Essential insights about renting campervans across the UK and Europe!
For those planning to embark on their first campervan adventure in the UK or Europe, here are some essential tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Valid Driving Licenses and Insurance
First and foremost, make sure you have a valid driving license, as UK licenses are generally valid across the EU. However, it's crucial to check insurance coverage and breakdown services included in the hire [1][3].
Country-Specific Regulations
Be prepared for country-specific regulations. For example, you may need mandatory safety equipment such as warning triangles, hi-vis vests, and headlight converters, depending on your route [1]. Additionally, low-emission zone stickers (Crit’Air, LEZ) might be required for certain routes.
Navigation Tools
Navigation tools like offline maps and cost-aware route planners (Google Maps offline, Maps.me, ViaMichelin) can help with smooth driving and budgeting [1].
Equipment and Accessories
Check with your rental company about what equipment and accessories come with the campervan. First-timers often underestimate the need for items like outdoor chairs, kitchen utensils, towels, or bike racks [2].
Type of Onboard Toilet
Be aware of the type of onboard toilet. European campervans usually have cassette toilets, which differ from the typical porta-potty you might be used to in New Zealand or other countries [2][3].
Start with a Short Rental
Start with a short rental, such as a two-week trip in Western Europe, to get comfortable with driving and maneuvering a campervan in European traffic conditions [3].
UK-Specific Tips
For UK hires, look for affordable rental companies with good reputations and transparent pricing. Plan your route with consideration for campsites and parking options [4].
Planning Your Trip
Always check required documents, plan your daily mileage, and book campsites well in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable first campervan experience [1][5].
Other Considerations
- Some campervans may not have an oven as standard, which could be a concern for those planning to wild camp or use aires.
- If bathroom requirements are specific, consider hiring a campervan with a fitted bathroom.
- Campervans can be a good option for staying isolated, especially with a built-in toilet and shower.
Remember, size matters in campervan hire. Larger vehicles may be harder to park and drive, especially for inexperienced drivers. Mileage is also an important factor to consider, as many companies do not include mileage in the price, which can add to the cost significantly [6].
Avoid driving anywhere on a Bank Holiday in the UK, as roads are notoriously bad for traffic during these times [7]. When planning a campervan trip, consider factors like the destination, duration, itinerary, round trip or one-way travel, budget, and the best time to travel [8].
Hiring a campervan is beneficial for trying it out before buying. However, be aware that newer vans are generally more economic, higher, safer, and better at putting more into a small space [9].
Lastly, ensure you are on time to avoid a large fine, as these companies don't have long to turn their vans around between bookings [10]. When returning the campervan, make sure you have abided by the rules in terms of water/ waste tanks (normally need to be empty to avoid a fine) [11].
Many people from Britain flee down to southern Spain or Italy for the winter (November-March) in Europe. However, be aware that there is a premium for one-way campervan hire, but it can save time if not planning to circle back [12].
Campervan hire in the snow is not for the faint-hearted or the unprepared! Expect snow in many places from mid-Europe up, especially those with mountains, as they are all busy ski destinations [13].
[1] - [5] Source: https://www.campervanfreedom.co.uk/blog/first-time-campervan-hire/ [6] Source: https://www.campervanfreedom.co.uk/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-size-of-campervan/ [7] Source: https://www.campervanfreedom.co.uk/blog/avoiding-bank-holiday-traffic/ [8] Source: https://www.campervanfreedom.co.uk/blog/planning-a-campervan-trip/ [9] Source: https://www.campervanfreedom.co.uk/blog/new-campervans-vs-used-campervans/ [10] Source: https://www.campervanfreedom.co.uk/blog/returning-the-campervan/ [11] Source: https://www.campervanfreedom.co.uk/blog/returning-the-campervan/ [12] Source: https://www.campervanfreedom.co.uk/blog/one-way-campervan-hire/ [13] Source: https://www.campervanfreedom.co.uk/blog/campervan-hire-in-the-snow/
Writing effective productivity habits into your lifestyle can help streamline your home-and-garden tasks. For instance, continually researching and applying travel-friendly solutions for organizational systems can enhance your camping experiences.
