Traveling with children in a motorhome: Practical guide in Spain
Traveling by motorhome as a family offers freedom and unique adventures, but requires extra planning to ensure comfort and safety for all. In Spain, traveling on the road with the kids can be an unforgettable experience if you take into account some key tips. Below, we present a detailed report with practical tips, essential equipment, recommended accessories, quiet games for the trip, current Spanish regulations, useful apps and checklists to make your next motorhome trip with children a success.
Practical tips and tricks for a comfortable and safe trip
Plan routes and stops with children in mind: When designing the itinerary, include destinations with children’s activities (nature parks, beaches, campgrounds with family areas or theme parks). A good trick is to schedule frequent stops in areas where children can play and expend energy (e.g., park near parks or green areas). This will make the trip more enjoyable for them and allow you to drive reasonable stretches without stress.
Maintain flexible routines and schedules: Whenever possible, respect children’s regular meal and sleep times. Adjust the pace of the trip to the age and needs of the children to avoid fatigue or moodiness. For example, if they are still napping, try to drive during that period or take a break so they can rest comfortably in their car seats. A flexible (but recognizable) routine will give them security even when away from home.
Involve children in the adventure: Involve them in trip preparation and small daily tasks. They can help choose between two destinations, prepare a backpack of toys or pick up the camper table. Giving them age-appropriate responsibilities (such as keeping an eye on a stuffed “co-pilot” or marking the sites visited on a map) keeps them entertained, excited and cooperative with the adventure.
Prepare snacks and easy meals: Traveling by motorhome allows you to bring your own kitchen; take advantage of this to have healthy and favorite food for the children always at hand. Before leaving, plan a simple menu and bring a variety of snacks (chopped fruit, crackers, nuts, water and juices) for breaks to avoid rushing around looking for restaurants and better cope with the unexpected “I’m hungry” during the trip.
Entertainment on the road: Keep games, stories, children’s music or downloaded movies on hand for long trips. We detail ideas for quiet games below, but be sure to keep some books, small toys or a tablet with age-appropriate offline content (ideally with headphones so as not to distract the driver) in accessible places. An organizer hanging from the back of the seat can be useful to keep these items tidy and in sight.
Safety first and foremost on the road: Before starting, make an interior check: make sure that all cabinets, refrigerator and doors are properly closed and locked (so that nothing falls with the movement). Keep backpacks or heavy objects in secure compartments or in the trunk, as they could be thrown out when braking. Each child should always travel with their seat belt fastened in their approved seat – no loose belts in the motorhome during the trip. An accompanying adult seated next to them can help attend to their needs without them having to unbuckle themselves.
Drive calmly and with foresight: Adapt your driving knowing that you have “restless passengers” on board. Avoid sudden braking and respect speed limits (motorhomes up to 3,500 kg can drive at a maximum of 120 km/h, but with children it is advisable to go slower). If a child gets dizzy, have bags and wipes at hand and consider taking more frequent breaks; it also helps to place the child prone to dizziness in the most forward position possible and in a well-ventilated area. At any sign of fatigue or restlessness in the little ones, find a safe place to stop and take a short walk.
Overnight in comfort and safety: When night falls, establish a cozy atmosphere. Use blackout blinds or curtains so they sleep without outside light (many motorhomes have built-in blinds; if not, an opaque window protector is very useful. Make sure that children’s beds have safety barriers if they sleep in bunk beds or high beds, to prevent them from falling during the night.autocaravanaconhijos.comautocaravanaconhijos.com. A small night light can give you peace of mind in the darkness of a new place. Remember that, in Spain, sleeping inside the motorhome is allowed as long as it is properly parked (more details in the regulations section), so choose quiet and safe places to spend the night, preferably motorhome areas or family campsites.
