How to plan a motorhome trip: The complete guide

When you embark on a motorhome holiday you’re not just taking a trip. You’re setting off an adventure that could have so much reward for you – high quality experiences that you won’t be able to repeat, or visits to places you are unlikely to encounter again. To maximise the potential, before you set off you should undertake some meticulous planning. Whether you’re hitting the open roads in the UK or venturing abroad, taking some time to come up with a plan will pay dividends. From choosing the right destination to plotting the optimal route to get there, each aspect of your planning will contribute to a stress-free journey.

How to plan a motorhome trip

Destination

You will almost certainly have a rough idea of the general area you intend to travel around – whether you plan on taking a staycation and exploring the beauty of the UK or intend to venture off into European territory. If you do opt for an oversea adventure, there will be additional considerations to make. Different countries have different regulations and requirements (such as visas, driving permits etc, as well as potential vehicle regulations).

Type of holiday

Defining the type of holiday experience you’re looking for is an essential. Do you want a family-friendly getaway to a coastal retreat, or are you solo travelling and looking to do some urban exploration? Do you like exploring historic sites, or is that something you would happily go without, and you’d rather spend loads of time on the beach? Identify your general preferences and this will guide your planning, helping you choose destinations that align with your goals for your time on the road.

Local Regulations

Before setting your heart on a particular location on your trip into Europe, it is worth using the internet or guidebooks to look into any potential local regulations and restrictions. Different countries and regions in Europe may have specific rules regarding motorhome camping, waste disposal and road usage. Understanding these aspects in advance prevents unwelcome surprises during your journey.

Your route

Planning a motorhome route is essential. Consider your ultimate destination and work out some interesting stops and attractions along the way. Think about the distance you could cover each day and where you plan to stay each night. Factor in the travel time to avoid rushing through your journey – in other words, leave yourself time to enjoy your time on the road, to ‘stop and smell the flowers’ – literally if you want to!

Fuel stops and other expenditures

Plan your route with fuel efficiency in mind. Identify fuel stops along your route and ensure that your motorhome is equipped for long stretches between stations. Running out of fuel in remote areas can lead to unnecessary stress and delays. Also make sure to factor in things like toll roads or toll bridges etc. You may even decide on alternative routes between destinations so that you can avoid paying out any fees for these.

Reservations

High season (usually the summer) is when planning your trip in advance really comes into its own. Go online and secure campsite reservations, especially in popular destinations. This will ensure you have a designated spot for the night and will alleviate the stress of searching for suitable accommodation on the fly. Doing this will also give you a ‘target’ for each day – a place you have to reach to rest for the night.

Weather

The internet is so fantastically ‘now’ that you can stay abreast of weather forecasts for your chosen destinations in real time. Adverse weather can impact road safety and camping comfort, so being armed with this knowledge as you guy is a great way to make sure you don’t get caught in any undesirable situations. Therefore, also, a certain amount of flexibility in your itinerary means you can easily adapt to unexpected changes in the weather.

Preparing your vehicle

Maintenance

A well-maintained motorhome is always essential for a trouble-free journey. Knowing that you have run a series of checks and balances on the vehicle’s functions will really help give you peace of mind, as well as ensure that the vehicle is up to travelling scratch. Before setting off, inspect the engine, tyres, brakes and all essential systems. Make sure the oil and water situation is optimal. Addressing potential issues beforehand lessens the risk of on the road breakdowns during your trip.

Packing

Pack smartly for your adventure. This, obviously, means your own personal belongings (ie. clothes) so that you are covered for whatever eventualities are going to arise. For instance, if you plan to go hiking a mountain, make sure you have appropriate clothing and footwear.   You should also consider the necessities for cooking, sleeping and entertainment, as these are also key parts of your whole on the road experience. If you know you are going to be eating aboard the motorhome for seven consecutive nights, make sure you have enough food to cover that period of time – though, of course, you may be able to do some shopping while you’re out and about. Make sure you have bedclothes, pillows etc.   The golden rule is: Overpacking can lead to clutter, underpacking may mean you’re unprepared for the things you will face out on the road.

Health and safety

Prioritise health and safety by carrying a basic first aid kit, which should contain any necessary medications for each person travelling. Familiarise yourself with emergency services in the areas you’ll be visiting (i.e. know where the hospitals are) and have a plan in place in case of any medical (or mechanical) emergencies.       Motorhome travel is a huge joy, not just in the reaching of destinations but in the actual journey itself. Planning in advance is the key that will unlock the full potential of your trip, allowing you to travel with confidence. Whether you’re exploring the UK or heading into Europe, having a well-thought out plan and a thoughtful approach to your travel will make your trip an enriching experience. Plan ahead, and let the road unfold in front of you…