I’ve been travelling pretty consistently for nearly 15 years now, and travelling in an RV is a one of a kind experience. You get the comfort of having a home, with the freedom of going wherever you want. Specifically if you are traveling with a friend or partner, I would 100% recommend it.
This was my girlfriend and I’s first RV trip, but it absolutely won’t be our last!
Predjama Castle in Slovenia, one off the many beautiful places we checked out on the trip. Used CapCut to pull this together—highly recommend it if you’re editing on the go.
Some Stats on The Trip
- Distance – 4452 KM’s – 2766 Miles
- Hours Driving – 55 hours
- Length Of Trip – 27 days
- Countries Visited – 9
- Bottles of Alcohol Bought – 30
A video of me reviewing some homemade Rakija (balkan alcohol) in Bosnia. Interested in alcohol around the world, check out all my alcohol reviews from my travels.
The Costs of RV Travel
- RV Rental Cost – 2,980 Euro – 3,068.84 USD
- Gas Cost – 900 Euro – 926 USD – fuel costs will vary pretty extremely from country to country in Europe
- Tolls / Vignettes – 339 Euro – 350 USD
- Camping Grounds – 400 Euro – 411 USD
- Speeding / Traffic Tickets – 50 Euro – 51 USD (and counting…)
- Grand Total = Not the cheapest way to travel, but worth-it
Rant about tolls – they’re really bad in France…
How To Do It Cheaper
- Get a van, not a full-sized RV – For comfort (and also so some friends could stay with us for a leg of the trip, we got a full-sized RV, we rented through Indie Campers, and they had much cheaper options if you went for a van.
- Stay off of highways – you will usually be charged a toll on highways
- Don’t drive with your pedal to the floor – I was always driving about as fast as I could manage while unsuccessfully trying to dodge the speed cameras, if you drove slowly you’ll get better gas mileage
- Find free places to camp – apps like Park4Night will show you both free and paid places to camp out
- Don’t move around as much – we covered way too much ground for such little time, and all that driving racks up cost. Plus, if you want to drive more than 80 km (50 miles) per day then rental companies will start charging you more for the RV too.
One of my morning check-ins from an incredibly beautiful town in Switzerland. It’s beautiful, but if you’re looking to travel cheaply maybe skip Switzerland 😂
What Would I Do If We Did It Over Again?
- See Less, Stay Places Longer – This is good advice for all travelling, but especially for digital nomads balancing a work schedule while travelling. In my experience you’re going to enjoy yourself more if you spend 4 days in one town or city you enjoy, than 4 days moving around 4 different spots.
- Get off the Highway – This is not just for cost, it’s for a deeper experience. We took more country roads in Bosnia, and Slovenia and I have to say that was some of the most beautiful, serene times of the trip. On highways you blow through the towns and feel of a place on your way to the next stop, whereas country roads allow you to feel more deeply the place you’re at.
A country road from Austria, absolutely beautiful 😻
European Driving Tips:
- Vignettes: Vignettes are time-based road toll stickers or digital passes required in certain European countries for using motorways and major roads. They are found in Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, and Slovenia, among others. You must purchase these vignettes before or immediately upon entering the country to avoid fines, or you will be stopped on your way out and charged (like I was in Slovenia…)
- Tolls and Fees: Prepare for road tolls, especially in countries like France and Spain, where highways often have toll charges. Consider renting an electronic toll tag.
- Speed Limits and Parking: Speed limits are typically 50-60 km/h in urban areas, 90-120 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on highways. Parking can be challenging, so always look for designated RV parking spots. Except for the Autobanh in Germany! The best time!
A video from driving on the Autobanh. See all of my daily updates on the trip here.
Add’l RV Pro Tips
- Park4Night – This app is a savior, even the free version works quite well to find all kinds of amenities that you’ll need. Personally using this alongside with Google Maps searches was a game-changer.
