7 Essential Tips for Planning a Camper Van Road Trip Abroad

When I first pitched the idea of renting a van for a road trip abroad in Scotland, my husband thought I was crazy... And he isn't the only one, our family and friends gave us the craziest looks. Now a few years later, we have been on three different excursions abroad in a camper van and the last trip, we had our 4 month old baby in tow! Moral of the story is, we tried it, we loved it, and if two brand new parents can do it, YOU CAN TOO! That is if you want to... I get it, traveling to a new place is already brave, but doing so in a camper van may seem even more daunting.

Let me debunk it for you, with these tips before you write off the experience of A LIFE TIME!

Before you hit the open road, here are some essential tips to make sure your planned road trip with a camper van leaves you begging for more:

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Road Rules

Before driving in a foreign country, acquaint yourself with the local road rules and regulations. Traffic customs and signage may vary, so it's crucial to understand the basics to navigate safely. Nothing will ruin a trip faster than a stressful driving experience, an expensive ticket, or (heaven forbid) an accident. Remember to drive on the correct side of the road and abide by speed limits and other guidelines specific to your destination.

The American in us tends to look for cops to regulate our speed, but in most countries this is not how law enforcement spends their time. Many of the countries we have visited use cameras or aircrafts for regulation. My advice... STICK TO THE SPEED LIMIT. These are unfamiliar roads and culturally an unfamiliar place, don't assume that you know best. After a fantastic trip in the Swiss alps, we returned to a letter saying that we had a speeding fine to pay. It ended up setting us back a couple hundred euros and put a damper on our otherwise fantastic trip.

2. Download Park4Night for Hassle-Free Camping Spots

Your first thought when considering a van may have been, but where will we sleep, and possibly more importantly where will I poop? And the truth is these are most people's main concerns. But fear not, because you are not the first person to have a very (rigid) pooping schedule and that is why Park4Night is an absolute lifesaver for camper van life.

Park4Night is a handy app that provides information about campsites, motorhome parking places, and wild camping spots worldwide. Users of the app are able to mark safe sleeping places, parking places, and yes... even bathrooms to benefit their fellow van lifers. Others on the app are able to update, give a rating, or comment on the spots, making sure you have the most up to date information for your trip. As of writing this article there is both a free and paid version of this app. I suggest the paid version because it allows you to download the map, which might come in handy depending on if your journey takes you to remote places.

By utilizing this app, you can easily discover safe and convenient locations to park overnight, making your camper van journey stress-free and enjoyable.

3. Choose Between Manual and Automatic Transmission

When selecting a camper van, you first must decide whether you prefer a manual or automatic transmission. I am going to stop you right here...

just because you "learned" to drive manual once in your high school best friend's truck in some random parking lot, does not mean that you should feel super comfortable driving a (large) manual van in a foreign country. Outside of the US, you will see a lot of manual options, and besides being cheaper to rent they also often offer better control and more fuel-efficiency, HOWEVER, automatics provide ease of driving, particularly in unfamiliar terrains and I would suggest this option to the majority of people.

But it is all about confidence and if you know your way around a manual by all means go for it. We just don't want you stalling out in the outback of Australia, wondering how to get the van going again.

So my advice, pick the option that you are most comfortable with to ensure a stress free driving experience.

4. Plan Your Itinerary Wisely

Crafting a well-thought-out itinerary is vital for a successful camper van trip. We have done some trips all within one country, and other's where we have traversed 4-5 countries within the span of a few days. Consider the places you want to visit, the activities you want to do, and the time needed to travel between destinations. Nothing can kill a vacation's fun faster, then spending too many hours driving. That being said having your hotel and car wrapped into one can create an opportunity to see far more of a place than if you are having to trek back to a hotel nightly. For example on our last trip with our newborn, we opted to do most of our longer drives (2-3 hours) at night. Since he was already asleep in his carseat we were able to travel to a new destination, "set up camp" and wake up the next day ready to start a new adventure in a new place. With this method we were able to visit many cities in Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, and France all in one trip.

If you are planning to visit more than one country I would suggest checking the laws of entry, most European countries function similar to US states, in which there isn't a formal border and you won't have to show your passport or documents. This is only required when traveling by air between countries. Some of these borders however will be marked by tolls. It is important to know that many main roads in Europe are toll roads and you will be required to pay to use the roads. These can stack up if you are going long distances and are the tolls are usually calculated on the distance you have driven on the road. Most toll stations do accept card, so there is no need to carry around currency specifically for tolls. Just be on the lookout for them, follow the signs and prompts and you will be fine.

5. Choose a Reputable Rental Company

Selecting a reputable camper van rental company is crucial for a good rental experience. Look for companies with positive reviews, transparent rental terms, and excellent customer service. There are several well known company such as road surfer and indie camper, but we have had good experiences with local small companies as well. When choosing who to rent from make sure to read the fine print, confirm the rental agreement details, including insurance coverage, fees, and any restrictions before making a reservation and make sure to read the reviews. Some companies require you to get insurance through them, or pay a deposit for the van. If they do not require it, I suggest looking for coverage elsewhere because it is usually cheaper. Some credit cards even offer rental coverage if you purchase the reservation with that card.

My last piece of advice is to take pictures and videos of the van right when you get it and before you drive away. That way you can show the company, if necessary, that damage was preexisting. This may seem tedious but could end up saving you a couple hundred bucks and an awkward argument at the end of your trip.

6. Ensure You Have a Valid Driver's License

Before embarking on your adventure, ensure that you have a valid driver's license accepted in the country you are visiting. Some countries require an international driver's permit (IDP), in addition to your standard license. Verify the specific licensing requirements beforehand to avoid any hiccups during your trip.

A valid united states driver's license is accepted in most other countries but it is important to double check. Van rental companies will often ask for proof of this at the time the reservation is made, so if they approve it chances are it is approved in the country you will be visiting.

7. Pack Essentials for Your Journey

Prepare for your camper van adventure by packing essential items. Many rental companies will supply your van with items such as bedding and cooking utensils. Some even have some version of toilets and showers. But it is up to you to bring any other gear you may need. Keep in mind the climate and terrain of your destination to pack appropriate clothing and gear. One of the perks of a camper van is that you are essentially bringing your hotel room with you wherever you drive, which means you will always have a change of clothes and a snack! Additionally, carry navigation tools, portable chargers, and emergency provisions for a safe and comfortable trip. If you have a child this includes bringing them a safety rated carseat.

Renting a camper van in a foreign country or stateside opens up a world of possibilities for exploration and discovery. By following these essential tips, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable road trip experience. From understanding road rules to choosing the right rental company, each step contributes to a memorable journey filled with breathtaking sights and unforgettable moments. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and let the adventure begin!

Bon Voyage!

The American Gypsy