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 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,

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

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

Hi everyone,

I’m planning a campervan road trip and would love some tips from those who know these countries: Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, and Slovenia again. At the moment, nothing’s set in stone, but for example, is it better to visit Slovenia or Bosnia? My preferences lean toward landscapes (rivers, sea, lakes)—basically anywhere there’s water! :) Wild camping, cheap or even free spots, and a *very* tight budget—it’s the discovery, curiosity, and meeting locals that drive me. I’ll visit cities and sites only if access is easy (by bike, for example, or by train from an affordable campsite) and if visitors aren’t treated like cash cows. Just reasonable stuff, really. So, any advice is welcome—like swimming spots or easy hikes along coasts or rivers. I love caves and offbeat visits (salt mines in Poland, La Roque Saint-Christophe in France, etc.). Castles and old ruins? Not really my thing... Thanks for your help! Sylvia

We're torn between a campervan (better in bad weather) and a 4x4 with accommodations, especially since lodging is expensive this summer. The question: can you still reach off-the-beaten-path spots with a campervan, or are you stuck taking the crowded main roads all the time? Thanks! Another question: For a 10-day trip, what’s the best option—circumnavigating the island, the west, south, or north?

Alaton

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

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.

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! 🚐✨

I just spent December and January in Morocco with my motorhome. I took the ferry from Algeciras to Tangier, then stayed a week in Marrakech, followed by a week at Aglou Plage. After that, I headed up into the mountains to Tafraout for two weeks, then back to the ocean in Sidi Ifni for another week. Next, I spent a week in the mountains near Agadir at Aourir, followed by another week by the water at Sidi Kouaki near Essaouira. Then, a week in Safi, the pottery city, before stopping at Dar Bouazza near Casablanca. Unfortunately, I had to rush back to Spain, where I live 4–5 months a year near Valencia, just 10 km from the disaster on November 29, 2024—my rented house was burgled. I still had Rabat and Tangier left to visit, but luckily, I was at the end of my trip. Morocco is an amazing place to explore!

Since campsites are often far from cities, I got around by bike. It wasn’t always super safe, but the roads are now really well-maintained. If you’re planning a trip to Morocco, my experience is fresh, so the tips are too!

bonjour,

Comment faites-vous pour charger votre batterie via panneau solaire, tout en mettant votre vehicule à l'ombre pour que celui ci ne devienne pas un four?

J'ai un traffic Renault, malheureusement noir, et ma glacière, batterie et panneau solaire BougeRv.

ma baetterie me sert essentiellement pour ma glacière electrique

https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B0CQ4LFVVR?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_3

merci d'avance Nath

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!

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

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

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

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,

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!

Hi everyone! Happy to join this forum. We’d like to visit Morocco for the first time, but preferably in October, November, and December: the Atlantic coast starting from Essaouira..... Thanks for sharing some tips with me!

Hi there, I have a bit of a crazy dream... I'd love to drop everything and hit the road with my wife and kids in a camper van. I want to visit villages to learn, immerse ourselves in other cultures, and see different perspectives on the world. To teach my kids different values.

Planning Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, and Greece for autumn 2025

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, With a camper van that's less than 3 years old, we're heading from France to Senegal via Mauritania. Our comprehensive insurance covers us for Morocco. However: For Mauritania: - How can we get insurance for 1 week in Mauritania? - Where and which reliable agency should we contact in Morocco? (Not the "guide" at the border) - Darkhla or elsewhere? Please, do you have any contact details? - Is it possible to take out comprehensive insurance, not just third-party liability? - Please, do you have any idea of the rates? For Senegal: - Can we take out comprehensive insurance in Diama or St Louis for 3 weeks or 1 month? - Which reliable agency or company? Please, do you have any contact details? - Please, do you have any idea of the rates? Thanks so much

Hi, is there a way to take a ferry to Madeira Island by van or small camper? If so, from which Mediterranean port? Thanks

Hi everyone. We’re taking a 15-day RV trip, Montreal to Quebec City loop. Late September to early October 2025. I was wondering if it’s easy to find spots for the RV at that time, and if we absolutely have to book RV campground sites in advance? Also, if you’ve got any great places to park and stay, we’d love your recommendations… thanks so much!

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 :)

Hi there,

I’m planning a family van trip from July 24 to August 14, 2025, from Montréal to Tadoussac. Is it necessary to book campsites in advance?

Thanks in advance for your reply.

Gigi.

Hi, I’d like to know if gas stations with LPG are well distributed in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile? Thanks.

Hi everyone, we’d like to go to Morocco for the first time around April, preferably from France or Spain. Which departure port would you recommend, and for arrival in Morocco, are there any ports that are better? I’ve read that some arrival ports aren’t very safe. Thanks for your advice!