreign language dictionary for the countries you will be visiting or have that translation app handy in case you need to ask locals for directions.

Keep in mind that in addition to language often differing between European countries as you cross borders on your road trip, you will need to also check whether the currency changes. While 19 European nations all use the Euro , a number of countries including Denmark, Sweden, and Romania all have their own individual currencies.

You may also want to brush up on the local customs and traditions in each country you’ll be visiting so as to not experience any social faux pas.

Keeping Costs Down

While certain areas of Europe can be expensive for RVing, there are thankfully a number of ways you can reduce costs.

Staying away from the big cities and doing a bit of wild camping will go a long way to minimizing costs, as will planning a trip in the winter off-season or shoulder seasons of spring and fall. Not only will attractions and campsites be cheaper, so too will RV rentals.

It’s wise to set a budget to give yourself an idea of how much you can spend each day. This will allow you to better select campsites, destinations, driving distances, and attractions that are affordable for your budget.

Pro tip:  Set your GPS to avoid toll roads as they can add up quickly in countries like France where they are plentiful. While avoiding tolls may add journey time, the whole idea of vanlife is to slow things down while traveling.

Another huge way to reduce travel costs is to cook your own meals, something that can be accomplished with a mobile kitchen. Many Yescapa RV rentals come equipped with kitchen facilities, allowing you to cook meals and refrigerate perishables and leftovers.

Use a fuel price app to seek out the cheapest petrol stations along your chosen routes, keeping in mind the stations along the highway are often costlier than most in Europe.

You’ll also want to make sure to budget for potential repairs like flat tires as well as things like possible traffic fines, ferries, and travel insurance which can provide coverage for international medical treatment.

Making Life on the Road Easier

It may not always be easy to find stores and supplies along routes in remote regions, so be sure to stock up on things like food and toiletries in larger towns and cities. Unlike road trips across America, there aren’t Walmarts around every corner.

You’ll want to make sure your propane tanks are filled in order to run your RVs heating, hot water, kitchen stove, propane fridge, and barbecue if you have one. RVs generally have a permanent built-in RV propane tank but you can also get portable ones to run things like a barbecue for when you’re camping.

You should always turn off your propane systems while driving and shut off propane appliances, valves, and pilot lights when refueling your RV. When it comes to refilling propane tanks during your European vanlife holiday, keep in mind that different bottles are used in different countries so you may need adaptors.

Pro tip:  Propane tanks need to be refilled and replaced by certified service technicians, and service stations across Europe may vary in the services they offer and the hours they operate. Carry alternative fuel sources for cooking just in case, like a camping stove.

You may also want to look into getting an RV with an inverter which will allow the RV’s battery to convert DC power to AC power which allows you to run your appliances and charge devices. You’ll need to make sure the inverter has a high enough watt rating to power everything you need at one time.

You can also look into getting a portable solar generator or solar panels to be able to charge things like laptops, camera batteries, and tablets.

And while many RVs provide onboard bathrooms facilities, you should keep in mind that not all roadway bathrooms in Europe are free. Always carry change for public bathrooms and maybe carry a supply of toilet paper in case the public facilities are out.

When wild camping, be sure to make use of bathroom facilities provided or practice safe and sanitary bathrooms habits in nature by using biodegradable toilet paper and carrying a shovel to properly bury your waste.

Finding RV Camping Spots

Because you can’t spend all day and night on the road and seeing attractions, you’ll eventually need to secure a camping spot for your RV.

Some apps like Park 4 Night and the Camper Contact app work well across Europe while other countries offer their own specific campsite locating apps.

While finding European RV camping spots in the peak summer season can be difficult and expensive, they can actually be nonexistent during the winter season since many European camping locations close down for the season.

When it comes to choosing a location, you have the choice of free, paid, and wild camping options. While the free option may sound enticing, it often involves camping out in a roadside rest stop or parking lot, so don’t expect a lot in terms of scenery.

Pro tip:  While these free camping spots are well-marked on the road, don’t expect very much in the way of amenities either. You may have to pay to use the toilets and there may or not be a restaurant on site.

Paid RV camping spots are plentiful throughout European towns and offer up gorgeous locations along with amenities like share kitchens, clean toilets, waste disposal, playgrounds, game rooms, bars/restaurants, and small stores with goods.

Wild camping is both adventurous and romantic, but it’s sadly not always legal in European countries . Wild camping rules differ between countries and it’s actually banned in a large number of European nations such as Italy.

In certain countries like Switzerland, it may only be illegal in certain regions. Other countries may technically prohibit wild camping but it may be tolerated in specific locations.

It always pays to check the laws around wild camping , as penalties can be quite harsh if you break them. A few notable countries where you may have better luck wild camping is in Spain, Sweden, Norway, and Ireland.

I hope I’ve enticed you even more to want to experience a vanlife holiday for yourself. There’s no better place than Europe to get your RVing feet wet (or tires wet in this case)!

If You Liked This Post You May Also Like:

5 Reasons You Should Travel Europe by Bike

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How to Be a Socially Conscious Traveler in Europe

Megan is an Australian Journalist and award-winning travel writer who has been blogging since 2007. Her husband Mike is the American naturalist and wildlife photographer behind  Waking Up Wild ; an online magazine dedicated to opening your eyes to the wonders of the wild & natural world.

Having visited 50+ countries across all seven continents, Megan’s travels focus on cultural immersion, authentic discovery and incredible journeys. She has a strong passion for ecotourism, and aims to promote responsible travel experiences.

Far better to rent a car, and bring a tent, sleeping bag and a small kit including a portable propane stove. Much easier to find tent sites, wild camp, or stay in the plentiful B&B’s, hostels, hosteria’s and auberges located across Europe. I’ve driven extensively on month long trips in France, Portugal, Iceland, the Czech Republic and Morocco without issue. Car rentals are cheaper than RV’s and easier on the gas (petrol) too! Invest in good Michelin maps to get around and plot your trip, rather than using your mobile, which are too small and get expensive to use with roaming charges! Hope this helps! Cheers! Frederic Hore, Montréal, Canada.

Great to hear you’ve had wonderful road trips Frederic! I love RV’s for the flexibility of driving your accommodation with you, but there are definitely amazing accommodation options throughout Europe which make regular road trips a fantastic choice too.

Great point on Michelin maps, I’ve been on the receiving end of one or two high phone bills because of roaming! I usually now take a portable WiFi hotspot with me like TEP which you can connect to without needing to use roaming, local SIM cards are also great too but obviously that gets a bit annoying when you’re hopping through countries so frequently like in Europe, so the multi country hotspots have worked really well for me.

Thanks for sharing! Here’s to many more amazing roadtrips ahead :)

Happy travels Xx

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Travelling through Europe in a motorhome: How to plan your European itinerary

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Travelling through Europe in a campervan or motorhome

Travelling through Europe in a campervan or motorhome is one of the best ways to see these beautiful countries at your own pace.  So if you’ve been reading my detailed motorhome articles, you should now be well and truly prepared, and “in the know” to get yourself ready for your big trip.

Many people have commented on the level of detail in these articles, and the amount of planning that goes into it.  To be honest, we’ve done it so many times now, that it hardly seems like onerous planning.  We intuitively do this stuff.  However, if you are a first-time hirer, owner or driver of a motorhome, it pays to be well prepared.

If you are new to the world of campervan hire, however, the details and the pre-planning will be what could ultimately save you from a disaster.  The last thing you need is an administrative issue threatening your plans.

Once we have done all the upfront planning, it’s freedom from then on.  From the moment we pick up the campervan, there are no real plans or rules.  There are just places to go, experiences to be had, and plenty of food and beverages to be consumed.

There is nothing quite like the freedom of slow travel, travelling wherever you like and staying for as long as you like.  If we love a place, we’ll stay longer.  If we don’t, then we simply move on.

You can read all about our campervan and motorhome road trips in Europe here >> Motorhome and Campervan travel

Planning a motorhome travel itinerary for Europe 

The level of detail that goes into planning an itinerary will depend largely on the amount of time you have to spend.  It’s kind of done in reverse.  If you are only spending a short amount of time in the campervan or motorhome, then the level of planning is usually considerably more, so as to ensure that you git in as much as you can, or want.  I will stress though, that on paper, Europe can be ever so enticing. 

It’s easy to get over-excited and want to cram as many of those beautiful cities and areas in as possible.  If you are new to motorhome life, or to driving a motorhome, it might be best to limit the amount of driving.  Big days, day after day, of driving can be incredibly exhausting and opens up room for driving error,  irritability and a general loss of enjoyment. 

It is also worthy to note that distances and times given by apps such a Google Maps should only ever be used as a guide.  Notwithstanding traffic issues or events such as protests that are a constant part of the French landscape, driving always takes longer in a motorhome.

If you are driving on the autoroutes, your trip time will be considerably less, but possibly more expensive where tolls are involved.  If you are on the country roads, the time taken to travel is much longer than the app will ever tell you. 

The mapping apps don’t take into account the size of the vehicle you may be driving or the level of confidence or experience of the driver.  All of these factors will impact the speed at which you can drive.  Add in some mountain ranges and steep roads where you are driving close to the edge and I can guarantee you that you won’t be driving fast.

Tip : Always add additional time to your driving route to ensure you don’t become stressed or frustrated at the driving time.

Europe is an amazing place to road trip in a motorhome and it’s quite simply why we keep coming back over and over again.  The (current) ease of crossing many of the country’s borders without any regulation makes it easy to pop in and out of countries.  Do note however that you need to be aware of where and how you might cross a border and ensure that you do have the appropriate paperwork if necessary.

Some travellers have very clear ideas about where they want to start and end their trip, others less so.  As a starting point consider the following when thinking about your itinerary.  If you own your own motorhome and time isn’t an issue then planning will be more flexible.  However, if you are hiring, these kinds of questions should be considered before you actually hire, and pay for, a motorhome.

We’ve put together a comprehensive guide of all the questions you should think about and answer before hiring a motorhome in Europe.  Read our beginners guide to campervan hire.  It will help you with the above questions, and so much more. CLICK HERE  

Should you hire or buy a motorhome?

There’s so many things to think about here.  If you are not sure about what choice to make, head on over to our very detailed article on how to buy a motorhome in France for non-EU residents.   Whilst this is the best guide for those who want to buy a motorhome, we go into all the specifics about when hiring vs buying (or vice versa) is a better choice.

In summary, key things to consider are:

• Duration of your trip – Generally if your trip is over three months, buying would be the best option (from an economic sense)
• Time of year – the cost of hiring for longer periods of time during peak season might outweigh the purchase cost of a small campervan
• Ability to sell at the end of your trip
• Financial capability to outlay a large amount of cash at once
• Where to store if not using it continuously
• Vehicle preference – including configuration, size and transmission
• Maintenance (if you own) vs maintenance-free (if you hire)

Tip : If you are a non-EU resident and considering buying, please read our article noted above.  It will save you money in the long run, save you being ripped off and buying a vehicle that you can’t own legally, and allow you to sell it to recoup your money.  Avoid buyback schemes too.

