I’ve been working for Practical Motorhome for 20 years this year, and over that time I’ve been fortunate enough to take many brilliant tours across Europe.
I adore travelling in the UK – a quick look at our Top 100 Sites Guides, where the best motorhome sites are revealed, highlights how much we have to enjoy here – but I also love striking out to more far-flung destinations across the rest of Europe.
So here, I’m taking a look back at my five favourite destinations across 20 years, and reveal why I loved them so much. Who knows, it could inspire you to tour Europe in a motorhome or campervan this summer, too.
If you’re undecided on the best way to reach mainland Europe, take a look at what Peter Baber has to say about the ferry or Eurotunnel debate.
Iceland – land of the extraordinary
It’s more tricky to get to Iceland in a motorhome these days, but in August 2007 it was a little more straightforward – albeit a long journey.
I joined a ferry from Thurso in Northern Scotland for a choppy two-day trip across the North Atlantic, before landing on the east coast where my two-week drive around the country’s 820-mile Route 1, which circles the island.
Along the way I experienced the most extraordinary scenery, food and welcoming people – all the while being able to stop at fantastic campsites. I’d go again in a heartbeat.
Top tip for Iceland: If midges bother you, don’t travel during the summer – they’re prolific at that time of year.
Romania – home of Dracula
February probably wasn’t the best time to visit Romania to see it in its glory, but it still left a remarkable impression when I toured there in 2007.
It had recently joined the EU, and I had a wonderful time exploring both modern Bucharest and the stunning countryside, where we found the locals to be welcoming, the food to be fantastic and the history fascinating.
My highlight was probably Transylvania, and the fabulous Bran Castle (presented as Dracula’s home) – ‘atmospheric’ doesn’t even begin to describe it. We even spotted bear prints in the snow.
Top tip for Romania: It’s hot in summer, and very cold in winter – visit in May or September for the most comfortable conditions.
The Somme – history up close
I’ve been to France in my motorhome more times than I can count, but my favourite visit was in 2018 when we explored the Somme region. I’ve always been interested in history, but this trip was extraordinary: being so close to the iconic sites of the Great War was moving in the extreme.
From the cemeteries – where the graves stretch further than the eye can see – to the Thiepval monument, the superb Museum of the Great War in Péronne and the beauty of Ypres, there’s just so much to see.
Top tip for the Somme: There’s no need to stay at a campsite on your tour here – there are plenty of great aires to stay at along the way.
You can take a look at our pick of the best campervan sites in France too, if you’re after some more ideas for where to pitch up.
The Faroe Islands – a remote escape
That mega-trip to Iceland meant a long ferry trip, and along the way the ship called in at the Faroe Islands. So why not stop for a couple of nights here, at these 18 volcanic islands in the heart of the North Atlantic?
And I was so glad I did – the Faroes are home to just 55,000 people, so it’s easy to find a place to soak up the peace and otherworldly scenery in complete solitude. The capital, Tórshavn, is a fascinating place, but the best part was exploring the far reaches of the islands where small, grass-roofed churches are surrounded by sheep, and tiny villages hunker down against the elements.
Top tip for the Faroe Islands: Make sure you’re comfortable driving through tunnels – there are a lot of them to navigate on your way around.
Norway – for the Northern Lights
I’ve been to Norway a couple of times, but seeing the Northern Lights had always eluded me. All that changed on a tour there in February 2019, in a Hobby coachbuilt motorhome.
We travelled to Tromsø, in the far north of the country (well within the Arctic circle), and were lucky enough to witness a splendid display – the clear sky lit up in tremendous shades of green, flickering across the sky.
Yes, it was cold (it dropped down to -18C at one point, so make sure you know how to keep a campervan warm), but the extraordinary experience more than made up for the numb toes and fingers. It was a small price to pay for fulfilling a life-long dream.
Top tip for Norway: To (try to) see the Northern Lights, travel between November to February – you’ll need a clear night, and you should keep an eye out from 6pm-2am.
If you find yourself after more travel inspiration, you can always consider one of the best European road trips too.
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