Active holiday: sports and travel with a campervan

There are many reasons why a campervan holiday can be a great experience for keen sports enthusiasts. Here are 5 of the best ones:

• Try it out without risk: RVs up to 26,000 pounds can be driven with a normal driving license in most cases. If you want to try out whether travelling with a campervan is for you, you can easily rent one without having to get an extra license.

• Free as a bird: with a campervan, you are completely flexible. Whenever you want to set off and discover a new spot, simply pack up your things and drive off. Decide for yourself how long you stay in each place and explore new regions every day.

• Everything at hand: an RV has enough space to transport your sports clothing and your sports equipment too. You don't have to rent surfboards or mountain bikes as you can take your own equipment.

• Always close: wherever you find the perfect adventure spot, the camper can usually be parked close by. All your things are never further than a stone's throw away. In addition, you don't have to carry your equipment over great distances, but can start right out your front door and spend more time doing what you love.

• Mingle with the crowd: an RV is big enough to take a few friends along with you on your active vacation. It also spreads the cost of the campervan and food, making camping vacations more affordable. In addition, the camping community is very friendly and open-minded, so you can make new friends along the way.

To enjoy all the benefits of an active holiday with a motorhome, you should plan your tour well in advance. First, think about which region you would like to travel to. Which places are particularly popular in the community? Which spots and routes are often recommended? Based on these considerations, make a rough route plan that you can use as a guide. Leave yourself a buffer timewise so that you can remain flexible on the road. You can also follow these tips:

• Search the internet for suitable rental RVs. Make sure that the campervan is big enough and has additional equipment (e.g. roof boxes) for your sports equipment.

• If you already have your own camper, have it checked at a garage before you leave so you can be sure that your van is ready for your trip.

• Inform yourself about local and state laws. For example: Is wild camping allowed? Are there any tolls? Also, check the local road laws for each state you are visiting.

• Make a rough plan and search online for highlights and recommendations along the route. With a plan, you won’t miss anything and always know where to go next.

• Don't plan the individual daily stages too long. Ideally, plan to drive for about 3-6 hours each travel day. That way you have enough time to explore the area and some time for your sport.

• Consider in advance whether you want to reserve a camping spot. With a reservation, you have a secure camping place each night, but you are not as flexible. In the high season, it may be worth reserving spots to avoid a long search when you arrive.

• If you are travelling in remote regions, you should bear in mind that road conditions can vary. In more remote regions, you may be driving on unpaved roads where you must slow down. This may increase your travel time. The situation is similar in mountainous regions with narrow bends or mountain passes.

• Plan how you want to store your sports equipment. For example, you can stow bikes in the rear garage or on a bike rack. For surfboards and SUP boards, roof rack systems or a transport box might be worthwhile.

Most ski resorts have their own campsites where you can set up camp close to the slopes. Whether you travel to the ski resorts in Scotland or go for a winter road trip through mainland Europe, it is best to be prepared. To travel safely with your motorhome in winter, you should consider the following:

• When you are travelling in the Alps, snow chains are compulsory. They are the only way to make progress on snow-covered roads. To be prepared, you should practise how to put snow chains on your tyres properly.

• Don't forget to fill the windscreen washer system with antifreeze before setting off so that you can use it even in sub-zero temperatures. You should also fully charge the campervan’s battery again.

• A starter cable and a tow rope are also useful items for your motorhome tour in winter. This way you are prepared in case the battery gives up in an emergency.

• Inform yourself in advance about where you can buy or refill gas bottles.

• Rent an awning to fit your campervan for your skiing holiday. It will also protect you from the cold and snowdrifts.

Passionate sports enthusiasts can turn their dream of an active holiday into reality with a motorhome. In a campervan, you will find enough space for all your equipment. Whether summer or winter - in a van you can be more independent and can plan your trip exactly how you like. Follow these tips and your active holiday will be an unforgettable experience.