A camper van parked along Loch Lomond, Scotland (Photograph by Julian Eales, Alamy)

Touring Europe by Motor Home

ByHeather Greenwood Davis
June 01, 2015
2 min read

National Geographic Traveler columnist Heather Greenwood Davis is the magazine’s family travel advocate, guru, and soothsayer.

Here’s her latest advice:

Reader Question: We’d like to explore Europe by camper this summer. What do we need to know?

My Answer: Summer is peak season in Europe, so reserve at least six weeks in advance of travel. Motor homes offer convenience for families. You can tour the continent while everything you need to sleep, eat, and shower is right there on the road with you.

Most rentals require a set number of nights depending on the country in which you rent. They include unlimited mileage and allow for cross-European travel, but gas is expensive and city driving can be stressful.

Read your contract: Insurance coverage often limits the countries you can drive in, and roadside assistance may not be included.

Bed linens and kitchen utensils are offered for an extra fee. To save money, pick up essentials on the road. Just don’t forget a Frisbee: It’ll help break the ice at campsites even if you don’t speak the language.

Heather Greenwood Davis pens the “Traveling With Kids” column for Traveler magazine (this exchange appeared in the May 2015 issue). Follow Heather on Twitter @GreenwoodDavis. 

Do you have a burning question related to family travel? Ask it in the comments section below for a chance to appear in Traveler magazine.

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