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Advice for first time visitors to Europe
The CamperVanLife.com team love to travel around Europe. We have put together some useful tips that we hope will improve your experience.
- Do It - if you are thinking about visiting Europe... then do it! It is one of the best places in the world to explore with a leisure vehicle. Few places in the world offer the diversity of culture, history, food, drink and language that Europe offers. You will no doubt hear horror stories, but don't be put off. Almost everyone camping in Europe would recommend the experience to your personally.
- Avoid July and August - if you can avoid these months, then do. The majority of Europe holiday makers take their holidays during these months. You will find everywhere busy. If you have to holiday during this period then it is worth booking at least the first few nights at campsites, to ensure you have somewhere to stay.
- Learn a little of the local language - Europe has so many languages. Learning a little of the language you are visiting will make a big difference to the way people treat you. Most people can learn the basics in an afternoon with a good guide book. In Spain and Italy English is spoken very little, whereas in The Netherlands, Germany and Portugal English is widely understood and spoken. France, more than any other country, will appreciate you speaking the local language. Whilst many French can speak English they do not like to do so. Use any French you have. If you are keen to learn get started as soon as possible. The French will appreciate your efforts so much that you are likely to be invited for drinks and nibbles. See the guide to language phrase books.
- Get Road maps or GPS - Having good road maps or a GPS unit is essential. If you are buying a GPS unit make sure it contains maps for all of the counties you intend to visit. Or at least ensure you can buy the maps for a reasonable price. If you are going to use traditional maps invest in a good road atlas. See the GPS section or the guide to maps.
- Do research - Do at least some research about the regions you want to visit. The internet has made this so much easier now. Find out about the weather, water, festivals, or anything about your destination that might effect your visit.
- Buy guide books - If you intend to visit towns, monuments, beaches, etc then invest in good guide books. A good guide book can instantly inform you of the best places to visit, opening times, history, language, and more. See the guide book section.
- Know your vehicles dimensions - measure the height and length of your vehicle. Keep this information at hand in the cab, as you will at some point be presented with a narrow gap or low bridge. Knowing the dimensions can save a lot of hassle and embarrassment. Actually measure your vehicle., don't reply on manufacturer details, as they can be wrong, and you may have additions which change the original dimensions.
- Don't stop overnight on French Auto Route aires - the French roadside rest areas are great, and a wonderful place to stop during the day to break up your journey. However we have experienced, and heard of many problems from many campers who have stopped at these aires overnight. The main problems being theft. Don't stop at them overnight. In particularly the A7 and A9 seem to be the worst.
- Don't be scared of free camping - with the above point in mind, don't be put off free camping. Free camping is one of the best parts of camping in Europe, and people very rarely experience any trouble. Stopping at a beautiful beach, lakeside or mountain rest area, and then stopping for the night, week, or even a month, is a fantastic experience. Thefts are almost entirely occur at busy roadside stops in urban areas. Be careful and be alert and you should have no problems.
- Double check your insurance - check your insurance to ensure everything you think is cover is actually covered. You do not want to find out something is not covered once on the road or after an incident. Ensure you have insurance for the vehicle and travel insurance for the people in it.
- Take your E117 health care cards (for EU citizens only) - EU citizens should apply for and take a free E117 health care card with them to Europe. The card entitles you to free or reduced cost health care in most European countries. Don't think you won't need it. I needed mine, when travelling alone in Spain. I was very glad to have had mine on me, it made the whole experience much easier. In the UK you can apply online at http://www.ehic.org.uk/. Alternatively, you can apply by calling 0845 606 2030, or by picking up an application form from the Post Office.
- Choose ferries carefully - If you have to take a ferry do plenty of research. If you are coming from the UK you pretty much have to take a ferry. If anyone in the party doesn't like being on water take the shortest crossing you can, to avoid unnecessary illness, and drive the rest of the way. Dover to Calais is still the shortest and quickest crossing.
- Check your passports - ensure all are in date. Some countries demand that the expiry date on the passport must be at least 6 months beyond your estimated day of return. Take photocopies of all of the passports. At campsites you will have to leave a passport until you have paid. Many accept photocopies.