If you are thinking about hiring, we recommend France Motorhome Hire, who operate from a depot south of Paris.  It’s an easy location to get to (via fast train from Paris) and makes driving your motorhome for the first time much easier given it is not in a big city.  We’ve been using FMH since 2012 and now start and finish all of our trips here, whether we stay in France, or go further afield into Europe. It takes all the pressure of trying to muddle through all the hiring companies.  We trust these people and the level of service and vehicles they provide.  See our promo code in this article for €50 off your hire!

Before you make a hiring decision, read our Ultimate guide to hiring a motorhome in Europe .  It’s a comprehensive guide to all the questions you need to think about prior to making the decision to hire.

If you aren’t sure what size motorhome you might need, take a peek inside a campervan to get a feel for the amenities and space.

There are even more tips here in our article on how to ensure you have a successful campervan pickup.  Most people don’t even think about what might be required until they arrive at the depot.  Depending on who you hire with and the time of year, this process can be chaotic and the end result will be you getting rushed out the door without having checked over the vehicle properly.  That’s why it is important you have a checklist in your head before you arrive.

If you are hiring, check out France Motorhome Hire.  We use and recommend them.  Use our promo code BEERCROI when doing your online quote at France Motorhome Hire for €50 off your next hire!

Our 2017 Europe motorhome itinerary

To give you a sense of just how much European countryside we covered on our trip in 2017, I’ve put together a map.  It might seem like a lot of driving but it was not onerous for us.  As you can see from the detail further down, we averaged about 100km a day, over a 42 day period.

Remember, I’m an Australian and 100km for us to drive in a day is not considered much at all.   This is probably why so many other Aussies love driving campervans!  The distance you go depends completely on your personal plans. 

As I noted above, thinking about the distances you want to drive is important.  Where possible, if you can have at least one additional driver, it will make a huge difference to the trip for all involved.  We usually start off our overall planning with an old fashioned atlas .  It allows us to get a good view of the countries on one page, and then some of the more detailed information as well.

From there we will get onto the laptop and start using Google Maps.  We also use My Maps (Google) so we can plot more locations and save planned itineraries, which you can’t do on the general Google maps.  We will research other destination blogs for possible ideas and also check out the various travel guides that we have at hand.

How much does it cost to drive a motorhome around Europe?

I get many questions about the cost of running campervans and motorhomes, particularly as it relates to fuel and camping costs.

Of course, everything is relative, and everyone has a very personal opinion on what represents good value and what is expensive/inexpensive.  Ultimately, it all comes down to personal circumstance and where you see the value.

What I constantly remind myself of is that I can’t expect everything to be the same as it is at home, and that goes for cost.  Things are going to cost more or less wherever I travel.  Often my own currency is not strong against the Euro or the US dollar either.  What I use as a comparison however is the cost of alternatives.

So, in this case, the alternatives are the cost of hotels and other accommodation, car hire or other transport.  I have mentioned before that a campervan is our accommodation, our transport and often our restaurant, so I am sure to benchmark accordingly.

One of our motorhome trips, lasting 42 days, cost us on average, €133 per day.  This is inclusive of our campervan hire, fuel and camp fees.  I have not included food as this is highly variable, and we eat and drink very well when we are travelling.  On average, we would spend a lot more on food, wine and beer than a lot of people would.

We are not budget travellers so I can honestly say that we have certainly paid this amount (and more) for a hotel room before, and then had to add everything else on top.

For those that love the detail (and I know there are plenty of you), the following provides you with a snapshot of where we drove showing how easy it is to get to some really great places without having to drive all day.

Campervan running costs

There’s no getting around this cost.  If you hire a campervan and drive it, you will eventually need to refuel.  But, surprisingly, it never feels as though this is a constant activity.  Given the size of the vehicles, they are very efficient.

It is important to note that the price of fuel can differ broadly from country to country, area to area.  Fuel costs have also seen increases of about 20% on average over the past four years.  Fuel is also more expensive on motorways than in the small towns.  Always only use these as a guide as prices are always subject to change.

If you are hiring a motorhome, this is the main running cost.  Other costs such as replacement gas or toilet chemicals are usually relatively small in comparison.

Cost of campgrounds for motorhomes

The type of camping spot dictates how much you pay.   

We generally travel in the campervan during off-peak times, meaning we worry less about where we are going to spend the night and whether we need to book a campground.  Note, there are always exceptions to this depending on the location/country you are in.

Many people will only ever camp in official campgrounds for reasons of safety, convenience, camaraderie and services.  Others will use a blend of these campgrounds and also use a selection of aires and programs like France Passion.

Then, there are travellers like us who are comfortable in our motorhome and in our skills and abilities to choose appropriate (and safe) locations that are not at campgrounds.  We prefer to stay for the night in quieter spots, not crawling with people and not parked right next to someone.  We also love to give money directly to local people, hence why we use and prefer France Passion.

Read about the French Aires de Service program.  Or, read about France Passion and some of the best France Passion locations we’ve stayed at in France .

As an example, back in 2015, we stayed at a blend of campgrounds, Aires and France Passion locations.  Whilst we prefer not to be in campgrounds, there were plenty of occasions in Italy, Switzerland and Luxembourg where we had no choice but to do so.  The detail below shows our costs.  It was a rough 50/50 split between paid sites and non-paid, bringing the average down significantly.  In 2017 and 2018 however, our trips saw us avoid campgrounds completely, so our camping costs were zero.

Note: We are responsible motorhomers who only ever park our vehicle where it is safe and appropriate to do so.  Networks and associations that bring us services like France Passion, Aires, Home Camper and Bienvenue a la Ferme help keep costs down when staying in a motorhome in Europe.  They also highlight locations you might not otherwise see and allow for wonderful interaction with locals.

We are passionate about travelling through Europe in a campervan.  We’ve had so many wonderful experiences over the years that keeps us coming back for more.  We always save money by travelling this way, but more importantly for us, it offers us enormous freedom to do whatever we choose.  I know it’s not for everyone, but if I could convince those who have been thinking about it to give it a go, my job would be done!

READ MORE OF OUR MOTORHOME ARTICLES HERE

For all the latest tips, advice and hints for how to make the most of a motorhome trip through Europe, we've got you covered. Plus we've got some amazing short and long-term itineraries, videos and amazing photos to make you want to go on a road trip right now.

Read all of our motorhome guides here .

Rent a motorhome in Europe with Anywhere Campers

We use and recommend Anywhere Campers for motorhome hire in Europe. They are also one-way hire specialists.

Driving a motorhome in France safely. Our best tips to keep you safe.

All the best general tips for driving in France from expereinced motorhome travellers.

What is really inside a campervan: A look inside a hired motorhome

If you've never hired a motorhome before it can be hard to know what they look like inside. Read our guide which shows you the room your can expect, storage space, bedroom configuration, size of bathroom and more.

Looking to do a road trip in the USA?  Here’s some more detail on how to get yourself ready for your big trip .

Join our community of motorhome owners and hirers on Facebook.  Click on the imager below or search for Motorhoming in France.

Please note: Beer and Croissants provides accurate information at the time of writing but makes no representations or provides any warranty or coverage of liability for bookings made with France Motorhome Hire or any other hiring company.

In the spirit of full disclosure, any bookings made through Beer and Croissants with France Motorhome Hire will generate a small commission, but will not cost you any more. In fact, by working with this company, we hope to bring you special offers from time to time.  We do, however, always pay the full hire of any of our FMH hires ourselves.

About The Author

Kerri McConnel

A former corporate business executive, Kerri is the content creator for Beer and Croissants, a trusted source of detailed guides on motorhome travel, road trip itineraries, and destinations.

Together with Stirling, they are motorhome experts, having independently road-tripped their way across much of Europe, Australia, and New Zealand since 1995. Back home in Australia, they own their own motorhome and can always be found on a regional road trips, taking in towns that often no one has heard of.

They are responsible travellers; long, slow trips in motorhomes, spending time in small regional communities where the tourists usually don't wander, and spending money in their small economies. And where possible, they travel in shoulder and off seasons, so they don't add to the tourist rush.

As an Honorary Barge Lady for Barge Lady Cruises and a regular on European Waterways vessels, Kerri is also an expert on luxury barge travel in Europe, having completed five barge cruises in France and Scotland.

Kerri is a Digital Travel Publisher Member and former board member and treasurer of the Australian Society of Travel Writers (2020-2023).

Everything written and produced on this site is our own work. there's no AI and if we've written about it, you can trust we've been there, done that!

Read more about Kerri here

59 thoughts on “Travelling through Europe in a motorhome: How to plan your European itinerary”

Hi Craig, the great thing about motorhome trips, especially in Western Europe is that you can do great ones in a few weeks as well. We quite often just take them out for a few weeks. Perhaps you could start a bit smaller and only do one or two countries to get the hang of it first? If you go to the social media sharing buttons at the bottom of the article you will see a print button, but just mind that it’s a long article and will print images etc. If you are thinking about hiring in France, don’t forget to check out France Motorhome Hire. If you use BEERCROI as the promotional code, you will get €50 off your hire.

Great read, looking at getting a van early next year. Would love to do something as big as this but not sure it would be possible due to work commitments. How do I get a printable version of this article

Hi Kamran, there’s plenty of info on the camper we used and who we rented it from here https://www.beerandcroissants.com/category/plan-with-me/motorhomes/ . We use France Motorhome Hire and highly recommend them. You hire these out of Sens (about an hour and a bit by train south of Paris. There is an enquiry form to get more details and a quote directly from them here https://www.beerandcroissants.com/campervan-hire-in-europe/

Where did you rent the camper. We are planning to go in August and looking for tips on where to find good deals on renting campervan

This is such an adventure! I love the freedom of it. I’ve never traveled like this but I was jealous of the people in Iceland that were doing the trip in a camper van. They had so much more freedom than us!

Yeah 100km for us is nothing at all. We can quite easily do 1200km a day without it bothering us but I know not everyone is like us. We can still match it with the best of them on an autobahn, although we tend to sit at the 110km. They are big rigs and don’t pull up fast.

That would have been a little squeezy. Thanks Adonis.

I did something very similar in the summer of 2013. I didn’t hire a camper van but a Renault sedan. It’s not as comfortable to sleep in but I’m used to camping in my car. If I was to do over again I’d do it with a camper van and with a partner like you guys did. Very informative post. Thanks :)

100km isn’t too much. I drive that much everyday to/from work but I’d rather do this for sure! But for a campervan it must be difficult. What’s the top speed on that? I mean how fast do you guys go?

