Yes, you can take your camper to Europe on vacation. There are several companies that allow you to rent RVs in Europe, including:
- Anywhere Campers
- Indie Campers
- McRent
- Campervan Village
- Camper Rent
- CamperDays
- Pure Motorhomes
- Campervan Village
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Spaceships Rentals
- Jucy Rentals
- Britz Campervan Rentals
- Tui Campers
- Bunk Campers
- GoCheaper Campervans
- Road Bear RV
- CanaDream
- Cruise America
- Star RV
- Apollo Motorhome
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Shipping costs | $2,800 base shipping price, with a combined total cost (incl. marine insurance & documents) of around $5,500 |
Shipping time | Actual shipping only takes ~10 days, but you may have to drop off your RV a few days before that date at the origin port, and it may take some days for release/clearance on the other end. So plan for around 2-3 weeks total transit time. |
Shipping options | Roll On, Roll Off (RoRo) or inside a standard shipping container |
Shipping agents | Wallenius-Willemsen (www.2wglobal.com/) and K-Line (www.kline.com) are 2 big names. |
Shipping costs factors | Rig size & value are the 2 biggest factors for shipping costs. |
Shipping costs basis | RORO prices for vehicles are normally priced by cubic metre (CBM = length x width x height in metres) |
Shipping ports | Popular export ports are Halifax, Canada, Charleston SC & Brunswick NC. Popular import ports are Antwerp, Belgium, Zeebrugge, Belgium and Southampton, UK. |
Shipping restrictions | Do NOT ship to Germany since they require you to post a bond equal to 29% of the value of the vehicle, in cash, before they will release the vehicle, which is only returned to you when you leave the EU within 6 mo of arrival. |
Insurance | American vehicle insurance will NOT cover you in Europe, so you’ll need to buy insurance from a specialized broker that covers US-plated vehicles abroad. |
Driving license | Definitely get an International Drivers Permit. |
What You'll Learn
- Campervan, motorhome or caravan Which should you choose
- Buy or rent: Do you want to buy or hire your campervan, motorhome or caravan
- The differences between motorhomes, campervans and caravans
- Which is better – campervan, motorhome or caravan for travelling Europe?
- Campervan layouts – some things to consider
Campervan, motorhome or caravan? Which should you choose?
When it comes to choosing a campervan, motorhome or caravan, there are a few things to consider. The main difference between a caravan and a motorhome is that a caravan is towed by a towing vehicle and a motorhome is a self-contained vehicle with its own cab. With a caravan, when you reach your campsite, you can unhitch your caravan from the car, leaving you with a base onsite, and your car to drive around in. With a motorhome, everything is contained in one vehicle, meaning that you can easily move from place to place while taking everything with you – this can be especially useful if you are doing a long trip and staying in a lot of different places.
Campervans, or motorhomes, offer unparalleled portability and flexibility for travellers. These compact vehicles allow for the exploration of a country's diverse landscapes without being tied to a fixed itinerary. Campervans are mobile homes that combine your living and driving spaces. This practical design means you can transition seamlessly from the open road to a comfortable living space.
Campervans typically feature sleeping areas, a compact kitchen, and sometimes even a small bathroom. All these amenities within one vehicle streamline your travel experience, eliminating the need to search for accommodations or dining options. Campervans are ideal for travellers who embark on shorter trips or prefer freedom camping. These versatile vehicles are equipped for self-contained travel, allowing you to explore off-the-beaten-path locations.
However, campervans are typically more compact than caravans, which can translate to limited living and storage space. If you travel with a group or have extensive luggage, the confined interior might get crowded over time. The limited space can also pose challenges in finding a private spot for relaxation or when changing.
Caravans, on the other hand, offer spacious interiors, providing travellers with more room to move around and relax. This extra space allows for a more comfortable and enjoyable journey, making caravans particularly suitable for longer trips or for those who prefer more living space. Caravans also tend to provide a broader range of amenities, including larger kitchens, comfortable sleeping areas, and more extensive storage, enhancing the overall travel experience.
One key advantage of caravans is their ability to detach from the towing vehicle. This feature lets you set up your caravan at a campsite and use your vehicle independently for day trips or errands. It offers the freedom to explore the surroundings without packing up your entire living space each time you wish to move your vehicle.
When deciding between a campervan, motorhome or caravan, consider your preferred travel style. If you enjoy the flexibility to change your location frequently and explore various sites, a campervan might be the better choice due to its mobility. Determine whether you prefer a more compact and manoeuvrable vehicle or are comfortable towing a caravan and setting it up at a campsite.
Campervans offer more compact interiors with basic amenities, suitable for travellers who value simplicity. Caravans provide spacious interiors with a wider range of amenities, ideal for those prioritising comfort and space. Consider the number of people travelling with you and whether you require separate sleeping areas, kitchen facilities, and bathrooms.
Budget is also an important consideration when choosing between a campervan, motorhome or caravan. Motorhomes and caravans vary in cost, and expenses such as fuel, maintenance, and campsite fees should be taken into account. Additionally, if you choose a caravan, factor in the potential additional cost of a towing vehicle if you don't already own one.
