I know before I start this blog that I’m in danger of giving some battle-hardened campers of this community some eggs to suck, but I guess I need to start somewhere so please bear with me, there might just be something new in here for you, too.
Top Tips from Just Kampers
Taking a trip abroad in your camper may seem a little daunting, especially if this is the first time or you have the whole family, the dog, and the school hamster entrusted to your young child’s tender care for the holiday all crammed in the back, but hopefully the following blog will help you ease your way into travels further afield.
Make Sure your Vehicle is Ready
This is the most obvious, but probably the most important tip: ensure your vehicle is mechanically fit and safe for the trip that you are planning. A good way to get an unbiased measure of your vehicle’s state is to get it serviced and an MOT to ensure that there are no glaring issues that are going to hinder you en route, and that your vehicle meets the basic safety standards to be on the road.
Some basic spares of belts, bulbs, plugs, fuses and cables, along with suitable tools to fit them, would be useful. Oh, and don’t forget the all-important spare oil to quench your pride and joy’s thirst!
Pack the EU Essentials
Make sure you have all the items you need to legally drive in Europe in the form of a ‘European Driving Kit’, including: UK car sticker, breathalysers, fire extinguisher, First Aid kit, headlight converters, spare bulbs, hi-vis waistcoats, and a warning triangle. Click here to find out more about what’s required in various EU countries.
Familiarise Yourself with Laws and Regulations
Check up on any restrictions or laws in the countries you are visiting with regards to tolls, low emission zones (such as Crit’Air in France), road rules, and speed limits for different types of vehicles in different countries.
For example, in Portugal, children under 12 are not allowed to sit in the front seat, but in France, the minimum age is 10.
There can also be variances as to where you can and can’t stop overnight from country to country, so best to find out before you go.
For example, in France, you’re generally allowed to stay overnight in a car park unless there are signs saying otherwise – as long as you stick to the local rules (e.g. you can’t stay in the same spot for more than seven days).
On the other hand, in Portugal, overnight camping in car parks is generally prohibited unless the area is specifically designated for it. You can often park your camper for up to 24 hours, but this counts just for parking, not camping.
Find out more in JK’s handy blog: Planning a Camping Trip in Europe.
Ensure You Have the Right License
A full photocard driving license is sufficient for travel in the EU, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway along with your V5 registration document and proof of insurance showing European Cover.
If you only have a paper license or your license was issued in Gibraltar, Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man, then you may need an International Drivers License. If you’re unsure, check with the specific country’s embassy prior to travel.
Plan Your Routes Ahead of Time
Effective planning of your route can have a major impact on the enjoyment of your trip. Set yourself realistic targets of the distance you want to cover each day and try, where possible, to use the smaller, more scenic roads. This way, you can make it as much about the travel between the destinations as the destinations themselves.
Don’t forget to allow time for breaks in the day’s drive to avoid fatigue and give the aforementioned school hamster a chance to stretch its legs!
If you need to cover long distances on the motorways (usually at the start and end getting to and from the UK), then try to travel on Sundays between midnight and 10pm, as in most of the EU, heavy goods vehicles are not allowed on the motorways during this time, giving you a better driving experience and clearer roads.
Keep Your Campervan Secure
The security of your vehicle and personal belongings is very important for your peace of mind and the protection of your much-loved camper. Steering wheel and pedal locks will make your vehicle more secure and deter opportunistic thieves.
Installing a small safe for your passports, cash, and important documentation or finding a secure hiding place will keep them safe – don’t just leave them in the glove box!
Taking your Camper on the Ferry or Tunnel
Service operators will need to know the size of your camper van, so don’t leave this to guesswork. Measure it as accurately as you can, as campervans are all different depending on their make, model, and features, including if they have a pop-top, a roof rack, a bike carrier, lifted suspension or lowered etc.
Failure to give correct dimensions could result in increased costs or in the worst case, refusal of passage. Ensure that you adhere to any gas safety regulations while aboard, too. This information should be made available to you at the time of booking. If they’re not, then be sure to ask for the details to keep you and your fellow passengers safe.
Check out our full blog for more information about taking your camper on a ferry.
Summary
Hopefully this blog has provided you with some useful information and tips so you can go ahead and plan your next trip abroad and broaden your adventures in your campervan. Don’t forget to check out our other blogs relating to travel in Europe, especially the Driving in France Crit’Air one, covering low emission zone exclusions for pre-1997 classic vehicles.
Here at Just Kampers, we’ve been providing specialist campervan insurance since 1998. And with a team full of campervan owners, we’re committed to getting you great cover at great prices.
Call our friendly team on 01256 444 546 or arrange a callback at a time that suits you.
Bon voyage!
Mat