I believe it’s one of the best ways to travel Gina.

I hope you get there someday.

it certainly is Vyjay

Thanks Natasha- and I know you will get there too :)

wow tht’s some travel goal Izzy ! thanks so much for your inspiration too :)

yes this type of travel is for at least a month I think !

Holy cow, this is pretty sweeeeet! I would love to do this eventually… one day… currently have zero vacation hours and for this to work I would want to stay for a month or so… One day…

Those excel sheets are everything! Seriously, you need to package this up and present this to a tour agency. They will love the transparency and the tried-and-tested nature of this program. These are travel goals right here! Maybe one day instead of a wedding i’d get a wedding-honeymoon 2-in-1 campervanning around Europe and getting married off in a rando church :P Thanks for the inspiration!

This is incredibly helpful and so detailed. I would love to do this someday — not sure I’d be able to do 43 days quite yet at around $150 US but maybe once I get my business going more :) You’re right about hotels quickly adding up! Looks like a really unique experience. Thanks for sharing!

That sounds an epic trip. Europe’s countryside is so lush and beautiful. Camping where the mind wants to seems like a great experience.

Wow. That is a great way to travel. Full of adventure on the road and i love that. I wish to do that as well even once in a lifetime.

I never thought to take a camper van through Europe! It must give you so much freedom to go wherever you please since you’re taking your bed with you. It was super helpful to see the chart of what you spent and how you spent it!

Wow! This is really insightful. I guess I thought taking a campervan would make the budget more manageable, but this is actually quite pricy!

It’s my dream to become a grey nomad and retire with a camper van. I can’t wait. Really useful info thank you!

yeah we think it is !

Oh wow– this is awesome! You guys got to see so much! I thought the costs would be higher. It ends up being pretty reasonable.

Yes and if you didn’t need electricity or wifi, we would have stayed in even more of them :) thanks Toni !

Thanks Kayla. Always here if you need it x

Thanks so much Simon

Thanks Thuymi

yeah it sure is Monika

This is definitely one of my dreams: to travel in Europe in a campervan! It must be good to travel with your home :)

Wow this is great I am so envious of you! Great breakdown of your costs too! Bookmarked!

This looks amazing! It would be such a dream to travel Europe with a camper van. You covered so much countries in such a good time! Wonderful!

What I love about this article is the details. I love how you give a breakdown of the fees. It is another alternative and I guess the choice is up to you. I definitely think I could give using a campervan a try as it has its benefits.

Oh my god, this seems like a great trip. So many places you have been to – I would love to do such a trip as well but am scared of driving a bigger car in some streets. This itinerary however looks ideal to me :)

Wow Kez, great post! You are so informative and efficient! I haven’t yet had the pleasure of experience any where in a caravan or van but boy is it a dream of mine! Will hit you up when the time comes :) Love and light beautiful lady xx

We love camping and caravanning so I’m loving the detail in this posts. To be honest I hadn’t considered doing it around Europe before, mostly because I have all those narrow lanes in my head but of course that isn’t everywhere. One thing that surprise me is the quantity of free camping you managed to achieve, almost half your trip which is a great cost saver.

I can understand that about the Germans. We noticed too that most of the fuel stations were on the borders of Luxembourg, which said to us that this is exactly what the other country people did – drive to Luxembourg for cheaper fuel.

Perfect thanks Bryanna. If you’ve done it before you are mostly there. Hopefully just a few Euro specific things to watch out for.

how cool was she!!! Love it.

Thanks Heather, love the analogy…..100km gets us nowhere here so we do get used to it. Hope you get to try it out some day.

Thank you so much, I really appreciate that. If you, or anyone you know ever needs help, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Thanks Laura….

Great, thanks Fiona.

Thanks Anda, that’s why I decided to publish this as I know people don’t always have visibility on costs.

Thanks Danik.It certainly was great.

What a great detailed and informative breakdown of your trip! We RV in the US and want to do it in Europe in the future and this is a perfect post to help us understand how it would work in Europe.

I like your posts about campervanning ! Especially as they are really specific. If we will set up for this kind of trip we will definitely ask you for an advice! And 42 days is a big number :) Hope you Guys enjoyed every single day of it!

Great post. :) lots of interesting facts on here as well. Never done europe in a campervan and for that long as well. Amazing trip!

Wow, this is so much more affordable than moving from hotel to hotel and eating at restaurants. Thanks for sharing the costs with us. I’d love to drive all around Europe. There is so much to see and do there. I’d never get bored.

I’d love to do this! What a fab adventure!

Very comprehensive. I’ll pass this on to my brother who lives in Scotland and has just bought his own campervan with a view to travelling..

What an amazing itinerary! My father-in-law is thinking of buying a campervan so he can do an epic road trip through Europe – I’ll make sure to show this to him :-)

Such an extensive accounting of the trip! I wish I could also do likewise here in Asia. Anyway, I appreciate sharing this article as it gave me an idea of how to organize my future travel and vacation annotations and expenses :)

Wow, what a comprehensive post, and such an epic trip (even if you are an Aussie and eat 100s kms for breakfast!). We’d love to try campervaning next year and Europe seems a great place to start, thanks for the tips!

Very detailed and informative. Breaking down the costs certainly helps for anyone wanting to travel with a specific budget in mind. Thanks!

Oh, wow, this looks like an epic road trip! I love driving, but I feel a campervan would be a bit hard for me to handle (too big). Would still love to try it at some point in the future. You’ve been to some amazing places. Also, I see things have hardly changed over the past 5-6 years and Luxembourg is still in the lead with the cheapest gas :D I have friends in Germany who’d rather drive 40 kilometers to Luxembourg to refuel there than buy the gas locally.

That is definitely a different way to see Europe and have your hotel traveling with you, sounds like a fun way to experience different areas.

What a cool way to see Europe! My grandmother actually did something similar when she was in her 70s! Hired a campervan with her son and travelled around Europe!

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Europe In A Campervan – 11 Things You Must Know Before Your First Trip

Last Updated on 12 November 2023

*This post may contain affiliate links , which means that if you decide to make a purchase through one of these links, I will receive a commission at no extra cost to you! This allows me to continue bringing you valuable content for free and any purchases you make via these links are gratefully appreciated. Please refer to my Disclosures for more information.*

Thinking of travelling around europe in a campervan.

Thinking of taking a European road trip from the UK in your home on wheels? You might have already conquered somewhere like Scotland in your motorhome , and now be ready to graduate to Europe . Well I don’t blame you. Roaming Europe with flexibility and freedom is one of the most liberating travel experiences ever, and the continent is pretty well equipped for motorhomes too. But there are some things you should know before you set off. After a few stints touring Europe in a campervan, I’ve composed a list of first-timers tips which should help your road trip go smoothly . 

Here’s 11 things you must know before you go road trippin’…

1. set your sat-nav or google maps to ‘avoid toll roads’.

There are various toll roads across Europe (especially in France). Yes, some are going to be unavoidable if you want to save time – you can evaluate these on a case by case basis and research them prior to your trip so you know when not to set your sat-nav to avoid toll roads. But generally, when you travel Europe in a campervan, it is a good idea to set your sat-nav to avoid these so you don’t end up incurring lots of extra costs which could have been avoided by taking another route! Some toll roads can be quite pricey and might charge more for larger vehicles, like motorhomes. 

Tip : Search the different sections of your road trip itinerary on Google Maps before you go to see what toll roads are along the way, how much they cost, and if they are avoidable. 

2. Always carry a credit or debit card

It can be common at fuel stations to have to pay at the pump before you fill up , so you will need a credit or debit card with you in case this is the only option. But this is not the only reason for carrying plastic. When you’re touring Europe in a motorhome, it is always a good idea to have an option for card payment with you, in case the unexpected happens (like when you break down in Germany and need to spend all day at a garage in the middle of nowhere having your van fixed and don’t have the cash to fund it, but do have a card)!

3. Purchase European breakdown cover 

This might seem like a simple tip , but some people just don’t bother to get European breakdown cover for their campervan (regardless of whether they are staying in the UK or travelling abroad in a motorhome). It can be exceptionally expensive to fund the recovery of your vehicle without breakdown cover . To date, we have used our European breakdown cover twice when on European road trips in our van and without it, I think I would have fainted at the price of the bill!  It is non-negotiable .

Tip : Make sure you do some basic checks periodically when touring Europe in your motorhome, like making sure oil levels are sufficient. It could save you hassle in the long-run.

4. Purchase a Camperstop book

There are some trip planning tools , but one of my all time favourites is Camperstop – a touring Europe in a motorhome book. In my opinion, it is the bible of European campsites and off-site parking spots . From my first time travelling Europe in a van onwards, I have religiously used Camperstop to source overnight parking. Whether it’s a luxury riverside campsite with all the amenities, a carpark in a beautiful German town , or a rough parking area in a little village, it features an abundance of free and paid for parking options (and details the amenities, cost, when it’s open, and more). 

5. Do your driving outside of peak hours

It might seem obvious, but when you are travelling around Europe in a campervan it is best to do your driving outside of peak hours . My personal preference is to get up early and do the driving stints first thing in the morning. If you need to take ring roads around busy cities like Brussels, it can be beneficial to pass through them before the work traffic starts . Furthermore, if your European motorhome trip is going to be in the height of summer, it makes sense to do your driving in the cooler periods because if you get stuck in traffic (which is likely in summertime) then you risk your van overheating (I’m talking from experience here guys). 

6. Don’t underestimate the size of Europe

Unless you want to be driving 24/7, it can be very difficult to see multiple countries in a short space . Europe is humongous, as are many of the countries within it. It’s likely you’ll want to allocate some mammoth driving days . But when you plan an itinerary for driving around Europe in a campervan, expect the unexpected and allow flexibility for delays and any last minute change of plans . For example, you might stumble across somewhere else you want to stop, get stuck in traffic on the German/Austrian border for hours (and decide to make lunch in the kitchen whilst stationary on the autobahn), or decide to spend an extra day somewhere you really love. 

7. Stay near the ferry terminal the evening before your ferry home

I cannot imagine the stress of having to drive back to Calais from further afield on the day of a ferry crossing back to the UK. When we tour Europe by campervan, we have always stayed within an hours driving distance of Calais the night before our ferry back . Calais, the port I’ve always used for accessing Europe by road, has various parking areas for motorhomes, but my ultimate favourite place to stop is in the Belgian city of Bruges which has a motorhome site near to the centre . Wherever your port is, I’d recommend researching campsites or parking areas within an hours driving distance so on the day you return, you are closeby. 

