RV Europe

Want to live in Europe for a few summer vacations? That's what I want to do. I was stationed in Belgium back in the 70's at the 196th Station Hospital at SHAPE. I was a medic and my wife worked in the JAG office. We had a great time. Sometimes on a whim we would just drive to Paris or the Netherlands, or wherever. Our first RV was a VW van. I made it into a camper van. One of our favorite memories was touring England in this van. We found nice campgrounds and had an absolute blast! Because we wer RV'ing we were able to see and do stuff that the average tourists don't get to do, like going to local festivals, Highlands Games, out of the way villages, exploring abandoned castles and ruins. Ah, I want to go back and explore some more!
I want to purchase a 24 foot motorhome (the max size you want for European campgrounds) and ship it and store it in Europe. Being retired military we can take free flights to Europe and once there our hotel, kitchen and transportation are all there. It costs (as of 6 months ago) about $5,000 to ship a 30 foot coach to Europe. Why would we spend so much to send a US made RV to Europe. 1. Renting a tiny European RV is $900 a week peak season (which is when you would want to be there) 2. US RV's are much more livable in terms of ameneties, storage and overall space. 3. You can "rig" your RV for Europe while stateside (ie. solar panels, generators, LP adaptors, inverters, electric transformers and other assorted things). Then you can live in it a month or so to work all the bugs out before you send it over. RV storage is no problem in Europe as there are many secure storage lots, some are even covered.

Streets are small, but large trucks and busses navigate in Europe with no difficulty. General rule, if you see a bus or truck using the street so can you! The Euro (though expensive for exchange right now) is more convienient that 20 years ago when you had to change currency every time you went into a different country. RV parks are plentiful and convienient (like right downtown Paris).

I recently read "Take Your RV to Europe" (pictured above) and it is a must read if you are thinking about doing this. There is a link to where you can buy it here : http://www.intrepidtraveler.com/travels/rv-europe.html

There are also some motorhome clubs in Europe. Two are based in England and have a website finder here: http://www.caravan-sitefinder.co.uk/features/motorhomes/motorclubs.php

Here is the motorhome club website: http://www.motorhomeclub.com/

You don't need a special licence. You do need proof of insurance, and you can drop your insurance while it is in storage during the winter months. Get the book it will explain it all.

If you want to see and experience Europe, then consider doing it with an RV!