Campervan vs. Motorhome: What’s Best for My Trip?

Before you book, it helps to think about a few simple things. Here at CamperDays, we always say the best vehicle depends on you, not where you are going. Are you packing light or taking half the house (and the whole family) with you?

Comfort’s a big one. If you’re happy using campsite showers, great. If not, you’ll want a van with its own.

Budget is another consideration regarding campervan vs motorhome. Smaller vehicles will usually cost less to rent, and they are also easier to drive if you are only used to driving a car. Our usual rule of thumb is that for short trips with warm weather, you should pick a campervan. For longer distances with more people or colder climates, choose a motorhome.

Campervans are the simple option. They are what we often see couples or those booking their first road trip choose. Overall, they are just easier to drive, and if you don’t fancy driving something as big as a small bus through tiny streets.

Imagine yourself winding through coastal roads on the Italian coast in a busy area. You see a parking spot right by the beach and the realisation that your campervan will fit in the space. Moments like that show why a campervan can be the better choice. 

Another benefit to Campervans is they fit through narrow lanes which for a lot of people can be a deal breaker, especially if you want to visit smaller places in Europe. The extra stress driving something you're not comfortable driving could make a huge difference in how much you enjoy your trip.

Campervans are also cheaper, meaning you can take the extra money and treat yourselves to few meals out or some extra nights. If it's the summer months and you are outside most of the time and using it as a place to crash, they are perfect.

If a campervan is too small, but you don't want to drive something the size of a motorhome a trade-off could be a panel van. These are on the larger side of campervans (not quite a motorhome), but they offer a little more space and might just be on the limit of vehicle size you would be comfortable driving. Some panel vans even come with a small bathroom and shower, which is why they’re so popular for longer trips in places like Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Europe.

As you are probably already aware, motorhomes are bigger. Perfect for those who want more size and structure to their road trip. You can move around more easily, take more stuff with you, and have it feel more like a home on wheels. We usually see them booked by families on CamperDays or those planning longer routes across countries.

There are three main types of Motorhome

• Alcove Motorhomes - these are the ones where the bed sits above the cab (Drivers and passenger seats) this helps to give you more living area, although you will need to be able to climb a ladder to get to bed.

• Semi-integrated Motorhomes - these are the ones where the drivers and passengers chairs can swivel around into the living area, these feel like you have more area space, its perfect for couples and families. 

• Fully-integrated Motorhomes - The largest ones, these will have everything you could need out on the open road. The living areas can feel like a small apartment, but with more space comes more cost. But worth it if you like comfort.

Inside all of these motorhomes, you will find a kitchen area and a proper bed, which can sometimes remain a bed to save you from converting them into a living area. When families return the campervans, we often get emails telling us how much they enjoyed cooking dinner and playing cards together at the table.

Deep down, you know who you're travelling with, how you like to travel, and may already have a rough idea about the campervan vs. motorhome debate.

A campervan is ideal for travellers who like to take things easy, and are happy to take things as they come. Picture two friends heading down Portugal’s coast, chasing sunshine and quiet coves. They stop where they please, find new beaches each day, and enjoy most of their time outdoors. Parking’s simple, and so is the rhythm of the trip.

For families on a trip to Norway, a motorhome would be a better choice. It’s warmer inside (the kids won’t moan as much) with room to spread out. You will have proper toilet facilities so you won't have to stop as often. If the weather is bad, there is plenty of space for everyone to chill out.

If it's a larger group, a big motorhome is a must, these are usually the ones you see in movies on American roadtrips.

What matters is how you want to travel. Using the CamperDays website, you can compare all the difference between campervan and motorhome using our handy filters. Look at the layout views and check what's included before you book, and before you know it, you will have a fantastic holiday to look forward to.