For several years now, I’ve been passionate about road trips. Whether by car, van, campervan, or even 4×4, I’ve explored many different destinations. But regardless of the vehicle, properly organizing a road trip is essential. In this article, I’ll share my tips for preparing the best possible road trip, from route planning and vehicle preparation to choosing your stops.

1/ Trip planning

Mobile application installation

Before you leave, make sure you have the right apps on your phone. Here’s my list of essentials:

• MapsMe: Allows you to have an offline GPS on foot, in a car, on a bicycle or on public transport with the possibility of seeing all tourist points of interest.
• Park4Night: To easily find spots to camp in a campervan, but also to find drinking water or not.
• France Passion: To sleep at a farmer’s house (note that you must join the program for a year for a few tens of euros and you must be completely self-sufficient)
• GetYourGuide : Allows you to book all tourist activities worldwide to spice up your road trips.
• OpenSignal: Easily find mobile network coverage with this free application.
• HomeCamper: Sleep at a local’s house with your campervan.
• Google Translate: Communicate more easily anywhere in the world!
• Spotify: Listen to music wherever you are.
• Gasoil Now: Easily find the best fuel prices and geolocate them on the map!
• Windy: Anticipate rain or sunshine depending on your plans on the road!

Route selection

Going on a road trip isn’t about driving the whole time. In fact, that would defeat the very purpose of a road trip, which is about connecting with nature and people. So you have to take your time and savor what happens along the way.

I recommend not planning your itinerary too far in advance. Choose a final destination and jot down a few places you’d like to visit along the way. These stops will depend on your preferences, budget, vehicle, and available time. To avoid getting tired, enjoy each stop by exploring the surrounding area. You can even leave your campervan behind and opt for smaller or more eco-friendly modes of transport (bicycle, scooter, moped, etc.) or take public transportation. In fact, you’ll often have few other options for visiting major cities.

Budget preparation

Budgeting your expenses

It’s often difficult to plan your travel budget in advance . However, road trips are one of the ways to travel where it’s easier to anticipate and control your budget. Indeed, since we’re traveling in our campervan, we can control certain spending categories.

When you are setting up your budget for a road trip, it is helpful to divide your expenses into five main categories:

1. Food: Include all food-related expenses, including meals eaten in restaurants, supplies purchased for meals prepared in your vehicle, or picnics.
2. Transportation: Include expenses related to fuel, tolls, parking fees, public transportation, air or train tickets , and any additional vehicle rentals.
3. Shopping: Budget for souvenirs, gifts, or local products that you might want to bring home.
4. Accommodation : Include all accommodation costs, whether for campsites, RV parks, hotels, hostels or other forms of accommodation.
5. Activities: Consider the costs associated with the activities you wish to do during your road trip, such as sightseeing tours, excursions, entrance fees to national parks or museums.

I recommend you consult the Planificateur à Contresens website to estimate the cost of living there, which will give you a more precise idea of ​​the expenses you will face. With this information, create a budget forecast by allocating a sum of money to each expense category.

Don’t forget to add an extra 10% to each category for unexpected expenses or extras. By planning your budget this way, you’ll be better prepared financially for your road trip and able to fully enjoy your journey.

Choosing your travel insurance

When planning your road trip, choosing the right travel insurance is crucial for peace of mind during your journey. Here are some topics to consider regarding travel insurance:

Regarding health:

• European Health Insurance Card: If you are travelling in Europe, make sure you have a European Health Insurance Card, which entitles you to medical coverage in the member countries of the European Union. It is free and replaces our French Vita card!
• Travel insurance based on destination: For travel outside of Europe, explore the different travel insurance options available. Choose insurance that offers adequate medical coverage for your specific destination.
• Health insurance only in France: Please note that your usual health insurance in France may not offer full coverage abroad. Be sure to check the terms of your policy and consider purchasing additional travel insurance if necessary.
• Get a medical check-up if you’re going away for a long time: Before leaving on a long trip, consider seeing your doctor for a medical check-up. Make sure you’re healthy and ready to face any challenges during your trip (and make sure your vaccinations are up to date!).

Regarding the vehicle:

• Insurance that covers the vehicle in your destination : Check that your current car insurance covers your vehicle for travel abroad. If not, consider taking out temporary or destination-specific insurance. For rentals, you can also use your bank card’s insurance. Ask your bank for advice.
• A solution for easily obtaining car parts for remote destinations: If you plan to travel to remote destinations where automotive services may be limited, inquire about services like Star Mobile Service, which can help you in case of a breakdown by providing car parts on site.

2/ Preparation of the adapted vehicle

First possibility: I’m going far away or I don’t have a suitable vehicle

If you’re planning a long road trip or don’t own your own campervan, renting is a practical and flexible option for your adventure. Here’s what you can consider:

1. Renting a campervan: If you’re looking for an all-in-one travel experience, renting a campervan , motorhome, or motorhome is an excellent option. These vehicles are equipped with beds, kitchens, and amenities to provide maximum comfort during your trip.
2. Renting a car: If you prefer more flexibility with your accommodations or are on a tighter budget, renting a car can also be a good option. You can choose campsites, hostels, or Airbnb accommodations along your route.

