Planning to journey Europe in a Campervan? Feeling a bit overwhelmed and daunted by vanlife in Europe? Need to ensure you don’t overlook something in your journey?
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Don’t worry- we all know precisely how you are 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 advantageous. (Aside from forgetting to deliver any fuel. And dropping all our contemporary water. And burning out our brakes coming down a mountain. You already know, little issues like that…!)
However we’re nonetheless travelling Europe by van two years later- so it may well’t be that arduous!! 🙂
I promise you, a bit little bit of preparation will make all of the distinction. That’s what this information will enable you to with- getting ready for Vanlife in Europe!
Find out how to journey Europe in a campervan
So, you’ve purchased your camper van. You’ve packed, adjusted and repacked your campervan. You’ve made record after record after record. You might need even spent a couple of nights away in your van. You are feeling able to set out and tackle the world. (Or, you understand, Europe.)
In case you’d like some extra steerage on highway journeys and van journey, now we have some implausible guides and checklists that can assist you get began in our FREE RESOURCE LIBRARY- click on right here to examine them out!
And don’t fear in case you’re renting a camper and haven’t even seen it yet- you’ll be simply advantageous in case you observe the recommendation under. It’s completely attainable 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 important. I promise it will get extra thrilling afterward!
We’ve been stopped twice, each instances close to the ferry at Caen, France. I 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 could have forgotten some important paperwork. Or who break the velocity restrict. Don’t let that be you!
Fines have to be paid in money there after which; no- they don’t present any proof in case you’ve been caught rushing. It’s their phrase in opposition to yours. In case you don’t have money, you’ll be escorted to the closest money level and requested to withdraw the correct quantity.
Additionally, don’t count on them to have change. Our advantageous was for 90€, and we solely had 20€ notes… fortunately one other one who 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 provide them the additional 10€ simply so we might be on our manner, however they wouldn’t take it.
On-the-spot fines are frequent in all nations, besides Eire the place the Police are usually not authorised to gather fines. Some locations, like Croatia, provide you with 8 days to pay. Different locations, like in case you go campervanning in Portugal, give their law enforcement officials an ATM to verify fines are paid instantly!!
An important bits of paperwork are:
- V5 Logbook (yep, the unique)
- If it’s a rent automobile, 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 submit in case you’re undecided)
Different objects it is advisable carry for Vanlife Europe
- UK sticker hooked up to the again of auto or reg plates (and trailer when you’ve got one)
- First help equipment– 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 automobile (or getting off a bike!) We advocate carrying no less than 2, ideally one per particular person.
- Motorhome velocity stickers for some vans
- Spare gentle bulbs- tough when you’ve got LEDS however we supply a few random previous bulbs only for present
- Headlight deflectors as our UK headlamps are pointing the ‘flawed manner’ for European roads-
- Radar detectors are forbidden EVERYWHERE in Europe.
- You may additionally want a crimson/ white striped reflective board when you’ve got bicycles or a motorhome storage field.
Campervan route planner- Planning a route round Europe
Europe is superior to discover by camper, however it may also be daunting. We recommend planning a unfastened route, so you understand the place you’re headed however go away time to discover locations you discover alongside the way in which.
We wish to maintain a observe of locations we discover or hear about on Google maps and use these factors to plan our subsequent journey. However you may maintain a easy record 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 funds. Due to this fact, it is advisable 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, no less than in comparison with the UK (though Brit Stops helps.)
Listed below are our favorite methods to seek 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 amenities and others are completely wild tenting spots in the midst of nowhere.
Most locations have critiques and photographs so you may 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 critiques fastidiously so that you simply’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 set 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 purported to be utterly with out obligation, however we’ve heard tales of a tough promote. It really works nice in case you’re planning to eat out anyway, however in case you’re attempting to economize, Park4night is likely to be a greater choice for you.
In order for you 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?
Typically. There are completely different guidelines in numerous nations. For instance, wild tenting is illegitimate in Italy. But you’ll nonetheless discover locations on Park4night the place it’s tolerated. Additionally, the accepted 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 will discover. My favorite evening ever touring within the van was spent within the Swiss Alps, trying up on the Milky Approach, with nothing however the wolves for firm. And it value us completely NOTHING!! It’s also possible to get pleasure from wild tenting with a campervan in France.
My recommendation is to take a look at the legalities within the nation you’re heading for. In case you’re undecided and never joyful, transfer on to an accepted cease level. You’ll find extra recommendation on wild tenting in Europe right here.
Aires- Authorized Locations for Campervans, excellent for vanlife in Europe
Europe is NOT just like the UK and Motorhomers/ campervanners are usually not handled like a nuisance- most cities make glorious provision for them and you’ll keep in clear, fairly areas inside straightforward strolling distance of city centres or points of interest.
