Thanks for sharing your experiences and tips for a trip to Corsica in May-June 2025. Best regards,

We're thinking of visiting Portugal, either in November or next April. We'd rent a camper van for 4 weeks and try to see as much of this beautiful country as possible! Any tips or ideas?? Thanks :)

Hello everyone! 👋

First of all, thank you for accepting us into the group. 😊

My name is Gérard, I’m a 77-year-old retiree, and I have a charming young wife of 70 and a sweet little Biewer dog celebrating his first birthday. 🎂🎉

The three of us are planning to leave from Cannes in our motorhome and head to Dakar.

Personally, I know this route very well, having done it three times in a 4x4, the last trip being in 2016.

Regarding Western Sahara, I know it’s not particularly recommended to cross it right now, but I haven’t heard any bad news about it yet.

As for crossing the "no man’s land," I remember it being a very difficult track, impassable with a motorhome. I’ve heard that they’ve recently improved the track and that it might now be possible to cross those 4 km with a motorhome (?)

Actually, I’m reaching out to experienced travelers who could give me their thoughts on crossing at the end of 2025. 🙏

By the way, if other motorhome travelers have the same plan, maybe we could discuss it together? 🤝

As for Mauritania, I know it’s a long stretch of tarmac, and from what I remember—aside from the "Gare du Nord" stop to refuel and enjoy a good tea—you have to switch to "survival mode."

That’s all for my little chat! I hope to gather some useful information.

Thank you all for taking the time to read this, and I wish you a great 14th of July.

Gérard, Martine, and Bahia 🐾

Hello fellow travelers, I've made the France-Benin trip several times via the Mali "Route de l'Espoir," and the last journey was pretty tense—2013, 🥵‍🔥 military convoys and all the chaos in Mali from the border to Bamako. 😅 So, I’m planning to take the route again but this time via Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire, with a good old J9 (the mayor’s vehicles I used to travel in… 😎. Though the Mercedes 308 wasn’t bad either). Has anyone done this recently? A friend of mine did it 4 years ago, but things can change pretty quickly. If you’d like to share your latest experiences, I’m all ears! 😊 Have a great weekend! 👋

Hi there, I’m trying to plan a family week’s holiday in Scotland. I’d like to rent a motorhome or a camper van. My partner has never driven a motorhome and the roads are making me nervous… I’ve seen camper vans, but are they much smaller? There’ll be 3 adults and a 7-year-old. Some rental companies tell me “no problem with motorhomes,” while others say “definitely not if you’ve never driven one.”

Can you point me in the right direction?

Thanks

hello fellow travelers For my golden years, I'd like to drive to India in my 508. I want to avoid Iran and Pakistan. Instead, I’m thinking of going through Turkey, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, then taking the ferry from Baku to Türkmenbaşy in Turkmenistan, followed by the Silk Road through Central Asia—Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.

After that, China? I’ve seen that some travelers manage to drive through China with their own vehicle... Then Tibet, Nepal, and India... But things get tricky with the Himalayan crossing. I’ve checked on Google—it looks tough.

Any tips or info on these routes? Thanks

I'm planning to drive to the UAE by road, going through Iraq. Has anyone done this and can give me some info? Specifically about the border crossings Turkey/Iraq and Iraq/Kuwait.

Hi everyone, Apart from the road between Cusco and Hidroelectrica—which is tricky but doable—is there a safe place (like a campsite?) to sleep at Hidroelectrica and visit Machu Picchu the next day? Thanks!

Hello fellow travelers 😎, I’m taking advantage of VoyageForum’s comeback 😉even better😉 to post my request for help. Thanks for reopening this essential forum. My wife and I are planning a trip to Scotland in April-May 2025, in a camper van (L 8.70 x H 3.00). I’m mentioning this just to avoid roads that won’t work for us. However, we also enjoy parking and exploring by bike. We’ve already prepared the first part of this trip well. To combine business with pleasure, we’d like to continue on to Wales and Cornwall. This extension will last about 20 days. The second part of our trip will start in Chester and end in Dover. We’d love to hear from "seasoned travelers" who’ve already done these routes—tips on must-see places and landmarks, possible stops at campsites, motorhome areas, or "wild" camping spots without issues or restrictions. And of course, the culinary stops! All of this with respect for the places and people. I’m sure I’m forgetting some things, but I’ll build our itinerary as I gather information. A big THANK YOU to everyone who shares their experiences and recommendations. Gérard 😉

Is it complicated to rent a car and drive in Morocco? Also, is an international driver’s permit mandatory? Thanks

Hi there,

New to the forum, I’m planning a trip to Norway in a camper van and want to drive the entire FV 17. Does anyone have a link where I can find the 6 ferries I’ll need to take and their costs? Thanks everyone

We’d like to go to Morocco for the first time at the end of November or beginning of December in our camper van! 😊 Looking for someone to share the road and the crossing with, and head down to Agadir. We’re in no rush—we love seeing beautiful things. Retirement suits us just fine! Couple in our mid-60s. ;)

I’m traveling with my Quebec-registered vehicle, which only has one license plate, but several European countries require two. Can I still drive with just one plate?

