Planning a campervan rent within the UK or Europe? Feeling a little bit overwhelmed by all of the camper rental choices? Don’t panic- this information will share the ideas and methods you must plan your good campervan holiday- even if you happen to’ve by no means rented one earlier than!
Why rent a camper van?
There are a lot of explanation why hiring a campervan is a good suggestion. If you happen to don’t at present personal a camper, there are a LOT of benefits to hiring one earlier than you buy- it’s an effective way to check out if it’s for you.
Additionally, if you happen to’re attempting to keep away from crowds and accommodations (you already know, resulting from a pandemic or one thing…), a campervan is a incredible choice for staying isolated- particularly if you happen to rent one with its personal bathroom and bathe.
Campervan Rent in UK and Europe- issues to resolve first
There are a LOT of issues you must think about and resolve earlier than you even begin campervan rent firms or quotes, so let’s begin there.
- How many individuals
- What structure?
- Lavatory?
- Dimension?
- Weight/ driving restrictions
- Insurance coverage
How many individuals shall be travelling within the Campervan?
That is vitally vital and impacts a lot of the subsequent choices you make. You have to a seat belt per particular person, together with any child in a automotive seat.
You additionally want to verify there are an applicable variety of sleeping berths- some campervans might have 4 seatbelts however solely sleep 2 or 3.
What structure?
That is an nearly unending rabbit gap, particularly if you happen to’ve by no means rented or owned a campervan earlier than. There are a whole lot of various layouts, types and accessories- lots of that are completely down to private desire!
Nonetheless, some issues to contemplate are:
- Is a hard and fast mattress a necessary, or are you content to make up bench seats each evening?
- Would you like an consuming space you possibly can all collect round contained in the van, or do you intend to eat outdoors?
- If in case you have youngsters, the place will they sleep and do you continue to have someplace to sit down after they’ve gone to mattress?
Additionally, remember that many Europe campers don’t include an oven as standard- they’ve a hob and infrequently a microwave (not helpful if you happen to’re planning to wild camp or use aires!)
Lavatory
One other factor to consider is what rest room necessities do you will have? Many {couples} are glad utilizing the good outside or utilizing a porta-potti. Showers could be had at a campsite or utilizing a photo voltaic bathe.
If any of that makes you frown, then you must rent a campervan with a fitted rest room. There are a lot of varieties of those on the campervan rent books- however it might prohibit your goals of a traditional VW for the week!
Campervan Journey- Dimension issues!
I hate to interrupt it to you, however greater isn’t at all times higher. Particularly if you happen to’ve by no means pushed or employed a big campervan or motorhome earlier than. A lot of house could appear beautiful, however you must be taught to park it- one thing which isn’t at all times straightforward.
After all, a lot of that depends upon what you need to do throughout your campervan hire- we’ll get to that shortly.
CAMPERVAN HIRE IN EUROPE- measurement restrictions
Europe has many extra tolls than the UK- and the scale of your camper can actually have an effect on the value of those tolls! Over 3.1m excessive is classed as a truck, so any motorhome with an above cab mattress could possibly be costly.
Additionally, bigger campers are usually much less fuel-efficient and likewise they have an inclination to value extra to rent within the first place! So actually take into consideration what you want.
Campervan hire- Weight/ driving restrictions
That is vital in some ways. For instance, many campervan rent firms received’t rent to anybody beneath 25 or who has held their driving licence for lower than a yr.
Additionally, if you’re hiring a campervan or motorhome over 3.5 tonnes, you’ll want to verify your driving licence covers it. You could find out extra about that right here.
Campervan Journey Important- Insurance coverage
Most campervan rent quotes embody insurance coverage, however many received’t embody your private possessions, solely injury to the camper itself. You’ll want a journey insurance coverage coverage which can cowl your issues.
Mileage
This is a crucial one! Many Campervan rent firms do NOT embody mileage- and this may add a HUGE quantity to the value if you happen to’re planning to tour Europe.
So both plan a vacation which doesn’t embody a lot driving, or discover a firm which incorporates limitless mileage within the value.
Age
In my coronary heart, I need a traditional VW. I feel they’re awesome- fairly, cool … and much too small for me! Apparently, they aren’t the best issues to drive both (outdated gearboxes and no energy steering!) In addition they don’t usually have air-conditioning, which could be vital relying on location.
Newer vans are rather more financial, larger, safer and higher at placing extra right into a small house! In addition they are likely to have headroom for these of us who’re above common top!
Different issues to consider with Campervan Rent
Most motorhomes solely have guide gearboxes. There are a couple of automated campervans for rent in the marketplace, however they arrive at a premium.
Campervan Rent in UK and Europe- Planning your journey
In my view, you must reply these questions earlier than you begin campervan rent firms. HOWEVER, if you’re reserving final minute, you could need to simply e-book no matter is accessible after which plan your journey round that location!
