Motorhome vs. campervan + travel checklist (honest review)
On June 4, 2021 by marghevivianiI think many of us think what is actually better, motorhome or minivan? But there is no exact answer, better if you try both 🙂 Here I prepared our own experience, considering that we did seven month of travel in motorhome, and my husband had minivans for more than 20 years.
The itinerary. Driving from Italy to Africa
Thanks to travellerspoint.com for creating personal travel map.
Four months Honeymoon
Once we bought our camper we had a trial in Isola D’Elba for two weeks. Almost all that time we spent organising the car in our way and just a little bit to enjoy the trip.
After we went to France for the whole September and then I realized that is quite challenging. Because you stay together 24/7 with the person you travel. Yes, it was a big camper but after all, we were always together in a small space.
After France, we had to come back to Italy… To marry 🙂 We had passed the challenge of camper!
And immediately after that, we went for a very long honeymoon. From Italy, along the seaside in Portugal until Morocco. We saw the biggest waves in Nazare, we saw a real Morocco outside of resorts and big cities, we hid inside of our camper during the trip by boat. And we came back home in three.
What to consider while travelling by camper:
- Water, a lot of water to drink and to use in the shower and kitchen. But also you must keep in mind the places where to trow gray and black water, used water after shower and toilet.
- Be able to save water.
- Minimum of stuff.
- Knowing how to fix the tableware that they don’t get destroyed during the trip.
- Food and snacks must be stocked extra
- Plan your trip. And know where you can park legally.
- But also enjoy the opportunity of freedom.
- Stay only with people you like.
- Be sure you have all essentials with you.
- Try to make less trash possible.
Motorhome or minivan?
It took us months to find a perfect solution for us. My husband is a super experience, he has years of traveling with a Minivan and even a Volkswagen Retro van, which he changed by himself from a normal van to a campervan. But for me, it was absolutely a new experience. And he decided to try a motorhome this time, so at least it was new also for him.
Minivan means small space
Minivan is way much smaller, which makes it easier to get to some places. But also it means that inside you have much less space. It would be perfect for one person, but I saw people traveling in two, or two plus dog, or even two plus a baby. And I would say that these people are very brave. Because you have to be good at organising your space in a minimalistic way but at the same time functional way. Be ready to switch bed with the kitchen every single day and to search for a toilet in an open space.
People who travel by minivan spend most of the time outside, even for a shower and cooking. But exists also the option with a kitchen inside and even a tiny bathroom. It always depends but what kind of van you chose, if it’s already a ready one or a DIY. There are no limits to creativity.
For me, honestly, it would be difficult to live five months in a van. I saw plenty of these beautifully designed minivans on Pinterest, with an ocean view from the bed. And is magnificent images, which make you dream about your one. But when you try, you might change your idea. In my opinion, is very suitable for short trips and only in nature. In the case of traveling for many months, and not look like a monkey if you wanna stop in the city is better to get a Motorhome.
Benefits of a motorhome
Big space, we had enough space for two. Our camper had a kitchen, dining area, shower, and the bad which was always there, ready. We could hide there on rainy days and still feeling at home. There also was hot water and general heating, which was super helpful during cooler days.
Imagine how incredible it is, you come back after surfing in the cold ocean, you have your house just a few steps there on the same beach, and you can take a hot warming shower and even dry your hair with a hairdryer. Cool huh?
After all, you feel wild the same, but a little bit with more comfort and space. We could take two bicycles, skateboards and surfboards.
Traveling with your home on wheels is an unforgettable experience. You see what others don’t see. And if you still think what suits you better motorhome or minivan, I encourage you to make a list of your needs and visualise how you trip might go. Then just go to the store and check what your market is offering, what you like more motorhome or minivan.
Hope it was useful. Feel free to leave the comment or contact me here. Also you can follow my Instagram to stay in touch.
Yours Marghe.
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