Should I take my campervan abroad for winter?

Are you looking to escape to the sun in your camper this winter? Lancaster Insurance Services shares where to go and what you need to prepare for the ultimate getaway in your home on wheels.

If you long for warmth and sunshine during the cold, dark British winters, a trip overseas could be just what you need. Relaxing on a beach or around a pool with a cocktail in hand makes a welcome change to shivering in your thermals back home.

If you need any more convincing, discover more reasons to go abroad in your classic camper below. We’ll also tell you what you need to take your vehicle abroad, like campervan insurance with EU cover, and some of the hot spots to discover in Europe.

Why take your campervan abroad during the cold months?

There’s always a good reason to take your home on wheels for a camping trip, and there are plenty of arguments why going abroad in winter should be your next holiday.

If you haven’t quite yet decided that you want to take your VW overseas this festive season, perhaps the following might sway you:

The climate

Probably the top reason why most Brits head abroad in winter is for better weather. Those who find the Mediterranean too hot to bear in summer will find it ideal at this time of year. You can expect plenty of sunshine instead of short, gloomy days back home.

Even if you’re heading to some of the not-so-warm-spots in Europe, those south of the UK will still usually experience better weather than here.

Less crowded

If you visit some of the hottest destinations in Europe during summer, they are often full of tourists. As temperatures drop and children go back to school, you can enjoy some peace and quiet almost anywhere across the continent.

There will also be fewer vehicles on the road, making it less likely for you to get into an accident and must claim on your campervan insurance.

Travel on a budget

Less tourists means you’ll be travelling off-peak, which comes with a host of benefits to your bank balance. You might be able to get tickets for ferries and activities in winter sales, and campsites might offer special deals.

Prices in restaurants and cafes might also be cheaper, and you could pick up some excellent souvenirs and potential Christmas presents at half their usual price.

What do you need to take your campervan abroad?

After enjoying a few UK holidays in your classic camper, you know what’s required on our roads, but what about when you head to Europe?

Most of the general rules and regulations are the same, but it’s a good idea to read up on local laws for your chosen destination. Certain places require you to always carry specific items on board.

There are a few documents and vehicle essentials you shouldn’t leave home without, which you can check off below:

• UK driving licence
• Passport and visa (if necessary)
• Proof of campervan insurance
• Campervan log book
• UK sticker for vehicle (unless you have a UK Union Flag number plate)
• High vis vests
• Warning triangles

The journey

To get your classic camper overseas, you’ll need to take it on a ferry or the Eurotunnel. Make sure you have a booking reference handy to show before you board – the Eurotunnel has self-check-in lanes, so you just need to enter it all onto a screen.

Take note of which lane you need to queue for, which may be different to cars as your vehicle is slightly larger.

The campsite

You might be used to campsites in the UK, but things tend to work a little differently in other countries. To make sure you’re well prepared and don’t face any surprises, we recommend doing the following:

• Don’t plan to arrive around lunchtime, as most receptions close for a couple of hours in the middle of the day.
• Bring your own toilet roll – not all campsites provide this.
• Take some cash as they may not accept cards.
• Prepare to put down a deposit if you need a key for a barrier.
• Check the electrical connections. Certain campsites have metered systems rather than a fixed price.

Best overseas destinations for a camping trip this winter

Are you convinced that taking a warm trip in your camper this chilly season could combat your winter blues? If so, you’ll need to start thinking about where to go.

Need some inspiration? We’ve put together some of the best places to visit in your home on wheels to escape the frost. Don’t forget to make sure your campervan insurance includes cover for your holiday destination.

Spain

If you’re looking for glorious beaches, delicious cuisine, and lively cities this winter, take your classic camper to Spain.

It’s important to note that you need a UK sticker for your vehicle even if you have a new Union Flag number plate.

Whether you want to relax on long stretches of golden sand or dig into some tapas in one of the big cities, you’ll find it amongst our selection of top places to visit:

• Madrid – for enjoying Spanish nightlife at its best
• Seville – for history lovers
• Canary Islands – for serene views on pristine white sands
• Costa del Sol – for sprawling on the sands with a cocktail in hand
• Barcelona – for a stroll around the sights and fine dining

Our top pick: Granada

Despite sitting in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada snow-capped mountains, this spot makes for an idyllic winter getaway in your home on wheels.

You’ll get to enjoy some spectacular views of nature and wildlife when you head up into the mountains for a hike. Looking out across Granada from above is breath-taking.

Head into town after a day of exploring and enjoy some free tapas with your drinks in a peaceful setting.

To stay in your campervan, check out Camping Huerta Romero to spend a few nights amongst nature in a pretty botanical garden. You’ll be a 10-minute drive from the beach and have supermarkets and restaurants close by.

Portugal

For campervanners looking for a budget trip away in winter, you can’t do much better than Portugal. You’ll get to explore cities full of history and chill on some of the most beautiful beaches surrounded by rocky coves.

