There are many different ways to travel. During the summer season, a significant number of people going on vacation use air transportation. However, the most common way still remains to travel by car, which we can use to get exactly to the place we want. An interesting alternative to the ordinary passenger car is the camper van, with which travel has grown in popularity in recent years.

Driving an RV is an ideal option for anyone who loves the outdoors, nature, and long trips. Traveling in an RV can be an interesting way to see and explore new places, both domestically and internationally. However, it is also a trip associated with certain responsibilities and specific conditions that may not appeal to everyone.

For more interesting and useful tips on camping on wheels, check out the blog link.

CONDITIONS WHEN TRAVELING IN AN RV

Traveling in an RV is often a long journey, divided by many stops. That’s why it’s worth paying attention to the right campervan equipment that will guarantee us the right conditions, both while driving and during moments of rest.

What does an RV look like? – camper interior

For many people, traveling in an RV is associated with inconvenience and considerable limitations, but this is not true. Camper vans are equipped to meet our basic needs.

There is a small kitchen area, allowing us to prepare meals. It contains basic equipment such as a refrigerator, a gas stove, and a sink for washing dishes, as well as places to store the necessary kitchen utensils. Special cabinets keep dishes and utensils from falling out or breaking during the ride.

There are sleeping spaces, the number and layout of which depend on the size of the RV in question. The vehicles also have a toilet and a small shower with hot water.

Each camper, for the sake of limited space, is also equipped with a variety of practical storage compartments that allow you to store luggage and things necessary during the trip.

Types of RVs

When it comes to the interior of the camper, there are various functional solutions available, based on which we determine the type of camper. Here we distinguish 4 basic types, namely:

• camper vans- these are some of the cheapest, but also the most simply equipped camper vans, they are built on the basis of traditional buses. They are often equipped with a folding roof, under which there are places to sleep. Their advantage is their smaller size compared to other types, and thus less fuel consumption.
• alcove – these are campers with sleeping space located above the driver’s cabin, it can accommodate up to five people. For some, such limited headroom may reduce sleeping comfort, but we can also use the extra space to store luggage. In addition, the alcoves have standard facilities such as a kitchenette and a toilet. For the sake of such bedroom placement, the car is higher, which should be kept in mind when driving through tunnels.
• semi-integrated camper – one of the most popular types of campers in Europe, characterized by the fact that the driver’s cabin is partially integrated with the living area, which increases the functionality of the vehicle. Sucha camper can travel with up to 5 people. Due to its more aerodynamic shape, driving it is easier and generates less fuel consumption.
• integrated camper – the so-called integra, is the most comfortable and largest vehicle of this type, and therefore also the most expensive. In this type of vehicle,the living area is fully integrated with the driver’s cabin. The interior of such an RV offers users more space, amenities, and practicality. They have a higher weight, which often makes a category C driver’s license required to drive them. Their large size can also mean that they can’t be driven everywhere.

Electricity and water in an RV

Many people thinking about traveling in an RV wonder about the issue of water supply or electricity, on which the comfort of the trip largely depends.

Each camper has a special battery that charges while driving and provides electricity for the living area even during stops. It is also possible to connect to the electric grid via a cable while stationary. Some, especially newer campers are supplied with power from solar panels mounted on the roof.

The use of water while traveling in an RV is made possible by being equipped with two water tanks. One is used to store clean water, while the other is used to store so-called gray water. Therefore, when traveling in a camper, we must remember to fill and empty these tanks. We can do this at campgrounds, larger parking lots, or gas stations in specially designated areas.

We do the same with toilet waste. Although this activity seems cumbersome, we can do it quickly and easily, since in most campers it is enough to remove the container located on the outside of the vehicle and empty it in a suitable place. To reduce the frequency of emptying the tank, we recommend using the toilets available along the route, at gas stations, or at campgrounds.

Air conditioning and heating

Although we mainly associate traveling in an RV with summer, we can also travel in it during the colder seasons.

Most RVs are equipped with independent fuel-powered heating for the living area, which operates while the RV is stationary. RVs are also equipped with air conditioning. There is a standard car air conditioner, which can be used while driving. However, when stationary, the air conditioning of the living area requires a connection to a power source.

Advantages and disadvantages of traveling by campervan

Camping is a unique way of traveling that allows you to see many interesting places and provides unforgettable memories. However, it should also be borne in mind that traveling in a campervan by its very nature is not a good option for everyone.

