Before you go - Light packing and proper planning

Before you turn the key and hit the road, let's take a look at what belongs in your rolling home and how to plan your first motorhome trip with a rented camper (what you should look out for). We are your personal camping guide and we'll explore the world of route planning together with you.

In this article you'll find:

1. Efficient packing

2. Safe departure

3. Camper rules

4. First motorhome tours

5. Sustainable camping

Packing made easy - What really belongs in your motorhome

Less is more, that's one of the first packing tips campers share about motorhomes. Imagine you're a snail person carrying your home with you, but hey, you're not a giant snail, right? Every centimetre counts in your rolling home, so it's time to focus on the essentials. Essential equipment for your camping holiday, practical kitchen utensils, enough clothing for all weather conditions and of course the important documents like driving licence, insurance papers and passports should all be there. And don't forget to pack a first aid kit and some emergency repair tools. Our packing list will help you make sure you don't forget a thing.

Not everything fits - How do I avoid overpacking?

It's like playing Tetris: you have to arrange the pieces to make the best use of the available space. But, uh-oh, you have too many pieces! Before you get emotionally attached to your pot set, think about whether you really need five pots or maybe just two. The same goes for clothes - you don't need a new outfit for every day. A few basics that you can mix and match are more than enough. And remember: you're on a camping adventure, a little dirt never hurt anyone!

The right route - How do you plan your trip?

Our tip: the VanSite Sauerland Tour

Now that your rolling home is ready, it's time to plan your camping trip. Don't worry, you don't have to plan a complicated route through the Alps right away. Start with a simpler but still impressive route, such as the Vansite Sauerland Tour. It takes you through beautiful landscapes, idyllic villages and offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, cycling or simply enjoying nature. You won't be driving long distances on your first motorhome trip. That makes it perfect for a first camping trip for beginners! If you'd like to plan your route in a different area, use the Sauerland Tour as a template and put together your individual route by clicking through the individual pitches your individual route yourself. Here you'll find all the pitches. It's best to mark them as favourites to save each of your favourite spots directly.

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Get in and drive - but do it right!

So, you're packed, the route is planned and adventure is calling! But hold on, this isn't your regular car you're driving. Let's sort out a few things before you set off.

Safety first - How do you drive a motorhome correctly and safely?

Remember, you've just been promoted to captain of a land cruiser! That means you need to expect a somewhat different driving feel than in a regular car. Corners should be taken carefully, since the motorhome has a higher centre of gravity. And don't forget that you'll need more distance to brake and accelerate. Use your wing mirrors well, because they're your best friends for keeping track of what's going on around you. And most importantly: always keep an eye on your speed and drive safely and calmly. You're here to enjoy the journey and have fun, not to set speed records!

Perfect parking - How do I find the best pitch for my motorhome?

It's time to find the perfect pitch for your rolling home. Look carefully at the pitches and choose a spot that is level, large enough and preferably shaded. If possible, avoid spots directly under trees, because falling branches and bird droppings aren't ideal neighbours. And yes, parking can get a bit tricky, especially when you're in a tight gap or on uneven ground. But don't worry, practise a little and you'll soon be parking like a pro. And if you get stuck, don't hesitate to ask for help. The camper community is a friendly and helpful bunch!

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Motorhome life for camping beginners - The do's and don'ts

Welcome to motorhome life! There are a few golden rules that will help you keep your rolling home in shape during your trips and have a great time. Let's take a look!

Practical household tips - How do I keep my motorhome clean and organised?

The golden rule in motorhome life: "Everything has a place, and everything is in its place". Living in a small space, clutter can get out of hand fast. But with a few smart tricks and some clever organisation, you can keep your camper clean and tidy. Make the most of storage space while camping, invest in a few practical storage solutions, and make it a habit to put things back where they belong. And yes, don't forget your new best friends: a small hand brush.

Food and drink - Should I always have fresh food or can I rely on canned goods?

Ah, food, one of the great pleasures of life (and camping)! In a motorhome it's all about finding a good mix. Fresh food is great to have along, but long-life food and canned goods should not be missing either. It's always handy to have a few long-lasting meals ready for days when you're far from any supermarket or just don't feel like cooking a big meal. Think pasta, tinned soups, rice, lentils, and so on. But don't forget fruit and vegetables for the vitamin boost! More inspiration can be found in the article "Cooking while camping".

Why you really shouldn't drain your spaghetti in the sink

Here's an important tip for camping beginners: never drain your spaghetti or other food scraps into the sink of your motorhome. The waste water tanks are not designed to handle solid waste and can get blocked. Better to use a colander and put the scraps in the bin. The same goes for fat and oil - never pour these down the drain!

Always prepared - How do I make sure I always have enough water and other essential supplies?

In a motorhome you're your own head of household, and that means making sure supplies don't run out. Always have enough water with you - for drinking, cooking, washing up and showering. A good tip is to always carry an extra water reserve in case you can't fill up. The same applies to gas for cooking and heating. Keep track of your supplies and top them up in good time. That way you can relax and enjoy your holiday, ready for whatever comes your way on any route.

Image by jcomp on Freepik |

Beginner mistakes on motorhome trips? Not you!

Don't worry, on your first motorhome trip things can of course go wrong. But with a few clever tips and tricks you'll be able to avoid most of the typical beginner mistakes on your routes.

Let the sun in - but not all day! Why it's important to avoid full sun all day long

I know, I know, sunshine is great and you'd love nothing more than to soak it up all day. But remember, your motorhome is not a rotisserie chicken! Parking your motorhome in full sun all day can make it very hot inside, especially in the summer months. So on your routes it makes sense to look for shady spots or pull the curtains to keep the inside of your motorhome cool. And remember to drink plenty of water on your motorhome trip!

Grey water and black water - How often should I empty the waste water and how do I do it properly?

Ah, the less glamorous side of motorhome life - the waste water. Your motorhome has two types of waste water tanks: grey water (from the shower and sinks) and black water (from the toilet). How often you need to empty these tanks depends on how often you use them. But as a rule of thumb: it's better to empty them too often than not often enough! Many campsites have special facilities for waste water disposal. And please, please, always dispose of your waste water at the designated points and not in nature!

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Adventure with heart - sustainable camping

Now that we've covered all the practical aspects of your first motorhome trip, let's pause for a moment and talk about something really important: the nature that surrounds and hosts us on our adventures.

Nature is our host - How can we respect and protect it while camping?

When we camp, we are guests in nature. And like any good guest, our job is to respect our host. That means we leave no litter, we don't destroy plants or wildlife habitats and we follow the rules and regulations of the places we visit. Here's how to behave correctly.

But we can do even more! What if we set ourselves the goal of keeping our impact on the environment as low as possible? We can save water by taking short showers and being sparing when washing up. We can save energy by turning the lights off when we don't need them and only putting the heating on when it's really necessary. We can choose sustainable products, like biodegradable washing-up liquid and toilet paper, and try to reduce plastic waste.

Nature is what makes camping so special. It's up to us to protect and preserve it so that future generations can experience the joy of camping too. Because what's better than falling asleep under a starry sky and waking up the next morning to birdsong to be woken up? These are the moments that make a motorhome trip an unforgettable experience. So let's make sure it stays that way!