Should I buy or rent a van?

Rent for your first trip. You don't know what layout, size, or features you actually need until you've lived in one. Rental companies like Indie Campers and Roadsurfer operate across Europe. Budget €80–120/day for a basic campervan with insurance.

What's the biggest mistake first-timers make?

Driving too far each day. Plan for 2–3 hours of driving maximum. The journey is the point — if you're spending 5 hours behind the wheel, you're doing it wrong. Short days mean more time for exploring, swimming, and cooking.

Do I need to book campsites in advance?

In July–August in popular areas (south of France, Algarve), yes — book a few nights ahead. The rest of the year, you can usually turn up. Many travellers mix campsites (for showers and laundry) with free overnight spots (for scenery and savings).

Less than you think. Essentials: bedding, cooking gear, water container, a good torch, basic tools, first aid kit, and layers (European weather is unpredictable). Don't pack a full wardrobe — you'll wear the same three outfits on rotation.

Your First Van Trip in Europe — What to Expect

Your first van trip will be messier than Instagram suggests. You'll park somewhere illegal without realising, overcook pasta on a wonky stove, and spend 20 minutes trying to figure out how the water pump works. This is normal. It gets easier fast.

The most important decision isn't the van — it's the route. First-timers should pick a forgiving country with good infrastructure, short distances between towns, and a culture that's relaxed about campervans. France, Portugal, and Spain tick every box. Save Norway and the Balkans for trip two.

Don't over-plan. Have a rough direction of travel and maybe 2–3 must-see spots. Everything else should be flexible. The best moments on a van trip are the unplanned ones — the village market you stumbled into, the beach you found on a whim, the local who invited you to try their homemade wine.

Sample itineraries

The Safe First Trip — Normandy to Dordogne

10 daysFrance

Start from a Channel port (Caen or Cherbourg), head south through the Loire Valley to the Dordogne. France has over 3,000 free or cheap aires (motorhome stopovers) — you'll never struggle to find somewhere to park. Driving is easy, food is excellent, and mobile coverage is reliable.

Portugal Coastal Starter

7 daysPortugal

Fly into Lisbon, rent a campervan, and head south to the Algarve. Small country, warm weather, cheap fuel (€1.50/L diesel), and a massive van community to learn from. The west coast between Ericeira and Sagres is perfect first-timer territory.

Andalucía Winter Sun

10 daysSpain

Málaga to Tarifa via Granada, then up the coast to Cádiz. Spain in winter (November–March) is 15–20°C, uncrowded, and incredibly affordable. Tapas culture means cheap eating out. Free overnight parking is widely available outside city centres.

Frequently asked questions

Should I buy or rent a van?: Rent for your first trip. You don't know what layout, size, or features you actually need until you've lived in one. Rental companies like Indie Campers and Roadsurfer operate across Europe. Budget €80–120/day for a basic campervan with insurance.
What's the biggest mistake first-timers make?: Driving too far each day. Plan for 2–3 hours of driving maximum. The journey is the point — if you're spending 5 hours behind the wheel, you're doing it wrong. Short days mean more time for exploring, swimming, and cooking.
Do I need to book campsites in advance?: In July–August in popular areas (south of France, Algarve), yes — book a few nights ahead. The rest of the year, you can usually turn up. Many travellers mix campsites (for showers and laundry) with free overnight spots (for scenery and savings).
What should I pack?: Less than you think. Essentials: bedding, cooking gear, water container, a good torch, basic tools, first aid kit, and layers (European weather is unpredictable). Don't pack a full wardrobe — you'll wear the same three outfits on rotation.

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Country guides

🇫🇷France 🇵🇹Portugal 🇪🇸Spain

Other traveler types

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