The Motorhome Touring Handbook

Book excerpt: Feel the unrivalled freedom of travelling the UK and Europe in a motorhome, RV or campervan! From the authors of the ourtour.co.uk travel blog, this book (revised for 2024) draws together hands-on practical experience built up from a decade of campervan and motorhome holidays and touring in the UK, Continental Europe and North Africa. The Motorhome Touring Handbook aims to quickly build your knowledge and confidence, providing more and more information via three parts: Part 1 covers choosing and buying a motorhome, and touring the UK. Part 2 moves on to your first trip abroad. Part 3 takes you on the big one - the year-long tour of Europe. The topics included range from: - Helping decide which type of motorhome is best for you - Running through the process of checking and buying a motorhome - Taking your motorhome out on a first trip, and building a pre-departure checklist - Understanding the fridge, gas, water, toilet, electricity, heating and cooking systems - Using campsites and getting to grips with motorhome etiquette - Staying legal, safe and secure in your van - Going abroad for the first time, booking and using ferries and the Eurotunnel - Understanding the implications of Brexit for European trips and tours - Driving on the right, and using defensive driving - Finding great quality, low-cost motorhome aires, stellplatz and sostas - Using the ACSI CampingCard scheme for low-cost out-of-season camping - Driving in the mountains and staying warm and safe in winter - Budgeting for a long-term tour, using real-life examples from us and fellow travellers - Advice on buying insurance - Information on the impact of Brexit on long-term European tours - Considerations for renting out a house in the UK - Suggestions for van modifications for long-term touring - Information on European Low Emission Zones (LEZs), like the French Crit'Air system, and German Umweltzonen - What to pack for a year-long tour - Travelling abroad with a pet, and the Pet Passport scheme - Using the internet in the UK and abroad from your van - Ideas for year-long tour routes, and short summaries of motorhome travel in various European countries - And lots more to help you get the very most from your motorhome, RV or campervan adventure. Happy travels folks! Julie and Jason Buckley