If you’re planning your first motorhome holiday, you’re likely full of excitement and can’t wait to get out on the open road. But in order to enjoy the moment in total peace of mind, you should take the time to organise and plan your trip before you hit the road.
Need some help? We’ve got some tips and tricks that could seriously improve your maiden voyage.
Choose your perfect motorhome
Think about the type of holiday you’re planning to have and consider what you need most from your motorhome. Factor in how much space you need – will you be spending more time inside during the day, or is somewhere purely just to sleep? Will you need bunkbeds for the teenagers?
A motorhome with a lounge area such as our Bruce Automatic will suit those looking for somewhere to relax during the day and for 4 adults would be the minimum size we’d recommend for hassle free night time sleeping arrangements. Wondering about kitchen facilities? Our vehicles are fully kitted out for cooking on the road – take a look at our Munro Automatic which has an oven and 3 ring hob alongside a large fridge with freezer compartment.
Don’t want to leave your four-legged friend at home? You don’t have to! We have dedicated pet friendly motorhomes, saving you money on expensive kennel fees. And if you’d rather drive an automatic than a manual, that’s also an option.
Find your perfect motorhome on our website where you can also check our up-to-date availability.
Ask the experts for guidance
As a family business with over thirty years’ experience in hiring, repairing and selling motorhomes as well as being avid motorhomers ourselves, there’s not much we don’t know about motorhomes and how to get the best from your trip! If you’ve never hired a motorhome before, you will likely have a lot of questions and we’re happy to advise on everything from the best motorhome for your trip, to how to hook-up your motorhome at a campsite – there are no silly questions!
Over the years we’ve found many hidden gems on our travels so if you’re looking for the perfect campsite or a route to try, we can point you in the right direction or make a recommendation. Our friendly team are always on hand for advice so don’t hesitate to pick up the phone or drop us an email.
Plan your trip – but allow time for relaxing
We know how tempting it is to pack as much as possible into your first motorhome adventure – there’s so much to see in bonnie Scotland! But bear in mind that you’re also on holiday and spending hours behind the wheel every day without stopping to really ‘smell the roses’ might not be what you’d hoped for. Make a list of your must-see spots and plan out the route on Google Maps to get an idea of the distance you’ll be travelling. Don’t forget to factor in some extra time for traffic hold-ups but most importantly to allow you to enjoy the beach, a family barbecue or just meandering through a town you haven’t visited before.
If you need help planning your route, VisitScotland have lots of useful itineraries.
Book your first and last night
Take the stress out of your first day of motorhome adventuring by booking your first night at a campsite in advance (we strongly recommend booking campsites well in advance this year to avoid any disappointment as demand is likely to be high). After a long day of being on the road there’s nothing better than pitching up, finding your perfect spot and settling down with a wee dram while you watch the sun go down.
The same goes for your last night – think about what time you’re due to return your motorhome and how far you have to travel back. Nobody wants to be getting up at 4am on the last day of their holiday just to spend hours behind the wheel! Try to plan your route so that you’re spreading the journey back over several days and you can enjoy the sights as you go.
What to pack
The best advice we can give is to do a big shop before heading off – get those all-important favourite foods in! That way you won’t have to worry about finding a supermarket straight away when you arrive at your first destination.
Pack light (trust us, you won’t regret it) but don’t forget the waterproofs to cover all eventualities. This is Scotland, after all! Check out one of our earlier Facebook posts for some recommendations from our customers.
All kitchen equipment and an outdoor table & chairs are included in your hire, and we have a range of optional extras you might want to consider. Throw in some favourite board games and a pack of cards and you’re ready to go!