Essential equipment for traveling with children in motorhomes
For a comfortable experience, it is crucial to bring the right equipment, both to meet the needs of the children and to optimize the limited space in the motorhome. The following is a list of essential items by category:
Safety and travel: The appropriate child restraint system (CRS) is a must. Use approved seats according to the weight and height of each child, the same as those of the car, keep in mind that many motorhomes (especially older models) do not have ISOFIX anchorages, so you must secure the seat with the three-point seat belt.autocaravanaconhijos.com. Check that the chair is firmly on the seat (the motorhome seats are usually flatter than the car) by tightening the belt stronglyautocaravanaconhijos.com. We recommend models with their own 5-point harness and good side protection, which are more securely fastened without ISOFIX.autocaravanaconhijos.com. Never skimp on this element: the safety of children comes first, so invest in a quality seat.autocaravanaconhijos.com. Also, carry a complete first aid kit, including basic children’s medicines, thermometer, band-aids, disinfectant and any special medication they need. Finally, make sure you have a fire extinguisher, emergency triangles and extra reflective vests for all occupants (required by law and essential in case of breakdown).
Children’s rest: Ensuring a good night’s sleep is vital. If you are traveling with an infant or toddler, consider bringing a collapsible travel crib or playpen where they can sleep and play safely. There are compact portable cribs that fit in the cabin; some families opt to have the baby sleep in the bunk bed with an adult, but a space of its own is safer. For children sleeping in the bunk beds of the motorhome, install anti-fall nets or barriers (one usually comes standard for the upper bunk, but not for the lower one).autocaravanaconhijos.com. If your vehicle does not have it, a universal bed barrier of about 1 meter is useful to prevent them from rolling out while sleeping.autocaravanaconhijos.comautocaravanaconhijos.com. Also bring their favorite children’s pillows or sleeping bags to give them a sense of home (many families prefer sleeping bags instead of sheets and comforters, because they are lighter and keep the little ones covered all night. Don’t forget a stuffed animal or cuddly toy that they usually sleep with; that object will provide comfort in new surroundings.
Meals and children’s kitchen: For meals on the road, a portable highchair is essential if you are traveling with babies or children who cannot reach the table yet. There are fabric or booster seat models that attach to the dining room chairs of the motorhome. They take up very little space when folded (some can be stored in a bag the size of a cell phone).autocaravanaconhijos.com and allow you to feed the small safely at any table, inside or outside (even in restaurants that do not have high chairs available). To avoid spills, a non-slip silicone tablecloth-plate that sticks to the table is very practical: it serves as a children’s plate and at the same time prevents them from throwing it on the floor.autocaravanaconhijos.com. Use unbreakable tableware (plastic or melamine plates and glasses) and children’s cutlery. Bring an electric kettle or portable bottle warmer if your baby drinks formula or baby food, so you can heat water in a few minutes on the campsite’s battery/220V. For supplies, pack plenty of diapers, baby food or baby food that your children usually eat – you may not be able to find their favorite brand easily in some rural areas. Don’t forget a good supply of drinking water for preparing bottles or washing fruit (in addition to the camper’s tank, bring an extra bottle if your children consume a lot).
Child hygiene and toiletries: Plan how you will manage the hygiene of the little ones away from home. It is essential to have a changing bag with enough diapers, wet wipes (a large packet, wipes are used a lot when traveling).autocaravanaconhijos.comA diaper cream, diaper protection cream and waterless hand washing gel for emergencies. If you are in the diaper phase, consider a potty or portable toilet adapter: they are very compact and you will avoid trouble if the child asks you to use the toilet when there are no toilets nearby. For showers, many campsites offer family bathrooms, but inside the motorhome you can use a collapsible baby bathtub or a large basin to wash the little ones. Bring their soft towels and some netting to store bath toys if you think it’s necessary. Of course, pack all their toiletries: children’s toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo and neutral gel (in little travel bottles to save space), comb, moisturizer and high-screen sunscreen. Also useful is a small portable clothesline or a rope with clothespins to dry wet clothes or towels (many motorhomes include an exterior awning where you can tie them discreetly).