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’t pre-book Aires- they function on a primary come foundation. A campervan will match nicely into all of them until you’ve a trailer- a number of the areas may be fairly tight. Some aires have guidelines in opposition to unconverted vans/ vans with signage staying- remember to learn the critiques fastidiously (you will discover critiques on Park4night.
Campervan Journey tips- some important equipment to assist make life simpler.
Wi-Fi!
Is Wifi a vital? For me it’s.
I’ve a wifi dongle within the van and it’s BRILLIANT. I frequently have a number of gadgets 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 previous, second-hand iPad with Co-Pilot navigation app put in onto it. It’s been nice and we love the offline map function.
In case you don’t need an app, these campervan sat navs are superior and really useful- notably when you’ve got an even 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 motive 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 could like:
Journey Europe in a Campervan- POWER necessities!
Inverter
One of many joys of touring Europe in a campervan is the liberty. We love having 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 destroy that! (To not point out blow our vanlife funds!)
The answer is an inverter (and presumably an influence pack relying on how energy hungry you’re.
We cost while we’re driving by operating 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 after we’re wild/ free tenting with a camper. It helps high 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 utilize it identical to a petroleum station; some petrol stations even promote LPG fuel.
If that isn’t an choice in your campervan, ensure you get a equipment with varied nozzles, so you may simply swap between the various kinds of bottles accessible.
Europe in a campervan- Recommendations on Security
Emergencies
112 may be dialled anyplace in Europe in an emergency, accident or misery scenario.
Thieves & Safety
Vanlife safety is especially about frequent sense (and all the time leaving an space in case you are unsure.) We’ve stayed put twice, even after we had doubts and each instances 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 danger as a lot as attainable, however on the similar time you need to 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 Ideas for Touring in a van in Europe
The place to get water and waste whereas travelling Europe by campervan?
In case you’re not planning to make use of campsites (and also you don’t have to!) there are a number of choices for getting contemporary water and eliminating waste. PLEASE don’t simply dump your black waste when you’ve got a rest room 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 hundreds all through Europe. Some aires even have disposal points- once more, you usually have to pay for them.
Sidelights while driving your camper
Sidelights have to be switched on within the following nations at ALL instances:
- 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 comparable, like Paris and London. These locations are sometimes clearly signed however it may be straightforward to be caught out. We attempt to Google every metropolis earlier than we go to, or park nicely outdoors and catch a practice in.
Vignettes in Europe
Additionally, you want a Vignette for Motorways/ toll roads in Switzerland and Austria.
Driving on the flawed facet of the highway!
Driving on the right-hand facet shouldn’t be as scary because it appears! Promise.
Don’t overlook some (VERY few) roundabouts in France nonetheless give precedence to folks coming ON to the roundabout- so in case you’re already going round you need to 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, now we have NEVER discovered certainly one of these roundabouts, however now we have been caught out from time to time by a member of the… older… era driving onto a roundabout with out proper of manner, forgetting he has to cease! (I hate to say it- however it does appear to be the boys who do that!!)
Simply watch out and concentrate in case you’re not sure- all the time count on the sudden!!
Touring in a van in Europe- important suggestions for camper van life
Euros
Attempt to purchase your Euros prematurely as you’ll get a greater charge. You need to use money machines in Europe however there are sometimes excessive costs for that.
Additionally, don’t overlook that not each nation in Europe makes use of Euros. Listed below are some well-liked 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- ensure you examine prematurely.
Toll Go
This move is superior for having the ability to skip the queues in case you are touring Europe throughout Summer season. We love not needing to seek out change as we travel- it simply sends us a invoice on the finish of the month. We use Emovis-tag.
Treatment
Be sure to’re have sufficient treatment for you and any pets. Be ready to elucidate your treatment 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 lots!
Tyres & Snow chains
In case you’re travelling Europe by campervan throughout the winter, you would possibly want snow chains and all-weather tyres. You will get these fitted in Europe with out drawback.
Find out how to journey Europe in a camper van- Last ideas
I do know the concept of travelling out of the country in a van may be daunting- particularly in the event that they don’t converse the identical language! Nevertheless, none of that is troublesome; you simply have to be organised, which might take a while. Listed below are some closing suggestions and inspiration in your campervan travels:
- Study a bit of the native language. English is broadly spoken round a lot of Europe, however they find it irresistible in case you make an effort. In spite of everything, you’re of their nation and a bit 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 in regards to the journey as a lot because the vacation spot. This may be onerous once you’re on a schedule, however attempt to not cram a lot in you may’t have a day by the seaside or at a winery in case you fancy it.
- Having stated 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 automobile checks earlier than you go!
I do know you’ll LOVE having the ability to journey Europe by campervan. Let me know the place you finish up- I’d like to see your photos. Secure travels.
Final replace on 2023-12-16 / Affiliate hyperlinks / Pictures from Amazon Product Promoting API