Let’s start with the pros and benefits of traveling in an RV:

• We have the ability to tailor our trip perfectly to our needs or plans, we can also change the route on the fly if we suddenly want to see an interesting place along the way. Such travel is a great adventure that allows you to be close to natureand allows you to stay in the city center.
• RV travel is ideal for group trips or family vacations. What comes in handy here is the large number of different storage compartments, where we can comfortably arrange the contents of our luggage, without having to shuffle through the entire trunk, as in the case of driving a passenger car.
• To drive a standard camper (with a weight of up to 3.5 tons) you only need a category B driver’s license, you do not need any additional licenses.
• Traveling in an RV gives you a wide range of changes. You can sleep in the camper, spend the night with the camper in a parking lot or by the woods, you can set up a tent,or even sleep outdoors, and when you crave a little more comfort during your trip, you can look for a hotel accommodation. If you get bored of cooking in an RV, you can stop in town and go to a restaurant for dinner.
• In Poland, an RV is treated as a passenger car if its weight does not exceed 3.5 tons. You can park it anywhere, anywhere an ordinary car, you just need to take into account the appropriate amount of space, since an RV is a large vehicle.

Camping is a great way to relax and get closer to nature, but traveling in an RV can also be a challenge. Keep in mind that driving an RV brings with it certain restrictions and responsibilities:

• Driving an RV requires skill and experience on the driver’s part, as it is a much larger and taller vehicle than cars.
• In an RV, we have far less space available to us than in a hotel sleeping situation. There is no doubt that for some people such a small space can be tiring.
• When planning a vacation trip, it’s a good idea to plan and book camping stops well in advance, because during the summer season,it may turn out that many campgrounds will be full and we won’t be able to stay in them without booking in advance.
• When planning a trip abroad, it’s important to prepare properly, and check the country’s camping driving regulations, such as speed limits and possible parking areas. It’s also a good idea to think about your route before you leave so that you can avoid steep hills and narrow, winding roads while driving.
• If you do not have your own camper van and decide to rent an RV, you will need to factor into your budget the additional costs, which depend on many factors.
• For those who like to fish from a boat or kayak on the water, it is recommended to bring all the necessary equipment for this. Especially pay attention to additional equipment for transporting kayaksand boats on trailers.

 

RV TRAVEL – FOR WHOM IS IT BEST?

RV travel is a specific form of leisure. For some, the first trip in an RV will be an unforgettable adventure, while for others it will be time spent in uncomfortable conditions. Therefore, before deciding to travel in an RV, you should think carefully about what is most important to you during your vacation.

Proximity to nature

Camping allows people to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to relax, enjoy nature and spend time with friends or family. Most campgrounds are located near forests, and lakes, away from big cities, so if you are a person who likes to spend time in nature and appreciates close contact with nature, then traveling by campervan is an ideal option for you. You can stop at forest parking lots, have a picnic by the water during your stop, or light a bonfire and spend a nice evening.

Active recreation

An RV trip is a great option for anyone who enjoys active outdoor recreation, exploring and seeing new places, and learning new things. These trips are often varied with unplanned attractions or route changes. People who like spontaneous travel and are not afraid of changes in plans are sure to be satisfied with such a trip.

A trip with friends or a family vacation

If you like to spend time with friends or family and enjoy the company of others, then riding together in a camper van is an ideal vacation option. Spending time together is essential when traveling in an RV. So if you are a person who appreciates privacy and peace and quiet, then constantly being with several people may be inconvenient for you due to the slightly less space available in an RV.

Responsibilities during the trip

If you are a fan of organized all-inclusive trips and appreciate high-standard hotels and carefree relaxation on a lounger by the pool, then long trips in an RV are not a good option for you. Traveling in an RV is not a carefree trip, and we have to remember certain responsibilities on it, such as refueling, water supply, and emptying the tanks. For those who are focused on high comfort and convenience, this can prove cumbersome.

The right budget

When deciding to travel in an RV, it’s a good idea to make sure you have an adequate budget beforehand. If you don’t have your own vehicle, you need to take into account not only the cost of the RV rental itself but also the additional costs incurred during the trip, which may make it not a cheap vacation for many.

TRAVELING IN A CAMPER

A camper gives us many opportunities. We can visit the most remote corners of our country, as well as travel throughout Europe, we can visit cities, but also relax in nature. During the trip, we can sleep in an RV, under a tent, or stay in a hotel. We can stick to a rigid plan or travel spontaneously and peel off our destination. As you can see, the possibilities are many, it’s all up to you.

The possibility of spending free time traveling in an RV is an interesting proposition for many. Often the first trip in an RV is an unforgettable experience that makes you want to make more trips this way. At the same time, for some, it can be a tiring and unrewarding trip. That’s why it’s best to think about what you expect from the trip and what level of comfort is enough for you to feel comfortable.