Organization and storage: Space is gold in a living vehicle. Use accessories that help you keep everything in order and take advantage of every nook and cranny. Seat organizers (the kind that hang behind the cabin seats) are ideal for storing toys, books, tissues and tablets in visible pockets.autocaravanaconhijos.com. Use folding boxes or stackable containers for children’s clothes and other belongings: for example, a toy box (they can take it out during the day and store it in a closet when sleeping). Travel bags with compartments help separate each child’s clothes or by type (coat, bath, etc.). A trick: label or draw pictures to identify the spaces for each item, so the kids themselves know where each toy or garment goes. Don’t forget to bring some sturdy garbage bags and zip bags; they’re vital for collecting waste, storing dirty clothes or isolating damp items until you can wash them.
Several additional essentials: Traveling with children means being prepared for the unexpected. Be sure to bring a flashlight or rechargeable headlamp (in case you need to look for something at night without waking others).autocaravanaconhijos.com. Also, some hooks with suction cups or adhesives come in handy to hang backpacks, bags, coats or even the baby’s backpack in the AC bathroom.autocaravanaconhijos.com. If you are going to take a baby stroller, it is better to use an umbrella-type folding stroller or a sturdy baby carrier: these accessories make walking trips easier and take up little space in the motorhome. Finally, a child safety kit for the passenger compartment is never superfluous: socket protectors (if the model leaves them within reach), stoppers or locks for low cupboards that can open, rubber corner protectors for furniture with points at the height of a child’s head, etc. And if your motorhome doesn’t have screens on all the windows, consider equipping it with some temporary Velcro netting to prevent mosquitoes from ruining the little ones’ rest on summer nights.
Recommended accessories for motorhomes with children
In addition to the basic equipment, there are specific accessories that make life on board with children easier. These accessories, although not essential, are very useful to increase comfort and fun during the trip:
Travel play table: This is a padded tray that is placed on the child’s legs when seated in the chair. It includes raised edges and side pockets. With this accessory, the little ones can draw, play with cars or do puzzles without the toys falling on the floor during the trip . autocaravanaconhijos.com. It is ideal to entertain them on long trips keeping everything within reach and avoiding distractions from the driver (no need to bend down to pick up pencils constantly).
Organizers and extra storage: We already mentioned seat organizers and folding boxes. We add the mesh or net bags that can be hung from the ceiling or bunks to store light stuffed animals or bedding; and the practical multipurpose hooks (carbine type or with Velcro fastener) that allow you to hang diaper bags, bags or toys from the coat rack or curtain rods.autocaravanaconhijos.com. These organizational accessories are inexpensive and avoid chaos in a small space.
Ultra-light travel highchair: The aforementioned fabric highchair or portable booster seat is one of the most valued accessories for traveling parents.autocaravanaconhijos.comautocaravanaconhijos.com. Its portability (some models fit in a small bag) and versatility (they fit in any standard chair) make it essential for comfortable meals inside and outside the motorhome.
Portable Bed Barrier: Already covered in the rest section, we repeat it here because of its importance. A folding safety rail prevents night falls and adds peace of mind to parents and children.autocaravanaconhijos.com. Look for one that fits the dimensions of the bed of your motorhome; many are universal and adjustable.
Non-slip placemat with integrated plate: This is a simple but effective invention for mealtimes. It acts as a plate for the child and at the same time it is fixed to the table, which prevents the child from throwing it or easily spilling the food.autocaravanaconhijos.com. As it is made of flexible silicone, it is easy to clean and can be rolled up for storage.
Magnetic or roll-up mosquito net: If you are traveling in warmer months, a mosquito net for the motorhome door (some are adjustable with magnets to the frame) will allow you to leave the door open to ventilate without letting insects in, creating a cool and bite-free environment for the kids.
Baby monitor or intercom: It may sound like overkill in the confined space of a motorhome, but if you have a baby and want to sit outside under the awning while he naps inside, a baby monitor will alert you if he wakes up. Very reliable short-range radio models are available, so you don’t have to rely on mobile coverage.