- Use a bank that doesn't charge for oversees transactions - most banks will charge you for taking money out when abroad There are several banks that do not. Nationwide is one. You don't need to change banks, just open an extra account for travel money. You can save a good deal of money this way.
- Check your home insurance - check that your home insurance is still valid if you are away from home for a long period of time.
- Always be respectful to the police - when you are stopped by the police always be respectful and cooperative. I have been stopped several times, always as a routine check. The police are not trying to catch out foreigners. In fact in most European countries the police will not stop foreigners.
- Always keep a quarter tank of fuel - don't let you fuel drop below a quarter of a tank. Many places close on a Sunday, and finding fuel can be hard. If you are twisting around hills for a long period of time only half fill the fuel tank. This will save weight and make the vehicle easier to drive.
- Know the law - the road laws vary between each country, and some require you to carry equipment you might not already have.
Under French law, vehicles must carry one reflective jacket for the driver, although many French families store one for each passenger in case there is a breakdown and they have to wait beside the car.
Important Information
- If you breakdown, or are stopped by the police, put the jacket on, or else you may find yourself with a fine
- In Spain you require a jacket for each person.
- In France, Spain and Germany you are required to carry a red warning triangle. Should you breakdown the triangle must be erected 30 meters behind the car.
- In Spain you require 2 red warning triangles per car.
- In Spain you are also required to carry a set of spare lamps/bulbs for your car and the tools to change them
Here's a quick kit list:
Greece
- First aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
- Warning triangle
Italy
- Warning triangle
- Reflective jacket
France
- Warning triangle
- Reflective jacket
- Headlamp adjustment
Spain
- Warning triangle x 2
- Spare bulbs
- Headlamp adjustment
- Reflective jacket
Camper Van Life is brought to you by Darren Lambert, a big fan of camper vans.
Hi, I am planning on hiring a campervan for 2 weeks during august and doing some travelling in france and spain with 2 children (age 6 and 10). As a single female with children I am very daunted about the prospect as well as very excited, can anyone give any tips ablout staying safe or even if it is a safe thing to do with children????
France is a country that loves to campervan and is perfectly setup for it. You'll have an amazing time,
There are Aires, which are designated camping spots for campervans, which are often €5 - €10 in the summer. Campsites are plentiful and good value in France. Great for children.
August is a very busy holiday month im France.
Hey mate,
So my lady and I are coming to the UK from OZ next year and plan on buying a campercan.. Then driving it around Europe for the year!!!
I've got no idea what make/model to buy though!
I was hoping to spend (max) around £6,000 on one.
Only thing my GF is insisting on is that it needs to have a toilet.
Any suggestions you can give me mate would be well appreciated!
Cheers bra,
Chip
Hey Chip
Sounds like a great plan.
There is no one make to recommend over another.
For a whole year of travelling I would recommend a motorhome or big campervan. That will allow you to wild camp, which saves money and allows you to stay in the best places.
Here are some good vehicle from eBay
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FORD-TRANSIT-Herald-Aragon-2-5-Turbo-Diesel-/1...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PILOTE-A-CLASS-MOTORHOME-/150949943028?pt=UK_C...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/IVECO-XLWB-MOTORHOME-RECENT-CONVERSION-STUNNIN...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2004-FORD-TRANSIT-CAMPER-VAN-/281027584865?pt=...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Iveco-Daily-35-S-12-Camper-2003-Full-conversio...
Sorry my grandad lives in Italy where the camper will be stored
Hi, I live in England and my grandad who lives in England has given me his camper. How will I go on with a few week insurance at a time and tax and mot. Any info appreciated
My friend and I arrive into Cherbourg in August and plan to head to the South of France for 3 weeks to do and see as much as we can! We hope to camp in most places. Any recommendations regarding accommodation, the MUST SEE places and events, festivals etc would be really appreciated. I have googled and googled so have some basic info but it would be great to hear from people who have done something similar!