Hi there,

We’d like to travel overland from Turkey to India in our converted van, but there are very few options these days. Crossing Iran seems risky and not particularly safe. Has anyone here done it? If so, which route did you take to minimize safety concerns?

Thanks for your replies, Julie 😎

hi there, we're heading to Corsica for 3 weeks in early June and we'll be arriving in Calvi. Then we plan to head down to Sagone—what route should we take? We're a bit nervous about going through the Piana calanques because of the narrow roads. Thanks for your tips!

Hi there, We’ve rented a 4x2 camper van in Iceland from June 8 to 28, 2025, and we’re planning to drive around the whole island. Do we really need the optional sand/gravel/tire insurance? Thanks in advance for your tips!!

Hi there, we're considering driving from Toulouse to Dubai starting mid-December 2025 and heading back to France in early January 2026 (work constraints). We're planning to take the route through Iraq, which is currently the safest option. If anyone might be interested in joining us for the trip, feel free to get in touch!

Hey everyone! I’m planning a van trip along the Carretera Austral from February 9th to March 1st, 2025. My main questions are about timing and the must-see spots. Here’s what I’m thinking, but I’m not sure if it’s realistic (ferries, road conditions, weather, etc.). I’d love all your tips and suggestions! 🙂

Sun 2/9: Pick up van in Puerto Montt, explore the area, hot springs (which ones?) 2/10: Drive to Chaitén (too short?) – road + 7-hour ferry according to maps 2/11: Drive from Chaitén to Queulat – 200 km, 3 hours (still according to maps) 2/12: Queulat + hike to see the hanging glacier, then drive to Coyhaique – 3 hours, 200 km 2/13: Coyhaique to Cerro Castillo Park – 100 km, how long is the drive on this stretch? 2/14: Drive to Puerto Río Tranquilo – how long is the drive? 2/15: Exploradores Valley + is a day hike doable? 2/16: San Rafael Lagoon 2/17: Mármol Chapels 2/18: Drive to Puerto Yungay to catch the ferry to Puerto Natales around 7–8 PM with the van.

For the short ferry crossings, how far in advance should I book?

All your advice is welcome! Thanks so much!!

Hi there, Does anyone have a good agency recommendation for renting a camper van in Morocco (Marrakech or Essaouira) for about two weeks in March 2026? Thanks for your tips!

hi, I’m planning a trip to Albania in a camper van, most likely between May, June, and early July (2027), for about 60 days. On the way down, I’ll go as far as Bari (or Brindisi) and cross by ferry, and on the way back, I’ll go through the former Yugoslavia (or maybe take the return ferry?). Has anyone been there recently? What are the roads like, the must-see spots, and any general tips you can share? There’ll probably be two of us traveling together. Thanks

Hi everyone, I’m planning to drive my camper van to southern Spain in autumn 2026. Ideally, I’d like to find a ferry leaving from France (Marseille or Toulon, doesn’t matter) that drops me off as far south in Spain as possible. I’ve done some research but haven’t had any luck. Thanks for your tips! Vanouk

Hi there, We’re planning to tour Scandinavia by camper van—Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Norway (in that order)—for 5 weeks from late May to late June 2026. I’ve done it before, but that was way back in 1980 😎 and by hitchhiking! We’d love to hear from anyone who’s done this trip about the best routes, great tips, must-know advice, and what to do or avoid (ferries, campsites, etc.). Thanks in advance!

CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS – GRANDS REPORTAGES (TF1) “Motorhome: A Different Idea of Happiness”

Hi everyone,

I’m Julie Thierry, a journalist and director for Grands Reportages (TF1). I’m working on a documentary about families traveling in motorhomes or vans, and we’d love to follow one of them on the road across Asia—from Nepal to Thailand, Laos to India, all the way to the roads of Central Asia.

What we love filming It’s real life on the road: the little morning rituals, moments of connection, encounters, stops, and above all, that incredible freedom you experience every day. School on the road, unexpected bivouacs, breathtaking landscapes, shared meals, or conversations around a fire—everything that tells the story of a human adventure, sincere and alive.

Our team is very small (just 2 people), discreet, and respectful. We love blending in without disrupting, to capture authentic moments, from the perspective of those traveling.

Profiles we’re looking for: • Families with kids, all ages welcome • Departure recently or planned for 2025 / 2026 • Long-term travel (a few months or more) • All types of vehicles: motorhome, van, adventure truck, etc. The idea: to follow a few families throughout their journey to share a different idea of happiness—free, simple, and inspiring.

If you’re leaving soon, already on the road, or know a family who fits, email me at juliethierry@duritegroupe.com. Thanks for your shares and messages, and maybe see you soon somewhere on the trails of Asia! 🚐✨

Hi there, We’re planning a trip from Darwin to Perth (about 6 weeks) in a campervan. The reviews for the main rental companies (Star RV, Indie Campers, Apollo, Britz—just to name a few) are terrible. What should we make of that? Is it just the unhappy customers who complain? So, who should we go with? Thanks for your help

Hi there, Our son is in Canada for a year on a Working Holiday Visa, and we’re planning to join him around September 20th for a 15-day campervan road trip in Nova Scotia. I was thinking of going with Canadream, but if you have other rental companies to recommend, don’t hesitate! Here’s the itinerary I’ve been considering—I tried not to cram in too many stops so we’re not just driving the whole time.

