{"id":128850,"date":"2021-10-26T22:40:25","date_gmt":"2021-10-26T20:40:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/caravan-travel-europe-guide\/"},"modified":"2026-05-25T19:46:45","modified_gmt":"2026-05-25T17:46:45","slug":"caravan-travel-europe-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/caravan-travel-europe-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Caravan Travel Abroad: A Practical Guide for Europe"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Thinking about your next holiday and fancy hiring a motorhome? Caravan travel is something you can absolutely do without any prior experience, but if you&#8217;re heading abroad, it pays to be prepared. Read our practical guide to motorhome travel in Europe \u2014 so nothing catches you off guard on the road.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/caravan-travel-europe-guide\/#Where_to_hire_a_caravan\" >Where to hire a caravan<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/caravan-travel-europe-guide\/#What_type_of_caravan_to_choose\" >What type of caravan to choose<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/caravan-travel-europe-guide\/#Everything_you_need_to_know_about_caravan_travel\" >Everything you need to know about caravan travel<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/caravan-travel-europe-guide\/#Emptying_the_chemical_toilet\" >Emptying the chemical toilet<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/caravan-travel-europe-guide\/#Draining_grey_water\" >Draining grey water<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/caravan-travel-europe-guide\/#Refilling_fresh_water\" >Refilling fresh water<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/caravan-travel-europe-guide\/#Hooking_up_to_electricity\" >Hooking up to electricity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/caravan-travel-europe-guide\/#Replacing_the_gas_bottle\" >Replacing the gas bottle<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/caravan-travel-europe-guide\/#Do_I_need_a_special_driving_licence_for_a_motorhome\" >Do I need a special driving licence for a motorhome?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/caravan-travel-europe-guide\/#What_documents_do_you_need_for_caravan_travel_in_Europe\" >What documents do you need for caravan travel in Europe?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/caravan-travel-europe-guide\/#Motorway_tolls_and_road_charges\" >Motorway tolls and road charges<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/caravan-travel-europe-guide\/#Motorhome_fuel_consumption\" >Motorhome fuel consumption<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/caravan-travel-europe-guide\/#What_its_like_to_drive_a_motorhome\" >What it&#8217;s like to drive a motorhome<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/caravan-travel-europe-guide\/#Parking_a_motorhome_in_cities\" >Parking a motorhome in cities<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/caravan-travel-europe-guide\/#Taking_a_motorhome_on_a_ferry\" >Taking a motorhome on a ferry<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/caravan-travel-europe-guide\/#Travelling_with_a_dog_in_a_motorhome\" >Travelling with a dog in a motorhome<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/caravan-travel-europe-guide\/#Best_destinations_for_a_caravan_holiday\" >Best destinations for a caravan holiday<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/caravan-travel-europe-guide\/#Parking_outside_campsites_%E2%80%94_wild_camping\" >Parking outside campsites \u2014 wild camping<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/caravan-travel-europe-guide\/#Austria_by_motorhome\" >Austria by motorhome<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/caravan-travel-europe-guide\/#Slovenia_by_motorhome\" >Slovenia by motorhome<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/caravan-travel-europe-guide\/#Montenegro_by_motorhome\" >Montenegro by motorhome<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/caravan-travel-europe-guide\/#Belgium_by_motorhome\" >Belgium by motorhome<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/caravan-travel-europe-guide\/#Germany_by_motorhome\" >Germany by motorhome<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/caravan-travel-europe-guide\/#France_by_motorhome\" >France by motorhome<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/caravan-travel-europe-guide\/#Camping_in_Italy_%E2%80%94_what_to_know_about_motorhome_travel\" >Camping in Italy \u2014 what to know about motorhome travel<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_hire_a_caravan\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_hire_a_caravan\"><\/span>Where to hire a caravan<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Since the pandemic, the number of motorhomes available for hire has exploded online. While that means more choice, it also means you need to be more careful. Many private owners may not keep their vehicles in top condition, or might not have adequate insurance \u2014 the kind where you won&#8217;t end up paying a \u20ac1,200 excess for every little scratch.<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re taking a motorhome abroad, you need to be confident you&#8217;re hiring a well-maintained, quality vehicle. That&#8217;s best done through specialist rental companies. We&#8217;ve travelled around both the UK and mainland Europe several times with rented motorhomes from reputable hire firms. Look for companies with strong reviews and transparent insurance terms \u2014 it makes all the difference.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/karavanem-po-evrope-1.jpg\" alt=\"Caravan travel across Europe\" class=\"wp-image-57753\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Motorhome travel across Europe<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_type_of_caravan_to_choose\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_type_of_caravan_to_choose\"><\/span>What type of caravan to choose<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Choosing the right motorhome is just as important as choosing the right hire company.<\/strong> I&#8217;m no expert when it comes to recommending the most reliable make and model, but you should know that motorhomes come with varying levels of equipment and differ in how many people they can sleep.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Most motorhomes carry and sleep 4 people, but it&#8217;s not hard to find 6-berth vehicles.