Planning a motorhome route: Realistic driving times, stops & budgets

One of the biggest mistakes people make when planning a motorhome holiday is trying to fit too much into it, which is very easily done.

It's far too easy to look at a map and think driving between destinations will be quick, but travelling in a motorhome is different to travelling by car. That’s really what it’s all about.

Roads can be slower, turns might be tighter, parking takes a little more thought, you'll almost certainly stop more often than you expect if you do it right. But that’s the beauty of it. The best trips aren't the ones where you cover the most miles. They're the ones where you have time to enjoy everywhere you've arrived.

Start with your holiday, not the route

Before deciding where to go, think about how much time you actually have. That’s always the deciding factor.

A long weekend probably doesn't need a six-hour drive on the first day, while a two-week holiday gives you far more freedom to explore the nooks and crannies. It's often better to spend longer in fewer places than to rush from one destination to the next.

If you're constantly packing up and driving into the next campsite, you'll spend more time travelling than relaxing.

How long should you drive?

Although there's no right answer, most motorhome owners find around three to four hours behind the wheel is enough for one day, so that’s a good bar to set yourself. That gives you plenty of time to stop for lunch, stretch your legs and arrive at your campsite without feeling like you've spent the entire day driving.

Remember that sat nav journey times don't always reflect reality too. Busy roads, roadworks, fuel stops, slower country lanes and pretty much any other traffic condition can all add time to your journey, particularly during school holidays.

If you're heading somewhere you've never visited before, it's usually worth allowing yourself a little extra time rather than planning everything down to the minute.

Think about where you'll stay

Rather than picking lots of attractions and trying to join them together afterwards, it often works better to choose your overnight stops first.

Once you know where you're staying each night, it's much easier to build your route around them instead. Attractions, walking routes, beaches, socialising and quaint villages naturally fall into place without feeling forced.

It also means you're less likely to spend the afternoon watching the clock because you're worried about reaching your campsite before reception closes.

Don't be afraid to change your plans

One of the biggest benefits of travelling by motorhome is the freedom to be as flexible as you like.

Maybe the weather turns and you'd rather spend another day by the coast. Perhaps you discover a village you hadn't planned to visit, or someone at the campsite recommends a nearby walk. That’s perfect.

Leaving space in your itinerary means you can enjoy these moments instead of immediately moving on because your schedule says you have to.

Budgeting for a motorhome holiday

Planning a budget before you leave helps avoid surprises on the road. Every trip is different, but most of your spending will usually fall into the same handful of categories.

Fuel is often the biggest expense, particularly if you're covering long distances, whereas campsite prices can also vary considerably depending on location and the time of year.

Food is where many people save money. Having your own kitchen means breakfast, lunch and evening meals don't always have to come from cafés or restaurants, although it's worth leaving room in the budget for a few meals out along the way.

It's also sensible to keep a little money aside for unexpected costs. Extra campsite nights, parking charges or an attraction you decide to visit on the day can all crop up during your trip.

Keep it simple

You don't need a detailed spreadsheet or a minute-by-minute itinerary to have a great motorhome holiday.

Choose a region you'd like to explore, keep your driving days realistic and give yourself enough time to enjoy each stop. Having a rough plan is useful, but some of the best parts of a road trip are the ones you never planned in the first place.

Before you set off

A quick check before leaving can save a lot of stress later.

• Double check your route for low bridges or vehicle restrictions.
• Confirm campsite bookings and check arrival times.
• Make sure you know where you'll refuel if travelling through remote areas.
• Check the weather, particularly if you're driving in rural or coastal regions.
• Keep a little flexibility in your plans in case you discover somewhere worth staying longer.

Ready to get away?

A little planning goes a long way when you're travelling by motorhome. Keeping your route realistic and your budget in check means you'll spend less time worrying about the journey and more time enjoying it. Whether you're planning a weekend break or a longer adventure, taking a slower approach usually leads to a much better holiday. Just enjoy the journey and you’re onto a winner.