8. Take an early morning or late evening ferry crossing

In my experience, early morning or late evening ferry crossings are the cheapest . Prices for daytime crossings tend to be inflated because they are more convenient, and early morning or late evening will likely save you money. Personally, we have always used mega early ferries (I’m talking 4am-5am) from Dover to Calais. Furthermore, as Dover to Calais is the shortest stretch to cross the English Channel , crossings only take 1½ hours, this is also reflected in the price (other crossings can take hours so Dover is always my preference) and there are multiple crossings everyday . 

9. Keep a steady speed as it’s more economical

The speed limits might be very different in Europe (or even non-existent like on SOME of the autobahns in Germany ). But taking a motorhome to Europe requires a slow and steady wins the race mindset, especially if it’s a big vehicle with a big engine . By all means, drive how you prefer and if money is no object then disregard this. But just something to note is that keeping your speed steady can be more economical , therefore costing you a touch less in fuel. Higher speeds and harsher braking are always going to mean your van drinks more juice.

10. You might require a vignette for some countries

A vignette is essentially a toll sticker which shows you have paid the road tax and therefore are allowed to drive on certain roads, like motorways. Not every country in Europe requires you to obtain a vignette, and you should always research country-specific driving requirements when planning a trip to Europe in a campervan. For example, Austria and Slovenia require you to have a vignette. If you don’t have the required vignette to drive in some countries, you could be subject to a hefty fine . 

11. Take your bicycles and bicycle locks 

If you’re touring Europe in a campervan, get yourself a Fiamma bicycle rack to safely strap your bikes to your van on and throw some bicycle locks in a cupboard. Some campsites might be a few kilometers from a city or town centre , like Camperpark Vogelzang in Antwerp or Wohnmobilstellplatz Ladenburg (which is within cycling distance to the lovely city of Heidelberg). Cycling can be a really efficient way of getting around , seeing sights, and quickly getting around campsites which can sometimes be rather large. From my experience, Europe seems to be well equipped for cyclists , so why not exploit this?

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How to Campervan around Europe: Choosing the Right Van

The vanlife dream..

It has long been a dream of ours to adopt a nomadic lifestyle and live in a home on wheels. After passively following the vanlife movement online for years, we finally did it ! We quit our jobs , sold our possessions and booked a one-way ticket to Berlin to start our 6 month journey through Europe by van . 

The risky business of buying a van from overseas. 

The most nerve-wracking part of the whole experience, was not knowing what was in store for us. Not only in the sense of what adventures we would go on and what journey we would take ....but the fact that we bought a van in the Netherlands while we were still living in Australia . Sending all of your savings to a middleman to buy a vehicle that you have not seen in person is a risky business. So it was with butterflies in our stomachs and awkward grins, that we made our way to the storage yard in Utrecht and first laid our eyes on our "Aramoana" .

The gamble pays off. 

Fast forward to the happy ending. We couldn't have been more pleased with our purchase . "Aramoana" was everything we were looking for in a rolling home. But that shouldn't come as any surprise to us. After all, we scoured ads online in the Netherlands and Germany looking specifically for her. We'd done all of our research and narrowed it down to exactly what we wanted...

Choosing the right van for the job.

The van you choose is not just any other vehicle, it's your home . Not only will it transport you to sweet spots all around Europe, but at the end of the day it's where you will eat, sleep and hang out. Like most things in life, the key to finding the right van for you is figuring out what is most important. This calls for research. After hours and hours poring over blogs, forums, pictures and videos we identified a few key features that we wanted in our van. Lucky we were able to tick all of the boxes!

Features we love (and searched for) in our van...

1.) internal kitchen.

As someone who loves to cook it was a must that I have a fully operational kitchen inside the van with running water and a gas stove. With plans to travel for such a long period of time, the easiest way to meet our budget is by preparing our own meals. As a vegetarian who is very mindful of what I eat, a kitchen was my number one priority. It also has really helped transform our van from a vehicle into our home. It is so comforting to be able to cook a warm meal after we have had a long, tiring day. Having camped a lot over the years, we decided that using portable gas burners would not be sufficient. An internal purpose built kitchen also means that we are able to wild camp very easily. We have found that most countries who have a "no camping" policy, generally turn a blind eye to wild-camping if you are self contained and not disruptive. Our beloved camper comes with a fridge, an adjustable tap and sink and two gas burners. 

2.) High-top roof

We really debated over this one for a long time. While we initially had concerns that a high-top roof would limit our parking options, it has never been an issue. Only once have we had to do a u-turn as we did not meet the height restrictions of a small bridge. There are always plenty of signs to to advise you of any upcoming limitations and I really could not be happier with our choice. It makes all the difference in the world to be able to stand up while I cook. The permanently high roof also provides the perfect home to line up all of our jars, cans and kitchen utensils. The extra room and freedom of movement is an easy trade-off for having one less bed. We figure a pop-top roof is also a dead giveaway if you are trying to be stealth for wild-camping . Our van is 2.3 metres tall and we are both average height, so it's perfect 

3.) Compact size

Getting rid of our possessions and deciding to live minimally, it was an easy choice to buy a smaller vehicle. We have navigated some very tight roads (especially in the old towns of Sarajevo and Mostar ), which we could not have done in a larger camper. With our bikes on the back we are a total of 6m in length. We figure the more room you have, the more you are inclined to fill it up with things. Having a smaller fridge and pantry encourages us to buy fresh only what we need. This makes us more thoughtful about our purchases and easier to focus on generating less wastage. I can say without a doubt that we do not want for more space. It is absolutely perfect for the two of us. We are the right fit and everything has it's own allocated space. We did take a while getting there, figuring out how all of the jars, bags and containers would fit in but we have utilised the space as much as we can . I enjoy a spring clean and a rearrange every couple of weeks so we make continuous improvements all the time. Although we don't have the convenience of a toilet, we make do and don't have to worry about dealing with the waste it generates. We also realised that by pulling our kitchen tap through the window and adjusting the nozzle to spray, we are able to enjoy our own outdoor shower. It has an extendable hose and the water pump is powered by the second battery. While we tried a few different ways to rig it up, we find it easiest to just get assistance from your other half. Vanlife is not without its challenges but you just have to go with it and step outside your comfort zone . 

4.) Swivelling captain-seats

Spending all of our time together without the distraction of jobs, it is so important that we each have our own separate space in the van. Swivelling the front seats to face the rear opens up the van and gives us much more space. This way we can not only seat two extra guests at our dinner table but we each have our own allocated half of the van to work in.

5.) Purpose-built camper

Go the Westfalia route for quality. In the end the VW Westfalia T4 California met all of our needs . It was really important for us to have a purpose-built van. While it has a lot of kilometres (308,000) under it's belt, you can not fault the superior design. Pre-dating the "bigger is better" mentality, they really don't make them like this anymore. The storage space has been so well thought out and utilised. The engine is diesel which makes it cheaper to run and while it may not be extremely oil efficient it was built to last. We were advised that the optimum speed for driving is 80kms which is perfect for us as we like to take the scenic route and generally avoid the autobahn. 

Meet our beloved "Aramoana; pathway to the ocean". She has taken us there and beyond ...

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• Nov 6, 2017 Skydiving the Algarve, Portugal
• Dec 27, 2017 Our Italy Favourite: Canyoning in Bodenga 3
• May 8, 2016 How to Live Your Travel Dreams
• Jul 22, 2016 8 Tips for Packing Light
• Aug 2, 2016 6 Ways to Book a Better Holiday
• Oct 27, 2016 14 Must Have Travel Apps
• Jan 24, 2017 A Perfect Day Trip: The Bahamas
• Sep 1, 2017 Cycling Across the USA: From NYC to Seattle
• Sep 1, 2017 Cycling Across the USA: What to Pack
• Dec 27, 2017 The Kiwi-Aussie Guide to Moving to Canada
• May 20, 2016 3 Must See Places in Southern Thailand
• Jul 12, 2015 Searching for Whales
• Oct 28, 2015 Figure 8 Pools
• Dec 27, 2017 A Perfect Day Trip: Hiking Abel Tasman
• May 27, 2015 When in London
• May 30, 2015 A Few Days With the Swiss
• Jun 10, 2015 9 Reasons to Get Yourself to Turkey
• Jun 19, 2015 3 Greek Islands to Add to Your Bucket List
• Jun 24, 2015 Roman Holiday
• Jun 30, 2015 How to plan a week in France
• Oct 7, 2015 Hipsters in Berlin
• Oct 10, 2015 Get yourself to Beautiful Barcelona
• Jul 13, 2016 Our Berlin Favourite: Tempelhof
• Jul 23, 2016 Why Choose Rhodes?
• Jul 30, 2016 Why You Should Sail Turkey
• Feb 6, 2017 Vanlife Diaries Feature- Six Months of European Van Life
• Mar 15, 2017 Our Switzerland Favourite: Interlaken
• Mar 15, 2017 Our Slovenian Favourite: Lake Bled
• Mar 15, 2017 Our Croatian Favourite: The Island of Brac
• Mar 15, 2017 Our Bosnian Favourite: Kravice Falls
• Sep 11, 2017 One Day in Prague
• Dec 27, 2017 Vanlife: Our Favourite Van-Friendly Towns in Europe
• Dec 27, 2017 Vanlife: 6 Tips For Wild-Camping
• Dec 27, 2017 The World is Good: Kindness of Strangers
• Dec 27, 2017 Hiking in The Swiss Alps: Säntis
• Jan 4, 2018 Vanlife: Places You Must Visit (and Avoid) in Italy
• Jan 9, 2018 Vanlife: 8 Places to visit in the Netherlands
• Jan 19, 2018 Vanlife: 3 Off-The-Beaten-Path Gems in Montenegro
• Dec 15, 2015 Hiking Tasmania: Wineglass Bay & Hazards Beach Circuit
• Jan 11, 2018 Camping Gear You Need in Your Life.
• Dec 5, 2016 Our Vanlife Story: Yala Families Feature
• Dec 24, 2017 8 Easy Zero-Waste Solutions to Single-Use Plastics
• Dec 27, 2017 "Vanlifers" Movie: The Power of The Vanlife Community
• Jan 20, 2018 Can You Maintain a Vegetarian Diet While Travelling?
• Jun 3, 2014 Long Weekender: Tropical North Queensland
• Jan 6, 2015 Roadie to Noosa
• Apr 29, 2015 Long Weekender: Whitsunday Paradise
• Aug 28, 2015 Long Weekender: Wollombi Retreat
• Nov 6, 2015 Long Weekender: Exploring Jervis Bay
• Dec 10, 2015 How to Spend a Long Weekend in Tasmania
• Aug 31, 2017 Grief & the Healing Power of Nature
• Sep 27, 2016 How to Campervan around Europe: Choosing the Right Van
• Oct 26, 2016 How to Campervan around Europe: Purchasing Your Van
• Oct 26, 2016 How to Campervan around Europe: Setting Up Your Van
• Oct 27, 2016 How to Campervan around Europe: Planning Your Route
• Oct 27, 2016 Vanlife: Adding Vibe to Your Van Home
• Feb 5, 2017 Vanlife: Top 5 Places to Find Free Water
• Mar 14, 2017 Vanlife: The Top 6 Challenges
• Jan 21, 2018 The Cost of Vanlife: Fuel & Mileage Travelling Europe by Van for 6 Months
• Jan 21, 2018 The Cost of Vanlife: How Much Does it Cost to Travel Europe by Van for 6 Months?