Thanks
My friend and I arrive into Cherbourg in August and plan to head to the South of France for 3 weeks to do and see as much as we can! We hope to camp in most places. Any recommendations regarding accommodation, the MUST SEE places and events, festivals etc would be really appreciated. I have googled and googled so have some basic info but it would be great to hear from people who have done something similar!
Thanks
Hello!
I've written a free guide for those thinking of a campervan - you can download it from our site if you wish
W're just about to go on a French campervan holiday too....
Enjoy!
Dan
Hello. My husband, myself and two boys (5 and 6) are planning on taking our motorhome to Lake Garda in August (unfortunately we have to go in school holidays!) Could you possibly recommend a good route for us please? As we are only away for two and a half weeks in total, I guess it would have to be a reasonably quick route to enable us to enjoy Italy. Thanks so much.
We do the trek to Italy by motorhome each July from Scotland.
Generally we will cross Dover - Calais and then head through Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland and then the Gottard Tunnel into italy. This skips all the toll roads etc of France.
depending on the weather we may stop in Luxembourg (diesel is cheap!) or may just keep driving - but we have no kids! There is a campsite just off the Autobahn near Frieburg (Camping Tunisee) on the A5 where we tend to break for the night, then straight through Switzerland into Italy the next day - we like to maximise our time in Italy!
Garda can be very busy in peak season so Lake Como is also well worth a visit and is pretty much just as you arrive in Italy on this route.
Enjoy
DR
Thank you very much for all the information. We are planning a 3 week trip.. 4 adults and 2 kids/grandkids. We plan to visit Prague, Vienna, Italy Swiss and paris... looking forward to it and now loaded with all teh good advice from the site... Thanks...
Hi Darren,
Im travelling to europe this august. Im looking into camper vans for hire...Now im torn between a camper type van or a motor home? They only thing im concerned about is the size of them, will it hinder me in any parts of europe? I plan to go through france italy germany austria..... whats do you suggest? It just seems price wise to hire for 2 weeks theres not much difference.
Where do you intend to go with the vehicle?
Will you go from campsite to campsite? If so then get a motorhome, as you extra internal size is great.
If you will be parking in cities a lot, then get a campervan as it's much easier to park in car parks.
If you will be wild camping, a Motorhome is probably better, as you'll enjoy the extra space.
Unless you are going down very old and tight lanes, a motorhome shouldn't be a problem.
its my first time. ill be staying in campsites but will still want to explore the cities...i guess the campsites will be a short distance from the cities? will campsites be near enough to get there by bikes? Thanks for ur advice
The distance of campsites from cities varies a lot. Generally, the bigger the city, the further the campsite. Paris, Lisbon and Barcelona have campsites quite a way from the city. But they have great public transport links. Normally 1 well priced bus ride. Cycling from campsites in these big cities is only for the dedicated.
Small cities and towns have the campsites much closer. So for the smaller cities you can cycle in, and sometimes park in the town itself. Most have public transport too.
I avoid taking my campervan into cities completely. It's never a nice experience.
As you are hiring you don't have much to lose. I would go for the motorhome. If you find it too big, you'll know for next time. But a motorhome is not much more difficult than a campervan to drive. Modern vehicles are much easier to drive.
Sounds like you will have lots of fun :)
We are heading off to France, Spain and Portugal in July for 6 weeks, with a week in a villa at Alicante. We are travelling in a Mitsubishi Delica campervan which we've owned for a year. The only problem is it doesn't have a fridge, can you recommend one? We are taking our two children who are very excited at the prospect. My main concern has got to be the thefts in the stopping areas as I know we will be using these. Any advice you can give would be much appreciated.
Hi
Are you looking for a fridge you can remove from the vehicle?
This one runs on gas
http://www.worldofcamping.co.uk/dometic_waeco_combicool_rc_1200_egp_3_wa...
This one runs on electricity from your leisure battery
http://www.worldofcamping.co.uk/waeco_cf_18_coolfreeze_compressor_fridge...
The later is good if you drive regularly and have good leisure batteries. Otherwise it will flatten the battery, and so the gas is the best option.
