A motorhome can be a fantastic investment. It’s a means of enjoying a spontaneous holiday on a reasonable budget, and of seeing parts of the world that might otherwise be difficult to reach. If you’re planning on setting out in a motorhome, you’ll need to be sure that the vehicle itself is in good shape and that you have all of the documents and other legal necessities required to make your journey go smoothly.
Stay Up to Date with UK & EU Travel Rules
To begin with, it’s worth familiarising yourself with all of the latest rules governing travel around the world. For example, if you’re going to be visiting somewhere in the European Union, you’ll want to understand how the new Entry/Exit System might impact your journey, as it is likely to add to your travelling time. Bear in mind that rule changes might also occur in the future, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the latest developments.
Check Campsite Rules and Booking Requirements
Just as different countries are governed by different rules, so too are different campsites. You’ll want to understand how fire safety, noise, and waste are dealt with at each site you book. A failure to read and follow the rules might lead to you being ejected from your chosen site. For the sake of minimal disruption, it’s a good idea to also check that your preferred site is appropriately licensed.
Prepare Your Vehicle for the Road
For the duration of your trip, you’re going to be entirely reliant on your motorhome. As a result, you should run through a specific pre-trip checklist to ensure everything is in order. You can compose this according to your own particular needs and worries, but a few factors are going to be common to every camping trip.
Be aware of how much you’re legally entitled to tow, and whether your emissions are compliant with the rules of whatever public roads you’re going to be driving on. In many cases, the right motorhome insurance can also make a substantial difference to the success or failure of your trip, and save you a lot of stress in the event of an accident.
Plan Your Route and Timings
Once you’ve made sure that your vehicle is up to the job ahead of it, you’ll want to decide your route. Bear in mind that a little flexibility can be hugely valuable here. If you’re delayed by road closures and unexpected border checks, it can be very reassuring to know that you have an alternative route in mind or that you aren’t on a tight deadline. What really matters, however, is that stints on the road are restricted to just a few hours, as driver fatigue can become an ongoing risk and needs to be managed.
