Campervanning in Europe: All You Need to Know
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Campervanning in Europe: All You Need to Know
We have had a campervan for almost a year. And have traveled from one end of Europe to the other and visited many countries. We have been to 11 countries, including three national parks, mountains, and beaches, as well as two music festivals.
We made some rookie mistakes on our first trip as we had very little knowledge. We had a lot of fun with our foolishness and learned how to travel Europe in a campervan like professionals. In the beginning, I couldn't find much information online about how to travel Europe in a campervan because the majority of websites were focused on traveling in one and not living in it.
Before we get into the details of how to travel Europe in a campervan, we want to talk about a few things that will help you decide if van life is right for you.
Why should you consider traveling Europe by campervan?
You probably know what a typical Euro Trip for a first-timer looks like. You will see a little of Paris, Amsterdam, and Venice. Also, you'll find out about London, Rome, Venice, and London. Berlin, Vienna, and Zurich. Budapest is all accessible by train and bus. These are the most expensive European destinations. Train travel is also rather expensive in Europe, particularly in Western Europe.
If you are already on this page, I am sure that you are looking for something new. Perhaps you are looking for places to visit in Europe that aren't easy to reach by train or bus.
Camper trailer travels around Europe is a great way to explore the continent. There are no hidden costs or connections, as well as schedules and travel times. This makes it possible to make your schedule flexible, which opens up a whole new world of possibilities.
Because of its easy border crossing, Europe is one of the most popular continents for road trips. You can drive from Belgium to Germany, France, Luxembourg, or the Netherlands in a matter of 2-4 hours. There are no checkpoints, so you won't even know you've crossed any borders.
The following points sum up why camping in Europe is so great.
Transport by public transport is expensive
It is super easy to cross the border
Flexible itinerary
Access to small towns, natural sites, and other offbeat areas
Camper van vs. Normal Van vs. Caravan
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they don't always mean the same thing. Although we all know what a van looks like, let me explain what a camper van looks like.
Campervans are vans that are specifically designed for camping and have a sleeping area inside. A van can be converted into a campervan. A campervan should have a place to sleep and a place to cook. Some campervans have inside toilets.
The caravan has all the same inside, or more, but is not a campervan. A caravan is a wagon that you attach to your car and drive. Without a car to tow it, you can't drive a caravan.
Which type of van do you need?
A small pop-up camper is the best option for couples who love adventure and are on a tight budget. You will be able to use smaller lanes because you have a smaller vehicle. A smaller van will also be cheaper to park, camp, and toll.
If you have more than one child, it is a good idea to buy a larger campervan. This will give you the comfort and space you need. These are the RVs (Recreational Vehicles) you'll see in American movies. They can be further divided into three classes:Class A Motorhome, Class B Motorhome, and Class C Motorhome. The latter looks more like a large bus than a truck. The most common campers you will see on European roads are the Class C Motorhomes.
Enjoy your retirement with your partner while driving around Europe. Get all the comforts that you want. A spacious campervan with a comfortable bed, kitchen and sitting area is a good choice.
Renting vs. Buying a Van in Europe
Do you want to buy a campervan for the purpose of touring Europe? Or should you rent one? It all depends on several factors.
You will rent a campervan if you are only visiting Europe for a few days or a few more months. Renting can be expensive if you plan to rent the van for a longer time, such as six months or one year. If this is the case, renting can be more cost-effective. This car rental search engine will help you find vans for rent.
It's not as simple as renting a campervan. These are the things you need to think about before you decide whether to rent or buy a campervan.
You must first have enough money. You won't find a cheap campervan, and you should expect to pay between ten and fifteen thousand euros for one.
A van purchase comes with paperwork.
The third reason is that buying is sensible, as long you are certain you will use it enough and can return it when you are done.
Fourth, the cost of buying a home comes with insurance and repair costs. Keep that in mind.
Renting a van is a great way to get to know VanLife if you are a complete novice. You will get an idea of what type of van you need.
These are the very important steps to know before setting off to a journey across Europe.
And as a final here are some destinations that you might want to visit
Germany
Germany's highways offer free access, but the majority of the public toilets on the roads are not. The toilets at Sanifair and Seaways will be very clean and cost between 50-70 cents. There are plenty of parking spots and rest stops along the highway. These spots are usually good places to park your van for the night.
Be aware of traffic signs and rules when driving in Germany. For an alcohol or drug test, you can stop at any number of random locations.
Belgium
Except for Liefkenshoektunnel, Antwerp's main road, Belgium is completely toll-free. Most signs are in the local language. Did you know that 60% of Belgium is Dutch, and 40% French? You will see road signs in French or Dutch, but not often both.
The Netherlands
The roads in the Netherlands are excellent, but there is often congestion near beaches like Zandvoort. Always give priority to cyclists when driving through towns or cities with smaller roads. Look for signs that say "P+R" (Park and Ride). This will help you find affordable parking close to cities. This is where you can park your vehicle and take public transportation to get into the city. If you plan to include a busy city such as Amsterdam, this is the place you should park your van and use public transport to get into Amsterdam.
France
France is the most expensive country to travel through. You can find good rest stops along the highway that offers free toilets. France is one of few countries that has a tiny WC for toddlers. It was so cute and thoughtful.
You will be issued an entry ticket at the toll booth when you enter the highway. This will be presented at the exit toll stations and you will need to pay. You will be charged the longest distance if you lose your entry ticket. Make sure you keep it safe.