Day 1: Pick up campervan in Halifax at 3 PM. Stop at Peggy’s Cove, then drive to Lunenburg and Blue Rocks (151 km) Day 2: Explore Lunenburg, then head to Kejimkujik National Park for hikes or other activities. Overnight in the park (91 km) Day 3: Drive to Annapolis Royal (visit), Port-Royal National Historic Site, then on to Digby (111 km) Day 4: Ferry to Saint John (visit Reversing Falls), then drive to St. Andrews (103 km) Day 5: Whale-watching excursion and explore St. Andrews Day 6: Drive to Alma and Fundy National Park (233 km—we’ll probably leave St. Andrews the night before to split the drive and arrive earlier in Alma) Day 7: Hopewell Rocks (check tides) (43 km) Day 8: Hopewell Rocks—Tatamagouche (dinner train)—Pictou (237 km). Any suggestions for this day? Day 9: Drive to Baddeck, Cabot Trail to Chéticamp (317 km). Ideas for breaking up the drive? I thought of Pomquet Beach Provincial Park for a walk on the boardwalks, but any other suggestions are welcome. Day 10–11: Cape Breton Highlands National Park for hikes and Cabot Trail to Baddeck (208 km) Day 12: Explore Baddeck, Graham Bell Museum, and Bras d’Or Lake Drive. Drive to Louisbourg (118 km) Day 13: Fortress of Louisbourg, then drive to Liscomb (302 km) Day 14: Drive back to Halifax via Lawrencetown Beach (or other suggestions?). Fisherman’s Cove (205 km) Day 15: Return campervan by 10 AM

- All suggestions are welcome, as long as they don’t add too much detour from the main stops. We’d rather skip some places to fully enjoy the ones we visit. We love hiking in beautiful landscapes, charming and lively towns or villages, etc. - I wanted to add a museum dedicated to Acadian culture, but I didn’t find anything along the route—or they’re closed this time of year. Maybe there are places to listen to folk music? - If you have any campgrounds or wild camping spots to recommend, I’d love to hear about them. - Do we need to book the ferry this time of year?

Thanks in advance for your ideas and suggestions!

Claire

I’m planning a 6-month trip to Europe from Canada. I want to ship my Volkswagen Westfalia van from Halifax to Antwerp. Since I’d like to come back the following year, I’m wondering if I can store my van in Antwerp for 6 months at the end of the trip and if it’s worth it price-wise instead of returning by RORO and leaving again. Do I need to clear customs for my van before storing it? Thanks for your answers.

Hi, I’d like to buy an RV in France and travel across Europe. What are the ways to make that happen from Quebec?

I already have one in Quebec—is it worth exporting it?

Hi everyone,

We’re a family of four—two adults with two kids aged 4 and 7—about to embark on a year-long round-the-world trip in a camper van. I’m currently planning the Asia leg, which should last about 6 months. We’ll arrive in Thailand in January, head north, then move on to Laos. Ideally, we’d continue to Vietnam, Cambodia, and then return to Thailand to head south into Malaysia. If the budget allows, we’d love to include China and Japan. The big question after lots of research is: how easy is it to temporarily import a vehicle into these countries? The info I’ve found is outdated (2019–2020), and given how quickly regulations change, I’d love to hear from anyone currently (or recently) traveling in these countries with their vehicle. I’ve read that you need a local guide in Vietnam, local license plates in China, and that importing a vehicle into China is quite complicated—are these rules still in place? More generally, is there a recommended route for this part of the world with a camper van?

Thanks in advance!

Hi fellow travelers, We’re planning our first trip to Iceland. We’re considering renting a 4x4 where we could sleep from time to time. My question is: What’s the current regulation in Iceland? Which areas allow sleeping in your vehicle, and where is it prohibited (requiring you to stay in campgrounds)? In June, is it possible to find spots without having booked in advance? Sergio

Hi there,

We're planning a full week in Iceland in April. Given the short timeframe to prepare, I’m asking for some help on the forum.

We’re considering renting a camper van to be more independent with our travel. - Is this really a good idea at this time of year due to weather conditions (cold nights, poor road conditions, etc.)? - Can we just "park" anywhere for the night to sleep, or do we absolutely have to go to a campsite? What are the approximate rates for a van with 2 people? Do we need to book in advance? - If this mode of transport is recommended, do you have any good places to rent one?

Iceland is still a big island with lots of points of interest, so I think it’ll be tough to see everything in 8 days. - Are there parts of the island we should prioritize in April? We like hiking (nothing too long—6 or 7 hours is out of the question) and unique landscapes. - Are some sites inaccessible at this time of year? - Is Reykjavik worth stopping for a day or two?

Thanks in advance for your answers!

Jeff