Room thermometer and portable fan: To make sure children sleep at an appropriate temperature, carry an indoor thermometer. In summer a small battery-operated or USB fan can be a lifesaver to cool the bunk area (many campers use clip-on fans attached to the bed). In winter, check that the heating is checked and perhaps include a warm children’s sleeping bag as an extra accessory in case the heat fails in the middle of the night.
Entertainment and technology: A rugged tablet with a protective case is a common accessory these days – fill it with educational content and children’s movies for boredom emergencies. Just pair it with limited-volume children’s headphones so only they can hear the sound (so you keep the overall “volume down”!). Other useful gadgets: a rechargeable nightlight that changes color (the kids love it and it’s very energy efficient) and simple walkie-talkies for the campsite – the kids enjoy radio communication when they play around the motorhome, and you can easily call them for lunch.autocaravanaconhijos.comautocaravanaconhijos.com.
In short, equipping your motorhome with these accessories will make your trip safer, tidier and more enjoyable. Many of them are small or foldable, specifically designed not to take up space, something crucial when traveling with the whole family in a few square meters.
Low-volume, space-saving game ideas for travel
Keeping the kids entertained on the road without creating too much noise and mess is a challenge. Fortunately, there are quiet games and activities that work very well in a motorhome:
Games of observation through the window: Classics like “I see, I see” never fail. It consists of one person saying “I see, I see…” and giving a clue (“a blue thing…”) and the others must guess what object is in sight. Another variation is to play at counting certain elements: for example, who sees a motor home first, how many red cars do we count in 5 minutes, and how many red cars do we count in 5 minutes? These activities keep them attentive to the scenery and can be done in a low or moderate voice.
Chain stories and riddles: Take advantage of the time on the road to stimulate their imagination. You can play a game of making up a story together, where everyone adds a sentence to the narrative. Or tell them anecdotes from your childhood and then ask them to make up an adventure. Also ideal are age-appropriate riddles (write some down or look in a book) and games of thinking of a character or animal for others to ask yes/no questions until they guess (the classic “Who am I?”). These pastimes are verbal, require no materials, and are low volume.
Reading and audio stories: If children already read, a good children’s book will keep them quietly engrossed for a good while. For the youngest, bring illustrated stories to show them images while you read to them in a soft voice. Another idea is to play audio stories or children’s audio books with headphones, so that each child can listen to his or her favorite story without background noise. Many libraries have audio stories available, download them before the trip.
Soothing music and songs: Music can be soothing during the trip. Create a playlist of soft children’s songs or lullabies to play at low volume; this may even encourage them to fall asleep on the way. If they want to sing, encourage them to do so but as a “sing-a-long game” so as not to be too distracting. Another option is to give them quiet toy instruments: for example, soft maracas, a drum with padded drumsticks, or simply have them tap out the rhythm.
Drawing and coloring: A quiet, creative activity. Prepare a folder with sheets of paper, coloring books and a small box of pencils or markers. With the aforementioned travel table or a hard binder as a base, they can draw without making a mess. Magic boards or LCD drawing tablets are also great: kids can scribble, erase with a button and draw again, all without noise or loose parts. Avoid play dough or similar on the go, as they can fall off and get messy; best to save them for when you’re parked.
Simple card games: A children’s card game (such as Uno, Dobble, family cards, etc.) can be adapted to the small space. If two children are seated together in the back dinette, they can play with each other on the table (put a non-slip cloth underneath to prevent the cards from sliding). Classic games such as “families of cards”, memory (pairs) or even a travel domino with small pieces, require a low voice and concentration. Make sure you are on straight stretches or with little movement so they don’t get dizzy looking down.
Magnetic or linked-piece toys: Magnetic travel games are ideal because their pieces are not easily lost. For example, magnetic puzzles, a magnetic tangram, a magnetic checkerboard, and even magnetic building blocks (Magna-Tiles or shaped magnets) that stick together. Children can assemble figures on the table without the pieces scattering with a bump. Another resource are themed magnetic books (they come with character magnets to make scenes on the pages).
