Planning a campervan rent within the UK or Europe? Feeling a bit of overwhelmed by all of the camper rental choices? Don’t panic- this information will share the ideas and tips you want to plan your excellent campervan holiday- even in the event you’ve by no means rented one earlier than!
Why rent a camper van?
There are numerous explanation why hiring a campervan is a good suggestion. In the event you don’t presently personal a camper, there are a LOT of benefits to hiring one earlier than you buy- it’s an effective way to check out if it’s for you.
Additionally, in the event you’re attempting to avoid crowds and motels (you recognize, resulting from a pandemic or one thing…), a campervan is a improbable possibility for staying isolated- particularly in the event you rent one with its personal bathroom and bathe.
Campervan Rent in UK and Europe- issues to determine first
There are a LOT of issues you want to take into account and determine earlier than you even begin taking a look at campervan rent corporations or quotes, so let’s begin there.
- How many individuals
- What format?
- Toilet?
- Measurement?
- Weight/ driving restrictions
- Insurance coverage
How many individuals will probably be travelling within the Campervan?
That is vitally essential and impacts a lot of the subsequent selections you make. You will want a seat belt per individual, together with any child in a automotive seat.
You additionally want to ensure there are an applicable variety of sleeping berths- some campervans could have 4 seatbelts however solely sleep 2 or 3.
What format?
That is an nearly unending rabbit gap, particularly in the event you’ve by no means rented or owned a campervan earlier than. There are a whole bunch of various layouts, kinds and accessories- a lot of that are completely down to non-public desire!
Nevertheless, some issues to contemplate are:
- Is a set mattress an important, or are you content to make up bench seats each evening?
- Would you like an consuming space you’ll be able to all collect round contained in the van, or do you propose to eat exterior?
- When you’ve got kids, the place will they sleep and do you continue to have someplace to sit down after they’ve gone to mattress?
Additionally, remember that many Europe campers don’t include an oven as standard- they’ve a hob and sometimes a microwave (not helpful in the event you’re planning to wild camp or use aires!)
Toilet
One other factor to consider is what toilet necessities do you could have? Many {couples} are pleased utilizing the good outdoor or utilizing a porta-potti. Showers may be had at a campsite or utilizing a photo voltaic bathe.
If any of that makes you frown, then you want to rent a campervan with a fitted toilet. There are numerous varieties of those on the campervan rent books- however it might prohibit your desires of a basic VW for the week!
Campervan Journey- Measurement issues!
I hate to interrupt it to you, however larger isn’t at all times higher. Particularly in the event you’ve by no means pushed or employed a big campervan or motorhome earlier than. Numerous house could seem beautiful, however you want to be taught to park it- one thing which isn’t at all times straightforward.
After all, a lot of that depends upon what you need to do throughout your campervan hire- we’ll get to that shortly.
CAMPERVAN HIRE IN EUROPE- measurement restrictions
Europe has many extra tolls than the UK- and the scale of your camper can actually have an effect on the worth of those tolls! Over 3.1m excessive is classed as a truck, so any motorhome with an above cab mattress may very well be costly.
Additionally, bigger campers are usually much less fuel-efficient and in addition they have an inclination to value extra to rent within the first place! So actually take into consideration what you want.
Campervan hire- Weight/ driving restrictions
That is essential in some ways. For instance, many campervan rent corporations gained’t rent to anybody underneath 25 or who has held their driving licence for lower than a 12 months.
Additionally, if you’re hiring a campervan or motorhome over 3.5 tonnes, you’ll want to ensure your driving licence covers it. Yow will discover out extra about that right here.
Campervan Journey Important- Insurance coverage
Most campervan rent quotes embrace insurance coverage, however many gained’t embrace your private possessions, solely harm to the camper itself. You’ll want a journey insurance coverage coverage which is able to cowl your issues.
Mileage
This is a vital one! Many Campervan rent corporations do NOT embrace mileage- and this will add a HUGE quantity to the worth in the event you’re planning to tour Europe.
So both plan a vacation which doesn’t embrace a lot driving, or discover a firm which incorporates limitless mileage within the value.
Age
In my coronary heart, I desire a basic VW. I believe they’re awesome- fairly, cool … and much too small for me! Apparently, they don’t seem to be the best issues to drive both (outdated gearboxes and no energy steering!) In addition they don’t usually have air-conditioning, which may be essential relying on location.
Newer vans are rather more financial, larger, safer and higher at placing extra right into a small house! In addition they are likely to have headroom for these of us who’re above common peak!
Different issues to consider with Campervan Rent
Most motorhomes solely have handbook gearboxes. There are just a few computerized campervans for rent in the marketplace, however they arrive at a premium.
