It sounds simple, right? Just pick one and go. But this step wasn’t just part of the plan—it was the plan. It took us years of research, late-night conversations, online rabbit holes, and family debates to figure out what kind of vehicle would carry our dreams across Europe and we’re so glad we took our time.
Starting the Research: More Than Just Wheels
Motorhome or caravan? Ford or Fiat? Diesel or petrol? Buy in-country or import? The questions seemed endless. And the truth is, this early stage of research can make or break your trip.
While we were busy comparing specs and floorplans, another layer of planning emerged—visas. The kids and I are Romanian citizens, which meant we had the freedom to move around the EU. But Gabby isn’t an EU citizen, so our visa strategy got complicated.
Could she travel with me on my visa? Would she need her own long-stay permit? This quickly became a bureaucratic maze, and let’s be honest—everyone you ask has a different opinion. Friends. Forums. Facebook groups. Everyone wants to help, but here's the truth:
✅ Do your own research. Triple-check everything.
❌ Don't rely on “someone said…” advice.
Immigration law, motorhome regulations, insurance rules—they vary by country, and mistakes here can ruin your dream before it begins.
Traveling With Kids: The Practical Layer
As parents, we had more to consider than just wheels and visas. European countries have strict rules around car seats, boosters, and safety gear for children. What applies in France may not apply in Austria or Germany.
Then there’s the question of city permits: Can you drive a motorhome into Paris? What about emissions zones? Do we need special toll passes for tunnels or bridges?
Every country is different, and it’s your responsibility to know before you go.
Budgeting for the Journey - Let’s talk money.
Buying a motorhome isn’t cheap, and we had to face a hard truth: this is an investment, not a vacation splurge. So we asked ourselves:
How much can we realistically afford?
What’s our comfort level with second-hand vs. new?
What are our non-negotiables (kitchen? beds? toilet?)?
The idea wasn’t just to travel—it was to travel affordably and authentically. A motorhome would let us save on hotels, restaurants, and flights, and give us something more valuable than all of that: freedom.
Beyond the Big Cities: The Real Europe
Most people fly into a European capital, take a few selfies at famous landmarks, and check the country off their list.
But that’s not Europe.
The soul of Europe lives in its tiny villages, forest trails, cobbled backroads, and roadside bakeries. It’s in the misty mornings in the Alps and the random picnics by a lake in Slovenia. It’s in saying bonjour to a stranger in a forgotten French village and hearing “Guten Tag!” from a local farmer in Bavaria.
Our motorhome wasn’t just a vehicle—it was our gateway to the hidden gems. We still wanted to visit iconic spots like the Louvre or Disneyland Paris with the kids, of course. But we also wanted more. And this kind of travel delivers it.
The Big Question: Caravan or Motorhome?
One of the biggest debates we had was this:
Do we go for a car + caravan combo or a motorhome?
Caravan + Car:
✅ More flexible once parked.
✅ Easier city access with a small car.
❌ More complex to tow, park, and set up.
❌ Requires a strong tow car (think big engine, good torque).
❌ Takes time to set up and tear down every time you move.
Caravans can be great if you plan to stay in one spot for longer stretches—beach resorts, mountain lodges, etc. But for our fast-moving itinerary? It wasn’t ideal.
We watched others set up their caravans in Australia, New Zealand, and across Europe. It often took 30–60 minutes: leveling, gas hookups, power, awnings, wheel blocks, stabilizers. That’s time we could spend making lunch for the kids or exploring a new town.
And then there’s the rain. Pop-up caravans with fabric sides? Not fun when wet. Add kids into the mix, and the idea of stopping mid-drive to cook a quick meal seemed almost impossible.
Why We Chose a Motorhome
Here’s what tipped the scale:
🛠 Purpose-built: Ours is built on a Ford Transit twin-axle chassis, made to carry heavy loads without breaking down.
🧰 Engine power: A 2.4L turbo diesel engine that’s been used for delivery vans all over Europe. Reliable, proven, and powerful.
⚖️ Legal compliance: Stays under the 3.5-ton limit, meaning I can drive it on a standard B-class license.
🧭 One unit, no setup fuss: Just park, hit the handbrake, and we’re home.
Caravans require a powerful tow car, and let’s be honest—many modern small cars in Europe aren’t built for long-term towing. They may look good on paper with their turbocharged 1.2L engines, but add a full-size caravan, and your drivetrain is in for a rough ride.
We didn’t want to take that risk. Our motorhome gave us peace of mind, mobility, and convenience all in one.
What’s Next?
In the next blog post, I’ll take you behind the scenes of how we searched for our perfect motorhome—including the unexpected country where we began our journey. (Spoiler: it wasn’t where you'd expect!)
So stay tuned, and if you're starting your own adventure, remember this:
The journey doesn’t start when the wheels roll.
It starts with a plan, a dream, and a whole lot of research.
Until next time—happy planning!