Planning to journey Europe in a Campervan? Feeling a bit overwhelmed and daunted by vanlife in Europe? Wish to be sure you don’t neglect something in 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 advantageous. (Apart from forgetting to deliver any fuel. And shedding all our recent water. And burning out our brakes coming down a mountain. , little issues like that…!)
However we’re nonetheless travelling Europe by van two years later- so it could actually’t be that onerous!! 🙂
I promise you, just a little little bit of preparation will make all of the distinction. That’s what this information will provide help to with- getting ready for Vanlife in Europe!
Tips on 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 listing after listing after listing. You might need even spent just a few nights away in your van. You’re feeling able to set out and tackle the world. (Or, you understand, Europe.)
For those who’d like some extra steerage on street journeys and van journey, we have now some unbelievable guides and checklists that will help 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 doable to choose up a van and take it straight on an epic street 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 instances 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 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. For those who don’t have money, you’ll be escorted to the closest money level and requested to withdraw the correct quantity.
Additionally, don’t anticipate 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 automobile!
To the police’s credit score, we supplied to provide them the additional 10€ simply so we could possibly be on our manner, however they wouldn’t take it.
On-the-spot fines are widespread in all international locations, besides Eire the place the Police usually are not authorised to gather fines. Some locations, like Croatia, offer you 8 days to pay. Different locations, like in case you go campervanning in Portugal, give their cops an ATM to verify fines are paid instantly!!
Crucial 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 gadgets it’s essential carry for Vanlife Europe
- UK sticker hooked up to the again of car or reg plates (and trailer when you have one)
- First help package– do you know it’s unlawful to NOT cease at an accident in France and lots 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 at the least 2, ideally one per individual.
- Motorhome velocity stickers for some vans
- Spare gentle bulbs- difficult when you have LEDS however we supply a few random outdated bulbs only for present
- Headlight deflectors as our UK headlamps are pointing the ‘mistaken manner’ for European roads-
- Radar detectors are forbidden EVERYWHERE in Europe.
- You may also want a crimson/ white striped reflective board when you have bicycles or a motorhome storage field.
Campervan route planner- Planning a route round Europe
Europe is superior to discover by camper, nevertheless it may also be daunting. We advise planning a unfastened route, so you understand the place you’re headed however go away time to discover locations you discover alongside the best way.
We prefer to hold a word of locations we discover or hear about on Google maps and use these factors to plan our subsequent journey. However you possibly can hold a easy listing in your telephone 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. Due to this fact, it’s essential 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 night time, at the least in comparison with the UK (though Brit Stops helps.)
Listed here are our favorite methods to seek out locations to remain for the night time:
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 night time. 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 opinions and pictures so you possibly can see the place you’re staying- we keep away from wherever that doesn’t.
Phrase of warning- some websites/ aires have guidelines in opposition to unmarked/ unconverted vans. If that is you, learn the opinions fastidiously so that you just’re not requested to maneuver on while 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 fully 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 making an attempt to save cash, Park4night may be a greater choice for you.
In order for you extra info 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 totally different guidelines in numerous international locations. For instance, wild tenting is unlawful 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€/night time.
Wild tenting can be unlawful in Switzerland- till you attain the Alps and persons are merrily parking free of charge in any layby they’ll discover. My favorite night time ever touring within the van was spent within the Swiss Alps, trying up on the Milky Method, with nothing however the wolves for firm. And it value us completely NOTHING!! You too can 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. For those who’re undecided and never completely satisfied, transfer on to an authorized cease level. You will discover extra recommendation on wild tenting in Europe right here.
Aires- Accredited Locations for Campervans, good for vanlife in Europe
Europe is NOT just like the UK and Motorhomers/ campervanners usually are not handled like a nuisance- most cities make glorious provision for them and you may keep in clear, fairly areas inside straightforward 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’t pre-book Aires- they function on a primary come foundation. A campervan will match properly into all of them until you’ve a trailer- among the areas will be fairly tight. Some aires have guidelines in opposition to unconverted vans/ vans with signage staying- make sure you learn the opinions fastidiously (yow will discover opinions on Park4night.