Campervan Rent in UK and Europe- Planning your journey
For my part, you want to reply these questions earlier than you begin taking a look at campervan rent corporations. HOWEVER, if you’re reserving final minute, it’s possible you’ll need to simply guide no matter is accessible after which plan your journey round that location!
- Resolve the place you need to go
- WHEN
- How lengthy for?
- Plan your itinerary
- Spherical journey or a technique?
- Price range
Resolve the place you need to go throughout your camper rent
That is an apparent place to begin, however truly may be fairly tough, particularly for campervan rent in UK and Europe. There are simply so many locations to discover! Right here’s a whole information to planning your UK street journey.
In the event you’d like some Europe street journey itinerary concepts, these are excellent for any size of vacation.
Quick or long run motorhome rent?
Are you hiring the campervan for a weekend? Week? Extra? All of it will have an effect on how far you’ll be able to journey throughout your journey.
TOP TIP- in the event you’re travelling Europe or the UK for longer than a month, you may need to take into account shopping for your individual van. It could be cheaper in the long term!
When is the most effective time to rent a campervan in UK or Europe?
Sincere fact? There’s a motive us Brits and Europeans discuss in regards to the climate a LOT, particularly within the north. It rains… loads. And this generally is a actual ache in a campervan- particularly a small one.
Clearly, no climate may be assured, however right here’s a tough information:
Greatest time to Campervan rent in UK:
April- October. Ish. In 2018 March and April had been AMAZING climate. In 2019 it barely stopped raining and it was sooo chilly. I favor the September/ October interval; the children are again in class, campsites and roads are quieter, however the climate remains to be (hopefully!) heat sufficient and light-weight sufficient to sit down out within the evenings.
Attempt to keep away from driving wherever on a Financial institution Vacation within the UK (Google them to make sure). The roads are notoriously dangerous for visitors on a Financial institution Vacation and you might simply be gridlocked for a number of hours.
The massive summer time holidays within the UK are mid-July to starting of September. Keep away from these instances in the event you probably can; campervan rent and campsites value extra and in every single place is busier .
Greatest time to Campervan rent in Europe:
Campervan Rent in Europe has a bit of extra flexibility by way of season and climate than the UK. Many individuals from Britain flee right down to southern Spain or Italy for the winter (November-March). It’s recurrently good climate all by means of the winter right here, with only some wet days in the event you’re fortunate.
Additional north, count on snow. Many locations from mid-Europe up has mountains, and these are all busy ski locations. After all, this implies snow… and campervan rent within the snow just isn’t for the faint-hearted or the unprepared! It may be completed, however I might recommend not on your first journey.
Plan your itinerary
As soon as you recognize the place to go, plan a tough itinerary. At all times go away sufficient room to detour to enjoyable locations you discover alongside the best way. Learn to plan an ideal street journey itinerary right here.
Spherical journey or a technique?
There’s a premium for one-way campervan rent, however it might probably prevent numerous time in the event you’re not planning to circle again. If that is one thing you’d like to contemplate, search for a rent firm who gives a technique camper journeys.
Price range for campervan rent in UK and Europe
Lastly, you want to determine your funds. Campervan rent may be greater than you think- particularly within the faculty holidays. At all times get a number of quotes so you’ll be able to evaluate.
discover Campervan Rent corporations
There are a LOT of campervan rent corporations. And sure, it may be overwhelming. Be certain that any firm you cope with has a correct telephone quantity and registered handle. Additionally, earlier than you contact them, do a Google seek for evaluations. Don’t fear in regards to the odd dangerous overview, but when there’s a recurring theme or numerous negativity, it’s time to maneuver on.
Issues to test your motorhome or campervan rent firm present
Be certain that the corporate offers the next, or be ready to deliver your individual!
- Towels
- Mattress linen
- Pots, pans, plates, utensils
- Out of doors seats/ BBQ/ Bike rack/ awning
- Bathroom chemical substances (not essential- they’re simply purchasable in UK and Europe)
- Mileage
- Potential to cross borders with the camper
- Insurance coverage (private possessions aren’t usually covered- you’ll want your individual coverage)
- Breakdown help (and what it covers!)
- Gasoline bottle (test you don’t have to deliver a full one back- not at all times straightforward to do!)
- Campervan necessities: Electrical cable, levelling blocks, water filler hose
- Do they supply sat-nav?
- Free parking at depot on your automotive if essential
In case you are in any respect not sure, choose up the telephone and converse to somebody. In the event that they’re not useful earlier than you’ve even booked, they’re REALLY not going to be useful after you’ve paid your cash, even when you’ve got an issue. So choose an organization you’re feeling pleased talking with.
BEFORE YOU CONFIRM YOUR CAMPERVAN HIRE:
Learn the paperwork rigorously. Then learn it once more. Be sure to perceive precisely what is roofed, what’s not and what extras you want to pay for. Get EVERYTHING in writing, together with a precise value for mileage if it’s not limitless. Be sure to know what state gas, water, waste and gasoline tanks should be returned in.