Choose on-site accommodation:

In many tourist destinations, you’ll find car rental agencies offering a wide range of options, from compact cars to fully equipped campervans. This flexibility allows you to choose the vehicle that best suits your needs and budget on location. I also recommend renting if it’s your first road trip. This will allow you to try out this mode of travel and a particular type of campervan before considering a purchase.

Second option: I leave from near my home or I have a specially adapted vehicle

Mechanical check and preparation of the living space

Before hitting the road, it’s crucial to have a complete mechanical check-up performed by a qualified mechanic. This inspection will verify the vehicle’s overall condition and safety, especially if it’s a recreational vehicle that hasn’t been used for several months. Make sure all essential components are in good working order to avoid problems on the road.

In addition to a mechanical check, it’s important to verify that all the fittings and equipment in your vehicle’s living area are functioning correctly . For a motorhome, for example, be sure to check that everything is in good working order, including the gas system, water supply and drainage, window and door opening and closing mechanisms, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, as well as the electrical system and outlets. This will ensure a comfortable and safe stay during your road trip.

And just before you leave, take the time to clean and air out your vehicle’s living space. Remove all textiles, such as mattresses and blankets, to air them out and clean them if necessary. Make sure the living space is clean and tidy before you leave to ensure a pleasant environment during your trip.

Vehicle equipment, whether modified or not

Before embarking on your road trip, it is essential to ensure that you have all the essentials to make your journey as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

• Be as self-sufficient as possible in all resources: If you’re traveling in a campervan, make sure you have sufficient resources to avoid detours and optimize your budget. This includes water, electricity, gas, and food. To maximize your self-sufficiency, consider investing in equipment such as water filtration systems, electrical installations adapted to your needs, and cold and dry storage for your food. Also, plan for everything you need to cook and vary your meals during your trip.
• Essential items for a road trip (my personal list): shovel, splash guards, cotton sheet for summer, headlamp, dry bag, offline GPS, flip-flops or Crocs, mosquito nets, 12V vacuum cleaner, glass containers (avoid plastic!!), thermos for hot water all day (for washing dishes, showering and drinking), clamps with string, wheel chocks, duct tape, mirror effect window sticker, hygrometer.
• Items that will depend on you and your trip: The short list above is for informational purposes only. Your needs will undoubtedly be different from mine. It is crucial to clearly define your needs before leaving, taking into account factors such as the weather, the destination, and the amenities available in the country you are visiting. Create a personalized checklist based on your specific needs and the conditions you may encounter during your trip.
• Have your travel documents with you: vehicle registration, health, and identity documents, as well as your working bank cards (notify your banks!). Bring travel guides to avoid using your mobile data and your membership cards for programs like France Passion. Also, check if internet access is available at your destination. Finally, prepare a list of emergency numbers (especially for your car insurance and legal protection).

By carefully planning your checklist and making sure you have all the essentials for your road trip, I assure you that you will travel with complete peace of mind!

3/ Organize the steps

Choosing where to sleep at each stage of the road trip

To choose where to sleep at each stage of your road trip, you can first use one of the following solutions:

1. Park4Night: This app lets you find places to sleep for free, complete with reviews and photos. Purchasing a subscription is a good idea if you’re traveling abroad to avoid using your mobile data, as the app works offline once paid. It’s ideal if you have a large vehicle or want to camp legally in the wilderness.
2. Expand your experiences with HomeCamper and France Passion : Choose stays with farmers, artisans, or locals through these platforms. This allows for authentic and enriching encounters with your recreational vehicle.
3. Camping for added comfort : In dangerous areas or if you’re looking for more amenities, opt for a campsite. There you’ll find facilities such as showers, electricity, internet access, and a swimming pool for a comfortable one or two nights’ rest.
4. If you’re traveling by car, consider staying in a hotel, hostel, Airbnb , or with a local through Couchsurfing : nothing beats a good bed for recharging your batteries! These days, you can find accommodation to suit every budget! You can even stay with a local if you’re traveling alone and want to meet people.
5. Try something new with house-sitting on Nomador: If you have some free time during your road trip, I recommend house-sitting. This service is completely free and will allow you to have a real home away from home for a few days or weeks. As a bonus, you often get to take care of pets!

A few reminders to ensure your road trip goes smoothly:

• Respect the environment: Be careful not to litter the places where you stop and respect local laws. Always leave the area clean when you leave to protect the environment and leave a good impression.
• Don’t dump your greywater, toilet waste, and garbage just anywhere! Your impact isn’t just bad for the environment. You’re also giving locals a bad name and contributing to intolerance towards travelers.
• Support local exchange: Take advantage of local festivals and celebrations to enjoy authentic and enriching experiences. Respect your neighbors by avoiding noise after a certain hour.
• Do not park just anywhere, even during the day: Do not obstruct traffic, do not endanger anyone and do not disturb local residents.

By acting responsibly and respectfully, you contribute to the sustainability of road trip travel and the preservation of parking and rest areas.

Renting a car when needed provides greater independence.

If your recreational vehicle is too large or unsuitable for certain roads, renting a car can be a practical solution. This will allow you to access places your main vehicle cannot go.

It can also be a more economical solution than filling up with fuel for the same distance, as rental cars are often equipped with small engines, which reduces fuel consumption.

That’s what I did during my road trip in the southwest of France . I rented a car to explore narrow and winding roads in the Pyrenees that were not accessible with my campervan.