Tablets and electronic devices: Although screen time should be limited, a tablet with educational games or downloaded videos is a valuable asset. Reiterate the rule of using headphones so as not to invade the sound space of others. You can even turn it into a game: “whoever talks loudly loses the tablet for 5 minutes”, encouraging them to keep their tone low. There are also apps for family games such as trivia or riddles that can be played as a team without generating noise, or drawing apps where they can create and then show their “works” to everyone.
In general, the key is to alternate activities so they don’t get bored: a little window watching, then a story, then a talking game, then drawing, etc. Prepare an arsenal of small games before the trip (consulting with them about what they would like) and have them on hand. You’ll see that with a little creativity, children can entertain themselves quietly for hours, making the ride quiet for the driver and fun for them.
Current regulations in Spain on children traveling in motorhomes
Traveling with children in a motorhome in Spain involves complying with the same road safety regulations as in any passenger car, in addition to some specific considerations. Let’s review the key points of the current regulations:
Child Restraint Systems (CRS): Spanish law requires that all children of a height of 135 cm or less always travel with an approved CRS suitable for their size and weight. This also applies to motorhomes: there is no exception for mobile homes. Each child must travel in an approved seat with a buckled seat belt or CRS harness, and never travel in the arms of an adult or sharing a seat belt. Babies cannot travel in carrycots or cradles without anchoring; they must travel in their maxicosi or corresponding seat correctly fastened. As a general rule, children must travel in rear seats; in the motorhome this usually means the dinette or bench seats behind the cabin (which are equipped with seat belts). A child may only be carried in the front seat if the vehicle has no free rear seats or they are all occupied by other children, and always with the co-driver’s airbag deactivated if his or her seat is rear-facing.
Approved seats and seat belts: It is essential to respect the number of homologated seats in the motorhome. Each occupant, child or adult, must travel in a seat with a seat belt. It is not allowed to carry more people than there are seat belts. Some older models offered more sleeping places than travel places; in such a case, the capacity is limited by the available seat belts. Children are not allowed to ride on unbelted side seats (typical side sofas in very old motorhomes), nor obviously on stools or furniture. Make sure before leaving that all the seats they will use have three-point belts (or at least two-point belts in places where this is allowed, although for child seats only three-point belts are really suitable).
Movement inside the vehicle: It is forbidden to move from the seats or unbuckle the seat belt while driving. Children and adults must remain seated and secured. It is not allowed, for example, to “go to the refrigerator” or attend to a child in bed while the vehicle is in motion. Specifically, the DGT states that beds or bunk beds may not be used while driving; all passengers must be seated with their seat belts fastened. This means that it is not legal to lay the child down on the rear bed to sleep during the trip or to carry the child on the table transformed into a bed. Any napping or playing in beds must wait until you are parked. Failure to comply with this rule carries penalties: a fine (usually 200 €) to the driver for allowing passengers without the proper posture, and another individual fine for not wearing a seat belt If it is a minor without CRS or improperly placed, the offense is committed by the driver (200 € and 4 points less in the license).
Overnight stay and camping with children: Sleeping inside the motorhome (called overnight stay) is legal in Spain as long as the vehicle is properly parked and no external elements are deployed. Your children can rest in the beds of the motorhome during the night just like in a campsite. It is considered that you are still “parked” and not camped as long as the vehicle touches the ground only with its wheels (or integrated leveling legs), without taking out awnings, tables, chairs, or pouring liquids outside. Therefore, you can sleep, cook or use the toilet on board while parked, but not set up “camp” outside. With children it is tempting to take out a stroller, toys or set up an advance, but outside campgrounds or designated areas that could be considered illegal camping. Many families spend the night in motorhome areas or authorized parking lots for peace of mind, as they are usually safe places and sometimes with services (water, toilets). Remember to always respect municipal ordinances: some municipalities expressly prohibit overnight stays in certain areas (e.g. near beaches or natural parks). If a site has a “no motorhomes allowed” sign at night, it is best to look for another site to avoid fines of up to 200€. In general, “free” overnight stays are possible and legal, but be aware of local regulations and apply common sense (well-lit places, do not isolate yourself in an unsafe area, etc.), especially with children.