Affirm pick-up and drop-off areas, particularly in the event that they’re in several areas. Keep in mind that, in contrast to automobiles, it’s uncommon for campervan depots to be close to main airports, as a result of measurement of the campers. Some corporations will supply to rearrange airport transfers for you; others will assume you’ll make your individual solution to/ from the situation. Make it possible for’s clear upfront.
Additionally, verify the closest airport. Many main cities in Europe have a number of airports at completely completely different areas (like Heathrow and Gatwick for London.) Discovering the closest airport to the depot could affect which flight you guide.
Take into consideration the place the depot is. If it’s in the midst of a giant metropolis (attainable), then you want to be assured shifting the automobile round metropolis streets as quickly as you permit. In the event you’re not, choose a depot and firm in a extra distant area- however settle for that will probably be more durable to get to!
Campervan hire- what paperwork do you want to accumulate the camper?
Most corporations would require:
- Driving licence (plastic half solely)- test it’s in date!
- Probably an Worldwide Driving Allow.
- Possibly a code from the DVLA. Ask them upfront if that is wanted.
- Bank card
- Probably proof of your journey insurance coverage (once more, ask beforehand what they’ll want on assortment)
Fly-Drive RV Holidays
In case you are flying in from someplace exterior Europe, be sure to are allowed to drive a campervan in Europe. Additionally, ensure all the pieces is supplied as you count on (you actually don’t need to be bringing sleeping baggage or saucepans in your baggage!)
Having mentioned that, keep in mind that UK and Europe is stuffed with individuals truly dwelling their lives, and it’s straightforward to choose up necessities pretty cheaply if wanted.
Campervan rent tips- gathering the motorhome
Be sure to get a full and thorough handover and don’t fear about how lengthy it takes. The individual doing the handover can have completed the spiel 1,000,000 instances earlier than, and it’s straightforward for them to overlook or assume you recognize one thing. Do NOT be afraid to ask questions or ask them to clarify one thing additional. If doubtful, ask them in the event you can take photographs or movie one thing to remind your self later.
Be sure to know the next as a naked minimal:
- fill gas (and is it petrol or diesel?)
- fill water
- join electrical
- The place’s the fuse field?
- flip gasoline on/ off
- exchange/ refill a gasoline bottle
- Is there a crash hose on the gasoline bottle? If not, don’t drive with it switched on.
- gentle fridge (and if it’s a handbook change over or computerized)
- The place the leisure battery is?
- empty waste water
- empty bathroom
- Place of fireplace blanket/ extinguisher, smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector. Verify they work.
- placed on heating/ scorching water on electrical panel and how you can modify controls. This bit might take a while to sink in.
- lock cab and hab space, and how you can impasse steering/ set alarm if attainable.
- HEIGHT, WIDTH, LENGTH and WEIGHT of camper. Write these down and preserve them helpful.
Campervan Journey in Europe- extra issues to contemplate
- Is there a toll cross? (Unlikely- you’ll most likely should pay on your personal tolls)
- Is there a vignette if wanted (important in Switzerland)
- Do you want a crit-air sticker (France and some different cities in Europe)
- Is there the important equipment as required by European legislation?
- Do you could have all paperwork wanted to drive (you should carry this always)
Earlier than you drive ANYWHERE, test the automobile rigorously for any harm, irrespective of how small. Take photographs of EVERYTHING and ensure all harm is famous down. It might be laborious to test the roof- it’s your name if you wish to ask them to examine it or not.
Hiring a campervan in Europe or UK- first evening suggestions
Don’t plan an excessive amount of on your first day and ideally guide up a campsite to present your self time to settle in and get all the pieces sorted out. Having mentioned that, we took our camper wild tenting on the primary evening… and I soaked all my garments with the bathe accidentally. So count on the surprising!! 🙂
First evening in a camper? Right here’s a step-by-step printable information so that you can obtain and take with you.
Returning the campervan
Awwww- it’s throughout. I hope you’ve had an incredible journey.
If you return to the motorhome/ camper depot, be sure to have abided by their guidelines by way of water/ waste tanks (usually should be empty to keep away from a effective.)
Additionally, be sure to are on time to keep away from a big fine- these corporations don’t have lengthy to show their vans round between bookings.
Campervan rent in UK and Europe- abstract
I hope the following tips have been useful in the event you’re planning on hiring a campervan in Europe or UK. It’s completely our favorite solution to discover a rustic and we’ve been fortunate sufficient to get pleasure from some spectacular locations in our camper.
For extra campervan journey concepts in UK and Europe, take a look at our street journey itineraries.
