Traveling by campervan: tips & info on camping trips
Traveling by campervan: tips & info on camping trips
Whether you are searching for idyllic camping spots close to nature, seeking adventure and changing locations every day, or want unique memories while family camping: camping is one of the most diverse ways to spend a vacation and discover the world. Just like the camping trips, the camper community is also quite colorful. The reasons for a trip with a campervan speak for themselves:
Flexibility: If you don’t like to be tied down to one place or region, you can change locations as often as you like or even be on the road every day. You can discover the region at your own pace and follow the good weather.
Independence: Without being dependent on set meal or room cleaning times, you can structure each day of your vacation exactly how you like. You can easily alternate between fun-packed and relaxed days.
Nature experiences: Get up in the morning and be at the beach or in the forest in just a few steps. Traveling in a motorhome is a great way to stay close to nature and the perfect way to travel for hiking, cycling, or other outdoor sports.
Camping community: Although it is easy to withdraw and enjoy privacy on camping trips, the camper community is known to be very helpful and sociable. Newcomers can easily get advice and support when needed.
Those planning a vacation with an RV for the first time will find important information on travel preparation and tips for beginners in our guide.
Traveling safely with an RV: tips on driving safety
Driving a camper is significantly different compared to driving a normal car. Especially when braking and turning, drivers will notice the size and visibility change substantially. Preparing well for the first trip will make it much safer:
Automobile clubs or campervan manufacturers offer special driving safety training courses where you can get used to maneuvering an RV. They also usually provide information on the road traffic regulations that apply to RVs.
On an empty parking lot, take some time to practice steering, braking, cornering and parking with a loaded campervan without others around.
Before setting off, check that the load is safely secured and that all cabinets and the refrigerator are locked. When loading, make sure that you do not exceed the permissible total weight.
All passengers must wear seat belts during the journey. Children younger than 12 years or smaller than 1.50 meters also need a child seat in the campervan.
Plan in enough time on the day of arrival and departure to drive without stress and to allow sufficient breaks. If you are driving longer distances, it is recommended to share the driving.
Note down the dimensions of the campervan. This information is crucial for some car parks or at toll booths, for example.
Find out the speed limit you are allowed to drive. Especially when travelling internationally, you should familiarise yourself with the local laws.
Camping rules: How to behave properly on the campsite
Being considerate and friendly are the basis of good camping etiquette. Furthermore, special campsite regulations, but also generally applicable rules are there to keep everyone happy on the campground. The 10 most important camping rules are:
Avoid unnecessary noise during lunchtime and late evening hours until the next morning. Quiet hours may differ slightly in campsites (22:00 to 6:00 or 23:00 to 7:00), so check beforehand.
Even on sites without dedicated plots, keep enough distance from other RVs to allow all neighbors sufficient space and privacy. It is advised to keep about 3 to 4 meters to the next van.
Park your motorhome in the same direction as your neighbors, so that all campers have enough space for camping furniture and awnings.
Do not enter your neighbor’s plots without asking, not even to take a shortcut.
Properly dispose of waste and food scraps to avoid unpleasant odors and attracting wildlife and insects.
Only empty the wastewater tank and toilet at the correct disposal stations.
Do not mix up the water hoses of the supply and disposal stations. The hose for flushing the wastewater tank and the chemical toilet must never be used for filling fresh water – and vice versa. Tip: You are on the safe side if you use your own hoses and clean them thoroughly.
Only use public washbasins for their intended purpose. Most places separate washbasins for personal hygiene or laundry from kitchen sinks for dishes.
Leave the sanitary facilities as clean as possible. Tip: Pack sandals to wear in the communal showers.
If you bring your dog along, it should be kept on a leash at the campsite outside of designated dog runs or dog-friendly beaches. Always clean up after your dog goes to the toilet.
Camping tips at a glance
Sustainable travel with an RV
Those who love a destination close to nature and wish to travel sustainably will find that camping is great for this. With a fuel-saving driving style and environmentally friendly equipment, campers can noticeably reduce their ecological footprint compared to air or sea travel. Some eco-campsites are more focused on sustainability and make environmentally friendly principles their guiding principles.
In this article, we explain what campers can do to make their vacation in an RV more sustainable.
Camping on a budget
Take a break from everyday life, unwind, and enjoy some well-deserved time off: it’s all possible, even on a small budget. A great camping vacation doesn’t have to be expensive; campers can save money in many places when planning their trip, during the trip and of course on the road.
Wheelchair accessible camping
For people with limited mobility, a vacation in an accessible campervan can be a good alternative to train or air travel. An RV that is tailored to the needs of people with a disability can allow for a more flexible and independent trip.
Camping for sports enthusiasts
For many campers, traveling with an RV means freedom, independence, and pure adventure – this is especially true for outdoor sports enthusiasts traveling in an RV. Whether mountain bikers, surfers, skiers, or mountaineers – those who travel with a lot of sporting equipment fit more comfortably in a campervan than by bus, train, or plane.
In this article, we summarize what sporty campers should bear in mind when planning their trip.
Tips for senior camping
Camping knows no age limits: retirees who want to organize their vacations themselves will find the opportunity to do so when traveling by campervans. Since camping vacations are very popular among the 60+ generation, many campsites tailor their programs to the older traveller.
This article explains how seniors can find the ideal campsite and what features an age-appropriate RV should have to make camping trips particularly enjoyable at any age.
Camping with children
With the right preparation, a camping vacation with children will be an unforgettable experience for the whole family. At family-friendly campgrounds, children can spend a lot of time in the fresh air, romp around freely and make new friends. Some campsites even offer a special activity program for rainy days or are located close to exciting attractions, so that boredom doesn’t get a chance to set in on vacation.
In this article, we give an overview of how parents can identify a suitable campground for children and what to consider when planning a camping trip as a family.