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Today I will tell you the tips for traveling in a motorhome for the first time that I would have liked to have on my first trip in a motorhome. A new article in the Manual for traveling in a motorhome from our blog.

Hello friend, you are going to travel by motorhome for the first time! Are you ready to embark on an exciting motorhome adventure?

I can't wait to share with you my top 10 tips to make your first trip a complete success! So get ready for a dose of useful information, humor (to the extent that there is any), and first-hand experience.

Let's go there!

Ahh and if what you want is to see what routes we recommend you do to get started in the world of motorhomeing, here is our article "Motorhome Beginner Mode: Top 4 Motorhome Trails for Beginners and Flop Trails!".

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1st tip: Know the difference between parking, staying overnight and camping with a motorhome or camper and avoid fines

Before you dive into your motorhome adventure, it's important to understand a few important terminologies that are regulated by different laws. Also, you should know that In every country the laws are different..

Did you know that parking, spending the night and camping are not synonymous in the world of motorhomes? In this specific article on park, spend the night and camp in a motorhome We told you about it in its day, but here we summarize it for you today.

Concepts of parking versus staying overnight versus camping

Park it simply means park your vehicle in a permitted place (there is no motorhome prohibited sign and it does not protrude from the markings), while overnight means spending the night in a place without deploying camping elementsas tables and chairs. On the other hand, camping implies installing yourself completely with all the necessary equipment protruding from the perimeter of the vehicle (remove awning, remove tables, chairs, clothes rack, etc...).

Applicable standards

The key here is to make sure you know and respect the regulations of each country and the local ones, since there are things regulated at the state level but many others at the municipal level for each municipality.

So Do your research carefully before choosing where to park, spend the night or camp and enjoy your trip without worries.

We do not want you to get an unpleasant surprise with a fine for camping in an unauthorized place, which in Spain I remind you is prohibited in any public place.

So, for example, andn Spain, you can only camp in private campsites or motorhome areas and only in public camping areas established for this purpose that are explicitly indicated. Therefore, do not take out a table, chairs or awning, unless you are in a campsite or a private place.

Finally, remind you that each country has its own regulations and that in Europe there is everything. Countries where you can camp freely, such as Finland, countries where you can spend the night freely (without camping) in any parking lot that is not prohibited, such as Spain or France, and countries where free overnight stays are totally prohibited with high fines, such as the Netherlands or Slovenia. Conclusion, find out well and do not get surprises.

2nd tip: Choose the motorhome or camper according to the needs of your trip and family

Choosing the right motorhome is crucial to your travel experience. There are different types and sizes of motorhomes, so be sure to consider the needs of your family and the type of trip you want to take.

If you're an adventurous family with children, look for a motorhome with bunk beds or additional beds so that you can all rest comfortably and it is wide enough so that you do not get overwhelmed on the road.

If you are one partner and prefer a more compact and streamlined experience, a camper can be the perfect choice to make driving easier. Now, if you want a shower and toilet, remember that a large volume camper is better, a little bigger but with comfort that you will appreciate during the trip.

 Remember that the comfort and functionality are keyNo one wants to feel cramped on a long trip!

TIP: If you don't have a motorhome or camper but want to rent one and try this type of trip, remember that the cheapest way and with the best experiences is to rent between individuals for a AirB&B type platform but for motorhomes and campers.

3º plan your route well, in a motorhome for a trip 10 not everything is improvisation. Choose correct places to sleep and camp in a motorhome

Although we love the thrill of the spontaneous, planning your motorhome route can make the difference between a horrible trip, a mediocre one and a spectacular one. Research the destinations you want to visit and make sure they there are designated areas for motorhomes or suitable campsites at those locations. Be sure in that area there are no robberies motorhome regulars and make sure you won't get fined.

Look for routes designed for motorhomes, as they will take you through impressive landscapes and guarantee good driving and places to stay overnight without problems. Also, there are many useful blogs and websites to help you find the best places to park and camp, but it's a tidal wave I know I know. So plan ahead and make sure you have an unforgettable travel experience.

4º In a motorhome, do not run: one of the basic tips for traveling in a motorhome for the first time

Dude, here comes a tip you can't ignore! When you are behind the wheel of a motorhome, remember that you're not driving a sports tourer. Don't get too excited and keep a safe and constant speed. Motorhomes are bigger and heavier than normal cars, so need more time to brake and maneuver. Do not trust and be careful when driving him.

Also, remember that you are taking a home with you, with all your belongings inside and covered with fiberglass. Come on, that's almost a shoebox we're carrying… So you don't want things flying off and turning into a messy version of “House of Horrors” while you're driving. Take it easy, enjoy the scenery and remember that the journey is part of the adventure.