The thefts can certainly be a problem in some areas of Spain, especially Barcelona.
I've travelled these areas a lot and have never had a problem. Leave your vehicle in secure paid parking areas where possible. Or if you are staying in campsites, take the bus into town. Never leave your vehicle alone in a city like Barcelona.
Thanks for the advice regarding fridge. We have now got one that will also act as a freezer and runs off a leisure battery. The battery is very reliable when travelling and we can plug it into the mains.
Glad to have helped.
Enjoy your chilled beer/wine/milk!
Hi. This website is fantastic. I've decided to give up my (teaching) job and travel around Europe from September until whenever...I'll be free to continue travelling until the following September. I have a few questions and appreciate any answers or advice:
1. I have yet to buy an actual campervan. I've been looking but if you who already have bought could choose a reliable economical van what would it be? There will be no more than two of us in the van.
2. Have any of you travelled and worked? I'm hoping to stop along the route when possible and do a bit of work (either teaching English or bar work). Is this easy?
3. Suggested routes? Considering the time I'm leaving (Sept) I'm planning on starting with the Southern part of Europe to catch the end of the summer heat but is this the best idea?
Basically, I'm pretty clueless but for a variety of personal reasons this is the year for me to do this so clueless or not I'm going for it....but really would appreciate any advice!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks.
Hi,
Just wondered how your decision to go travelling worked out?
We are in a similar position (teaching) and thinking about hitting the open road.
Did you manage to find work ok?
What route did you take?
Any advice for first timers (campsites?)
Hope it's going well and you're still enjoying it.
Tom
Hi
1..Any type od van can be reliable. I live VW and Mercedes, but I would consider any type. As long as it is looked after, and serviced, any van can be good.
Most vans are economical if you drive them slowly. Not much in them otherwise. Its the speed that matters.
2.I work and travel, but I have an online business. I know others who have got work on the go.
From September to April Europe is quiet. It is winter with few visitors. Not much bar work. Span and Italy are always looking for English teachers, mainly as second language. Otherwise it's the worse time of year to look for work, but don't be put off. You can find it if you look. Check the language schools in Andalucia, Spain. Warmest place in winter, and they need English teachers.
3. Yes, stay south. September France starts to cool. I would start in France, and then drive south then it gets too cold for you. You can either head to Portugal or Southern Spain for the winter, or Greece, and even Italy, but not quite as warm there.
You don't need to know a lot to do these trips. Just do it! It's easier than you think
All the best
Thanks Darren! Appreciate the advice.
Hi im going travelling in july. not properly planned yet but i do intend on having somekind of route through france,italy and germany. Im going for 2 weeks.
My question is how much is fuel going to cost me?
how much should i keep for camp sites/ food?
Fuel in Europe is about €1.30 - €1.40 for diesel.
This website is good for calculating costs:
http://en.mappy.com/#p=itinerary_homepage
Be sure to fill in all of the details to calculator the cost properly.
Campsites cost from €10 per day in summer. Some campsites are a lot more, so get a campsite book, or use websites to find cheaper ones if you want to.
Food costs the same as the UK. Although we find we spend less when in the campervan, as meals are simpler, and we don't stock up on anything.
hi there,i am just after a little advice.me and my wife are hiring a campervan for 5 weeks for our first trip in Europe,i was just wondering is 5 weeks long enough ?because lots of people on here seem to be taking months to travel rather than weeks.We just want to have a tester to see how we enjoy it, because if we do we would like to travel furtherfor longer in the future.
Thanks,jonny.
Hi Jonny
5 weeks is plenty of time, especially for a taster.
The people spending months traveling have had their taster, and have committed to longer term traveling.
Even a week away is fantastic fun. You can do a lot in a day in a campervan.
I hope you have a great trip.
Hi,
My wife, 7 yr old daughter and I are looking at travelling troughout Europe next april time. We are looking at starting in germany, heading in a clockwise direction taking in Prague, Austria, Itly, Switzerland ( I want to do mont blanc tunnel !!), France then onto Denmark and Norway if we have time, do you have any advice ? This will be our 1st real camper adventure, but we are seasoned campers and outdoor lovers.