- Resolve the place you need to go
- WHEN
- How lengthy for?
- Plan your itinerary
- Spherical journey or a method?
- Funds
Resolve the place you need to go throughout your camper rent
That is an apparent place to start out, however really could be fairly tough, particularly for campervan rent in UK and Europe. There are simply so many locations to discover! Right here’s an entire information to planning your UK road trip.
If you happen to’d like some Europe road trip itinerary ideas, these are good for any size of vacation.
Quick or long run motorhome rent?
Are you hiring the campervan for a weekend? Week? Extra? All of it will have an effect on how far you possibly can journey throughout your journey.
TOP TIP- if you happen to’re travelling Europe or the UK for longer than a month, you may need to think about shopping for your personal van. It is likely to be cheaper in the long term!
When is the most effective time to rent a campervan in UK or Europe?
Trustworthy fact? There’s a cause us Brits and Europeans discuss in regards to the climate a LOT, particularly within the north. It rains… rather a lot. And this could be a actual ache in a campervan- particularly a small one.
Clearly, no climate could be assured, however right here’s a tough information:
Finest time to Campervan rent in UK:
April- October. Ish. In 2018 March and April had been AMAZING climate. In 2019 it barely stopped raining and it was sooo chilly. I want the September/ October interval; the youngsters are again in class, campsites and roads are quieter, however the climate continues to be (hopefully!) heat sufficient and lightweight sufficient to sit down out within the evenings.
Attempt to keep away from driving anyplace on a Financial institution Vacation within the UK (Google them to make sure). The roads are notoriously dangerous for visitors on a Financial institution Vacation and you possibly can simply be gridlocked for a number of hours.
The large summer time holidays within the UK are mid-July to starting of September. Keep away from these occasions if you happen to presumably can; campervan rent and campsites value extra and all over the place is busier .
Finest time to Campervan rent in Europe:
Campervan Rent in Europe has a little bit extra flexibility by way of season and climate than the UK. Many individuals from Britain flee all the way down to southern Spain or Italy for the winter (November-March). It’s usually good climate all via the winter right here, with just a few wet days if you happen to’re fortunate.
Additional north, count on snow. Many locations from mid-Europe up has mountains, and these are all busy ski locations. After all, this implies snow… and campervan rent within the snow is just not for the faint-hearted or the unprepared! It may be carried out, however I’d counsel not on your first journey.
Plan your itinerary
As soon as you already know the place to go, plan a tough itinerary. At all times go away sufficient room to detour to enjoyable locations you discover alongside the best way. Discover ways to plan an ideal street journey itinerary right here.
Spherical journey or a method?
There’s a premium for one-way campervan rent, however it might probably prevent plenty of time if you happen to’re not planning to circle again. If that is one thing you’d like to contemplate, search for a rent firm who presents a method camper journeys.
Funds for campervan rent in UK and Europe
Lastly, you must resolve your finances. Campervan rent could be greater than you think- particularly within the faculty holidays. At all times get a number of quotes so you possibly can evaluate.
How one can discover Campervan Rent firms
There are a LOT of campervan rent firms. And sure, it may be overwhelming. Be sure that any firm you take care of has a correct telephone quantity and registered tackle. Additionally, earlier than you contact them, do a Google seek for critiques. Don’t fear in regards to the odd dangerous overview, but when there’s a recurring theme or plenty of negativity, it’s time to maneuver on.
Issues to test your motorhome or campervan rent firm present
Be sure that the corporate offers the next, or be ready to carry your personal!
- Towels
- Mattress linen
- Pots, pans, plates, utensils
- Out of doors seats/ BBQ/ Bike rack/ awning
- Rest room chemical compounds (not essential- they’re simply purchasable in UK and Europe)
- Mileage
- Capacity to cross borders with the camper
- Insurance coverage (private possessions aren’t usually covered- you’ll want your personal coverage)
- Breakdown help (and what it covers!)
- Fuel bottle (test you don’t must carry a full one back- not at all times straightforward to do!)
- Campervan necessities: Electrical cable, levelling blocks, water filler hose
- Do they supply sat-nav?
- Free parking at depot on your automotive if obligatory
If you’re in any respect not sure, choose up the telephone and converse to somebody. In the event that they’re not useful earlier than you’ve even booked, they’re REALLY not going to be useful after you’ve paid your cash, even when you’ve got an issue. So choose an organization you’re feeling glad talking with.
BEFORE YOU CONFIRM YOUR CAMPERVAN HIRE:
Learn the paperwork fastidiously. Then learn it once more. Be sure to perceive precisely what is roofed, what’s not and what extras you must pay for. Get EVERYTHING in writing, together with a precise value for mileage if it’s not limitless. Be sure to know what state gas, water, waste and gasoline tanks should be returned in.
