Motorhome travel for newbies DimiTalen, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Motorhome tips for newbies
Are you planning to travel by motorhome for the first time and aren't sure what to look for? Then you've come to the right place! Whether you're planning to tour Europe, enjoy the great outdoors, or just want to rent a motorhome for a test drive, this guide will definitely provide you with all the important tips for your first motorhome trip.
Motorhome for beginners: What you need to know
What types of motorhomes are there?
- Van (vanlife style): Compact, flexible, perfect for beginners.
- Semi-integrated motorhomes: More comfort, still easy to drive.
- Fully integrated mobile homes & alcoves: For families or luxury lovers.
💡 Tip: Also pay attention to the permissible total weight. With a Class B driver's license, you're only allowed to drive up to 3,5 tons.
Rent or buy – what is worth it for beginners?
If you are just starting out with motorhome travel, renting is definitely recommended.
Packing list for motorhome trips
Here is an excerpt – You can find the complete list in this article:
- Drive-up wedges
- Power cable and adapter CEE
- watering can and water hose
- Toilet chemistry
- E-bike or folding bike for exploration
- Foldable kitchen utensils
- Gas stove and lighter
- Clothesline and pegs
- Emergency kit and travel first aid kit
💡 Tip: Use stackable folding boxes – saves stress and space when traveling in a motorhome!
Route & Planning: Better shorter, but more relaxed trips with the motorhome
Plan fewer kilometers per day and instead have enough time for:
- purchases
- Cooking and washing up
- Disposal (grey water, chemical toilet)
- small mishaps
💡 Tip: Apps like Park4Night, Camper contact as the ADAC parking guide help with route and parking space selection.
Technology & instruction – you must not overlook this
Especially important when traveling with motorhomes that you rent:
- How does electricity/gas/water work?
- How do you change the gas bottle?
- What to do if there is a power failure in the vehicle?
- Is there solar power on board?
➡️ Ask for a thorough briefing when picking up the bike and take photos or a video!
How much does a motorhome trip cost?
| cost factor | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Rent per day | €70–140 |
| Pitch per night | €10–35 |
| Fuel (diesel) | 1,70–2,20 €/L |
| Camping accessories (one-time) | €100–300 |
| Food & Shopping | individually |
Destinations for newbies to motorhome travel
These countries, for example, are great for beginners when traveling with a motorhome:
| Country | Advantages |
|---|---|
| Germany | good infrastructure, many parking spaces |
| Netherlands | bike-friendly, flat, uncomplicated |
| Denmark | simple camping rules, little traffic |
| Norway/Sweden | Pure nature & freedom while wild camping |
| Croatia | beautifully situated campsites by the sea |
Report on a motorhome trip in Canada
Arriving in the vastness – our first morning in Canada with a view of the Rockies
It was quiet when I opened my eyes. Only the quiet hiss of the propane heater and the creaking of the freshly warmed RV accompanied the sunrise over the Rocky Mountains. We were standing in a small campsite in Banff National Park, surrounded by nothing but fir trees, mountains, and that almost reverential tranquility you only find in Canada's vastness.
Outside, coffee steamed in the cool morning air as we sat wrapped in blankets on our camping chairs. It was our first real day on the road—and that was exactly why we had rented the motorhome. Handling the large vehicle took some getting used to at first.
But the freedom of having breakfast in the morning with a view of nature was worth every curve and every liter of diesel. That morning, Canada showed us what true expanse is – and why a motorhome trip here isn't just a means of transportation, but a way of life.
Tips for motorhome trips
- Camping Holiday Guide: Tips and tricks for all campers
- Why is a folding e-bike useful when camping?
- Gifts for camping enthusiasts
- camping lamps
- Dutch oven sizes
- You can also find Dutch oven accessories
- Packing list motorhome - what you should not forget
- Buy a roof tent for the car
- Winter camping Bavaria - what should you watch out for?
- Motorhome parking spaces in Germany
- Cooking in the camper
- Guide to Camping Accessories: RV, Tent and Outdoor
- Camping Recipes: Your Guide to Outdoor Cooking
- Camping Packing List: Everything you need for camping
- Everything you need to know about campsite reservations
- Motorhome trip through the Franconian wine country
- Go on a culinary journey of discovery with the mobile home
- Camping at the Chiemsee
- Where can I rent a motorhome in Germany
- Camping accessories store
- Cool box for camping
Conclusion: Motorhome vacation – freedom on four wheels
Your first RV trip is guaranteed to be an adventure—but with the right preparation, you'll enjoy it. Take time to plan, leave room for spontaneity, and don't forget: the journey is the destination.
Useful links & resources
- Rent a motorhome at CamperDays* (Advertisement)
- Reserve your campsite at ACSI Eurocampings.de* (Advertisement)
- Complete motorhome packing list
- Camping Accessories Shop
About the author:
Monika Fuchs has been a travel blogger for over 20 years. She and her husband regularly travel in a rented RV – in Germany, Europe, and North America. On her blog TravelWorldOnline, she shares honest experiences, practical tips, and inspiration for your next trip!
Source: RV Travel: our own research on RV travel in Germany and North America. Our opinions remain our own.
Text: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Dear Monika,
Although we are not with the camper, but with a VW bus on the road, but I still have a few tips.
We have even less storage space than a motorhome, so a decent packing system is very important, so you do not have to constantly clear out half the vehicle to find trifles.
And after we had a small accident in Italy last year, we know the importance of car insurance that helps with disputes abroad.
Best regards,
Melanie
Dear Melanie,
Thank you very much for the tip. I can well imagine that order in such a vehicle is very important. Otherwise you are probably only looking.
I'm sorry about your accident. I hope everything went well?
Best regards,
Monika
Dear Monika,
yes, actually a "ridiculous accident", our car only had a few scratches, but the opponent (who was clearly to blame) wanted to blame us, so I'm very happy that we have a motor vehicle legal protection insurance that helped us here.
Best regards,
Melanie
Good to know, dear Melanie.
Best regards,
Monika
that is really a lot of questions, some of which I know only too well since we are traveling with the family for years with the caravan (which, of course, again a bit different from traveling with the motorhome)
What I want to do in any case before I drive the first time such a car is a driving safety training, that goes at the ADAC, also I was last year at the Caravan Salon in Dusseldorf because you also get a lot of useful information and can the campers and caravans take a look inside
lg
Hello Melli,
I can well imagine that driving a motorhome is different than with a caravan. The tip with a driving safety training is certainly a good thing!
We were just at the CMT in Stuttgart, where we could also look at campers and caravans. That's where my curiosity comes from :).
Best regards,
Monika