Travelling Around Europe In A Motorhome

Travelling around Europe in a motorhome is one of the most exciting kinds of holidays to have and it can be equally as exciting to plan. What cities do I want to see the most? Which tourist attractions are ‘must sees’? Are we heading for the warmer climates of France’s south-coast? Shall we venture north and soak in some cool Scandinavian culture or breath in the beauty of the Balkans?

It’s easy to get carried away with the romance of new, unchartered territory but before you let your heart take over let your ears and eyes find out about our practical tips for enjoying the best European motorhome holiday, ensuring you get the maximum pleasure out your trip.

Let’s begin with the basics of travelling around Europe in a motorhome:

• Make sure you book your motorhome in for a service before you head off
• Ensure that your Sat Nav system has European maps on it if you intend on using one. If you don’t, invest in some up-to-date European maps
• Get a health insurance card. You could this by logging onto the NHS website
• Organise breakdown cover for your motorhome before you set off
• Make sure you have valid holiday insurance which covers all the countries you intend to visit and for the full duration of your trip
• Take care driving! Some styles of driving vary from country to country and it is important to remember when you are out on the roads. Also, remember that most European countries drive on the right hand side (this excludes Cyprus, Republic of Ireland, Malta and UK)
• Do you need a visa for your choice of country? It’s worth checking beforehand
• Have a look at what any possible roaming cost charges will be for your mobile phone network
• Some tolls and service stations do not take card payments so always make sure you have a supply of Euros at the ready
• Check your lights, windscreen fluid and your tyres
• Pack any toys, games, tablets ( worth downloading games a day or so before you set off if you have children) suitable for the length of the journey you have planned
• Take with you lots of bottled water
• Take with you a good travel handbook for the country/countries you are going to visit
• Arrive at the port in plenty of time for the scheduled crossing

Documentation For Your European Trip

Create a checklist of all the documentation you will need for your trip….copy this one if you like:

• Passport
• Free European Health Insurance card
• Travel insurance paperwork for all parties
• Driving licence
• A piece of paper detailing all emergency contacts and their phone numbers
• V5 vehicle registration document
• Motor insurance certificate

European Motorhome Speed Limits

The tables below indicate speed limits in different weather and road conditions and apply to vehicles that are below 3.5 tonnes. Other restrictions may apply to vehicles that are over this weight.

European Motorhome Travel – Safety Compliance

As well as paying attention to speed limits, you will also need to take note of the necessary driving safety equipment which is needed for each country when travelling around Europe in a motorhome. In France, you will need the following:

• Reflective jacket
• Warning triangle
• GB sticker
• Breathalyzer kit

In Germany you will need:

• GB sticker
• Spare bulbs
• First aid kit
• Warning triangle

In Italy you will need:

• Warning triangle
• Fire extinguisher
• Spare headlight bulbs
• GB sticker
• Reflective jacket

In Spain you require:

• GB sticker
• Spare tyre
• Warning triangle
• First aid kits (this is not compulsory)
• Fire extinguisher
• Reflective jacket
• Spare glasses ( eyewear)
• Spare headlight bulbs

Our team at Erwin Hymer Centre Travelworld are happy to help with any overseas motorhome travel questions you may have, get in touch to find out more.