Our advice is that if you can run at a maximum of 120 never go over 110 and normally go to 100. This is how lifelong motorhomes go, at least the cautious ones with common sense.

5º Before leaving en route make sure to close everything well and that nothing flies out

Before you start the engine and hit the road, take a few minutes to check that everything is in order in your home on wheels. Close the cabinets well, ensures the doors, skylights (these are very typical to forget) and windows, and make sure there are no nothing loose that can fall off during the trip.

You don't want a pot flying off and landing on your head while driving.

Also, don't forget to remove the chocks that support the motorhome in place when parked. Make sure everything is secure and ready for your adventure before you leave. The last thing you need is a rolling mess in the middle of the road!

Something also important is turn off the gas before starting the engine. Although the latter depends on whether you have the anti-shock device.

In short, it guarantees your safety. You can see more about Safety to take into account in a motorhome in this article we did.

6th Eye with the two Achilles heels of motorhomes: the front and the rear

Here comes one of the important tips for traveling by motorhome for the first time to avoid unpleasant surprises. The motorhomes have two vulnerable points: the upper front and the rear. Both can fall victim to unexpected encounters with trees, brush, and steep slopes.

Avoid putting your motorhome in narrow places where the tree branches could damage the roof and skylights. Also, be careful when reversing as the rear can touch the ground on steep slopes. Keep your eyes peeled and use your driving skills to avoid accidents with vegetation and difficult terrain.

For this, a piece of advice: the co-driver always lowers, monitors and indicates before maneuvering the vehicle.

7º Never pour the water in a place not enabled for motorhomes and always have the tanks ready

Resource management is key on a motorhome trip. Before leaving, make sure that the clean water tank is full and the gray water tank and chemical toilet are empty. You will need clean water to cook, wash and use the bathroom, so make sure you have enough for your trip, you never know how long it will take you to find a place where you can fill and empty water.

When it comes to waste, remember never pour gray water or the content of the chemical toilet in places not specifically designated for motorhomes and for this purpose. Always look for specific emptying points for motorhomes, whether it is on motorway areas, campsites or motorhome areas.

Respect the environment and local regulations is essential to preserve the beautiful places we visit and that we can continue traveling like this.

8º Say hello to the wheel and always help

When you're on the road, the motorhomes we are a great community. So don't hesitate to greet your fellow adventurers with a friendly gesture behind the wheel. A simple hello can brighten someone's day and create a positive vibe on the road. Our code of kindness is fundamental, like that of good bikers.

Also, if you see another motorhome in distress, do not hesitate to offer your help! Whether you need a hand with a minor repair or just a direction to get to your destination, we're happy to help. Remember, we are all on this exciting journey together, so let's be supportive and strengthen ties in the motorhome community, just as we have been doing for years and years. Something especially nice about this community.

9º Be responsible with the environment, nature and population that you visit

One of the fundamental principles of responsible motorhome travel and of our code of ethics is leave things as we found them. Be responsible with the environment, nature and the communities you visit. Respect local regulations, do not leave rubbish in inappropriate places and avoid damaging the natural environment.

Remember we are guests in the places we visit and it is our duty to preserve them for future generations and not disturb the inhabitants of the place. Put yourself in their place, empathize and do not do what you would not like someone to do in front of your house.

Enjoy the beauty of nature, but make sure you don't leave any negative footprints behind you. Together, we can make the world a better place while enjoying our motorhome adventures.

10º Less is more in a motorhome or camper

When it comes to packing for your motorhome trip, remember the motto “less is more”. Although it may be tempting to bring everything you think you might need, keep in mind that Your vehicle already has considerable weight.

Opt for the essentials and avoid carrying unnecessary things. Remember that traveling by motorhome is about enjoying freedom and flexibility, and having a clear space will make your experience much more comfortable. So leave behind those objects that you will not use and focus on enjoying the experience to the fullest.

And there you have it, our 10 tips for traveling by motorhome for the first time! Sure we would give you more, but for now these are the basics and always in the manual for traveling by motorhome that we have you will find more specific advice.   I hope they have been useful and help you have an unforgettable trip.

Remember, planning, caution and fun are the key. So get ready, friend, to embark on this exciting motorhome adventure! Enjoy the freedom of the road, the impressive landscapes and the company of your family. Always remember to drive carefully, respect the rules and take care of the environment around you.

Have an incredible trip and full of unforgettable moments in your first motorhome experience! And don't forget to share your stories and tips with other motorhome adventurers below in the comments below. The road awaits you!