There are many different ways of experiencing travel. For one person, nature and adventure are the most important aspects. For another person, a trip should be very relaxing and there is no need for adventure. Still others see traveling more as a way to explore new cultures and habits. Some people like to drive an extra kilometre and others like to go into their own country. It goes without saying that there is no ‘right’ way to travel. The main goal for everyone is the same: Enjoy, gain experience and get away from it all. A motorhome holiday is just about in between all these forms of travel. It focuses on an adventurous way of travelling, where it’s perfectly possible to immerse yourself in nature. However, this way of camping still gives you a lot of luxury. Travelling without any obligations, you don’t depend on hotels, excursions, flights or public transport. On the other hand, you have everything you need to enjoy a good place to sleep, a place for extensive cooking and all necessary sanitary facilities. The perfect combination between comfort and adventure. Would you like to find out if this way of travelling is something for you? Then these are tips indispensable on your first motorhome holiday.
1. Don’t make too big an investment yet
A Motorhome is not just a car. The very first time it is therefore quite exciting. Motorhome holidays are a very specific way of travelling. So there are a lot of things to think about before considering buying one. Certainly as far as a Motorhome itself is concerned. There are plenty of places you can rent, so you can postpone the big investment until you are convinced that this is your new way of travelling. There are also platforms such as “CampToo”, where owners of a mobile home can rent out their vehicle to other travellers. It’s not a bad idea either when it comes to other typical camping equipment to first check your network to see if you can’t borrow certain things. You don’t want to deal with a lot investments before you even know if there will be a second trip.
2. Get to know your motorhome
In most cases, a motorhome can be driven with a category B driving license just like your normal car. However, this doesn’t mean it drives the same as the car you’re used to. Keep in mind that a motorhome is big and heavy. It requires some more attention on sharp turns and also on hillsides you should know what you’re doing. So first you should get to know your vehicle by driving around your neighbourhood without any cargo and a second time fully loaded. Look for places where you can practice parking and manoeuvring. In addition, always make sure you know the size of your motorhome or have it nearby. For example at tunnels and bridges, it is important that you know the exact height of the car.
3. Prepare your route
If you are an experienced camper you just want to leave without a plan and see where you’ll end up. This gives your journey an extra adventurous touch, most certainly if you travel through countries where free camping is allowed. But when it’s your first camping trip we advise you do prepare your holiday just a little. Not all roads are suitable for motorhomes or camping and due to a lack of experience it won’t be easy to improvise for solutions on narrow roads. Try to plan ahead your first couple of trips to make sure you get to know all the in’s and out’s before you end up in a snowstorm on the top of a mountain. Don’t forget that in many countries you need to pay toll when driving on the motorway.
4. Get to know your new community
People who travel by motorhome or caravan have their own travel culture. They have their own habits, terms and expressions. It is not too bad to learn these things before your first trip. Let us give you an example: People with a motorhome will park in the same direction, that way the doors won’t open to the same side and everybody gets some privacy. Furthermore there are a lot of expressions used in the camping world. If you don’t understand them don’t be afraid to ask other people on the camping or the staff.
5. Secure everything
The motorhome or caravan may be your hotel room for the upcoming holiday, but don’t forget it also is your vehicle to get you from point A to B. As a home on the go it is very important to store away and secure all your belongings. Although this means some self-discipline before you leave, you will some know the advantages from a tidy motorhome after your first bumpy road or sharp corner.
6. No need to plan ahead!
Don’t be too harsh on yourself if you don’t get to your destination on time. Going on a motorhome vacation isn’t about the destination only but also the journey to get there. If there is one thing that can ruin a holiday it is the pressure to get somewhere on time. If you come by a beautiful place at noon make sure to stop and enjoy the views and maybe even a picknick in the sun. If you don’t get to your destination by the end you can always make camp in another place and arrive on your destination the next morning.
7. Think about nature!
The biggest joy of camping is being in nature and enjoying it to the fullest. So it is important to respect nature as much as possible during your trip. This means that if you stay somewhere you need to clean up after yourself so that other people can enjoy from a clean camping spot. Do you want to do more? There are other ways you can go camping in a sustainable way. Think about your consumption and use as many organic and/or biodegradable products in and around your motorhome or caravan. You can clean, do the dishes or shower with natural products. And even for your Chemical Toilet there are organic solutions like Solbio.
8. Enjoy!
When it’s your first time or the 1000th time you go travelling with your caravan or motorhome every time you are out you need to enjoy! Take advantage from all beautiful views, nature, local food/drinks, culture and the other people around you. If you want to go swimming, then go! If you want to stop for a hike in the woods, search yourself a good spot and go walking. Travelling in a motorhome or caravan means freedom and doing whatever you want to do. No pressure: nothing has to happen, doing nothing is allowed!
Extra tip
It is always a good idea to take your bike’s with you. If you find a good parking spot you can head out to discover other places around you by bike or just for a nice bicycle tour!
Leave a Reply