Go well prepared with camper tips for beginners† Discover the ultimate feeling of freedom. Drive for hours through beautiful landscapes on European soil. This romantic image is one of the reasons for people to travel by motorhome. Prevent this dream from falling apart and prepare yourself well. This allows you to fully enjoy the camper holiday† Good preparation is half the job. So get started!
Motorhomes for beginners
Camper tip 1: go for the right kind of camper
One of the first camper tips for beginners is not just to choose a camper by feel. For example, it is tempting to go for a cozy camper with catchy colors or authentic features. Or just for a large brand new camper that is fully equipped. However, we strongly recommend not to do this. So you have to look beyond the appearance alone. Find out what different types of campers there are and what the advantages and disadvantages are. Below we have listed the different types of motorhomes.
- Semi-integrated motorhome
- Integral camper
- Alcove camper
- Buy a small bus camper
Camper tip 2: check what kind of driving license you need
If a motorhome is a maximum of 3.500kg and does not transport more than 8 people (without the driver), then a B driving license is sufficient. With heavier motorhomes you will in many cases need a C or C1 driving license. In that case, the weight refers to the permitted maximum mass. That is the empty weight plus the maximum payload. Campers with more than 8 seats may only be driven if you are in possession of a bus driving license (driving license D or D1). Before departure, make sure that you are 100% sure that you are allowed to drive in the relevant motorhome!
Camper tip 3: a camper is not free, camper pitches (sometimes) are
Talk about typically Dutch. We love free camper spots. And of course there is nothing wrong with that. For example, it is very nice that in some countries you can stay overnight with a camper for free. This saves you costs that you can then spend elsewhere. But, remember that the motorhome itself is anything but free. There are standard costs that you have to take into account (fuel, motorhome insurance, road tax and the APK inspection). Storage costs can also be added if you do not have enough space at home to store a motorhome.
Camper tip 4: take camping rules into account
Even though you naturally experience ultimate freedom during a camper trip Europe it's not just freedom. In fact, on European soil, wild camping is allowed in very few places. You often have to look for places where staying overnight in a camper is allowed. Here too, the somewhat idyllic picture in your head may be disturbed by a concrete parking lot. Think carefully about this in advance to avoid (unpleasant) surprises.
Camper tip 5: learn to drive with a camper
Be aware that a motorhome is not a car. For example, a motorhome is many times larger, heavier and therefore also takes larger turns. The length is also often much longer than with a passenger car, making this one of our camper tips for beginners. While driving it is important to be aware of this in the back of your mind. Stick the dimensions on the dashboard of the motorhome so that you know for sure what the dimensions are. And don't unexpectedly end up in front of a tunnel or ferry without knowing whether it will fit. If in doubt, have someone get out to guide you further.
Camper tip 6: check what you can take with you on a camper holiday
An essential part of campervan tips for beginners is to bring all the essentials for camper routes the Netherlands† This naturally includes the kitchen inventory (pans, plates, cups, cutlery, etc.). But, chairs and tables for outside are also important to take with you. What you should bring with you depends on your personal wishes and requirements. Finally, prevent the total weight of the contestant from exceeding the maximum weight.
Camper tip 7: first rent a camper
If you are still in doubt about buying a motorhome, we strongly recommend that you first rent a motorhome. That is why this is one of our camper tips for beginners. For example, it is a huge shame to buy a motorhome and then find out that motorhome holidays are not for you. It can also simply happen that a motorhome does not have all the facilities that you would like. For example, keep in mind that for a 'simple supermarket visit' you have to pack all your belongings to drive away. If you are 100% sure of a suitable motorhome, it is only advisable to buy one. Also not unimportant: how much does it cost to rent a motorhome?
View 10 more golden tips here!