Have you ever considered traveling around the diverse countries of Europe in your own motor home? It is an option that is worth exploring.
Traveling around Europe with your own home on wheels is the ultimate way to see and stay in places off the beaten path. You have the freedom to travel when and where you want without having to worry about finding a place to sleep (and I can say from experience, it’s nice not having to depend on the jacked-up, toothless guy at the train station because he is the only one who has a room left).
There are many locations that rent motor homes throughout the continent. The most cost effective place of rental is Germany. Munich and Frankfurt are the main hubs, both offering locations that are easily accessed and exited from (which is important when trying to understand the language, the signs and why the person behind you is honking incessantly).
The price of the rental is much cheaper than staying in a hotel and having to buy meals. Plus, the bonus of having your own kitchen is wonderful. That is something that you can’t find at hostels.
There are a few pieces of advice that are important to know before putting the home on wheels in action:
- A regular driver’s license is fine. The rental agency should offer insurance.
- Travel on the autobahns only. Using the country roads to interlink countries can be dangerous because the roads become a bit small for the motor home at times.
- Make sure that you have a spotter directing traffic when backing up. The view is pretty limited back there.
- Park on the outside of cities and use the transit system. The narrow European city streets can be a little tight at times.
- Other than the campgrounds you can use churches, grocery stores, ski area and city transit parking lots for overnight parking.
- The motor home rental agency should give you a map that has dump stations. If not, there are camp grounds throughout the various countries that will have maps and most likely will let you dump for a nominal fee.
Traveling around Europe in your own way and in your own style is a great way to go. Whether its stoping at an out of the way spot and finding that one-of-a-kind treasure or meeting a new friend in an unknown town, a motorhome can bring a special component to a great trip.