Travelling by motorhome is one of the best-kept secrets of the modern world. Even as more and more people pile into campervans and van-conversion mobile homes, there remains something excitingly clandestine about the joy that comes from exploring the globe by road. Not only is motorhome travel more cost-effective, but it can also be more profoundly enjoyable for those that embark on such trips.
Naturally, staycationing is a standard form of motorhome holiday in the UK. However, mainland Europe beckons – and with naught but a ferry or Channel Tunnel separating us from the wonders of the continent, there is little excuse for motorhome owners not to be exploring the wider world from the comfort of the driver’s seat. Three questions remain, then: where should you travel? Why is it Spain? And how should you prepare for motorhome travel in Spain?
Why Spain?
Spain is a phenomenal holiday destination full stop, let alone when touring Europe by motorhome. It is a culturally and geographically heady peninsula, from the storied and wine-rich mountains of Rioja to the unbelievable countercultures of the Costa del Sol. There is so much to this country that one paragraph can barely circumscribe its potential – but suffice to say, its roads are the key to wringing the most out of its landscape.
Legal Preparations
Of course, driving abroad is not as simple as jumping in your motorhome and setting off. For one, you’ll need motorhome insurance in order to drive legally on both UK and Spanish roads; most insurance policies cover you internationally, but this is something you should check before you depart. You will also need to check your license is up to date, and that you are licensed to drive the weight of your motorhome plus belongings.
Safety Preparations
On top of ensuring you are legally able to drive – and, of course, cross the necessary borders – you will also need to ensure you have all the right safety equipment in place to guarantee yours and your passengers’ safety when you travel. This means stocking your motorhome with first aid kits and other emergency supplies, as well as the necessary tools to fix any simple mechanical issues.
Another overlooked form of safety preparation is, quite simply, understanding your route. If you have a rough idea of where the nearest hospital, mechanic, or rest stop is from any given point on your journey, you are well-placed to handle even the most unexpected of accidents.
Driving in Spain
Finally, then, we come to navigating the country of Spain itself. Its driving customs are somewhat different to the UK, especially when it comes to which side of the road you drive on. It can help to visualise driving on the right-hand side of the road regularly before you travel, in order to minimise the chance of being the cause of an accident yourself!
