Over the last two years living under the threat of Covid-19, more and more holiday-makers are choosing a staycation over traveling overseas. The sales of caravans and motorhomes have skyrocketed as people across the world take in the breathtaking sights on their own doorsteps.
If you have always had a penchant for the open road and are considering leasing or buying a motorhome to take you on this year’s holiday adventure, here are some tips to plan and enjoy a motorhome holiday.
Choosing the Type of Motorhome
If you are going to embark upon a motorhome holiday, the first thing you will need is a motorhome. There are different types of motorhome such as low-profile, over-cab, and A-class.
Over-cab style motorhomes are immediately recognizable by the bulbous front roof area that overhangs the driving cab. This compartment is known as a Luton and houses a permanent double bed. However, the bed can be a bit of a squeeze for two grown adults, so these vans are often favored by families with small children who will love climbing up the ladder to their own exciting sleeping quarters. The added advantage of having this upper area is that the van’s lounge does not need to be converted to a bed every night. However, over-cab motorhomes can be very big and heavy with heights of up to 3 meters and weights of around 3500kg
Low-profile motorhomes are generally lighter and not as high as over-cab versions. They have a sleeker body which makes them more aerodynamic and therefore more fuel-efficient. They can measure from 5.5 meters to 8 meters in length and widths of up to 2.5 meters. If you plan on touring countries in Europe with narrow rural roads, you would be wise to opt for a narrow motorhome.
If you want to experience the ultimate in luxury, then you should opt for an A-class motorhome. These beasts look more like a luxury tour bus and have a spacious cab, a drop-down bed, and a vast panoramic windscreen.
Motorhomes have either a manual or automatic gearbox, and it is purely a matter of personal preference when it comes to which one to opt for. They can run on gas, petrol, or diesel and have two types of battery – a starter battery and a leisure battery. Lithium batteries are the best option as they are safer, lighter, and more powerful than lead-acid batteries.
The Layout of the Interior
You must be sure how many people will be holidaying in the motorhome before you decide which one to get. Each person must have a bed in the van that is wide enough and long enough for them to enjoy a comfortable sleep. Some beds in motorhomes can be narrower or shorter than regular beds, so try before you buy.
Also, it can be time-consuming and tedious to convert lounge seating into a bed every night, so if this fills you with dread, it might be better to opt for a pull-down or permanent bed with a proper mattress.
All family members should sit in seats with three-point seat belts to keep them safe when driving. Young children should be placed in a car seat that is attached to a chair by Isofix fitting points. Older vehicles may not have Isofix, so for the sake of your child’s safety, try to opt for a new motorhome.
The layout of the lounge area will be dictated by the number of people in the van, the seats required and the number of beds needed. The lounge area will have some seats, a table, and a kitchen area. If you plan on cooking three meals a day for your family, you will probably need a decent-sized oven, hob, and grill. If you plan on eating out most of the time, oven size isn’t a priority. In fact, if you don’t opt for any cooking appliances, you will have a lot more storage for personal items and other necessities.
Much like the kitchen, you will need to decide whether you want an all-singing, all-dancing washroom with a cassette toilet, sink, and separate shower. Do you just need a bathroom for middle-of-the-night emergencies and will use washroom facilities on campsites.
Will You Use Campsites?
Most people will drive their motorhome to campsites and stay there for a night or two rather than wild camping in the middle of nowhere. Campsites are great when you have young kids because they can play outside with other children while you relax and enjoy a relaxing glass of wine. Many sites have play parks and activities for children – some even have bars and restaurants with nighttime entertainment for the whole family.
All campsites have laundry facilities, toilet and shower blocks, and areas where you can wash dirty dishes and dispose of your toilet waste. Many supply electricity and running water to hook up to your motorhome.
The daily fee for a pitch on a campsite isn’t much, even in peak season, so you can enjoy as many nights on the road as you want. The beauty about being in a motorhome is that you can move on to another place when the notion takes you.
What Should You Take Along?
It can sometimes be challenging deciding what to pack when you go on a motorhome holiday because you want to have as many of your home comforts as possible but are aware that space is limited aboard the vehicle.
Number one on the packing list is toilet roll! This should be suitable for a cassette toilet or to take to the shower blocks if you do not have a bathroom in the vehicle. Next, you should pack bedding and pillows for everyone, and make sure you pack some extra blankets because the motorhome can get cold at night. If you plan on cooking, take a pot, cutlery, plates, bowls, and cups. Pack toiletries, towels, cloths, and washing detergent for dishes and clothing.
To keep the family occupied on rainy nights, take along a pack of playing cards, coloring books, paper, and pens. You could even take along some yarn and needles and teach your kids how to knit.
However you choose to spend the time in your motorhome, don’t forget you are making precious memories that you and your family will treasure forever.
