The Complete Guide To The Motorhome Adventure
Posted on Jan 12, 2021
The beautiful scenery, fresh air, nature, and memories like no other are just some things that come to mind when planning a motorhome holiday adventure.
Whether you're travelling a short distance, it might be the first time in your motorhome. You have a goal to drive to Cornwall, Yorkshire Dales, Lake District, and Scotland, there's a lot of planning to do before you hit the open road.
Read on for some tips and information to help you plan the ultimate staycation adventure in your motorhome so you have fond memories that will last a lifetime.
Motorhome insurance is a speciality form of insurance that requires different cover than you'll find with a traditional car policy. If you're planning a long-term adventure, it's crucial to make sure that your insurance policy covers everything you need it to.
Plans for camping holidays insurance and caravan insurance consider a variety of factors including how many miles you plan to travel and what type of accessories your motorhome has. This information is vital in determining both your rates as well as your cover limits.
Talk to your insurance provider before you hit the motorway to make sure you have the cover you need. If you're planning a long trip or living in the motorhome full time, your policy will likely need to be updated. Standard car insurance will not cover many of the unique things that those living on or adventuring in a motorhome require.
With the right motorhome insurance, you'll have peace of mind knowing you're covered in the event of an accident or other emergency. After all, no one wants to head out on a motorhoming road trip with the worry of inadequate insurance cover looming overhead!
A comprehensive policy will cover you in the event of a breakdown or if you need to replace personal belongings like a sat nav, tv or an awning. It may also cover the entire motorhome replacement cost in the event of a very serious emergency, such as a fire.
Once you have your motorhome or campervan insurance squared away, it's time to check some important items off your list. A simple day trip doesn't require nearly as much as you'll need if you're planning a long adventure with many overnight stays.
Start by checking your motorhome's exterior, and make sure that your tyres are in good condition. Now is a great time to check your spare tyre too, so that you're sure it will be a safe replacement if you end up with a flat.
Since a motorhome is essentially a large vehicle that you live in, you should make sure that your engine is in great working order, too. Look out for your fluid levels and stock up on extra fluids like motor oil and transmission fluid, just in case.
If you have the time and the budget, consider taking your motorhome to a licensed, qualified mechanic for a thorough inspection. Once you're clear, be sure to walk around the outside and check the windows, awnings, and other accessories just to confirm everything is in good condition.
Aside from the tyres, engine, and exterior features, you'll want to go over a few essentials so that you have everything you need. Make sure you have plenty of cookware, dishes, and cooking items like knives and bowls so you're able to cook and eat on the road all year round.
In the event of an unexpected emergency, there are some important items you should have with you just in case. Here are a few emergency must-haves to include in your motorhome adventure checklist:
Hitting the open road is definitely fun, but it can become stressful if you don't have a plan. When travelling in a motorhome, you may be able to stop at designated areas for the night that offer things like power and clean water such as at the Camping and Caravanning Club various sites across the United Kingdom.
Or, you might prefer to find a spot and simply park your motorhome under the stars, near one of our beautiful National Parks. Be careful with wild camping, you need permission from the land owner in the UK.
Whichever style of adventuring you prefer whether in your own motorhome or motorhome hire, it’s important to plan a route in advance. Grab a map and plot out your adventure plans, making note of areas where you can stop to sleep along the way.
You don't have to stick to your planned route perfectly, but it's a good way to ensure you have a basic guide to give you some direction as you go.
When you map your route in advance, you can also plan to visit specific landmarks and other amazing places. It's a great way to see things that you normally wouldn't be able to in a traditional car, so always keep your motorhome in mind when you make your plans.
Weather permitting, try to plan to spend time outside every single day. Even if you're not the athletic type, you can still enjoy the beauty of nature by going on a simple walk or parking your motorhome beside a scenic view.
Wherever you roam, always remember to pack up your rubbish and food before heading to your next destination. It's important to keep nature clean and to always leave things as you found them. Stock up on bin bags and make note of locations where you can safely dispose of your rubbish.
Avoid driving your motorhome at night whenever possible. If you break down, it will be more difficult to get help, and you'll be much more tired and grumpy during this time. Try to wake up and hit the road early, then settle down at your next destination so you can enjoy the day.
Any type of adventure is fun, but it also comes with a cost. Make sure that you're budgeting for expenses that you'll need to pay for along the way.
Drafting a budget for a motorhome adventure is quite similar to any other household budget. Sit down and write a list of your main expenses, then allot money to each one so that you know you'll have the cash you need for a successful trek.
Some of the key things to include in your budget are:
Start with Your Insurance
Motorhome insurance is a speciality form of insurance that requires different cover than you'll find with a traditional car policy. If you're planning a long-term adventure, it's crucial to make sure that your insurance policy covers everything you need it to.
Plans for camping holidays insurance and caravan insurance consider a variety of factors including how many miles you plan to travel and what type of accessories your motorhome has. This information is vital in determining both your rates as well as your cover limits.
Talk to your insurance provider before you hit the motorway to make sure you have the cover you need. If you're planning a long trip or living in the motorhome full time, your policy will likely need to be updated. Standard car insurance will not cover many of the unique things that those living on or adventuring in a motorhome require.
With the right motorhome insurance, you'll have peace of mind knowing you're covered in the event of an accident or other emergency. After all, no one wants to head out on a motorhoming road trip with the worry of inadequate insurance cover looming overhead!