© HIPHIKERS 2021

Travelling Europe by campervan – My Track and Location 2021

Map of my track and Location (updated 19th September 2021)

*Please let me know if you have problems with the map loading.

5 Routes for Taking Your Campervan Around Europe

1. La Route des Grande Alpes

This route, officially known as D902, is definitely a must-visit! Stretching from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea, this road trip would grant you the chance to compare and contrast lifestyles in the mountains and the Mediterranean. This route is one you cannot miss if you’re taking an RV around Europe. The best part? The route has several mountain passes, and sections of the road have been used in the Tour de France. These spectacular views don’t have to be viewed from behind the windows of your car- you can ride a bike along these beautiful paths and get lost in the beauty of mountainous nature. 

Distance: 617 km

Start: Thonon-les-Bains

End: Menton

Day 1: Start in Thonon-les-Bains, and drive to Annecy through Morzine. Although Annecy isn’t along La Route de Grande Alpes, it’s fairy-tale-like aesthetic is something that cannot be missed. 

Driving time: 41 minutes

Day 2: Head from Annecy to Bourg Saint Maurice, a small town nestled in the heart of the French Alps. Although notorious for skiing in the winter, this quaint town offers numerous outdoor summer activities, such as watersports. It is also a popular destination for hiking and biking. 

Driving time: 1 hour 32 minutes

Day 3: From Bourg Saint Maurice, drive down to Lanslebourg. Here, you can take a hike along Mont Cenis, where you can follow a pass that leads you to Italy! This pass was built by Napoleon in the early 19th century, so be sure to appreciate the history of the path as you enjoy the scenic views! 

Driving time: 2 hours 25 minutes 

Day 4: Leave Lanslebourg and drive down to Briançon, the highest city in France at an altitude of 1,326 meters! This commune is rich with history, and boasts of 18th-century structures and UNESCO world heritage sites around the city, something you should not miss! 

Driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Day 5: Head to Barcelonnette from Briançon. Although small, Barcelonnette is a town present for centuries, dating back to the Roman Empire, so be sure to ask locals about the history of the town! Barcelonnette also lies on the Ubaye Valley, making it an area rich with plants and animal species. 

Driving time: 1 hour 37 minutes

Day 6: Arrive at Valberg, a small resort village. Although the village is rather small, there is much to see and do within the area. If you’re in the mood to continue to explore nature and hike through breathtaking trails, pay a visit to Mercantour National Park. For those of you that wish to explore historical sites, Entrvaux is a medieval village that’s an 11-minute drive away. You’ll get to see some remaining structures and appreciate the historical architecture. 

Driving time: 1 hour 46 minutes 

Day 7: Drive down to Saint-Martin-Vésubie from Valberg. This small commune is a hotspot for nature lovers, hosting a range of parks. If you wish to learn more about the native wolves that roam around the surrounding forest, Parc Alpha is the perfect place to expand your knowledge about them. Ski resorts are a short 10-minute drive away from this small town, providing you with the chance to engage in numerous outdoor summer activities, such as ziplining.

Driving time: 1 hour 25 minutes 

Day 8: End your road trip in Menton, a town known for its beautiful beaches and gardens with rare plants. Here, you can appreciate the Mediterranean culture France offers, and enjoy the stunning architecture the city has to have, whether it may be the pastel-coloured houses or the 17th-century church. 

Driving time: 1 hour 55 minutes

• Roads in France are often subjected to tolls, so be sure to read about French motorway tolls and keep some change with you at all times!   
• The roads are often closed during winter, meaning they only open from June-October, after all the snow has melted completely. However, roads may close earlier if snowfall comes earlier than expected.   
• Although you may be travelling during the summer, it can get chilly in the mountains so be sure to pack an extra sweater! 

2. Road trip along the coast of Portugal: 

If you’ve ever wished to drive along the Atlantic coast and have the chance to visit a beach whenever you please, then this is the route for you! Portugal is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, providing visitors with views they will not see anywhere else. This scenic drive along the Atlantic coast is arguably one of the most scenic motorhome routes in Europe. Aside from the fantastic nature, Portugal offers a unique culture influenced by empires that previously occupied the land. So pack your bags and get ready to explore Portugal’s wonders and eat (lots of) pastel de nata! 

Distance: 818 km (roughly)

Start: Viana do Castelo 

End: Tavira 

Day 1: Start in Viana do Castelo, and drive down to Porto. This coastal city is known for its production of port wine, so be sure to try some while you stop by! The city is rich with iconic sites, including palaces, churches, and aesthetic streets. Be sure to stop by Praia do Senhor da Pedra, a beautiful beach known for its small chapel built on a rock outcrop! 

Driving time: 1 hour 10 minutes 

Day 2: Leave Porto and drive down to Leiria, a city that is rich in history. Stroll through the Leiria Castle, which had 3 distinct building phases, and as a result, boasts of architecture from different time periods! Batalha Monastery is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so be sure to stop by for a visit. Once again, sandy beaches are just a short scenic drive away from the city.

Driving time: 1 hour 48 minutes

Day 3: Drive your motorhome to the iconic Lisbon, home to pastel-coloured buildings and historic monuments. There’s so much to see and do in Lisbon, so you can always walk to iconic sites and explore the cobbled streets on your way there. Stunning coastal views can be found along the city, so be sure to grab some warm pastel de nata from a local bakery and sit down to enjoy the views! 

Driving time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Day 4: Head down to Lagos. Because this is a longer drive, it would be recommended that you stop by Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina on your way to admire the nature Portugal has to offer. Soon after, you’ll arrive at Lagos, a town known for its Atlantic beaches and historic watchtowers. Be sure to enjoy the beaches around the area and soak up the rays of sun! 

Driving time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Day 5: Drive east towards Tavira, a small on the Algarve coast. Aside from its famous beaches, Tavira is also home to many historic sites. Not unlike other parts of Portugal, it is home to churches, watchtowers and castles dating back as early as the 12th century. Be sure not to miss out on seafood and local meals while you’re there! 

Driving time: 1 hour 10 minutes

• Portugal is relatively warm, with its average low temperatures reaching 15°C in January-March. This means you can take a road trip anytime throughout the year, and avoid the peak seasons in summer   
• Sometimes having a motor vehicle isn’t necessary. Since public transportation is cheap, you can always leave your motorhome parked at a campsite and take a bus or train to the city centre! 

3. Road trip across Netherlands and Belgium: 

The best part about taking your campervan around Europe is travelling between countries with ease. In fact, travelling across countries makes you truly appreciate the uniqueness of each country’s culture, because although countries may be located similarly geographically, their lifestyles may vary drastically. The Netherlands and Belgium are prime examples of that. Both countries lie next to each other, and Flemish and Dutch are more similar than you would expect. However, you’ll encounter completely different experiences when visiting either country. And what better way to experience this than by taking this stunning motorhome route in Europe?

Distance: 331 km

Start: Amsterdam

End: Bruges 

Day 1: Kick off your road trip by driving from Amsterdam to the Hague. Aside from being the political heart of the country, The Hague boasts of historic monuments and art museums. If you haven’t visited enough museums in Amsterdam, then be sure to visit those offered in The Hague! Should the weather permit, be sure to tour the canals of the city by boat! You can also pay a visit to Scheveningen Beach if you’re hoping to spend some time by the water and get a tan! 

Driving time: 45 minutes

Day 2: Cross over to Belgium and stop by Brussels, the capital of Belgium, and another politically influential city. If you grew up reading the classic Asterix and Obelix, then don’t forget to visit the museum dedicated to the iconic comic series! The Grand Palace is yet another iconic monument you should not miss. Be sure to have a picnic at one of Brussels’ many parks and gardens! 

Driving time: 1 hour 54 minutes

Day 3: Step away from the big city life and drive to the quaint city of Bruges. Here, you’ll find medieval buildings dotting the cobbled streets. This UNESCO World Heritage City has captured the heart of all its visitors with its historic charm. That being said, walking around the streets and appreciating the monuments you stumble upon is a great way to explore the city. 

Driving time: 1 hour 17 minutes

• Amsterdam, The Hague, and Brussels are rather large cities. If you really hope to explore as much of each city as possible, extend your stay at each stop!   
• Although it sounds too good to be true, there are campsites close to the city centre in most of the cities. However they are not the largest and may be booked out quickly, so be sure to make reservations well in advance.   
• Do keep in mind that the streets (especially in the Netherlands) may be difficult to navigate with a larger vehicle, so it may be best to look for a campsite on the outskirts of the city and take a bus to the city centre. 

4. Atlantic Roadway, Norway: 

Although this road is only 8.3km long, it has been labelled as the world’s most beautiful drive. Known for its winding paths and scenic views, driving along this road is something you must check off your bucket list. However, because it’s only a short drive, you can always take your out for a few extra kilometres in Norway to truly enjoy the natural wonders Norway has to offer along one of the most underrated motorhome routes in Europe. 

Distance: 305 km

Start: Åndalsnes

End: Oppdal  

Day 1: Start in Åndalsnes, and drive down to Molde. This lakefront town has a lot to offer for visitors. At Varden- the Molde Panorama, you’ll have the opportunity to marvel at the sight of 222 mountain peaks. If you’re interested in visiting museums and experiencing the history of the town, be sure to visit the museums in the area! 

Driving time: 1 hour 29 minutes

Day 2: Leave Molde and start driving along the Atlantic Road, where you’ll arrive in Kristiansund. There are designated places along the Atlantic Road where you can park your motorhome and take a moment to hike along designated paths and become one with the nature around you.  

Day 3: Keep following Norweigan National Road 70 and head to Ålvundfjord. Along the way, you can admire the scenic views of the Norweigan Sea and elevated lands. If you’re in the mood to go for a pleasant hike, be sure to stop by Herresdalen for guided paths. Visit the old Tingvoll church on your way, which boasts of a beautiful interior. 

Driving time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Day 4: Head down to Oppdal, a scenic mountain village rich with nature. Although the town is notorious for being a skiing destination, there is still much to be done during the summer. There is no shortage of hiking paths in the area. In fact, there are designated paths for hiking for those of you with children! If you want to admire nature without walking long distances, you can go on a safari and spot some native oxen or reindeer herds. Needless to say, there is no shortage of outdoor activities in this village. 