Finally, review your towing capacity and driving experience. Towing a caravan requires a suitable towing vehicle with adequate power and towing capacity, and some travellers may need to acquire these if they don't already own them. If you're considering a caravan, it's worth noting that towing requires experience, focus, and ability; much more so than driving a car.
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Buy or rent: Do you want to buy or hire your campervan, motorhome or caravan?
There are pros and cons to both buying and renting a campervan, motorhome or caravan for your European vacation. Here are some things to consider:
Renting a campervan, motorhome or caravan
Renting a campervan, motorhome or caravan for your European vacation can be a great option, especially if you are new to this type of travel. Here are some of the benefits:
- Cost: Renting can be more cost-effective, especially if you are taking a shorter vacation or are not planning to use a campervan, motorhome or caravan for all of your trips. You also avoid the costs of maintenance, storage and depreciation that come with owning a vehicle.
- Convenience: When renting, you can choose the vehicle that best suits your needs for a particular trip. You also don't need to worry about selling the vehicle when you no longer need it.
- Flexibility: Renting allows you to be flexible with your travel plans. You can easily change your itinerary or extend your trip without having to worry about the costs of owning a vehicle.
- Variety: Renting gives you the opportunity to try out different types of campervans, motorhomes or caravans to find the one that suits your needs and travel style.
Buying a campervan, motorhome or caravan
Buying a campervan, motorhome or caravan can be a good option if you plan to use it frequently or for longer trips. Here are some benefits of buying:
- Cost-effectiveness: If you plan to take multiple trips or longer vacations, buying can be more cost-effective in the long run. You also avoid the hassle of having to rent a vehicle for each trip.
- Customisation: When you own a vehicle, you can customise it to your needs and preferences. This includes adding extra features or accessories that make your travels more comfortable and enjoyable.
- Familiarity: Owning a vehicle means you become familiar with its quirks and features. This can be especially beneficial if you plan to take multiple trips, as you won't need to spend time adjusting to a new vehicle each trip.
- Freedom: With your own vehicle, you have the freedom to take spontaneous trips without having to worry about rental availability or costs.
Things to consider
- Usage: Consider how often you plan to use a campervan, motorhome or caravan. If you anticipate taking multiple trips or longer vacations, buying may be more cost-effective in the long run.
- Storage: If you buy a vehicle, you will need to consider storage options when it is not in use. This may include renting a storage space or having enough space at your home.
- Maintenance: Owning a vehicle comes with the responsibility of maintenance and repairs. You will need to budget for these costs and be prepared to deal with any unexpected issues that may arise.
- Resale: If you buy a vehicle, you may eventually want to sell it. Consider the resale value and the process of selling, which may include advertising, showing the vehicle to potential buyers and negotiating a price.
Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent depends on your personal preferences, travel plans and budget. Both options have their advantages and can offer a unique and memorable vacation experience in Europe.
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The differences between motorhomes, campervans and caravans
Motorhomes, campervans, and caravans are all designed for life on the road, but there are some key differences between them.
Motorhomes
Motorhomes are typically larger than campervans, with a longer wheelbase, and are purpose-built to include home comforts from the beginning. The driving cab is often separate from the living quarters, and they usually have more room for additional features such as a bathroom. This makes life easier, as you can simply walk into the back of your motorhome and relax after a long drive. However, their larger size can make them less manoeuvrable and more expensive to run.
Campervans
Campervans are usually smaller and are often vans that have been converted to include sleeping and cooking facilities. The driving cab typically forms part of the living space, with features such as swivel chairs or seats that fold down to make a bed. Campervans rarely have toilets or showers, and they may require more setup to transform the van from a vehicle to a living space. However, their smaller size makes them more manoeuvrable and allows them to access smaller campsites that may not accommodate larger motorhomes.
Caravans
Caravans are vehicles without an engine that can be pulled by a car or van. They contain beds, cooking equipment, and sometimes toilets and showers. Touring caravans are designed to be towed and moved regularly, while static caravans are holiday homes built on a prefabricated structure and housed in specialist caravan parks. Caravans are generally cheaper to buy than motorhomes, but you also need to consider the cost of a suitable vehicle to tow the caravan. Caravans can be less manoeuvrable and may require more setup time upon arrival at your campsite.
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Which is better – campervan, motorhome or caravan for travelling Europe?
Campervan, Motorhome or Caravan for travelling in Europe?
There are pros and cons to all three options, and the best choice for you will depend on your personal preferences and travel plans. Here are some things to consider:
Campervan
- Campervans are smaller and more compact than motorhomes, making them easier to manoeuvre and park.
- They are generally cheaper to buy and run than motorhomes.
- Campervans may not have as much living space or storage as motorhomes, but they are still a good option for shorter trips or for those who want a more compact vehicle.
- Campervans are great for wild camping and can access more remote areas.
- Some campervans have beds that need to be set up and taken down each day, which can be a hassle.
- Campervans may not have as many features or amenities as motorhomes, such as a separate bathroom or larger kitchen.
