Planning on taking your motorhome abroad this summer?

If you’re planning your first trip abroad in your motorhome, it may seem like a daunting task, but it needn’t be if you’ve done your homework and go prepared. Depending on which country you visit, there may be different requirements, so it’s always a good idea to carry out some research first. For example, in Spain, if you wear glasses to drive, you are required to keep a spare pair in the vehicle at all times!

At first it may seem that the only difference between camping in the UK and camping on the continent is driving on the opposite side of the road, but there are other factors to consider. For instance, adapters for electrical hook ups maybe required depending on which sites you visit. Your local camping shop or motorhome dealer should be able to give advice and supply the adapters you may need. And if you run out of gas abroad, you will probably need an adaptor for European gas bottles.

Items of safety equipment are compulsory in some countries such as warning triangles. These must be carried in the vehicle when travelling in Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Spain and Italy and are recommended in most of the other EU countries.

A reflective jacket or waistcoat (conforming to EU standard BS EN 471:1994 Class 1 or 2) is required when visiting Spain, Portugal, Italy, Austria and Croatia, but check for other countries’ requirements.

Remember your headlights will also need a conversion kit for driving on the right to deflect the main beam away from oncoming traffic. On modern vehicles with High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, you may need to visit your dealer to have these converted, so always check well in advance of your journey and remember to convert your headlights back on your return to the UK.

It is also a good idea to make sure your motorhome has been recently serviced and all the tyres are in good condition before setting off. If in doubt, visit your local dealer who should be more than happy to give advice.

You may prefer to use a credit card whilst abroad rather than carry cash with you, so it is important you check with your credit card company or bank that your card will be ok for use in the country you are travelling to.

Another consideration is whether you plan to use the ferry or the Euro Tunnel. LPG and dual powered vehicles are not accepted on the Euro Tunnel so their owners must travel by ferry.

The most important things to remember are your documents as most things can be bought when you arrive at your destination.

On your checklist should be:

• Insurance documents (including motorhome) – always check with your provider if you are covered for driving on the continent. Although EU countries do not require you to have a green card, you will need one for those outside, so talk to your insurance provider about this. You should also check how long your European cover lasts, as different insurance companies place different limits on how long you can stay abroad with your motorhome. You may also want to extend your breakdown cover to include EU countries if this is not standard on your policy. Personal travel and health insurance documents should also be taken with you.


• EHIC - The old E111 has now been replaced with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and can be obtained from your local Post Office.


• Vehicle registration documents – your original V5 document


• GB sticker – for your vehicle unless you have GB Euro registration plates fitted


• Passport and full driving licence (with paper counterpart if appropriate). The campsite owner may ask for a copy of your passport as proof of ID.

Above all, remember to drive safely, have fun and enjoy the experience!