Driving time: 1 hour 16 minutes

• Designate an extra day in case you encounter bad weather, even during the summer.   
• Keep in mind that roads may be closed during the winter, from September until June. 

5. Road trip across Germany on the autobahn: 

Germany is a country rich with history and culture dating back thousands of years. If you’re taking an RV around Europe, make sure you don’t skip over this stunning country. Germany is famous for its autobahn, and what better route to follow? Contrary to popular belief, the autobahn is safer than you’d think- it’s even safer than freeways in the US! Police also have little tolerance for reckless drivers along the road, and are sure to make the roads safe for everyone. This means that you can travel along German safely at your own pace. 

Distance: 936 km

Start: Cologne

End: Berlin 

Day 1: Start your trip in Cologne and drive down to Düsseldorf, a city known for its art scene. The city is dotted with art museums, so be sure to pay a visit to a couple of them! If you’re in the mood for a beer or a cup of coffee, then be sure to visit Burgplatz. 

Driving time: 43 minutes

Day 2: Leave Düsseldorf and head to Münster, a city famous for its 13th-century cathedral. Prinzipalmarkt is the historic marketplace of Münster shaped by historic buildings. Even if you aren’t a fan of shopping, it’s definitely worth a visit. If you’re interested in the Renaissance period, pass by the historic Burg Hülshoff, a castle that’s just 10 kilometres out of the city. 

Driving time: 2 hours 5 minutes

Day 3: Head out to Bremen, the city that built Germany’s first coffee house in the 17th century. That being said, it’s only fair that you enjoy a cup of coffee at the Marktplatz, the central market square, where several monuments have been erected, one of which has been labelled as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the same listing as the town hall. 

Driving time: 2 hours 8 minutes

Day 4: Travel to Hamburg, a city crossed with hundreds of canals. The historic monument that dot the city are something you cannot miss, so feel free to wander along the streets and explore what the city has to offer. But be sure to pay a visit to Planten un Blomen, arguably one of Europe’s finest urban parks, which has a Botanical Garden from 1821 nestled at its centre. 

Driving time: 1 hour 22 minutes 

Day 5: After leaving Hamburg, start driving towards Rostock, a city situated around the Warnow River. During warmer seasons, be sure to stop by Warnemünde Beach and enjoy the sun! If you’re hoping to see some historic sites, then you’ve come to the right place! The defensive city walls were first built in the 1100s, and more than a kilometre of the wall remains intact. There are also historic cathedrals that dot the city, in addition to many museums that discuss the history of the area. 

Day 6: Drive to Potsdam, a World Heritage city rich with palaces and royal parks dating back to the Prussian Kingdom. Sanssouci Palace is arguably one of the most iconic sites in the city, boasting beautiful architecture. In an unusual twist of events, you can view Dutch architecture in the Dutch quarter of the city, built in the mid-18th century. 

Driving time: 2 hours 18 minutes 

Day 7: Berlin, the capital of Germany, lies just a short drive away from Potsdam. Not unlike the rest of Germany, Berlin is rich in history. Be sure to pass by the Berlin wall memorial, and the German historical museum to better understand the stories of Germany’s past. The bathing lakes also provide visitors with a chance to step away from the bustle of city life and enjoy the sound of lapping waves. 

Driving time: 44 minutes

• If you visit Germany in December, be sure to visit the Christmas markets each city has to offer!   
• Traffic can build up on the autobahn at times, so be sure to head out early to avoid getting stuck on the road. 

What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road for the trip of a lifetime. Europe is a continent consisting of established countries that have played important roles in the history of the globe, so don’t miss out on the chance to visit such places! Driving with a motorhome is the cherry on top of your road trip, so be sure to check out Goboony for campervan hire in Europe . In just a few clicks, you’ll be ready to go on a road trip of a lifetime! 

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All of these routes are covered in more detail in our free e-book,  5 Routes for Taking Your Campervan Around Europe , including a unique bonus route! Download this free e-book to discover our day-by-day itineraries and campsite recommendations.

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Van Life in Europe After Brexit

We have been travelling around Europe in our self-built campervan since March 2022, and so we want to share our top tips and full guide about van life in Europe after Brexit. Along with general tips for travel in Europe for UK citizens and passport holders especially for travel in the Schengen Area!

Keep scrolling to find out more about...

• Us and our campervan
• The Schengen Area and the countries included
• UK travel in the Schengen area such as the rules and restrictions since Brexit
• Van life in Europe after Brexit
• How we travel Europe full-time
• Other things to consider such as documents required. driving in Europe, vehicle insurance and mobile data

Plus you can watch Episode one of our Europe Road Trip to see how we tackle van life after Brexit!

About us and our van

Hi, we’re Helen and Tristan, from the UK and we currently live, work and travel full-time in our self built campervan.

We spent the best part of 2021 converting a MK8 Ford Transit Minibus into our very own home on wheels - AKA Stan the Van! And then at the beginning of 2022 we decided to sell all of our belongings and move into our campervan to embark on full-time van life.

In 2022, we travelled around Europe for eight months, driving over 8,000 miles and visiting 11 different countries. And in 2023 we embarked on another six month road trip exploring Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia and Germany, before heading to Norway for the summer. You can read more about us and our travels here .

How to follow our travels and van life adventures...

We love to share all our adventures around Europe, as well as sharing the highs and lows of living and travelling full-time in our van. Plus our top tips on van life! You can now follow along with our adventures in the following ways...

• SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FREE NEWSLETTER
• TUNE INTO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL
• FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM
• CHECK OUT MORE OF OUR BLOG

Van Life in Europe After Brexit - Our Europe Road Trip: Episode One

Watch our latest YouTube video to see us embark on a six month road trip around Europe in our self-built campervan. Plus...

• Hear a bit more about van life in Europe after Brexit and the Schengen Area (keep scrolling for more info) as well as our travel route through Europe . And see how we tackle the restrictions as we rush across central Europe to try and get out of the Schengen zone in just 10 days!
• See how we get on at the Croatia into Serbia Passport Border Control , our drive through Serbia where we have to navigate our way across Serbia without Google maps. Along with our experience of the Serbia to Romania border control .
• Watch an snippet of our first week in Romania where we go on a mystery driving tour around Romania in a classic Volkswagen Beetle .
• And get an introduction to van life in Romania - from the road tax required to our first free, wild park-up!

The music in our video is all copyright free and from Epidemic Sound! Sign up via our online link here to get a 30-day free trial on Epidemic Sound today.

We will be sharing everything on our YouTube Channel , alongside our van life blog posts.

So please do subscribe to our YouTube Channel and turn on notifications to follow our Europe road trip and to be the first to hear about our upcoming episodes!

The Schengen Area

If you have a UK passport and are looking to embark on any travels around Europe then you need to be aware of the new Schengen Area restrictions, which came into place after Brexit (when the UK left the EU).

You're probably thinking 'what is the Schengen Area?'

Well it is essentially the world’s largest visa free zone, and most importantly it is different to the EU!

What is the difference between the EU and the Schengen Area

• EU: Is a political and economic union of 27 countries within the continent of Europe
• Schengen Area : A collection of countries who have a joint visa policy. This means that tourists who obtain a visa for one Schengen country may visit all countries in the Schengen Area as well. They also have freedom of movement between people of the countries that are a part of this agreement.
• Europe: Is one of seven continents of the world, and is a geographical area of land

What countries are part of the Schengen Area

The following 27 countries are part of the Schengen Area, all of which reside within the continent of Europe:

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland

The majority of these countries are part of the EU, as highlighted in purple in the Schengen Area map above. However, there are a few countries that are part of the Schengen Zone and not part of the EU and vice versa - see those highlighted in blue and green.

More information on the Schengen Area countries can be found online here .

UK Travel in the Schengen Area

Since the UK left the EU back in 2020, the UK is no longer a member of the Schengen Area. Therefore British citizens can no longer freely visit countries in the Schengen zone for an unlimited amount of time.

However, British citizens can travel across the Schengen Area visa-free for a maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period.

What is the 90 days in 180 day rule

The 90 days out of a 180 days rule can be a bit confusing to be honest. But essentially what you need to do is look back at the last 180 days and count the total number of days that you have spent in any Schengen Area country during that 180 day period. You then deduct that total number from 90, and that will be how long your next trip in the Schengen Area can be. More guidance on your Schengen allowance can be found online here .

How to calculate your time in the Schengen Area

You can use this online calculator to determine the remaining time you can stay in Europe.

However, we don't really find this online calculator very user friendly. Instead, we currently keep track of our time in the Schengen Area in an online spreadsheet.

There are also a few free smart phone apps that allow you to track your time in the Schengen Area.

REMEMBER: This rule only applies to countries in the Schengen Area. Not all countries in Europe and even the EU are part of the Schengen Area!

Key things to remember about travel in the Schengen Area:

• Regardless of the time of entry into or exiting from the Schengen Area, it will count as one day! So be sure to keep this mind to make the most of your time in the Schengen. For example, if you enter the Schengen zone at 11pm then the date that you enter on will be seen as one day in the Schengen Area. Therefore, if you want to really maximise your time in the Schengen, it is better to enter the Schengen Area early in the day and leave in the evening.
• There are four countries that are part of the EU that have not joined the Schengen zone! These include Ireland, Romania, Bulgaria, and Cyprus.

Van Life in Europe after Brexit

If you’re a British citizen looking to embark on any travels or van life adventures around Europe, then the Schengen Area 90 day in 180 day restriction will affect you!

So you’re probably asking, “well how do I do it then?”

Firstly, there are still multiple countries in Europe that are not part of the Schengen Zone. And you just have to leave the Schengen Area after 90 days, meaning that you don’t necessarily need to go all the way back to the UK if you don’t want to.

Therefore, it’s a case of doing something that we like to call ‘Schengen Hopping’...

To carry out full-time van life in Europe, we simply visit countries in the Schengen Area for 90 days consecutively. Before then exiting the Schengen zone and spend the next 90 days in countries that are not in the Schengen. 

You don’t have to do a consecutive 90 days in and 90 days out. But here are a couple of reasons why we like to do it this way…

• It makes it a lot easier to keep track of our Schengen time
• Most of the non-Schengen countries are clustered together. So logistically it just makes sense for us to spend 90 days at once in these countries.

How we travel Europe full-time after Brexit

2022 travels around europe.

In 2022, we spent 8 months travelling around Europe in our campervan. So here is a rough outline of the route we took to conform with the Schengen Area rules...

• 90 days in the Schengen (March to May): Germany, Austria, the Dolomites - Italy, and Slovenia
• 90 days out of the Schengen (June to August): Croatia and Montenegro - Please note that in 2023 Croatia joined the Schengen zone so this would no longer be an option
• 62 days in the Schengen (September to mid-November): From Croatia, we drove back through Slovenia and the Italian Dolomites. Before travelling through Switzerland, France and Belgium, where we then got a ferry back to the UK.
• 108 days out of the Schengen (November to end of February 2023): We then returned to the UK for just over 3 months, to see friends and family before we setting off again around Europe in March 2023.