Thanks Morph
Sounds like an amazing trip.
My only advice would be to perhaps get breakdown cover. That is a long way with some mountainous roads.
You'll have mixed weather in April, so take a good selection of clothes. Maybe a heater is a good idea in your camper?
meet you all nordcamp 2012
have fun
Does anyone know the procedure involved in wanting to take my dog travelling with me? I will be starting from Dover/Calais then who knows? Is 3k a reasonable amount to get me going? Is anyone aware of any working farms etc where its possible to park up and camp while maybe working for a few weeks? Great site, thanks. K
+1
hi, my girlfriend and i are going to the south of spain via west coast of france so i can do some surfing. have no set route other than west coast down, over the pirinese, then hug the portugal border to grandada, back up east coast spain, alicante, valencia barcelona then back through central france.
anyone recomend any must see landscape, art museums, great surf beaches and campsites along this 'route'. also want to avoid motorways
thanks, awsome site
Hi. Sounds like a great trip.
West coast of France has lots of great surf spots. Maybe check out Dune de Pyla, Europes biggest.
Check out the Aires, wild camping/ almost free car parks where you can stop in a camper van. Some charge a few Euros. You need to know where they are though, this book is good:
https://www.vicarious-shop.com/All-the-Aires-France-3rd-edition.html
The Basque Country in France and Spain is great for surfing, little towns, great beaches, good food, great views.
Northern Spain has loads of places to surf and little towns to hang out.
Portugal is great throughout. If you stay away from the biggest surf breaks you can have the place to yourself.
Peniche in Portugal is great for surfing, beaches in every direction.
Barcelona is a great city to visit.
Motorways are annoying as they are paid, and they can be expensive. I generally try and find a almost-as-good free road, but switch to the pay road if the free road is too windy.
Try these pages which are my notes from a few years ago.
http://www.campervanlife.com/camping
All the best
Darren
hi my wife and i travelled around europe and over to morroco in 5 months we went to france ,belguim,holand,denmark,norway, sweeden,estonia,latvia, lithuania,poland,germany,chec republic, switzerland,austria,italy,san marino,monnaco,spain,gibralter,and portugal,drove all the way in a 1975 vwt2 camper van had loads of free camping and wouldent change a thing glad we did no research and never made our trip into months of research before hand as it was excellent the not knowing mafe it a great adventure,only downside was seeing the old people staying for months in 1 nite stay aires in most of europe,and being proud of it,THE OLD PEOPLE DOING THIS ARE GOING TO DESTROY THE FUTURE OF FREE CAMPS .some are now charging for water as a result!
Hi there, I see that you did a van tour through for europe for 5 months. My parnter and I are going to do the same, was just wondering how much it cost you in the end? Have no idea how much money we need to allow!!!
Thanks
ps it would cost alot less with a more economical vehicle and a more modern camper fuel alone was over £2500 the rest was tolls, ferrys, and food ...not eating out and staying on very few sites only for showers to keep the cost down ,but depends on how much you want to see and do,weve seen places we will probably never see again but well worth it....we talked about doing it and a month later we left our jobs and did it ,the more you think about it the less likley you will do it,my thoughts anyway ....just do it!
aprox £4.500
Great to here you had a great trip.
It is a shame to see so many white plastic motorhomes taking up all of the room at great wild campsites. Some places are creating new wild camping spots to allow people to camp, so this is a good thing.
Lets hope wild camping continues in the future.
Hi all, firstly I'd like to say thankyou for all the great info, I am currently planning a trip on my own through France and Spain in a van conversion - Do you think it is safe for me to be alone? I am a 30 yr old woman but I do look alot younger and am slighly built. I am used to camping and festivals and am a bit of a hippy so does anyone also know of any 'new age' type sites also?
Thanks ;) x
You should be fine.
Lots of women travel on their own.
If you camp near other people, and away from shady areas you should have no troubles.