<\/strong> For maximum comfort, look for recently manufactured models with the following features:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>chemical toilet (tablet-based)<\/li>\n<li>fridge with a dual power source (switching between gas and electricity to prevent outages)<\/li>\n<li>shower with adjustable water heating (you don&#8217;t want to waste electricity when wild camping)<\/li>\n<li>at least a small bathroom (usually combined with the toilet)<\/li>\n<li>kitchen with gas burners<\/li>\n<li>solar panels (for charging batteries during the day)<\/li>\n<li>diesel or gas heating<\/li>\n<li>engine-powered air conditioning<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you&#8217;re planning to bring bikes along, check that the motorhome has a bike rack, or that there&#8217;s room in the so-called &#8220;garage&#8221; \u2014 the storage area at the rear where you&#8217;d typically keep folding chairs, a table, and other gear.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s also worth considering whether you need an awning. An awning provides shade from the sun and shelter from the rain, and it&#8217;s much easier to set up than an add-on tent. If you&#8217;re planning to stay in one spot for a while, you might also want a drive-away awning that attaches to the motorhome and effectively creates an extra room \u2014 perfect for a week-long base.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/101590818_2997862796996423_8551895737401606144_n.jpg\" alt=\"Inside a motorhome rental\" class=\"wp-image-57757\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/83381150_2997862976996405_2867373415814135808_n.jpg\" alt=\"Motorhome kitchen area\" class=\"wp-image-57755\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/83458523_2997862900329746_5771351510747185152_n.jpg\" alt=\"Motorhome sleeping area\" class=\"wp-image-57756\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Everything_you_need_to_know_about_caravan_travel\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Everything_you_need_to_know_about_caravan_travel\"><\/span>Everything you need to know about caravan travel<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Before hitting the road, make sure you get a thorough walkthrough on how to properly handle the following:<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Emptying_the_chemical_toilet\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Emptying_the_chemical_toilet\"><\/span>Emptying the chemical toilet<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>You can&#8217;t just dump a chemical toilet anywhere down a drain. Campsites have designated disposal points for this. In the UK, these aren&#8217;t always easy to find outside of campsites, but across mainland Europe, many petrol stations also have disposal facilities.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/vyplach-chemickeho-wc.jpg\" alt=\"Chemical toilet \u2014 a compact waste cassette\" class=\"wp-image-57748\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Chemical toilet \u2014 a compact waste cassette<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Draining_grey_water\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Draining_grey_water\"><\/span>Draining grey water<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Motorhomes have two water tanks \u2014 one for fresh water and one for grey water<\/strong> (from the shower, taps, etc.). Grey water is drained via a valve on the underside of the vehicle into a designated drain. If it&#8217;s your first time, get your passenger to guide you as you position the valve over the drain. You need to hit it spot on! If you pull the valve while you&#8217;re not lined up, the water will splash everywhere \u2014 and I can guarantee you&#8217;ll end up with soaked shoes. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/vypusteni-znecistene-vody.jpg\" alt=\"Draining grey water is an essential part of caravan travel\" class=\"wp-image-57749\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Draining grey water<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Refilling_fresh_water\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Refilling_fresh_water\"><\/span>Refilling fresh water<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Fresh water is refilled via a hose through an inlet on the side of the motorhome. Always ask whether the water is potable when refilling. It&#8217;s not always clearly marked at campsites and petrol stations whether the water is safe for drinking.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/dopusteni-ciste-vody.jpg\" alt=\"Refilling fresh water at a motorhome service point\" class=\"wp-image-57750\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Refilling fresh water<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hooking_up_to_electricity\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hooking_up_to_electricity\"><\/span>Hooking up to electricity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>A motorhome with solar panels and appliances set to eco mode (fridge, water heater) will last 2\u20133 days before the batteries run flat.<\/strong> At campsites and stellpl\u00e4tze (motorhome service areas) near motorways, there&#8217;s usually an electric hook-up available (often included in the pitch fee). I&#8217;d recommend plugging in wherever you can \u2014 you&#8217;ll be able to switch on all the lights, properly heat the water, and if you&#8217;ve got electric heating, run it through the night without worrying.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/zapojeni-elektriny-do-karavanu.jpg\" alt=\"Hooking up a motorhome to electricity at a campsite\" class=\"wp-image-57751\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hooking up to electricity<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Replacing_the_gas_bottle\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Replacing_the_gas_bottle\"><\/span>Replacing the gas bottle<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Always make sure the hire company hands over the vehicle with a full gas bottle.<\/strong> Swapping the bottle is straightforward enough, but motorhomes rarely come with a spare. For someone unfamiliar with gas systems, hunting down a replacement bottle and fitting it can quickly turn into an unwelcome holiday chore.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_I_need_a_special_driving_licence_for_a_motorhome\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_I_need_a_special_driving_licence_for_a_motorhome\"><\/span>Do I need a special driving licence for a motorhome?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The vast majority of motorhomes fall under 3.5 tonnes and can be driven with a standard Category B driving licence. You only need a higher category licence for the really large motorhomes that are more like coaches.