Pro Tips for a European Caravanning Adventure This Summer

Many of us spend the winter daydreaming of soaking up the sun on our summer vacations. As spring arrives, it’s time for people in the UK to start planning their summer getaways.

Everyone’s ideal vacation looks different, and this is reflected in their holiday searches. But one trend that has surfaced is an increased interest in caravanning holidays.

Towergate Insurance, specialists in caravan insurance, have recorded a rise in people looking up caravan holidays in the UK, with 60,500 searches reported in 2024 so far.

While some families may stay in the UK for their caravan holiday, others are considering taking their mobile retreats to diverse European destinations.

This has led Towergate Insurance to ponder whether holiday-goers are fully aware of what’s needed to caravan abroad. To address this, they’ve prepared a useful guide for a smooth trip.

Essential Documents

No matter where you roam in Europe, it’s crucial to have certain documents on hand in case you need them:

• Driver’s license
• Vehicle registration
• Insurance certificates (for both the car and caravan)
• Passport

Caravanning in France

France, a long-favoured destination and the UK’s close neighbour, is particularly appealing for caravanners because of its accessibility through ferries and the Eurotunnel.

However, French law is strict about driving with a caravan. You must carry a high-vis vest and a warning triangle in your vehicle, and it’s mandatory to turn your headlights on during the day while towing, which may be news to British drivers.

Legally Required Gear: Warning triangle, first-aid kit, reflective jackets for all passengers, country sticker, and a breathalyser.

Caravanning in Spain

When thinking of Spain, its beaches come to mind thanks to its extensive and beautiful coastline. The country is also famed for its rich history, heritage, and well-loved cuisine, like tapas and paella.

In Spain, you must have a warning triangle in your vehicle. If you’re towing, you need two. High-visibility vests for each occupant in the car are also mandatory.

If your vehicle with the caravan exceeds 12 meters, you must display a marker board that indicates the length of your setup.

In contrast to French rules, Spain doesn’t require daytime headlight use for towing vehicles, yet headlights are required in tunnels.

Legally Required Gear: Two warning triangles, a spare tire, reflective jackets for each person, spare bulbs, and a country sticker. Also, if you have overhanging loads like bike racks, attach marker boards. You must have two external mirrors for towing.

Caravanning in Italy

Italy is known for its rich culture and famous gastronomy and boasts areas like the Alps and stunning lakes, including Como and Garda.

A caravanning trip to Italy may seem ambitious, but with about 1,500 miles between Calais and Rome, it’s surprisingly manageable.

Italian driving laws are somewhat more relaxed compared to Spain and France. You must have a warning triangle and a high-visibility vest with you. Also, keep your headlights on when passing through tunnels.

Legally Required Gear: Warning triangle, a first aid kit, country sticker.

Caravanning in Croatia

En route to Croatia, you’ll encounter amazing scenery and stumble upon picturesque coastal villages, vineyards, and serene pine forests.

Croatian laws are quite similar to those of its neighbors. You must have high-vis vests for all vehicle occupants and a warning triangle – two if you’re towing.

Daytime headlight usage is required, but only from October to March. An uncommon requirement that stands out in Croatia is the mandate to always have a first aid kit in the vehicle.

Legally Required Gear: Two warning triangles, reflective jacket, first aid kit, spare bulbs, and a country sticker.

Here’s an outline of what you need for a caravan trip to top European spots.