Campervan Journey tips- some important package to assist make life simpler.
Wi-Fi!
Is Wifi a necessary? For me it’s.
I’ve a wifi dongle within the van and it’s BRILLIANT. I often have a number of gadgets linked to it without delay with out drawback. Sure, sometimes it’s a gradual 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 function.
For those who don’t need an app, these campervan sat navs are superior and really useful- notably when you have a much bigger, taller van.
Additionally, watch out the place you mount your sat nav. Many international locations 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 here are some choices it’s possible you’ll 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 night time so we had electrical energy would actually smash that! (To not point out blow our vanlife price range!)
The answer is an inverter (and probably an influence pack relying on how energy hungry you’re.
We cost while we’re driving by working the inverter as we drive, which fees 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.
Gasoline
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 choice in your campervan, be sure you get a package with numerous nozzles, so you possibly can simply swap between the various kinds of bottles accessible.
Europe in a campervan- Recommendations on Security
Emergencies
112 will be dialled wherever 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 instances we’ve ended up regretting our resolution.
We don’t journey in our van with any jewelry, little or no cash and only a few gadgets of worth. We attempt to minimise the danger as a lot as doable, 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 extremely good lock in your camper, each for outdoor 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 have to!) there are a number of choices for getting recent water and eliminating waste. PLEASE don’t simply dump your black waste when you 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 every part 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 have to pay for them.
Sidelights while driving your camper
Sidelights have to be switched on within the following international locations 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 related, 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 properly exterior and catch a practice in.
Vignettes in Europe
Additionally, you want a Vignette for Motorways/ toll roads in Switzerland and Austria.
Driving on the mistaken aspect of the street!
Driving on the right-hand aspect is just not as scary because it appears! Promise.
Don’t neglect some (VERY few) roundabouts in France nonetheless give precedence to individuals 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 automobile and a camper, we have now NEVER discovered considered one of these roundabouts, however we have now been caught out now and again 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- nevertheless it does appear to be the boys who do that!!)
Simply watch out and concentrate in case you’re not sure- all the time anticipate the sudden!!
Touring in a van in Europe- important ideas for camper van life
Euros
Attempt to purchase your Euros prematurely as you’ll get a greater charge. You should utilize money machines in Europe however there are sometimes excessive fees for that.
Additionally, don’t neglect that not each nation in Europe makes use of Euros. Listed here are some common 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 examine prematurely.
Toll Cross
This go is superior for with 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 you’re have sufficient remedy for you and any pets. Be ready to clarify your remedy and show what it’s with a health care provider’s word or one thing similar- simply in case customs search the van and ask you.
Truly, on that word, EXPECT to be searched at customs/ borders. They do search campers and vans quite a bit!
Tyres & Snow chains
For those who’re travelling Europe by campervan in the course of the winter, you may want snow chains and all-weather tyres. You will get these fitted in Europe with out drawback.
Tips on how to journey Europe in a camper van- Last ideas
I do know the concept of travelling abroad in a van will be daunting- particularly in the event that they don’t converse the identical language! Nevertheless, none of that is troublesome; you simply should be organised, which may take a while. Listed here are some ultimate ideas and inspiration in your campervan travels:
- Study just a little 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 just a little respect to them means a a lot friendlier welcome!
- Settle for you’re a tourist- you’ll make errors and doubtless appear to be an fool. Don’t let it put your off your camper van journey!
- Attempt to ‘gradual journey’- travelling by van is concerning the journey as a lot because the vacation spot. This may be arduous while you’re on a schedule, however attempt to not cram a lot in you possibly can’t have a day by the seaside or at a winery in case you fancy it.
- Having stated that, perform a little analysis as you journey so that you don’t miss some superb 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 need to spend your time with a damaged down camper. Be sure you do these important automobile 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 2023-12-08 / Affiliate hyperlinks / Pictures from Amazon Product Promoting API