2023 Europe Road Trip

Because we didn’t quite use all of our 90 days in the Schengen Area before arriving back in the UK, we had 10 days left that we could spend in the Schengen zone when we started our road trip this year. 

• 10 days in the Schengen (beginning of March)   Therefore we spent the first 10 days of this road-trip driving through France, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Slovenia and Croatia (all of which are in the Schengen), to then reach Serbia and exit the Schengen Area. 
• 90 days out of the Schengen (Mid-March to mid-June): We decided to start with spending 3 months exploring Romania and Bulgaria. Both of these countries are trying to join the Schengen Area, so want to make the most of this time to explore them before they become less accessible. 
• 90 days in the Schengen (Mid-June to end of August): In mid-June we will re-enter the Schengen Area to spend the full next 90 days in until the end of August. We will start by ravelling through Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Germany and Denmark. To then spend the rest of the summer in Sweden in Norway.
• 90 day out of the Schengen (September to end of December): We will then return to the UK again to do some “out of Schengen time”. Returning to the UK for these 90 day periods to leave the Schengen zone is not necessary but it does give us the time to get our annual van MOT. Plus we get to see friends and family, and do other "life admin" like going for a dentist check-up and eye test. 

Other Options

There are also lots of other popular places not in the Schengen Area that we’ve seen people travel, in particular in campervans. Such countries include Albania, Turkey and Morocco. 

Other things to consider

Documents required when crossing border controls when entering and exiting the schengen area.

• UK photocard driving licence (we’d also recommend reading about International Driving Permits below too)
• Vehicle V5 Log Book
• Vehicle Insurance Certificate
• Green Card (if required) - check with your insurance provider if this is required, depending on the countries you are visiting
• Ensure that it is stamped as you both enter and exit the Schengen zone. These stamps are your proof of your time spent in and out of the Schengen Area too, so it's important to make sure you get them.
• Also note that British passports must have at least 6 months left before they expire when travelling in the EU. Plus your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years! Many British passports have been issued with additional months on them, but the EU doesn't acknowledge this. For example if your passport was issued on 1 May 2016, then in the EU it will expire on 1 May 2026 regardless of the actual expiry date listed - plus you need the minimum of 6 months before the date of 1 May 2026.

You can watch how we got on going through the border and passport control between Croatia and Serbia here and from Serbia into Romania here .

Driving in Europe after Brexit

You must have a UK sticker or registration plate on your vehicle, if you’re planning on driving your own UK registered vehicle in Europe. Please note that since Brexit, the GB sticker and EU logo is no longer allowed.

International Driving Permit (IDP)

You do not need an IDP to drive in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Lichtenstein if you have a photo-card driving licence that was issued in the UK. However, you may need one if you have a paper driving licence and/or have a licence that was issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, the Isle of Man or Jersey.

Furthermore, you may need an IDP to drive in some countries in Europe that are not part of the EU. The international driving permit that you may need will also depend on which country you’re visiting and how long you’re staying there, as there are three (3) different types of IDP.

More information can be found on the Gov.uk website here , where you can also check if you need an IDP for the country you’re planning on visiting.

If you do need an IDP, then you can get them over the counter at a Post Office in the UK. They cost £5.50 and you must live in Great Britain or Northern Ireland, have a full UK driving licence, and be aged 18 or over. More info is available online here .

Vehicle Insurance

When purchasing vehicle insurance for your motorhome or campervan here are a couple of things to remember if you are looking to travel around Europe:

• We found that a lot of UK insurers put some kind of limit on the duration of European travel cover, such as 90 or 180 days. Which doesn't quite make sense as you can travel pretty much endlessly around Europe, through splitting your time between countries in and out of the Schengen Area. However, the 180 days European cover that we were previously quoted included a lot of countries outside of the Schengen Area, so it would further limit your time that you could spend travelling around Europe in your campervan. Therefore, if you want to travel full-time around Europe then look for an insurance provider who can offer 365 days of European cover.
• Don't forget to check the countries in Europe that the insurer will cover! These can vary depending on the insurance provider, although most will automatically cover EU and Schengen Area countries. We were unable to find a provider who would cover us for travel in certain non-Schengen countries like Montenegro and Albania, and advised that we would need to purchase separate insurance on the border of these countries.

Mobile Phone Roaming Charges

Data roaming charges in Europe now apply, with many UK network providers enforcing a data cap on roaming in Europe, as well as a fair usage policy.

As providers differ, we recommend you to check the details with your network provider.

Overview of Van Life in Europe After Brexit

It is of course 100% possible, but just be prepared for less freedom and more restrictions as to the countries and places you can visit.

However, on the plus side, it has encouraged us to explore countries we wouldn’t have necessarily done so either so early on in van life or at all to be honest!

I think an element of planning ahead is key as well - think about not only what countries you want to visit whilst both in and out of the Schengen Area, but also when you want to visit them! Countries like Spain and Morocco can be super hot in the summer months - and places like Norway and Sweden will be crazy cold and snowy in the winter months. So the time of year is also something to take into consideration.

More on our van life and travels...

Stay tuned for next week’s blog post where we’ll be exploring some hidden gems of Romania and sharing our insight into full-time van life in Romania - and don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel to be the first to hear about our new vlog releases!

Plus you can read more about van life in Romania in our full blog post, via the link below...

We hope you found this blog post useful. And if you have any questions, please get in touch either via the comment box below, online here or via email and we'll get back to you as soon as possible!

Helen + Tristan

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Taking the train in Spain - all you need to know

Apr 3, 2024 • 15 min read

The vintage train from Sóller to Palma de Mallorca is one of the most scenic rail routes in Spain © Shutterstock

Spain boasts Europe’s longest high-speed rail network, second only to China globally, and its trains are exceptional and far-reaching. In one day, you could gawp at Gaudí’s architectural genius in Barcelona , be whisked by rail to Madrid ’s museums, and still arrive in Seville for a sunset flamenco show.

Not that it’s all A to B whirlwind rail routes. There are some outstanding scenic train journeys to slow down and enjoy the Spanish pace of life, whether trundling along the northern coast’s narrow-gauge tracks or meandering into the mountains. And with some new low-cost operators now on the scene, exploring Spain by train has never been more affordable.

With over a thousand stations and thousands more daily departures, getting around Spain by train is a straightforward joy rather than a stressful necessity. Seat reservations on most services guarantee uncrowded carriages, Rioja-serving cafe cars provide perfectly wine-paired panoramic views, and electric-powered trains make journeys even more sustainable. What’s not to love? Here’s everything you need to know to plan a train trip in Spain like a pro.

Train services are generally excellent in mainland Spain

You can traverse all four corners of Spain by train, usually on swift, reliable, well-maintained carriages. Few areas aren’t covered by at least a regional service. And where there are coverage gaps, buses will usually take you the final stretch to that pretty medieval village. While strikes can occur, they are rare, and minimum service levels are generally guaranteed. Compensation payments are offered for delays over one hour, which helps keep timetables on track. 

Renfe is Spain’s national railway company, operating everything from non-stop regional capital connections to short-hop commuter services. Iryo and Ouigo provide low-cost competition on the main high-speed intercity lines, with the latter’s double-decker trains being a welcome addition.

While the numerous names for differing service and train types can be confusing, the trains in Spain can generally be divided into three categories:

• High-speed, mainly long-distance (larga distancia) services link many major cities, mainly via Madrid. These full-service trains can reach 310km/h (193mph) and include Renfe’s AVE (Alta Velocidad Española), its new no-frills Avlo counterpart, and Iryo and Ouigo. There’s an ever-growing network of high-speed routes , including the popular Barcelona–Madrid, Madrid–Seville, and Madrid–Valencia lines.
• Mid-distance services – although they can sometimes cover long distances and reach speeds of 250km/h (155mph) – make up the majority of other major routes. Renfe services these under names including Media Distancia, Avant and Alvia. Intercity and Regional Exprés services are somewhat slower but only call at major stations. Popular routes include Madrid– Toledo , Granada–Seville, and the Euromed coastal service between Barcelona and Alicante . Nearly all long and mid-distance services use sleek, modern carriages.
• Slower trains , including Regional, Proximidad, and Cercanías commuter services (Rodalies in Catalonia), complete the network. The older Cercanías AM trains, previously FEVE, mainly operate on the northern coast’s picturesque narrow-gauge tracks.

Nearly all large and medium-sized train stations are staffed and contain shops or cafes. High-speed train stations operate similarly to airports, with luggage security scanners and boarding gates. It’s advisable to arrive 20–30 minutes early, especially as boarding can close five minutes before departure. The bonus is you’ll have time to admire the stations. Some, like Toledo’s Mudejar-style ticket hall and art nouveau Bilbao Concordia , are attractions in their own right.

There are tourist trains and unique rail services too

In addition to standard train services, Spain has an exceptional selection of specialist rail routes known as “ tourist trains .” These range from seasonal, short routes, such as the scenic Tren dels Llacs in the Pre-Pyrenees, to indulgent, multiday sojourns like the luxury Transcantábrico train hotel. There are currently no standard domestic night trains.

International and island rail routes are limited

Away from the mainland, the rail situation is starkly different. The Canary Islands have no train services, and only Mallorca in the Balearic Islands has limited rail connections . These consist of three short, modern lines and the vintage Sóller train. 

Traveling to and from France by train is possible on France’s TGVs (from Paris) and Renfe’s International AVE services to Marseille and Lyon . Fares start from €29. You can also cross via Hendaye in the Basque Country or take the slower, scenic sleeper service via the Pyrenees . The Trenhotel (night service) between Madrid and Lisbon has been discontinued, leaving the Tren Celta between Vigo and Porto and the slow route to Lisbon via Badajoz as the only connections with Portugal . Work continues on improving the tracks to accommodate a direct, high-speed link between the two Iberian capitals.

Book ahead to save money and guarantee your seat

Spain’s rail operators all use dynamic pricing for high-speed and long-distance services. Therefore, early booking is advised, especially as seat reservations are mandatory. Advanced Avlo tickets between Madrid and Barcelona start from €7, with Ouigo and Iryo also offering competitive pricing on primary routes. A same-day ticket can sometimes cost more than 10 times more than booking in advance. Prices are less competitive on routes solely operated by Renfe. 

When booking tickets online to or from major cities, use the dropdown city name followed by todos (all) to check for direct and affordable tickets from all stations. Provide the Passport or ID number of the photo document you’ll be traveling with, as tickets are personal. The second surname can be left blank – Spanish people take both their father's and mother’s surnames. Tickets can be printed, collected at self-service machines, or displayed as QR codes on mobile devices. Overall, Ouigo and Iryo's websites are easier to navigate than Renfe's, which can be glitchy. While most people would recommend using a third-party booking service – handy for comparing prices between all operators – direct reservations avoid booking fees.

