5 Tips for Choosing a Campervan for Your Trip

Nothing is more exciting than a camping trip, especially if you’re taking a campervan! But choosing a campervan for the first time can be tricky, as there are many things to consider. There are just so many types available, from cosy little Volkswagens to overcab motorhomes. So here are our five tips for choosing the right motorhome for your next camping trip, to ensure you have the best adventure possible!

People often opt for a motorhome with a toilet and shower, simply because it seems like the better option. But if you plan to stay at campsites with facilities, then you don’t actually need these amenities. It’s quite a hassle to clean out a motorhome toilet, so if you can avoid it, you should!

Similarly, if you don’t think that you’ll cook in your van, you shouldn’t prioritise a vehicle with kitchen appliances. There are various amenities available in motorhomes, so take a moment to consider which you actually need rather than going for them all. Nowadays you can find motorhomes that come equipped with awnings, heaters, air conditioning, ovens, TVs, microwaves and more. On motorhome sharing platforms like Goboony, you can filter the results based on the amenities offered.

It’s easy to assume that a large luxurious motorhome is the best option for their trip. If you’re main focus is comfort and space, then go for it! But consider whether you really need, or want, a big motorhome for your trip.

If you plan to visit large cities, you might struggle with your large motorhome. Big vehicles can be difficult to manoeuvre on tight streets and it’s a huge hassle to find a parking spot. Also consider whether you’ll be driving on rural roads, as you don’t want to get stuck!

The size of your motorhome is also impacted by the size of your travelling party. Remember that some motorhomes have more sleeping places than seatbelts, so ensure that you check this before choosing your vehicle.

Most motorhomes can be driven with a regular driving license, but some bigger vehicles will require a different license. Always check the license requirements before booking. Ensure that you meet the age requirements for insurance, and sometimes they’ll even have requirements on where your license is from, e.g. EU versus non-EU. Check before you book to avoid disappointment later!

Driving in a motorhome for the first time can be quite daunting! 

They’re often bigger than you expect with plenty of blind spots to keep in mind. So when you’re hiring a motorhome for your trip, remember that you’ll have to actually drive in it. Consider how confident you are as a driver, and then let that influence your decision. 

If you lack driving experience or confidence, go for a converted van instead, as these are the most similar to driving a car. 

But if you do want to hire a larger motorhome, then just make sure to practice. Ask if you can come for a test drive with the owner, or arrange to drive a similarly sized vehicle. 

Booking with JetCamp allows you to easily search through all the options available in Europe. You can filter based on various factors, including type of campsite, type of accommodation, whether pets are allowed. If you’ve got your heart set on a beach holiday, you can ensure your campsite is walking distance from one!

You don’t need to book your campsite before arranging your motorhome hire, but you might want to have a rough idea. Depending on the facilities offered at the campsite, you can determine what you need in a campsite. It’ll impact how much time you plan to spend in your hired vehicle. 

Some people also prefer staying at one campsite for the duration of their trip, then you might opt for a bigger motorhome. But if you plan to embark on a proper road trip, you might prefer a smaller campervan which is easier to drive and cheaper for fuel costs.

With these five tips in mind, you’re ready to find the perfect campervan for your camping trip! Your first time in a campervan will also highlight what you do and don’t need, and what you’d like for next time. Slowly but surely you’ll find the campervan of your dreams, to enjoy on many more trips.