Planning to journey Europe in a Campervan? Feeling a bit overwhelmed and daunted by vanlife in Europe? Need to be sure to 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 means). And all of it labored out superb. (Apart from forgetting to deliver any gasoline. 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 might’t be that onerous!! 🙂
I promise you, a bit of little bit of preparation will make all of the distinction. That’s what this information will assist you to with- getting ready for Vanlife in Europe!
The best way to journey Europe in a campervan
So, you’ve purchased your camper van. You’ve packed, adjusted and repacked your campervan. You’ve made checklist after checklist after checklist. You might need even spent a couple of nights away in your van. You’re 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, we have now some incredible 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 superb in case you observe the recommendation under. It’s completely potential to decide 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 occasions 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 could have forgotten some important paperwork. Or who break the pace 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 dashing. It’s their phrase towards 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 superb was for 90€, and we solely had 20€ notes… fortunately one other one that was stopped occurred to have 2 x €10 notes, in any other case we’d have been going to the cashpoint 15 miles away behind a police automotive!
To the police’s credit score, we supplied to offer them the additional 10€ simply so we may very well be on our means, however they wouldn’t take it.
On-the-spot fines are widespread in all nations, besides Eire the place the Police will not be 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!!
A very powerful 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 publish in case you’re undecided)
Different gadgets you have to carry for Vanlife Europe
- UK sticker hooked up to the again of auto or reg plates (and trailer in case you have one)
- First support package– 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 motorcycle!) We suggest carrying no less than 2, ideally one per particular person.
- Motorhome pace stickers for some vans
- Spare gentle bulbs- difficult in case you have LEDS however we feature a few random outdated bulbs only for present
- Headlight deflectors as our UK headlamps are pointing the ‘unsuitable means’ for European roads-
- Radar detectors are forbidden EVERYWHERE in Europe.
- You may also want a pink/ white striped reflective board in case you have 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 depart time to discover locations you discover alongside the best way.
We wish to preserve a notice of locations we discover or hear about on Google maps and use these factors to plan our subsequent journey. However you may preserve a easy checklist 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 finances. Subsequently, you have to 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 services and others are completely wild tenting spots in the midst of nowhere.
Most locations have opinions 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 towards unmarked/ unconverted vans. If that is you, learn the opinions rigorously so that you just’re not requested to maneuver on whenever 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 speculated 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 could be a greater possibility for you.
If you need extra data on how we decide 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 several nations. For instance, wild tenting is against the law in Italy. But you’ll nonetheless discover locations on Park4night the place it’s tolerated. Additionally, the accepted locations (Sostas in Italy) price from as little as 2€/evening.
Wild tenting can be unlawful in Switzerland- till you attain the Alps and persons are merrily parking without spending a dime 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 Method, with nothing however the wolves for firm. And it price us completely NOTHING!! You can too get pleasure from wild tenting with a campervan in France.
My recommendation is to try the legalities within the nation you’re heading for. In case you’re undecided and never glad, transfer on to an accepted cease level. You’ll find extra recommendation on wild tenting in Europe right here.
Aires- Permitted Locations for Campervans, excellent for vanlife in Europe
Europe is NOT just like the UK and Motorhomers/ campervanners will not be 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 not 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 few of the areas may be fairly tight. Some aires have guidelines towards unconverted vans/ vans with signage staying- you’ll want to learn the opinions rigorously (you will discover opinions on Park4night.
Campervan Journey tips- some important package to assist make life simpler.
Wi-Fi!
Is Wifi an important? For me it’s.
I’ve a wifi dongle within the van and it’s BRILLIANT. I frequently have a number of units related 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.
In case you don’t need an app, these campervan sat navs are superior and really useful- significantly in case you have 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 driving 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 spoil that! (To not point out blow our vanlife finances!)
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 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 gasoline as we journey a lot simpler. There are many locations throughout Europe to purchase refillable gasoline and you utilize it identical to a petroleum station; some petrol stations even promote LPG gasoline.
If that isn’t an possibility in your campervan, be sure to get a package with numerous nozzles, so you may simply change between the various kinds of bottles out there.
Europe in a campervan- Tips about Security
Emergencies
112 may be dialled anyplace in Europe in an emergency, accident or misery scenario.
Thieves & Safety
Vanlife safety is principally 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 occasions 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 chance as a lot as potential, however on the similar time it’s a must 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 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 must!) there are a number of choices for getting contemporary water and eliminating waste. PLEASE don’t simply dump your black waste in case you have a bathroom onboard- there are many locations to eliminate it hygienically.
Many service stations (additionally referred to as aires, confusingly!), present a motorhome service level. Typically this prices 1-2€ to get all the things 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 must pay for them.
Sidelights while driving your camper
Sidelights have to be switched on within the following nations at ALL occasions:
- 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 prepare in.
Vignettes in Europe
Additionally, you want a Vignette for Motorways/ toll roads in Switzerland and Austria.
Driving on the unsuitable facet of the highway!
Driving on the right-hand facet will not be as scary because it appears! Promise.
Don’t neglect some (VERY few) roundabouts in France nonetheless give precedence to folks coming ON to the roundabout- so in case you’re already going round it’s a must 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, we have now NEVER discovered one in every of these roundabouts, however we have now been caught out from time to time by a member of the… older… technology driving onto a roundabout with out proper of means, forgetting he has to cease! (I hate to say it- however it does appear to be the lads who do that!!)
Simply watch out and concentrate in case you’re not sure- all the time count on the surprising!!
Touring in a van in Europe- important ideas for camper van life
Euros
Attempt to purchase your Euros upfront as you’ll get a greater fee. You need to use 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 below are some widespread 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 to examine upfront.
Toll Go
This go is superior for having the ability to skip the queues in case you are touring Europe throughout Summer time. 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.
Medicine
Be sure to’re have sufficient medicine for you and any pets. Be ready to clarify your medicine and show what it’s with a health care provider’s notice or one thing similar- simply in case customs search the van and ask you.
Really, on that notice, EXPECT to be searched at customs/ borders. They do search campers and vans rather a lot!
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 may get these fitted in Europe with out drawback.
The best way to journey Europe in a camper van- Closing 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 tough; you simply have to be organised, which may take a while. Listed below are some ultimate ideas and inspiration in your campervan travels:
- Be taught a bit of of the native language. English is extensively spoken round a lot of Europe, however they adore it in case you make an effort. In any case, you’re of their nation and a bit of 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 ‘gradual journey’- travelling by van is concerning the journey as a lot because the vacation spot. This may be laborious whenever you’re on a schedule, however strive to not cram a lot in you may’t have a day by the seashore or at a winery in case you fancy it.
- Having mentioned 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 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 footage. Protected travels.
Final replace on 2023-12-17 / Affiliate hyperlinks / Photographs from Amazon Product Promoting API