My wife and I are new to campervanning but are keen to travel to Italy via France. We are not sure yet about the route but keen to take advice. We are looking for breathtaking scenery and as much of the quaint aspects of French and Italian life as possible. Is there a well known route over the Alps or any must sees along the way that anyone could recommend. Amazing road, spectacular views are the priorities for us.
I guess it depends on your schedule and where you want to visit.
Try some of these websites for ideas
http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=scenic+routes+to+italy
Firstly great website Darren.
Myself and my girlfriend are trying to plan a 4 month trip covering most of mainland europe from november to feburary. We had planned a mixture of free camping along with staying in some proper campsites to charge the batteries, clean up etc. We know this isnt peak time for sites etc but so far we are finding through are planning most of the sites close for the winter?? from your experience are most of the sites closed or have you any other tips of where to camp and charge up safely?? thanks
Hi Kieran
Glad you like the website :)
In warmer areas at the time of year, such as Portugal and southern Spain you'll find plenty of campsites open. These places get camping visitors all year around.
Colder places such as Germany will have less campsites open, as they don't get many visitors in the snow.
I'm assuming you'll be sticking with the warmer weather. Therefore you'll have no problem finding campsites that are open.
In France you'll find Aire de Service. These are service areas designed for motorhomes and campervans. They are normally tarmaced or concrete areas, sometimes in woodlands, with parking spaces. Many have electricity, fresh water and water disposal sites.
The French take camping very seriously, and these Aires are great places to stop and refresh your vehicle. They are generally free outside of the summer. Charging about €5 in the summer.
You'll find similar things in Italy, and a few other countries are starting to make such things.
You can find out about them if you search
http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=aire+de+service
I m thinking of buying a WV or converting a small 'stealth van' and just taking off for a while. Starting from the UK and going for as long and as far as suits me. Any comments welcome but especially: How safe it it to free camp as a single female (all of 5ft2'!)?
I have done a lot of wild camping in both a rascal van camper with windows, and a transit stealth van. You will find people will worry about you far less if your vehicle looks like a camper van.
im looking to drive from bilbao,through france and back to england in a t4 campervan,do you know any way that i can plan a route with campsites on route or routes that are pre planned as to make it as stress free as possible as me and my gf are not looking to have our heads in a map all day.many thanks
I think you definitely need to plan your route in advance. Be conservative with your estimated daily mileage and plan your stops accordingly. See Darren's advice (against) the Aires de Repos on French Routes Nationales (N roads). I've done many trips over the whole of France, it makes a big difference to your route plan if you will both be driving or just one of you.
Maybe a couple of days with Google Maps &/or Google Earth before you go, there's a "business" search option where you could type "campsite" or "camping". You can print out the google maps and details of the campsites.
http://www.campingfrance.com/ (also in English)
Buy a french (ring bound) road atlas. Along the coast through France are loads of campsites, school will be starting soon so maybe not so crowded. Check the date of 'rentrée à l'école' in France, looks like 1-2 September (http://www.education.gouv.fr/pid184/le-calendrier-scolaire.html).
Bon Voyage!
four of us with one child would like to travel around Europe in a campervan we have never done this before could anyone give any advise????
Are you all going to travel in the same vehicle? if so you'll need something big. Probably a motorhome, but you may be able to find a van conversion that will accomodate you all.
my partner and I are planning on travelling around europe for 6 weeks in a vw T4, Ive managed to plan a bit of a route but dont know if there are any well followed routes out there that let you take in spain, france, italy, germany, scandinavia?
It all depends on what you want to see (cities, country side, beaches), how much time you have, and your budget, as toll roads are quicker but cost more.
I would recommend highlighting the places on the map you definitely want to visit, and other places you might want to visit.
Then make a route that takes these in. As you travel your route is likely to change based on your remaining time, and how you feel about the things you visit.
It's always good to be flexible about your route. Don't make it too fixed.
Obviously main toll roads/motorways are quickest, but are generally the least interesting roads and often the most expensive.
The country roads are more interesting but slow.
just planning a 6 month trip with my 6year old girl and my 2 year old boy around france, italy spain and portugal everthing seems positive but can anyone tell me is there places to shower in service station its my first trip pleeese help.