Even short-distance, popular services with fixed fares (some mid-distance and regional trains) can fill up. I’ve previously struggled to get last-minute weekend tickets on the Madrid to Toledo route. Secure all tickets ahead if your vacation coincides with a major holiday such as Easter (Semana Santa) or Christmas, including around Three Kings Day on January 6.

Iryo and Ouigo release tickets many months ahead. Renfe’s tickets should be available at least 60 days ahead, but this isn’t always true. Check regularly in the months leading up to your departure and sign up for newsletters on the three websites to receive ticket availability and discount updates.

Occasionally, two single fares (ida) can be cheaper than a return (vuelta) . Reservations can also be made at station ticket machines (in English) or staffed desks. Larger stations may have separate sales points for particular types of tickets. 

You’ll always be assigned a mandatory seat reservation. However, if you’d prefer to select your own to guarantee a window, you can change it for a nominal fee. Confusingly, Renfe’s website has this step after choosing a payment method. 

Cercanías and Cercanías AM tickets can’t be purchased in advance and should be purchased at the ticket office, self-service machine, or onboard from the conductor when traveling from the tiniest unstaffed stations. This is the only time you’re allowed to board a train without a ticket. 

If you wish to upgrade from basic class (básico) on high-speed routes, you can choose from Elige, Elige Confort and Prêmium on Renfe, or similar options on Iryo. Upgrades can include access to premium station lounges, at-seat food service, and more spacious seats. Solo travelers may want to upgrade to enjoy an individual seat in the 2+1 configured carriages. Ouigo allows these seats as a paid add-on without upgrading.

Discounts and offers: know your benefits and bring ID

Much noise was made about the launch of Spain’s fixed-price travel pass . Yet this system, established to offer discounted fares on repeat return trips, is primarily aimed at locals and commuters.

Renfe does offer a Spain Rail Pass for travelers , covering between four and ten journeys. However, depending on the routes you plan to take, pre-booking discounted, advanced fares can be cheaper. Some region-specific options exist, such as the better value three-day Galica Rail Pass .

Other discounts available on Renfe include:

• Small group discount when booking four or more travelers together.
• Seniors discount, up to 40%, for over 60s. However, this requires purchasing a card ( La Tarjeta Dorada ) in person before making the reservation. Advanced, discounted fares can be better value.
• Youth Discounts for under 25s with a European Youth Card or suitable International Student Card. A digital card can be purchased online by citizens of most countries.  
• Babies travel for free, as do children, although the age cap varies between operators.

Considering an Interrail or Eurail pass? Check on any savings first. All high-speed trains in Spain require seat reservations, an additional cost not included in these passes. Avlo, Iryo, and Ouigo are likewise excluded, and these cheaper advanced tickets may be better value than using the pass, though there is less flexibility.

Money-saving tip: high-speed trains include a free local ticket

If you’re traveling on a high-speed AVE or long-distance service operated by Renfe or Iryo, Combinado Cercanías is included. This allows for free use of local Cercanías trains to reach your departure station and again on arrival. Scan the QR code at barriers, or use the PDF code to get a zero-priced ticket at Cercanías’ self-service machines.

Seat reservations ensure most train journeys don’t feel crowded

Traveling by train in Spain is so enjoyable because all long and mid-distance services require a seat reservation. With no congested corridors or jostling vestibules, these trains never feel crowded, even when full. However, some regional and Cercanías services can be packed, particularly around commuter hours and Friday and Sunday evenings. You might want to avoid peak times or, when available, pay for a regional service seat reservation.

Plan around major events and regional holidays during your trip, such as Semana Santa, when ticket demand and crammed suburban trains are common. Trains in Spain operate every day of the year, though some services may finish earlier on public holidays. If you’re traveling on weekends or during holidays, check onward public transport in advance as small, rural stations may have a reduced weekend bus service.

Train can be the fastest, most affordable transport method

Using the train in Spain can be quicker and cheaper than flying. For example, a flight from Madrid to Barcelona takes 1¼ hours compared with 2½ hours by high-speed rail. But once you factor in security checks, out-of-city airport transfers, and runway taxi times, the overall journey length by plane becomes longer.

Driving distances are considerable. The same journey by car will take closer to seven hours. It’s unquestionably worth renting a car if you’re planning a road trip , but generally, long-distance jaunts are best by rail. 

Most train terminuses are connected to city buses and, in larger metropolises, commuter rail or metro systems. Barcelona-El Prat Airport and Madrid–Barajas Airport are on the train network. If you wish to visit smaller towns or villages that are not on the train network, consider other ways to get around Spain .

Onboard facilities differ between service types

All of Spain’s high-speed train services are spacious, comfortable, clean and well cared for. Carry-on luggage can be placed in overhead racks, while storage areas at either end of the carriage accommodate bulkier luggage. Popular services (especially on Friday and Sunday evenings) can quickly fill, and train staff will usually assist in rearranging suitcases to fit. Cercanías services can be more dated and crowded and often lack enough dedicated luggage space.

If you’re traveling by bicycle, check the luggage policies of Renfe and Iryo . In some instances, bikes must be disassembled or an additional fee paid.

The dining carts on Spain’s trains are typically stand-up, cafe-style rather than seated dining carriages. They’re good for stretching your legs or getting an alternative window view, but dining at your seat table is often more comfortable. A selection of hot meals, snacks and drinks – usually all of decent quality – are available, and certain ticket types offer pre-ordered meals served at your seat. Iryo has particularly impressive dining options .

On some routes, a trolley service may be provided in addition or as an alternative. Mid-distance and Avlo services have vending machines rather than dining carts. Bringing your own food and even alcohol onboard Renfe’s services isn’t a problem.

Complimentary (sometimes patchy) wi-fi is provided on Iryo and Renfe’s high-speed services, alongside entertainment portals accessible on your device. Ouigo charges per connection. Plug sockets (F-type) are available at seats on high-speed and mid-distance trains. Nearly all trains, except commuter services, have toilets.

Plan the perfect train trip with these scenic routes and tips

The most popular train routes for travelers in Spain are the high-speed connections that rocket between Seville, Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia. But riding the rails in Spain isn’t only about barrelling between urban sprawl. These are some of our favorite scenic rail routes worth planning into your trip. 

• Santander to Oviedo :  Cross the lush landscapes of Northern Spain on this slow, scenic rail route using Cercanías AM’s narrow-gauge tracks. This six-hour journey provides some of the expensive Transcantábrico Train’s panoramas for a bargain €16.55. There are no seat reservations, which is handy, as you can switch sides to marvel at both the sparkling Bay of Biscay and the mighty Cantabrian Mountains , Spain’s answer to the Dolomites. 
• Barcelona to A Coruña :  Once served by the discontinued sleeper Trenhotel, this is one of Spain’s longest rail routes, taking nearly 14 hours. The 9:05am Alvia departure can be affordable to cross seven of Spain’s autonomous communities. Pack snacks and pay for a window seat (ideally on the right) to see the full scope of Spain’s landscapes, from arid pastures and fertile farmlands to the verdant Galician Massif . Consider hopping off a few stops early in Ourense to use the town’s free-to-access thermal pools the following morning.
• Granada to Almería : Leaving the magnificent Moorish Alhambra behind, set off across western Andalucía towards the coastal city of Almería. It’s a showstopping three-hour journey traversing the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, snow-capped peaks looming beyond, before cutting through carpets of cork trees. Book a late afternoon departure for ethereal golden light, or take two single tickets to plan a lunch pause at Guadix, best known for its cave houses. 
• Palma de Mallorca to Sóller:  Step onboard the rickety, wooden carriage of Ferrocarril de Sóller , constructed in 1912, for a one-hour-long trundle from Mallorca's capital to the pretty port town of Sóller. En route, you’ll wend through the Tramuntana Mountains, unlit tunnels, and citrus groves close enough to touch. All seats are excellent, but you might want to stand in the open-air platforms between carriages. 
• Zaragoza to Canfranc :  A one-way ticket on this twice-a-day, 2½-hour regional train costs just €16.90, and you’ll get plenty of panoramas for your money, especially after Huesca when the tracks slowly climb up into the ​​Pyrenees. Our resident rail expert, Tom Hall, calls it one of Europe’s best train routes , partly because the landmark Canfranc Station has recently been reborn as a grandiose hotel .

Station tips when traveling Spain by train

Most large cities have multiple train stations, so always confirm departure points. When traveling to dedicated AVE stations outside major cities, check the station’s distance from the city center and pre-plan your connecting travel. Some stations, such as Antequera ’s Santa Ana, can be as far as 15km (9 miles) from the Old Town. 

Spain’s largest stations, such as Madrid Atocha and Barcelona Sants, can be confusing due to split-level and separated boarding areas for different services. Don’t be afraid to ask for help navigating the station. A quick flash of your ticket will soon have you pointed in the right direction.

All major stations have cafes and kiosks where you can pick up food, although preparing a train picnic from a delicatessen might be preferable. Still, a quick tapas in Atocha's Tropical Garden, even if the pond-residing turtles have now been rehomed, is a solid start to any journey. If you’re on a connecting service with time to explore beyond the station, most larger terminals have lockers or left luggage desks (​​consigna) .

Many stations are accessible, but there’s room for improvement on older services

Adif, the agency in charge of Spain’s rail infrastructure, provides in-station and boarding assistance for travelers with accessibility needs via the Acerca service, offered at 145 stations.

When booking tickets online, H seats – accessible spaces that can anchor a wheelchair – can be requested on the opening screen, and Acerca assistance can be requested later in the booking process. A minimum of 12–48 hours' notice is stipulated, depending on the operator. However, in larger stations, staffed service centers can usually provide support without pre-booking if you arrive and register at the desk ahead of travel. Check which facilities are available at each station on Adif’s website .

In addition to offering boarding support (many train types require a stair-climber lift, not just a ramp, while others like Avlo have level boarding), Acerca can provide technical aids for hearing and a guided sight service. Contact Adif Acerca for information on induction loop systems or to discuss alternative routes should your planned journey include a non-accessible station without in-person assistance. Tactile paving, step-free access, and elevators are installed at most major stations, and nearly every train has a conductor or staff member onboard who can assist. 

On high-speed, long-distance, and most other services, wheelchair-accessible bathrooms are located in carriages with H seats. Ouigo trains have a call button on adapted seats to provide food and drink service, as the cafe is located on the top deck. Cercanías AM carriages have no H seats but offer a dedicated space for wheelchair users with tie-downs. However, many older, narrow-gauge trains lack accessible bathrooms.

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