Here are a few of our favourite spots in this European paradise that you can visit without spending too much:

• Lisbon – for enchanting culture and vibrant vibes in the capital
• Porto – for an evening of wine and dancing the night away
• Vilamoura – for couples going on a winter honeymoon
• Madeira – for a subtropical island trip with exotic cuisine

Our top pick: Lagos

Once the sun-seeking tourists leave this spot in the Algarve, it becomes wonderfully peaceful and distinctly Portuguese.

The weather is mild but sunny towards the end of the year, and a wintery walk along the pretty coastline is a magical experience.

You can spend your days trying the delectable local cuisine, tasting some Portuguese wine, and doing some souvenir shopping.

For an extended winter abroad, you won’t find many campsites more accommodating than Turiscampo. Although it might be colder outdoors, you can relax in the heated swimming pool and sauna.

There are extensive activities to enjoy as well as a bar with a wide array of food and drink to keep you satisfied.

France

One of the easiest places to take your camper during winter is France. Simply hop on a ferry or take the Eurotunnel and you’re there!

There are so many beautiful spots to visit throughout France, it all depends on the kind of winter break you want. Some of our top picks include:

• Paris – for a romantic getaway as a couple
• The Alps and Pyrenees – for the ultimate campervan skiing holiday
• Corsica – for those who love to hike in the mountains
• Bordeaux – for the ultimate wine lovers’ trip
• Aquitaine – for some warm winter surfing fun
• Provence – for a cosy, less-crowded Christmas market-filled holiday
• Martinique – for chilling on serene beaches and topping up your tan

Our top pick: Occitanie

The places mentioned above are each stunning and have plenty to keep you busy on your holiday, but this unspoilt, naturally beautiful part of Southern France comes out on top.

You can expect a traditionally French atmosphere with plenty of sunshine and crystalline waters, providing the most picturesque views imaginable.

The region is brimming with history and there are numerous landmarks to visit sitting amongst the Pyrenees and Mediterranean Sea.

L'Oasis & California campsite is ideal for couples and families, as well as dogs. The site has a bar, playground, pool, and lots of other activities available.

Italy

Finally, our top European winter destinations to visit in your camper is Italy. Soak up this magical place without it overflowing with tourists and feel the passion of the locals through their food and drink.

There are tons of attractions to see and plenty of spots for a bit of shopping. Here are some of our favourite Italian destinations in winter:

• Turin – for a city trip before skiing in the mountains
• Rome – for sightseeing without the crowds
• Florence – for history buffs and lovers of fashion
• The Amalfi Coast – for hiking through charming towns amongst coast and mountains

Our top pick: Venice

This unique Italian city is a wonderful place to visit any time of the year, but if you want to cruise down the river on a gondola without the crowds, go in winter.

The air becomes clearer and the whole city more mystical, as you explore baroque architecture and devour heaps of delicious Italian food washed down with a glass of wine or two.

Watch the world go by in St. Mark’s Square while you sip on a strong espresso and soak up the atmosphere.

Ca' Savio campsite sits just across the lagoon from the city and provides plenty of space for rest and relaxation or to let the kids run around. Hire bikes and head out into the country or enjoy a round of minigolf before getting pizza for dinner.

Tips for enjoying your winter campervan trip abroad

To make the most of your time abroad this winter, we have a few tips to keep in mind:

• Be aware of the rules of the road in the countries you visit. This means checking speed limits, where toll roads are, and what road signs mean. You can find more out about driving your camper overseas on the Gov.uk site.
• Plan your route well in advance to get from one place to another quickly and easily. This way, you can spend more time enjoying yourself instead of getting lost!
• Book as many activities as you can before you leave home to avoid spending precious holiday time doing so.
• Find out where your nearest supermarket and restaurants are before you go and plan when to eat out and when to eat in.
• Make use of our checklist above so you don’t forget any essential documents, like your campervan insurance or passport.
• Perform a safety check on your vehicle before setting off. It’s a good idea to take it for a service now, too, and fix any issues instead of breaking down in another country.
• Consider wild camping. Although you can’t just park up where you like in the UK, it’s encouraged in some parts of Europe, especially France, and can save you a lot of money.
• See as much as possible without the crowds as a distraction. If you can, visit more than one destination to make the most of your time away.

Don’t forget to protect your campervan abroad

Taking a break from the frosty conditions in the UK is a wonderful way to spend your winter but going abroad doesn’t mean you should skimp on campervan insurance.

Wherever you go in your home on wheels, you should protect it in case of an accident, damage, or theft. When you insure your camper with Lancaster Insurance Services, you can get up to 365 days of EU cover.

Harsh weather can also take its toll on your classic vehicle, but we can help you get cover for your:

• Windscreen
• Gas bottle
• Awning
• Personal effects up to £6,000

Finding campervan insurance is easy with Lancaster Insurance Services. Call the team for a quick quote today.