Affirm pick-up and drop-off areas, particularly in the event that they’re in numerous areas. Keep in mind that, not like vehicles, it’s uncommon for campervan depots to be close to main airports, because of the measurement of the campers. Some firms will provide to rearrange airport transfers for you; others will assume you’ll make your personal technique to/ from the situation. Ensure that’s clear prematurely.
Additionally, affirm the closest airport. Many main cities in Europe have a number of airports at completely completely different areas (like Heathrow and Gatwick for London.) Discovering the closest airport to the depot might affect which flight you e-book.
Take into consideration the place the depot is. If it’s in the midst of a giant metropolis (doable), then you must be assured shifting the car round metropolis streets as quickly as you permit. If you happen to’re not, choose a depot and firm in a extra distant area- however settle for that shall be more durable to get to!
Campervan hire- what paperwork do you must accumulate the camper?
Most firms would require:
- Driving licence (plastic half solely)- test it’s in date!
- Probably an International Driving Permit.
- Possibly a code from the DVLA. Ask them prematurely if that is wanted.
- Bank card
- Probably proof of your journey insurance coverage (once more, ask beforehand what they’ll want on assortment)
Fly-Drive RV Holidays
If you’re flying in from someplace outdoors Europe, ensure you are allowed to drive a campervan in Europe. Additionally, ensure all the pieces is supplied as you count on (you actually don’t need to be bringing sleeping baggage or saucepans in your baggage!)
Having mentioned that, do not forget that UK and Europe is filled with folks really residing their lives, and it’s straightforward to choose up necessities pretty cheaply if wanted.
Campervan rent tips- amassing the motorhome
Be sure to get a full and thorough handover and don’t fear about how lengthy it takes. The particular person doing the handover can have carried out the spiel one million occasions earlier than, and it’s straightforward for them to overlook or assume you already know one thing. Do NOT be afraid to ask questions or ask them to elucidate one thing additional. If doubtful, ask them if you happen to can take pictures or movie one thing to remind your self later.
Be sure to know the next as a naked minimal:
- How one can fill gas (and is it petrol or diesel?)
- How one can fill water
- How one can join electrical
- The place’s the fuse field?
- How one can flip gasoline on/ off
- How one can substitute/ refill a gasoline bottle
- Is there a crash hose on the gasoline bottle? If not, don’t drive with it switched on.
- How one can gentle fridge (and if it’s a guide swap over or automated)
- The place the leisure battery is?
- How one can empty waste water
- How one can empty bathroom
- Place of fireplace blanket/ extinguisher, smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector. Examine they work.
- How one can placed on heating/ sizzling water on electrical panel and easy methods to alter controls. This bit may take a while to sink in.
- How one can lock cab and hab space, and easy methods to impasse steering/ set alarm if doable.
- HEIGHT, WIDTH, LENGTH and WEIGHT of camper. Write these down and hold them useful.
Campervan Journey in Europe- further issues to contemplate
- Is there a toll move? (Unlikely- you’ll in all probability need to pay on your personal tolls)
- Is there a vignette if wanted (important in Switzerland)
- Do you want a crit-air sticker (France and some different cities in Europe)
- Is there the essential kit as required by European law?
- Do you will have all paperwork wanted to drive (it’s essential to carry this always)
Earlier than you drive ANYWHERE, test the car fastidiously for any injury, regardless of how small. Take pictures of EVERYTHING and ensure all injury is famous down. It might be exhausting to test the roof- it’s your name if you wish to ask them to examine it or not.
Hiring a campervan in Europe or UK- first evening suggestions
Don’t plan an excessive amount of on your first day and ideally e-book up a campsite to present your self time to settle in and get all the pieces sorted out. Having mentioned that, we took our camper wild camping on the first night… and I soaked all my garments with the bathe by chance. So count on the sudden!! 🙂
First night in a camper? Here’s a step-by-step printable guide for you to download and take with you.
Returning the campervan
Awwww- it’s throughout. I hope you’ve had an incredible journey.
Once you return to the motorhome/ camper depot, ensure you have abided by their guidelines by way of water/ waste tanks (usually must be empty to keep away from a effective.)
Additionally, ensure you are on time to keep away from a big fine- these firms don’t have lengthy to show their vans round between bookings.
Campervan rent in UK and Europe- abstract
I hope the following tips have been useful if you happen to’re planning on hiring a campervan in Europe or UK. It’s completely our favorite technique to discover a rustic and we’ve been fortunate sufficient to take pleasure in some spectacular locations in our camper.
For extra campervan journey concepts in UK and Europe, take a look at our street journey itineraries.