Motorhome
- Motorhomes are larger and more spacious than campervans, offering more living and storage space.
- They have their own engine and can be driven without a separate vehicle.
- Motorhomes are more expensive to buy and run than campervans, and may not be suitable for tight or narrow roads.
- Motorhomes are a good option for those who want a more comfortable and feature-rich vehicle.
- Motorhomes are typically better suited for longer trips or for those who plan to live in their vehicle for extended periods.
- Motorhomes often have permanent beds, kitchens, and other amenities, making them more convenient for longer stays.
Caravan
- Caravans are towed behind another vehicle and do not have their own engine.
- Caravans are cheaper to buy and run than motorhomes, and you can use your normal car to tow them.
- Caravans offer more living space and storage than campervans, but they can be more difficult to manoeuvre and park.
- Caravans may not be allowed at some campsites or wild camping spots that are restricted to motorhomes only.
- Caravans often have a static living space that does not need to be set up and taken down each day.
- Caravans may not be as well-suited for wild camping or accessing remote areas as motorhomes or campervans.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your budget, travel plans, and personal preferences. Consider factors such as the length of your trip, the number of people travelling, the level of comfort and amenities you require, and your intended destinations. If possible, try renting or borrowing each type of vehicle to get a feel for which one suits your needs and travel style best.
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Campervan layouts – some things to consider
When it comes to designing your campervan layout, there are several things to consider and questions you must ask yourself. Here are some of the most important things to think about:
This is perhaps one of the most important questions to consider while weighing over different van conversion ideas.
- Weekend trips only: You can easily get away with a minimal approach with just a bed and a simple kitchen.
- Living in the van full time: If you are planning on living in your van full time, you will likely want a more inclusive van conversion layout with a shower, toilet, full kitchen, bed, and living room.
- Working and living in the van: If you plan on working and living in the van, you will want to include a solid work area in your campervan layout.
- Taking the van off-grid: If you plan on taking your van off-grid, you’ll want to plan accordingly and make sure you have an ample water and power system in your campervan layout.
Will you be using your van solo, as a couple or as a family or group of friends? Campervan layouts for a couple or single person will very much differ from campervan layouts for families!
It is 100% possible to design a campervan on a budget! However, it is still extremely important to keep budget in mind while considering a campervan layout. With higher budgets, the sky is the limit!
The different elements that people typically include in their campervan conversion layout are:
Living room/workspace
Each of these elements can typically be as minimal or as luxurious as you desire.
Campervan bed ideas
When it comes to planning your campervan bed, the biggest factor is whether you want a bed that is fixed (aka always in “bed mode”), or if you’d prefer a bed that converts to a couch or seating area.
Both fixed and non-fixed beds have their benefits and their downfalls, and the best bed layout for you is going to heavily depend on your priorities as well as the size of your vehicle.
Campervan kitchen ideas
While there are all sorts of designs you can follow for your campervan kitchen, the biggest factor is whether you want a big kitchen or a small one (all campervan kitchens are small). Instead, think about what appliances you plan to include, how much counter space you’ll need, as well as where in the van you’ll place the kitchen.
Campervan toilet ideas
If you don’t plan to have a toilet in your campervan, you must park near public toilets or be prepared to follow Leave No Trace guidelines when going in the wilderness. There are tons of options here, and quite frankly, choosing what type of toilet to install is a very personal decision…
Campervan shower ideas
Ahh, another big debate. Yes, it is possible to build a shower inside a van, and yes, it is possible to have – gasp! – hot water inside a van. But, you will really need to watch your water consumption and you will need to be on top of emptying and filling your water tanks.
Essentially, you have 4 options when it comes to a shower inside your campervan:
- An actual shower room
- A collapsible shower
- An out-the-back style shower
- No shower at all
Campervan electricity ideas
Don’t forget to think about electricity! Once you have your layout designed, mark where you’d like outlets and switches throughout your van.
Where will you turn on the lights as soon as you enter your van?
Where will you charge your phone at night?
Eventually, you’ll want to think about what type of outlet you will need in each location: 12V or 120V?
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Frequently asked questions
The pros of taking your camper to Europe are that you will have your own home on wheels, which will save you money on accommodation and give you the freedom to travel wherever you like. You will also be able to cook your own meals, which will save you money on eating out. However, there are some cons to taking your camper to Europe. Firstly, you will need to make sure that your camper meets European standards and regulations, which may involve making some modifications. You will also need to organise insurance and shipping, which can be expensive.
Some of the best countries to visit in Europe with your camper are France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. These countries have a lot of beautiful scenery and interesting culture to explore, and they also have a good range of campsites and free camping spots.
The best times of year to visit Europe with your camper are spring and autumn. The weather is mild, and the campsites are less busy. Summer can be very hot, and winter can be very cold, so these are not ideal times to visit.
There are many great resources available online for planning your trip to Europe with your camper. Some useful websites and apps include Camperstop, Campercontact, Park4Night, and Airalo. You can also find a lot of helpful information on forums and social media groups.