Travelling in a Motorhome? Here’s Your Van Life Guide!

Are you thinking about hitting the open road? Have you seen a leisure vehicle for sale or rent that has really grabbed your attention? Then get to it fast, because motorhome and campervan holidays can be some of the most fun trips you will ever make in your life.

Of course, if you are just venturing out into the great unknown you may find it a little daunting. To assist, you can read on to find our essential guide to your first motorhome trip and how to get prepared.

The Motorhome Life: Planning for Change

You bought a motorhome for freedom and adventure, and while it is great to have a plan, why get bogged down by them? Changing your routine and itinerary can lead you to some amazing places that you may have missed out on before.

Before setting off, plan your destination and route. Check traffic, and make any necessary arrangements to avoid congestion. Then discuss any stop-offs or places to visit along the way. This is particularly important if you are moving across countries, and find a particular place that you want to explore more.

If you need to divert, cancel one of the stops or even stay longer, then do so. Enjoy the moment and what is all around you. When in a motorhome, the journey should be just as good as the destination.

Routes can be planned using Google Maps, or specialist online services that suggest points of interest along your route. Tripadvisor is also a handy tool when visiting towns and cities.

Know Your Camping Ground

When owning a motorhome, each person will have different expectations from a camping ground. Some people will be happy to camp by the roadside, while others may want a site with restaurants, bars and amenities. Whichever you choose, make sure you know what it offers and check it suits your needs.

Firstly, know that some sights may require a reservation and if you have your heart set on a particular site, you should book in advance. Some places may also just have pitches for tents or contain static caravans, so check they have space for a motorhome beforehand.

If you have children, some facilities may be essential. Laundry facilities, showers, and sewers for pumping tanks can all be needed.

Some parks may also be less than welcoming. While infrequent, you may find some caravan parks are filled with regulars, almost like a small community. Some may be very welcoming, while some may not be so open to new faces.

When arriving at a site, it helps to have a routine. Start by checking for obstacles in your parking bay, then locate any hookups like electricity and get connected. Secure your motorhome, then when everything is connected and secure set up any tents or awning.ey

Prepare and Budget

If you are thinking of doing the whole trip on the spur of the moment, it is feasible. However, it will cost you. With a little planning, you can save a lot of time, effort and money.

You can plan in advance by buying snacks and foods before you set off. Pack anything else, such as clothing and entertainment items in advance so you do not have to buy them en route. It may also save money if you pack a tool kit and mechanical items in case you need to do any repairs to the vehicle.

Once you have these start by setting up two different budgets. One should be for fuel and any tolls or ferry fees you may incur. You can calculate fuel quite easily using GPS systems and map applications.

The second budget should be for daily expenses. Firstly, set aside any money for large expenditures, such as visits to certain attractions or expensive trips. Keep them to one side until the time arrives and use accordingly.

After this, allocate a set amount for food, campsite costs, drinks and treats and set it by the day. if you don’t use it all, it can be carried over to the next day. It may help to decide if you will be eating out or cooking beforehand, and you will of course want to discuss what you are going to see and where you want to stay.

Prepare for Emergencies

A time may come when you are faced with a crisis or emergency, minor or major. You can save yourself a lot of stress if you prepare for this in advance.

The first and most obvious emergency you may face is a breakdown. If you have opted for motorhome rental, you can call up the company. For anyone else, you should invest in insurance that has immediate roadside assistance, especially if you have a used motorhome that is ageing somewhat.

If you are in an older vehicle, then you should definitely pack a tool kit. You may be faced with lots of minor repairs that are fixable on your own, cutting out the time you will wait for roadside assistance. A basic toolkit should have wrenches, screwdrivers and sockets, pliers and some trusty gaffer tape.

Finally, prepare for personal emergencies. You should always have a first aid kit packed in your motorhome with all the necessary items, cream and lotions. If anyone in your party takes prescription medications, order these in advance and take them with you.

Get on the Road

Now you have the know-how, you just need the motorhome to start your adventure of a lifetime! If you are thinking of making a purchase, then let us help you with your motorhome/campervan  finance. We have a range of options with no fees and great rates, so contact us today for a quick decision and get driving!