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_documents_do_you_need_for_caravan_travel_in_Europe\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_documents_do_you_need_for_caravan_travel_in_Europe\"><\/span>What documents do you need for caravan travel in Europe?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>For motorhomes weighing up to 3.5 tonnes (the vast majority of campervans), a standard Category B driving licence is all you need.<\/strong> You should also carry the vehicle registration document (V5C or equivalent) and proof of insurance. If the vehicle is hired, take the rental agreement with you \u2014 ideally in both English and the local language. Don&#8217;t forget your passport, and if you&#8217;re driving from the UK to mainland Europe, you may also need a GB sticker or appropriate number plate markings.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Motorway_tolls_and_road_charges\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Motorway_tolls_and_road_charges\"><\/span>Motorway tolls and road charges<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Caravan travel in Europe is generally more expensive than travelling by car. On top of higher fuel consumption, you need to factor in steeper motorway tolls and road charges. Many countries have separate tariffs for motorhomes under 3.5 tonnes. Tunnel crossings tend to be pricier too, especially through the Alps.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Very occasionally, you might get asked to have your motorhome weighed.<\/strong> In Austria, for example, police sometimes weigh motorhomes and issue fines for exceeding the permitted gross vehicle weight.<\/p>\n<p>You can find up-to-date toll charges for all European countries on the website tolls.eu. Vignettes (motorway stickers) can almost always be purchased at petrol stations before the border, or online.<\/p>\n<p><strong>I&#8217;d recommend buying vignettes online and in advance.<\/strong> In Portugal, for instance, it&#8217;s not straightforward to buy a vignette outside the internet \u2014 you need to borrow a small box with an electronic chip. If you don&#8217;t enter Portugal via a main border crossing, you might not be able to get one at all.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Motorhome_fuel_consumption\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Motorhome_fuel_consumption\"><\/span>Motorhome fuel consumption<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A typical motorhome uses between 10\u201312 litres per 100 kilometres (roughly 23\u201328 mpg). Keep this in mind when budgeting for your trip \u2014 fuel costs add up quickly on longer European road trips.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_its_like_to_drive_a_motorhome\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_its_like_to_drive_a_motorhome\"><\/span>What it&#8217;s like to drive a motorhome<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you&#8217;ve ever driven a large van, you won&#8217;t be surprised. And if you haven&#8217;t, don&#8217;t worry \u2014 you&#8217;ll manage. <strong>I&#8217;d strongly recommend choosing a motorhome with a reversing camera, or at the very least parking sensors.<\/strong> That way, you won&#8217;t end up picking bits of broken indicator lens off the ground, like I did. \ud83e\udd21<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Parking_a_motorhome_in_cities\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Parking_a_motorhome_in_cities\"><\/span>Parking a motorhome in cities<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Driving a motorhome comes with its limitations, and you&#8217;ll feel them most in busy cities, where finding a parking spot can be a real headache. I&#8217;d recommend searching online in advance for a suitable parking spot, or even <strong>booking one ahead of time<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background\">\ud83d\udca1 A safe bet is to always <strong>look for larger paid car parks<\/strong> \u2014 the kind where you can see vans parked on Google Street View.<\/p>\n<p><strong>You won&#8217;t get a motorhome into almost any underground car park<\/strong>, as they typically have a height restriction of around 2.2 metres, and motorhomes are at least 3 metres tall (plus aerials, roof windows, etc.).<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Taking_a_motorhome_on_a_ferry\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Taking_a_motorhome_on_a_ferry\"><\/span>Taking a motorhome on a ferry<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Generally speaking, you can take a motorhome on any <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"FerryScanner\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/doporucujeme\/ferryscanner\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">ferry<\/a> in Europe.<\/strong> This is particularly appealing in Croatia, where you can comfortably island-hop. <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"FerryScanner\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/doporucujeme\/ferryscanner\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Ferry<\/a> fares are based on the length of your vehicle, and several islands have campsites with motorhome pitches right by the port. If you&#8217;re heading to the continent from the UK, you can also take ferries from Dover, Portsmouth, or other south coast ports.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Travelling_with_a_dog_in_a_motorhome\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Travelling_with_a_dog_in_a_motorhome\"><\/span>Travelling with a dog in a motorhome<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A motorhome is ideal for travelling with dogs \u2014 during the day we usually keep our dogs outside next to the vehicle, and we bring along a portable dog pen. Planning a caravan holiday with your furry companion? Make sure your pet has a valid pet passport, is microchipped, and has up-to-date rabies vaccinations \u2014 these are essential for travelling between the UK and European countries.