Planning to journey Europe in a Campervan? Feeling a bit overwhelmed and daunted by vanlife in Europe? Need to be sure you don’t neglect something on your journey?
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Don’t worry- we all know precisely how you’re feeling. Earlier than we set off for Europe for the primary time, we felt barely terrified (in an over-excited kinda manner). And all of it labored out nice. (Apart from forgetting to convey any fuel. And shedding all our recent water. And burning out our brakes coming down a mountain. You realize, little issues like that…!)
However we’re nonetheless travelling Europe by van two years later- so it may’t be that onerous!! 🙂
I promise you, somewhat little bit of preparation will make all of the distinction. That’s what this information will enable you with- getting ready for Vanlife in Europe!
The right way to journey Europe in a campervan
So, you’ve purchased your camper van. You’ve packed, adjusted and repacked your campervan. You’ve made checklist after checklist after checklist. You may need even spent just a few nights away in your van. You are feeling able to set out and tackle the world. (Or, you recognize, Europe.)
For those who’d like some extra steerage on highway journeys and van journey, we now have some implausible guides and checklists that will help you get began in our FREE RESOURCE LIBRARY- click on right here to verify them out!
And don’t fear for those who’re renting a camper and haven’t even seen it yet- you’ll be simply nice for those who comply with the recommendation beneath. It’s completely doable to choose up a van and take it straight on an epic highway journey journey.
Vanlife Europe – the boring, however oh so important paperwork
Sorry, however this paperwork stuff actually is crucial. I promise it will get extra thrilling afterward!
We’ve been stopped twice, each occasions close to the ferry at Caen, France. I really like travelling in France in our van, however the French police close to the UK border do appear to like to pounce on campervanners who might have forgotten some important paperwork. Or who break the pace restrict. Don’t let that be you!
Fines have to be paid in money there after which; no- they don’t present any proof for those who’ve been caught dashing. It’s their phrase in opposition to yours. For those who don’t have money, you’ll be escorted to the closest money level and requested to withdraw the right amount.
Additionally, don’t anticipate them to have change. Our nice was for 90€, and we solely had 20€ notes… fortunately one other one that was stopped occurred to have 2 x €10 notes, in any other case we’d have been going to the cashpoint 15 miles away at the back of a police automotive!
To the police’s credit score, we supplied to offer them the additional 10€ simply so we might be on our manner, however they wouldn’t take it.
On-the-spot fines are widespread in all nations, besides Eire the place the Police should not authorised to gather fines. Some locations, like Croatia, offer you 8 days to pay. Different locations, like for those who go campervanning in Portugal, give their cops an ATM to ensure fines are paid instantly!!
An important bits of paperwork are:
- V5 Logbook (yep, the unique)
- If it’s a rent car, proof that you’re allowed to drive and cross borders
- Insurance coverage
- Legitimate MOT
- Driver licence (pink half solely)
- Worldwide Driver Allow (if required- learn the put up for those who’re undecided)
Different objects it’s good to carry for Vanlife Europe
- UK sticker hooked up to the again of auto or reg plates (and trailer you probably have one)
- First support package– do you know it’s unlawful to NOT cease at an accident in France and plenty of different locations in Europe?
- Warning Triangle
- Hello-vis jacket which have to be simply reached with out leaving the car (or getting off a bike!) We advocate carrying not less than 2, ideally one per individual.
- Motorhome pace stickers for some vans
- Spare mild bulbs- difficult you probably have LEDS however we supply a few random outdated bulbs only for present
- Headlight deflectors as our UK headlamps are pointing the ‘fallacious manner’ for European roads-
- Radar detectors are forbidden EVERYWHERE in Europe.
- You may also want a crimson/ white striped reflective board you probably have bicycles or a motorhome storage field.
Campervan route planner- Planning a route round Europe
Europe is superior to discover by camper, but it surely may also be daunting. We recommend planning a free route, so you recognize the place you’re headed however depart time to discover locations you discover alongside the best way.
We wish to preserve a observe of locations we discover or hear about on Google maps and use these factors to plan our subsequent journey. However you’ll be able to preserve a easy checklist in your cellphone which you refer again to everytime you want inspiration!
Touring Europe in a campervan – Discovering locations to remain
Most individuals travelling Europe in a camper are doing so on a price range. Subsequently, it’s good to discover low-cost, or ideally FREE locations to remain. That’s referred to as wild or free tenting.
You’ll be happy to know that Europe is MUCH higher at offering locations for vans to cease for the evening, not less than in comparison with the UK (though Brit Stops helps.)
Listed below are our favorite methods to search out locations to remain for the evening:
Park4night
This free app is what we primarily use when touring in Europe in our van. There are LOADS of locations marked appropriate for campers, vans or motorhomes to park for the evening. Some are paid (and marked as such), some have services and others are completely wild tenting spots in the course of nowhere.