- Parking – If you’re in a city, you’re most likely not going to find parking anywhere near the city center, use the Park4Night to find some parking spots / search on Google Maps.
- Bring Bikes – As mentioned, you’re likely not going to find parking somewhere central, so best to have a bike, driving around for short distances in more crowded places is a bit of a pain in the ass in an RV, so having bikes (or even scooters) can really open up the city for you.
- Chairs and a table – This was a big one, while our Indie Camper RV came with a lot of things, it didn’t come with that – which definitely sucked…
- Learn A Few Keywords: While English is widely understood, learning a few key phrases in local languages (e.g., “hello,” “thank you,” and “where is…”) can go a long way. For example, many of the former Yugoslavian countries have very similar if not the same languages, so a little bit of learning can go a long way.
- Unless You’re Passing Stay Out Of The Fast Lane: This will piss people off, trust me 😂. I feel like Europeans are more particular about this then other places I’ve travelled.
- Public Restrooms: In a few countries you do need to pay for bathrooms, Switzerland for example was one. Best to carry coins.
Wifi / SIM
- Local SIM – You should be able to find a local SIM card when you get to Europe that will work all over Europe. I spend quite a bit of time in Paris, so I have Free Mobile, it’s about 30 dollars a month and works in nearly all of Europe, and a boatload of countries around the world. E-SIMs are a rip off.
- Starlink Mini – This was HUGE for keeping me connected, it was worth every single penny I spent on it. Check out my article about using it on the trip here.
Look at that backdrop man! The Starlink really opened my world up. See my full list of Starlink video tips here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the best routes to take in Europe for an RV trip?
A: Popular routes include the Mediterranean coastal roads, the Swiss and Austrian Alps (we personally spent a bunch of time there) and the Loire Valley in France, offering stunning views and diverse experiences.
Q: What are the driving regulations I should be aware of in Europe?
A: Driving laws vary by country. Best to do a quick check, but in general you will have speed cameras running and some type of toll or vignette where you are charged to use the highway.
Q: How much does it cost to rent an RV in Europe?
A: Pricing starts at 40 Euro a night. Rental costs depend on vehicle type, how many kilometers you drive per day, and season. Expect higher prices during peak summer months, but renting in the off-season can be more affordable.
Q: Are there any tolls or road taxes I should expect on my trip?
A: Yes, tolls are common in many European countries like France, Spain, and Italy, especially on highways. Some countries, such as the Netherlands, also charge road taxes.
Q: How can I minimize costs during my European RV trip?
A: Save money by cooking your own meals, renting a van instead of a full-sized RV. Avoid highways to skip toll charges, drive at moderate speeds for better fuel efficiency, and use apps like Park4Night to find free or low-cost camping spots. Try not to travel too much distance each day to reduce costs and avoid additional charges for exceeding daily mileage limits.
Q: What are the eco-friendly practices I should follow while RVing in Europe?
A: To be eco-conscious, use solar-powered RVs, conserve water, and choose sustainable campsites that offer renewable energy sources and recycling programs.
Q: What should I pack for my RV trip in Europe?
A: Essential items include water hose, extension cord, kitchenware, rope, a first aid kit, internet on your phone, and camping gear like chairs and tables. Also, ensure your insurance covers damages and theft.
Q: How do I find the best campsites for RVs in Europe?
A: Park4Night App
Q: Do I need a local SIM card for my trip?
A: It’s recommended to purchase a local SIM card to stay connected at a cheaper rate.
A recap video from our RV Trip afterwards. Want to stay up-to-date on my digital nomadding around the world? Follow me on Youtube!
Final Thoughts
Writing this article about my RV trip has brought back all of the emotions of that trip. I feel a warm excitement in my chest reminiscing on our time travelling around. I loved traveling in an RV, Gisel and I are already planning our next trip, so follow me on Youtube or Instagram @officialdigitalnomadlifestyle to stay up to date!
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