10 Planning Mistakes to Avoid on Your First Camper Trip

Your first camper trip is exciting — but a little intimidating too. Most people make the same planning mistakes and then wonder why things didn't go as expected. The good news is that nearly all of them are easy to avoid.

1. Too Much Driving, Not Enough Rest

The most common mistake. You plan to visit three countries in ten days and end up spending most of your time behind the wheel. A camper holiday isn't a race — the whole point is to enjoy the campsite. Plan fewer destinations and spend more time at each one. You'll enjoy it much more.

2. Choosing a Campsite With Tight Spaces

Not every campsite is suitable for a camper. Some have pitches designed mainly for tents or caravans, and space is limited. Before booking, check photos and reviews — look for campsites that explicitly accept motorhomes and have wide enough pitches.

3. Booking at the Last Minute

Especially in July and August — popular campsites fill up fast. If you know when you're travelling, book at least 2–3 weeks in advance. For well-known campsites abroad — even earlier. There's nothing more frustrating than arriving at a campsite only to find it's full.

4. Picking a Bad Spot at the Campsite

Even if there are free pitches, not all of them are equally good. Ask to choose your own, and avoid spots where you don't have enough space to fully extend your awning and lay out your rug. Avoid those under conifer trees — sap drips. If you can, choose a pitch with a bit more breathing room. More on choosing a spot in our Planning guide.

5. Underestimating Travel Time

Driving a camper is slower than driving a car — lower speeds, more breaks, more careful manoeuvring. Plan at least 30% more time for every route. If you're travelling with kids, schedule more rest stops. Sleeping at random spots by the roadside because you tried to reach Italy in one go is not a great idea.

6. Navigating Old European Cities

Narrow streets, low bridges, one-way roads, impossible parking — old European cities weren't designed for campers. If you're travelling with a larger camper like Sunny, plan to park outside the centre and get around on foot or by public transport. More driving tips in our Basics & Safety guide.

7. Not Downloading Camping Apps and Offline Maps

Apps like Park4Night and Campercontact are essential — they show campsites, motorhome stops, water access, charging stations, photos, and reviews. Download them before you leave and save offline maps, because you won't always have signal.

8. Not Checking Road Tolls and Regulations

Every country has its own rules — vignettes, toll roads, speed limits, low-emission zones in cities. Research them before you leave to avoid fines and surprises. Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia — each requires a different type of vignette. In Italy, tolls are paid on motorways.

9. Underestimating the Budget

A camper holiday isn't free just because you sleep in your own vehicle. Fuel costs more than with a car, campsite fees range from 15 to 50+ euros per night per person, and food abroad costs differently. Make a rough estimate for fuel, campsites, food, and road tolls — so you don't get an unpleasant surprise.

10. No Backup Plan

Weather forecasts change, campsites turn out to be full, roads get closed. Don't plan everything down to the minute — leave room for changes. Have at least one alternative destination or campsite in reserve. The best camper experiences often come from the unexpected detours.