Most locations have evaluations and photographs so you’ll be able to see the place you’re staying- we keep away from anyplace that doesn’t.
Phrase of warning- some websites/ aires have guidelines in opposition to unmarked/ unconverted vans. If that is you, learn the evaluations rigorously so that you just’re not requested to maneuver on once you arrive. Or use the locations marked ‘Nature’ on the app- there shouldn’t be anybody there who cares.
France Ardour
France Ardour is a group of native companies throughout France, which provide free in a single day parking for vans, in return for a meal/ buy some wine at their store. It’s presupposed to be utterly with out obligation, however we’ve heard tales of a tough promote. It really works nice for those who’re planning to eat out anyway, however for those who’re making an attempt to economize, Park4night is perhaps a greater possibility for you.
If you need extra data on how we choose our locations, right here’s a video we did explaining our course of:
Is wild tenting authorized for campervans in Europe?
Generally. There are totally different guidelines in numerous nations. For instance, wild tenting is prohibited in Italy. But you’ll nonetheless discover locations on Park4night the place it’s tolerated. Additionally, the authorized locations (Sostas in Italy) value from as little as 2€/evening.
Wild tenting can be unlawful in Switzerland- till you attain the Alps and individuals are merrily parking totally free in any layby they’ll discover. My favorite evening ever touring within the van was spent within the Swiss Alps, trying up on the Milky Manner, with nothing however the wolves for firm. And it value us completely NOTHING!! You may also take pleasure in wild tenting with a campervan in France.
My recommendation is to try the legalities within the nation you might be heading for. For those who’re undecided and never blissful, transfer on to an authorized cease level. You’ll find extra recommendation on wild tenting in Europe right here.
Aires- Accredited Locations for Campervans, excellent for vanlife in Europe
Europe is NOT just like the UK and Motorhomers/ campervanners should not handled like a nuisance- most cities make wonderful provision for them and you may keep in clear, fairly areas inside simple strolling distance of city centres or sights.
These locations are referred to as Aires (France and Belgium) / Sostas (Italy)/ Stellplatz (Germany) For the sake of ease, let’s name all of them aires for now.
You can not pre-book Aires- they function on a primary come foundation. A campervan will match properly into all of them until you’ve got a trailer- among the areas could be fairly tight. Some aires have guidelines in opposition to unconverted vans/ vans with signage staying- remember to learn the evaluations rigorously (yow will discover evaluations on Park4night.
Campervan Journey tips- some important package to assist make life simpler.
Wi-Fi!
Is Wifi an important? For me it’s.
I’ve a wifi dongle within the van and it’s BRILLIANT. I usually have a number of units linked to it without delay with out drawback. Sure, sometimes it’s a sluggish connection, however for comfort and power-saving I haven’t discovered something to beat it. I cost it utilizing a 12v charger whereas driving and it simply lasts a few days when wild tenting.
Sat-Nav
We use an outdated, second-hand iPad with Co-Pilot navigation app put in onto it. It’s been nice and we love the offline map characteristic.
For those who don’t need an app, these campervan sat navs are superior and really useful- significantly you probably have a much bigger, taller van.
Additionally, watch out the place you mount your sat nav. Many nations now say it’s unlawful to have the satnav mounted on the windscreen or blocking the driving force’s view. We use a mount on our dashboard, the place it’s low sufficient to not trigger any issues. Listed below are some choices you might like:
Journey Europe in a Campervan- POWER necessities!
Inverter
One of many joys of touring Europe in a campervan is the liberty. We love with the ability to park in distant areas for days on finish. Having to discover a campsite each evening so we had electrical energy would actually damage that! (To not point out blow our vanlife price range!)
The answer is an inverter (and presumably an influence pack relying on how energy hungry you might be.
We cost while we’re driving by working the inverter as we drive, which costs the laptops. We cost telephones/ iPads utilizing USB sockets within the cab.
Photo voltaic Panel
We do have a photo voltaic panel onboard, which actually helps once we’re wild/ free tenting with a camper. It helps prime up our batteries and permits us to remain off-grid within the van longer.
Fuel
We use Gaslow refillable bottles, that are so helpful and make getting fuel as we journey a lot simpler. There are many locations throughout Europe to purchase refillable fuel and you employ it identical to a petroleum station; some petrol stations even promote LPG fuel.
If that isn’t an possibility on your campervan, be sure you get a package with numerous nozzles, so you’ll be able to simply change between the various kinds of bottles accessible.
Europe in a campervan- Tips about Security
Emergencies
112 could be dialled anyplace in Europe in an emergency, accident or misery scenario.
Thieves & Safety
Vanlife safety is especially about widespread sense (and all the time leaving an space in case you are unsure.) We’ve stayed put twice, even once we had doubts and each occasions we’ve ended up regretting our determination.
