Travelling by motorhome: tips & info on camping holidays

Travelling by motorhome: tips & info on camping holidays

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 holiday and discover the world. Just like the camping holidays, the camper community is also varied and colourful. The reasons for a holiday with a motorhome 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 holiday day 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. Travelling 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 holidays, the camper community is known to be very helpful and sociable. Newcomers can easily get advice and support when needed.

Motorhomes parked in the middle of a picturesque mountain landscape.

Those planning a holiday with a motorhome for the first time will find important information on travel preparation and tips for beginners in our guide.

Travelling safely with a motorhome: tips on driving safety

Driving a motorhome 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:

Motorhomes parked on an idyllic campsite.
  • Automobile clubs or motorhome manufacturers offer special driving safety training courses where you can get used to manoeuvring a motorhome. They also usually provide information on the road traffic regulations that apply to motorhomes.

  • On an empty parking lot, take some time to practice steering, braking, cornering and parking with a loaded motorhome 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 motorhome.

  • 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 motorhome. 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 camping. 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 motorhomes to allow all neighbours sufficient space and privacy. It is advised to keep about 3 to 4 meters to the next motorhome.

  • Park your motorhome in the same direction as your neighbours, so that all campers have enough space for camping furniture and awnings.

  • Do not enter your neighbour’s plots without asking, not even to take a shortcut.

  • Properly dispose of waste and food scraps to avoid unpleasant smells 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 the motorhome

Those who love a holiday 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 holiday in a motorhome 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 holiday 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 holiday in an accessible campervan can be a good alternative to train or air travel. A motorhome that is tailored to the needs of people with a disability can allow for more flexible and independent travel.
In this article, we show which requirements disabled-friendly motorhomes and campsites should fulfil for a successful holiday.

Camping for sports enthusiasts

For many campers, travelling with a motorhome means freedom, independence and pure adventure - this is especially true for outdoor sports enthusiasts travelling in a motorhome. Whether mountain bikers, surfers, skiers or mountaineers - those who travel with a lot of sporting equipment fit more comfortably in a motorhome than by bus, train, or plane.
In this article, we summarise what sporty campers should bear in mind when planning their trip.

Tips for senior camping

Camping knows no age limits: retirees who want to organise their holidays themselves will find the opportunity to do so when travelling by motorhome. Since camping holidays are very popular among the 50+ generation, many campsites tailor their programmes to the older traveller.

This article explains how seniors can find the ideal campsite and what features an age-appropriate motorhome should have to make camping holidays particularly enjoyable at any age.

Camping with children

With the right preparation, a camping holiday with children will be an unforgettable experience for the whole family. At family-friendly campsites, 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 programme for rainy days or are located close to exciting attractions, so that boredom doesn’t get a chance to set in on holiday.

In this article, we give an overview of how parents can identify a suitable campsite for children and what to consider when planning a camping holiday as a family.