Hi Diane
Some service stations on the main roads have showers. But there are not lots. Campsites obviously offer showers, but I guess you are looking to free camp?
Have you considered a solar shower? They work OK in hot weather. Fill with water and leave on the roof of the van for a few hours. Or even part boil the kettle and fill the shower with your own water.
Hi . You say here that one could use a solar shower. myself and my girlfriend are planning a trip starting in march that will last for 8 months. we have 2 brand new solar showers bought. we havent got a camper yet, still looking. my question is - if we get a camper with no shower room, how can we use the solar shower? i presume outside the motorhome. any ideas from you? thanks.
The easiest way is to use the solar shower outside. Fill the solar shower in the morning, and let it warm all day. Then shower in the afternoon.
Another way, although it can cause splash, is to stand in a large bowl inside the van, then use the solar shower inside. Be careful not to splash too much though.
U can easily hook up a solar shower to the outside of ur vehicle.
If you want some privacy (not all of us do :-)) you could look at purchasing a small toilet/change tent from numerous camping stores or caravan.camping outlets around the country. They are easy to erect, light weight and pacl down very small.
Hi, my partner and I are planning to travel Europe for 6-8 weeks this August. Can anybody please give me a rough idea of what van insurance would be and the best place to get it? I know it varies with what vehicle you have but just after a rough idea of price before we plan to much. Thanks heaps.
Hi there. Try Sureterm Insurance, they specialise in campervan isurance and convertions They seem quite reasonable, friendly and can offer european breakdown cover as part of a package (pretty essential I would say). Very friendly and extra discounts to be had by joining a caravan club - they will recommend one that costs nothing. good luck and enjoy.
For a professional conversion expect to pay from £50 per month. But things vary greatly.
Try the insurance page for more information
http://www.campervanlife.com/insurance
Having read through the above comments, am a bit worried about HAVING to travel at the end of July because of school holidays. There will be 2 adults and 2 children (almost 6 & 9) and will have 4-5 weeks to do our trip. Would love any hints, tips and/or recommendations from those who have already done this sort of thing.
You need to avoid the peak problems.
Try to always fuel your vehicle during quiet times (evenings).
Try to travel during quiet times - very early and very late in the day.
Try and book places on campsites, or choose very quiet spots for free camping.
Essentially you need to avoid busy areas, and especially avoid getting stuck in traffic jams.
You will have a great time, you just need to plan a little more.
Under French law, vehicles must carry one reflective jacket for the driver, although many French families store one for each passenger in case there is a breakdown and they have to wait beside the car.
If you breakdown, or are stopped by the police, put the jacket on, or else you may find yourself with a fine.
In Spain you require a jacket for each person.
In France, Spain and Germany you are required to carry a red warning triangle. Should you breakdown the triangle must be errected 30 meters behind the car.
In Spain you require 2 red warning teiangle per car.
In Spain you are also required to carry a set of spare lamps/bulbs for your car and the tools to change them
Here's a quick kit list:
Greece
- First aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
- Warning triangle
Italy
- Warning triangle
- Reflective jacket
France
- Warning triangle
- Reflective jacket
- Headlamp adjustment
Spain
- Warning triangle x 2
- Spare bulbs
- Headlamp adjustment
- Reflective jacket
ends
sounds like good advise ,we are off to spend the next few months in europe in our van mainly in Italy looking for a new home (hopfully)is there any things that you legally have to have ie warning triangles etc?
I have parked in gas station car parks, and truck stops, in Spain and Portugal. It is worth asking if it's OK first, before you park. Truck stops are almost always OK, but its worth asking as you need to park in the right place.
Some supermarkets also allow it, but again, ask first. There is nothing worse than a knock on the window once you are settled for the night, especially from the police.
Very usefull text, do you people usually park in gas stations ?
Mainly those with restaurants and sometime with hotels.
Thanks, and great site.
Thank you for the encouraging words on this article. I am in the very early stages of plannikng to take a camper van - alone except for a dog maybe - into France. It was encouraging to learn it has been done, safely, and enjoyably. x
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