We don’t journey in our van with any jewelry, little or no cash and only a few objects of worth. We attempt to minimise the chance as a lot as doable, however on the identical time you must get out and benefit from the locations you go to; in any other case, what’s the purpose. Set up a very good lock in your camper, each for out of doors and for inside. We additionally like to make use of a steering lock as a visual deterrent.
Important Suggestions for Touring in a van in Europe
The place to get water and waste whereas travelling Europe by campervan?
For those who’re not planning to make use of campsites (and also you don’t must!) there are a number of choices for getting recent water and eliminating waste. PLEASE don’t simply dump your black waste you probably have a bathroom onboard- there are many locations to get rid of it hygienically.
Many service stations (additionally referred to as aires, confusingly!), present a motorhome service level. Usually this prices 1-2€ to get the whole lot you want. We discover these utilizing the Park4Night app- there are masses all through Europe. Some aires even have disposal points- once more, you usually must pay for them.
Sidelights while driving your camper
Sidelights have to be switched on within the following nations at ALL occasions:
- Croatia
- Denmark
- Italy
- Norway
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Low Emission Zones in Europe
Watch out of low-emission zones and areas which require a congestion cost or related, like Paris and London. These locations are sometimes clearly signed however it may be simple to be caught out. We attempt to Google every metropolis earlier than we go to, or park properly exterior and catch a prepare in.
Vignettes in Europe
Additionally, you want a Vignette for Motorways/ toll roads in Switzerland and Austria.
Driving on the fallacious facet of the highway!
Driving on the right-hand facet isn’t as scary because it appears! Promise.
Don’t neglect some (VERY few) roundabouts in France nonetheless give precedence to folks coming ON to the roundabout- so for those who’re already going round you must cease and allow them to on! (Don’t ask- it’s a French factor!!)
In all our years of driving in France with a automotive and a camper, we now have NEVER discovered one in all these roundabouts, however we now have been caught out once in a while by a member of the… older… technology driving onto a roundabout with out proper of manner, forgetting he has to cease! (I hate to say it- but it surely does appear to be the boys who do that!!)
Simply watch out and concentrate for those who’re not sure- all the time anticipate the surprising!!
Touring in a van in Europe- important suggestions for camper van life
Euros
Try to purchase your Euros prematurely as you’ll get a greater fee. You should utilize money machines in Europe however there are sometimes excessive costs for that.
Additionally, don’t neglect that not each nation in Europe makes use of Euros. Listed below are some in style ones which don’t!
- Bulgaria – Lev
- Czech Republic – Kurona
- Denmark – Krone
- Hungary – Forint
- Norway- Krone
- Poland – Zloty
- Romania – Leu
- Switzerland – Swiss Franc
There are others in East European as well- be sure you verify prematurely.
Toll Move
This cross is superior for with the ability to skip the queues in case you are touring Europe throughout Summer season. We love not needing to search out change as we travel- it simply sends us a invoice on the finish of the month. We use Emovis-tag.
Remedy
Be sure to’re have sufficient remedy for you and any pets. Be ready to elucidate your remedy and show what it’s with a physician’s observe or one thing similar- simply in case customs search the van and ask you.
Really, on that observe, EXPECT to be searched at customs/ borders. They do search campers and vans so much!
Tyres & Snow chains
For those who’re travelling Europe by campervan throughout the winter, you may want snow chains and all-weather tyres. You will get these fitted in Europe with out drawback.
The right way to journey Europe in a camper van- Remaining ideas
I do know the concept of travelling abroad in a van could be daunting- particularly in the event that they don’t converse the identical language! Nonetheless, none of that is tough; you simply must be organised, which might take a while. Listed below are some last suggestions and inspiration on your campervan travels:
- Be taught somewhat of the native language. English is broadly spoken round a lot of Europe, however they find it irresistible for those who make an effort. In any case, you might be of their nation and somewhat respect to them means a a lot friendlier welcome!
- Settle for you’re a tourist- you’ll make errors and possibly seem like an fool. Don’t let it put your off your camper van journey!
- Attempt to ‘sluggish journey’- travelling by van is concerning the journey as a lot because the vacation spot. This may be laborious once you’re on a schedule, however strive to not cram a lot in you’ll be able to’t have a day by the seaside or at a winery for those who fancy it.
- Having mentioned that, do some analysis as you journey so that you don’t miss some wonderful locations. We like to choose an space after which Google it to see what nice adventures are ready for us! Then we plot a tough itinerary on Google Maps.
- You don’t wish to spend your time with a damaged down camper. Be sure to do these important car checks earlier than you go!
I do know you’ll LOVE with the ability to journey Europe by campervan. Let me know the place you finish up- I’d like to see your photos. Protected travels.
Final replace on 2023-12-06 / Affiliate hyperlinks / Photos from Amazon Product Promoting API