A comprehensive policy will cover you in the event of a breakdown or if you need to replace personal belongings like a sat nav, tv or an awning. It may also cover the entire motorhome replacement cost in the event of a very serious emergency, such as a fire.
Motorhomers Adventure Must-Haves
Once you have your motorhome or campervan insurance squared away, it's time to check some important items off your list. A simple day trip doesn't require nearly as much as you'll need if you're planning a long adventure with many overnight stays.
Start by checking your motorhome's exterior, and make sure that your tyres are in good condition. Now is a great time to check your spare tyre too, so that you're sure it will be a safe replacement if you end up with a flat.
Since a motorhome is essentially a large vehicle that you live in, you should make sure that your engine is in great working order, too. Look out for your fluid levels and stock up on extra fluids like motor oil and transmission fluid, just in case.
If you have the time and the budget, consider taking your motorhome to a licensed, qualified mechanic for a thorough inspection. Once you're clear, be sure to walk around the outside and check the windows, awnings, and other accessories just to confirm everything is in good condition.
Aside from the tyres, engine, and exterior features, you'll want to go over a few essentials so that you have everything you need. Make sure you have plenty of cookware, dishes, and cooking items like knives and bowls so you're able to cook and eat on the road all year round.
Emergency Essentials
In the event of an unexpected emergency, there are some important items you should have with you just in case. Here are a few emergency must-haves to include in your motorhome adventure checklist:
- Jump leads in case the battery dies
- A safety vest or two if you need to pull over in the event of a breakdown
- An emergency blanket
- A fully stocked first aid kit
- Torch with a few fresh batteries
- Emergency water (at least one gallon per person)
- A shovel, tow rope, duct tape, and electrical tape
- Tire pressure gauge
- Drinking water hose
- Wheel chocks
Motorhome Living Checklist
After you've gathered your emergency essentials, it's time to start packing! Start with the kitchen and make sure you have everything you need including food storage containers, dish soap, a coffee maker with coffee and filters, and a few pots and pans. Some other important kitchen items include a cutting board, a good set of knives, silverware, plates, and kitchen tools like a can opener, peeler, and grilling/BBQ tools. The food you decide to take depends on your personal taste as well as how much room you have for storage. Some motorhomes have a full-size fridge, while others are quite small, so pack perishable foods accordingly. Other food items to bring include crunchy snacks like nuts or granola bars, fruit and nut mix, and crisps. Nonperishable foods like pasta, rice, and beans are always great to stock up on in case you can't cook or simply want a quick, easy meal as you travel. As for clothing, take a few basic items with you like several changes of socks and underwear, a lightweight jacket, and a heavy coat. Rain gear and a good sewing kit are also some great additions that you can probably use at some point during your adventures. Stock up on toiletries like toothpaste, soap, and shampoo so that you're not having to make lots of stops along the way. Don't forget to bring all of your prescription medication and an extra pair of glasses, too.Plan Your Route
Hitting the open road is definitely fun, but it can become stressful if you don't have a plan. When travelling in a motorhome, you may be able to stop at designated areas for the night that offer things like power and clean water such as at the Camping and Caravanning Club various sites across the United Kingdom.
Or, you might prefer to find a spot and simply park your motorhome under the stars, near one of our beautiful National Parks. Be careful with wild camping, you need permission from the land owner in the UK.
Whichever style of adventuring you prefer whether in your own motorhome or motorhome hire, it’s important to plan a route in advance. Grab a map and plot out your adventure plans, making note of areas where you can stop to sleep along the way.
You don't have to stick to your planned route perfectly, but it's a good way to ensure you have a basic guide to give you some direction as you go.
When you map your route in advance, you can also plan to visit specific landmarks and other amazing places. It's a great way to see things that you normally wouldn't be able to in a traditional car, so always keep your motorhome in mind when you make your plans.
Weather permitting, try to plan to spend time outside every single day. Even if you're not the athletic type, you can still enjoy the beauty of nature by going on a simple walk or parking your motorhome beside a scenic view.
Wherever you roam, always remember to pack up your rubbish and food before heading to your next destination. It's important to keep nature clean and to always leave things as you found them. Stock up on bin bags and make note of locations where you can safely dispose of your rubbish.
Avoid driving your motorhome at night whenever possible. If you break down, it will be more difficult to get help, and you'll be much more tired and grumpy during this time. Try to wake up and hit the road early, then settle down at your next destination so you can enjoy the day.
Budget
Any type of adventure is fun, but it also comes with a cost. Make sure that you're budgeting for expenses that you'll need to pay for along the way.
Drafting a budget for a motorhome adventure is quite similar to any other household budget. Sit down and write a list of your main expenses, then allot money to each one so that you know you'll have the cash you need for a successful trek.
Some of the key things to include in your budget are:
- Fuel costs to keep you moving
- Gas or propane for cooking
- Food costs so you can restock as you go
- Camping fees and/or hookup fees
- Emergency funds in the event of a breakdown or if repairs are needed
- Money to pay for your motorhome insurance plan
- Extra cash for souvenirs and clothing
- WiFi hookup fees (some sites offer campers access to a WiFi connection for a small cost)
- Car park fees
Get Ready for the Adventure of a Lifetime
With the right insurance, a thorough checklist, and a bit of planning, you'll experience a memorable and fun motorhome adventure. Remember to check your motorhome insurance policy and stock up on all your essentials before you hit the road. Keep a map of your planned route, and be sure to budget for any potential expenses you'll need to cover as you go. For all of your speciality insurance needs, contact us today and we'll help you get started.Looking for a related product?
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