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_destinations_for_a_caravan_holiday\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_destinations_for_a_caravan_holiday\"><\/span>Best destinations for a caravan holiday<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>We fell in love with the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/best-places-dolomites-italy\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"58478\">Dolomites<\/a><\/strong>, which are absolutely perfect for motorhomes. We went in autumn, so we had no trouble finding space at campsites. If you&#8217;re after a longer road trip, a brilliant route is through France into <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/andalusia-spain-beautiful-places\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"58942\">Spain<\/a><\/strong> and on to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/roadtrip-algarve-portugal\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"58919\">Portugal<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 the Channel Tunnel or a ferry from Dover gets you to France, and from there the road south is spectacular.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Parking_outside_campsites_%E2%80%94_wild_camping\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Parking_outside_campsites_wild_camping\"><\/span>Parking outside campsites \u2014 wild camping<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Wild camping rules vary from country to country. So what are the regulations in Europe&#8217;s most popular destinations?<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background\"><strong>TIP: Try the <a href=\"https:\/\/camperguru.com\/cs\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/camperguru.com\/cs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Camperguru<\/a> app, where you&#8217;ll find an overview of the best campsites and wild camping spots across the whole of Europe.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Austria_by_motorhome\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Austria_by_motorhome\"><\/span>Austria by motorhome<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Throughout <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/vienna-guide\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"58535\">Austria<\/a><\/strong>, it&#8217;s legal to park at designated motorhome areas, known as Stellpl\u00e4tze. You can find them on a map using the Stellplatz-Radar mobile app.<\/p>\n<p>Wild camping is only permitted in four Austrian federal states:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Upper Austria<\/li>\n<li>Styria<\/li>\n<li>Vorarlberg<\/li>\n<li>parts of Salzburg.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Slovenia_by_motorhome\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Slovenia_by_motorhome\"><\/span>Slovenia by motorhome<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Unfortunately, wild camping is not allowed in Slovenia. You&#8217;ll need to stick to Stellpl\u00e4tze, official campsites, or arrange to stay on private land with the owner&#8217;s permission.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Montenegro_by_motorhome\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Montenegro_by_motorhome\"><\/span>Montenegro by motorhome<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Wild camping outside designated areas is also illegal in Montenegro.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Belgium_by_motorhome\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Belgium_by_motorhome\"><\/span>Belgium by motorhome<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Wild camping isn&#8217;t allowed in Belgium either. Due to the country&#8217;s dense population, you&#8217;d struggle to find a remote spot anyway. Belgium has Stellpl\u00e4tze, and you&#8217;re generally allowed to park overnight in any car park as long as there&#8217;s no sign prohibiting it.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Germany_by_motorhome\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Germany_by_motorhome\"><\/span>Germany by motorhome<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>In Germany, you&#8217;re allowed to park for one night in any car park where there&#8217;s no explicit prohibition. The Germans love their motorhomes, and you&#8217;ll find Stellpl\u00e4tze even in the middle of cities \u2014 Munich alone has several with a total capacity of hundreds of spaces.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"France_by_motorhome\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"France_by_motorhome\"><\/span>France by motorhome<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Wild camping isn&#8217;t explicitly banned in France. However, you must not camp near monuments, along the coastline, or in protected natural areas.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Camping_in_Italy_%E2%80%94_what_to_know_about_motorhome_travel\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Camping_in_Italy_what_to_know_about_motorhome_travel\"><\/span>Camping in Italy \u2014 what to know about motorhome travel<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>In <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/italy-vacation\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"58971\">Italy<\/a><\/strong>, camping is only permitted at designated, registered campsites. Wild camping is illegal \u2014 both on public land and on private property.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u2705 How to choose the right caravan \u2705 What not to forget to pack \u2705 What to watch out for abroad and where to park your motorhome<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":57747,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","rank_math_title":"Caravan Travel in Europe: A Practical Guide (2025)","rank_math_description":"Everything you need to know about caravan travel in Europe \u2013 choosing, driving, parking &amp; wild camping rules by country. Plan your motorhome trip today!","rank_math_focus_keyword":"caravan travel","rank_math_seo_score":""},"categories":[326,320,335],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-128850","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-europe","8":"category-travel","9":"category-travel-tips"},"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/karavanem-po-evrope.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Luk\u00e1\u0161 Kone\u010dn\u00fd","author_link":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/author\/lukas-konecny\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/128850","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=128850"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/128850\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":165437,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/128850\/revisions\/165437"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/57747"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=128850"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=128850"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=128850"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}