Motorhome Living: Tips and Tricks for Life on the Road

Motorhome Living: Tips and Tricks for Life on the Road

Embarking on a motorhome adventure is one of the most freeing ways to travel, allowing you to take your home with you as you explore beautiful landscapes and new destinations. Marc, Bernice, and I have been living life on the road for a while now, and along the way, we’ve learned a few things that have made motorhome living not only possible but truly enjoyable. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a long-term road trip, here are some of our top tips and tricks for life on the road in a motorhome.

1. Maximize Space: Keep It Organized and Simple

One of the biggest challenges in motorhome living is making the most of the limited space. In our experience, the key to a clutter-free environment is smart storage solutions and keeping things simple. Here are a few things we do to stay organized:

• Use Storage Bins and Organizers: We’ve found that using storage bins helps to keep everything in its place, especially when you’re driving on bumpy roads. Stackable bins and collapsible containers make great use of cupboards and drawers, giving us easy access to essentials.

• Keep the Essentials Only: It’s tempting to pack everything you might need, but we’ve learned that less is more in a motorhome. Before hitting the road, we make sure to take only the essentials—things we’ll definitely use and wear. This keeps the space feeling open and clutter-free.

• Multifunctional Furniture: Opt for furniture that serves multiple purposes. For example, our dining table also converts into a bed, and we have seating that doubles as storage space underneath.

2. Efficient Cooking: Simple Meals on the Road

Cooking in a motorhome kitchen can be a bit tricky due to limited space, but it’s totally doable with a little creativity and preparation. Here’s how we make it work:

• Pre-Prep Meals When You Can: Before heading out, we often prepare a few meals ahead of time, like pasta salads or sandwiches, that can be eaten on the go. This helps when we’re short on time or when the weather makes cooking difficult.

• One-Pot Wonders: We love one-pot meals! They’re simple to make, easy to clean up, and perfect for motorhome cooking. Think soups, stews, stir-fries, or even a hearty breakfast scramble.

• Portable Grill: Having a portable grill is a game-changer, especially when you’re parked at a scenic spot. We love grilling outside and enjoying dinner with a view, whether it’s by a lake or in the mountains.

3. Finding the Best Campsites (Or Wild Camping Spots)

One of the most exciting parts of motorhome travel is the freedom to park up and explore wherever you like. Here’s how we find the best places to stay:

• Apps and Websites: There are plenty of apps and websites that help us find motorhome-friendly campsites, and we often use them to plan our stops. Apps like Park4Night or Campercontact are great for finding nearby campsites with reviews and facilities.

• Wild Camping: In some parts of Europe, wild camping (parking up somewhere without formal camping facilities) is allowed, and it’s a wonderful way to stay closer to nature. We always check local laws and regulations before wild camping to ensure we’re following the rules.

• Farm Stays: One of our favorite surprises was discovering farm stays, where you can park your motorhome on private farmland. These spots often offer fresh produce and a peaceful setting away from the crowds, and they give us a chance to meet locals and support small farms.

4. Managing Power, Water, and Wi-Fi

Staying connected and keeping the motorhome running smoothly are big parts of life on the road. Here’s how we manage power, water, and Wi-Fi:

• Solar Panels: Installing solar panels on the motorhome has been a game-changer for us. It allows us to keep our devices charged and lights running even when we’re off-grid, giving us the flexibility to camp in more remote places without worrying about power.

• Water Management: We try to be mindful of our water usage, especially when wild camping. We use water-saving devices like low-flow showerheads, and we always refill our tanks at campsites or designated service areas when we can.

• Wi-Fi: Staying connected can be a bit tricky when traveling, so we use a mobile hotspot and invest in local SIM cards with data packages for the countries we’re visiting. It’s not always perfect, but it works well enough to keep in touch with family and stay updated.

5. Staying Cozy in All Seasons

The weather can change quickly, especially in mountainous regions, so it’s important to be prepared for all seasons when living in a motorhome. Here’s how we stay cozy:

• Layer Up: We always pack plenty of layers for unpredictable weather. Even in summer, it can get chilly at night, so we have blankets and thermal clothing on hand.

• Portable Heater: A small, portable heater keeps the motorhome warm on those colder nights, especially in the winter months. It makes a huge difference when camping in higher elevations or during chilly autumn evenings.

6. Dog-Friendly Travel with Bernice

Traveling with Bernice is one of the best parts of our motorhome adventure, and we’ve learned how to make the experience as comfortable for her as it is for us. Here’s what works for us:

• Comfortable Space: We make sure Bernice has her own cozy space in the motorhome. She has a comfy bed, and we bring her favorite toys and blankets to make her feel at home on the road.

• Frequent Breaks: Long drives can be tough on dogs, so we plan plenty of breaks along the way. Stopping for walks, letting her stretch her legs, and giving her time to explore new places keeps her happy and healthy.

• Pet-Friendly Destinations: Europe is quite dog-friendly, and we’ve had great luck finding pet-friendly campsites, parks, and even restaurants along the way.

Final Thoughts

Living life on the road in a motorhome has been an incredible adventure, full of freedom, challenges, and unforgettable experiences. From learning how to stay organized in a small space to figuring out the best way to cook and stay connected, we’ve embraced every part of motorhome living. Whether you’re planning a short trip or a longer journey, these tips and tricks can help make your time on the road smoother and more enjoyable.