Hi, How do you prepare for a trip in Northern European countries when you own a 2000-model motorhome?

Hi everyone,

I’m planning a camper van trip from the Hautes-Alpes to Sweden in mid-July for three to four weeks.

My first question is about the route—specifically, which ferry to take? Bridges? Do I need to book in advance? Is it better to go via Denmark or take a ferry from Germany? And which cities should I leave from and arrive in?

Are there any toll passes or electronic toll systems I should get for road crossings?

My plan is to visit only southern Sweden…

Thanks in advance for your tips and experiences!

Best regards,

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,

Most of the time when I travel, I tow a trailer with an ATV for my local trips... I’d love to hear from anyone who’s traveled with a trailer and a second vehicle of any kind—especially the downsides of towing a trailer in Norway, aside from ferry costs.

Thanks!

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?

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, 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 everyone, A new Greek law has just restricted the parking of caravans and campervans to campsites or designated areas. It's no longer possible to stay in a simple parking lot, let alone "wild camping" (I don’t like that term—I prefer free camping!!!). Greek tourism professionals have launched a petition. You can join them by signing it here: https://www.change.org/p/%CF%8C%CF%87%CE%B9-%CF%83%CF%84%CE%B7%CE%BD-%CE%B1%CF%80%CF%8C%CE%BB%CF%85%CF%84%CE%B7-%CE%B1%CF%80%CE%B1%CE%B3%CF%8C%CF%81%CE%B5%CF%85%CF%83%CE%B7-%CF%83%CF%84%CE%AC%CE%B8%CE%BC%CE%B5%CF%85%CF%83%CE%B7%CF%82-%CE%B1%CF%85%CF%84%CE%BF%CE%BA%CE%B9%CE%BD%CE%BF%CF%8D%CE%BC%CE%B5%CE%BD%CF%89%CE%BD-%CE%BA%CE%B1%CE%B9-%CF%84%CF%81%CE%BF%CF%87%CF%8C%CF%83%CF%80%CE%B9%CF%84%CF%89%CE%BD-%CF%83%CF%84%CE%B7%CE%BD-%CE%B5%CE%BB%CE%BB%CE%AC%CE%B4%CE%B1?signed=true

Marie Paule

Thanks,

Louis Marie

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

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 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

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

Hi there, I’d love to hear your thoughts on a trip to New Zealand in a campervan. Is it a good idea to mix hotels and a car on the North Island and a campervan on the South Island? Or should I do the whole trip in a campervan—though visiting big cities seems trickier that way. Other questions: which companies do you recommend, and what are the least tiring or most sensible routes? 😄 Thanks for sharing your experiences and ideas!

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, I’m planning a trip with my camper van in autumn 2026 to head to southern Italy from Genoa by ferry. Ideally, I’d like to leave from Genoa for southern Italy (like Messina) or another city in the boot. I’ve done some research online but haven’t had any luck. Can you help or give me some advice? Thanks in advance! Vanouk

Hi

I saw this on a local site—fact or fiction?

The link: https://www.vintrica.com/fr/vignette/norvege/?srsltid=AfmBOor5yqnPVugU8ZDtcU-uLvsw6d50lxSSO2NW4dethpHfEKSgGv1Z#quels-vehicules-sont-exemptes-de-peage

Hi, Does anyone have any info on crossing the border at San Matias between Brazil and Bolivia by car? Also about the road between Caceres and San Matias. Thanks

Hi there, I’m planning a trip to Morocco in our camper van for September/October, and I’m torn between visiting Rabat or Casablanca (we don’t want to spend too much time in big cities). Could you share your thoughts, as well as a campsite or secure parking spot where we could spend the night? 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 🐾

hi we’d like to rent an RV for the USA and we’re wondering if RAODSURFER is a good rental site thanks

Hi everyone,

We’d like some info on insurance for our RV—it’s a 2024 heavy vehicle, and we’re having trouble finding coverage for a 6-month trip through Canada, Alaska, and the USA. If anyone knows an insurance company that offers this kind of policy, please share the details with us.

Hi fellow travelers, I’m currently traveling around Europe and passing through the Baltic countries. My camper van is equipped with propane gas bottles for heating and the fridge. I still have a Swiss bottle left, and so far I’ve bought a new bottle in each country I’ve visited and returned it when leaving. In Lithuania, it seems complicated to get a new propane bottle (I’ve tried hardware stores and gas stations), but I’ve been told they don’t even exist here. In Switzerland, it’s illegal to refill bottles. Does anyone have info on where and how to buy a new, full propane gas bottle? I don’t have LPG installations in my camper van. Thanks for the tips! !

Hi, for Romania between April and June, this trip could be considered for two people. Thanks for your feedback!

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!

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

Hi everyone, I don’t think there’s already a thread on this topic, we’re planning—two or three years from now (I know, it’s a ways off...)—a cross-Canada trip from east to west, meaning Montréal ====> Vancouver, and leaving the RV in Vancouver. First, we’ll spend a few days visiting Québec City, then pick up the RV in Montréal. The trip will likely be around 5 weeks, late August to early September. If you’ve got any route ideas, we’d love to hear them! Banff is probably a must-see stop for us. Thanks in advance! Didier and Nicole

"Hey fellow road-trippers! 🚐🔥 After 4 years on the road, I’ve noticed something simple: we’re all looking for the same things. Authentic welcomes, great local eateries, and stops that don’t feel like supermarket parking lots. But it’s always bugged me to see small producers or local guesthouses getting their margins eaten up by big booking platforms. That’s why I created TerraNomad. The concept is straightforward:

The pro (farmer, restaurant, small campsite, guesthouse) pays no commission to be on our map. In return, they offer a special welcome or discount to members.

It’s direct, local, and human. We’re starting in France, then heading together toward Morocco, Spain, and Portugal. Quick question: Does this kind of "no-middleman" network speak to you? I’m opening the first 100 Founding Member spots this Friday night (special launch price at 12 € for the year—just 1 € per month). Can’t wait to read your thoughts and see if you’d be up for this adventure! 🌍✋"

Hi, It seems that vans and campervans aren't allowed on Hurtigruten ferries? We have a California van with a bike rack—length: 5.70 m / height: 2.20 m / width: 1.95 m. We'd like to take the ferry from Trondheim to the Lofoten Islands this coming September. Thanks for sharing any info!

Hi there,

We’re traveling in our camper van from Haute-Savoie.

We’ve got 2 weeks in April and want to explore northern Portugal.

We’re thinking of:

- Peneda-Gerês National Park - the Douro Valley - Porto

We love nature, hiking, and culture (and also good food and wine).😉

Do you have an itinerary to suggest?

Thanks in advance for your replies