Other legal aspects: All passengers count for legal purposes, so children should also be included in the vehicle insurance (almost all motorhome policies cover occupants at no extra cost, but it is worth checking). Take the children’s documentation in order; to travel within Spain the ID card is enough, but if you are going to go to Portugal or France, they will need an ID card or passport. The traffic regulations that affect the motorhome (speed limits, parking, ITV, etc.) apply equally when traveling as a family. For example, if your motorhome weighs more than 3,500 kg, remember that your maximum speed is 90 km/h even if you are on the freeway. And if you use boosters or old approved seats (ECE R44/04 regulations), keep in mind that since 2019 the i-Size approval (R129) is in force; you will not be fined for using an R44 seat that was legal at the time, but it is recommended to upgrade to the new ones for greater safety. In any case, follow the installation instructions provided by the CRS manufacturer and the recommendations of the DGT: use a rear-facing seat for as long as possible (minimum until 15 months, ideally up to 4 years), and preferably place it in rear seats with a three-point belt.
In short, motorhomes do not exempt from complying with all road safety rules with children. You have to be as strict as in a car: child seats properly anchored, seat belts always on and no improvised situations. By following these rules, you will travel safely and avoid penalties. And a final note: never leave children alone in the motorhome for even a minute, especially in summer – the inside of a parked vehicle can heat up quickly. At any stop, it is best to get out together or have an adult supervise, for the safety of the little ones.
Useful tools and applications to search for family attractions and services
When traveling by motorhome with children, it’s helpful to rely on mobile apps and websites that make it easy to find family-friendly sites. Here are some useful tools in Spain to locate playgrounds, kid-friendly restaurants, nearby restrooms and other services:
Check our caravan areas in Andalusia: In our search engine you can find the best ones, filtered by attractions, services or location.
Flush – Toilet Finder: Do you need a public toilet urgently? This free app shows you locations of nearby toilets, indicating whether they are free or paid and even if they have access adapted for strollers or disabled Even if the motorhome has a toilet, sometimes it is more convenient to use a public one (for example, to empty a child’s potty). With Flush you will be able to quickly find the nearest toilet on the road or in the city, avoiding uncomfortable “emergencies”.
Google Maps: The ubiquitous Google Maps remains a powerful tool. Beyond navigation, use it to search for specific services nearby: type in “playground”, “restaurant with playground”, “pharmacy” or “service area” and you’ll get local results instantly. Google Maps has the advantage of a huge database: “whatever you search for, it’s on Google Maps”. In addition, you can read reviews from other parents about restaurants (many mention if there are high chairs or a children’s menu) and see photos of parks. A trick: save your planned family destinations (e.g., a children’s museum, a water park) in advance in “Your Places” so you have them marked on the offline map. Don’t forget to download offline maps of rural areas where there is no good coverage.
Poin (Family Points): It is a Spanish app designed just for plans with children. With Poin you can find nearby places suitable for families, from train stations, museums, restaurants, cafes, to baby stores. The interesting thing is that it provides details about each place, such as whether it has a baby changing table, high chairs, children’s menu, accessibility with stroller, etc.. It even allows you to book activities or tables from the same platform. It was born in 2020 from the hand of enterprising moms and has a very useful child accessibility approach. So if you’re in a city you don’t know and you’re looking for, say, a kid-friendly restaurant, Poin will show you nearby options rated by other parents. It’s like a TripAdvisor that specializes in families.
Playground apps: The kids have been sitting for hours… nothing better than finding them a good playground to play in. There are global apps like Playground Buddy, which has a database of more than 200,000 playgrounds around the world and uses your location to show you the closest ones. Another similar app is Geoparkids, developed in Spain, which helps locate public parks and also children’s playgrounds. These apps don’t always have all the parks, but they can be a good starting point to discover playgrounds in towns or neighborhoods you are visiting for the first time. Tip: if you don’t have these apps, simply searching for “playground” on Google Maps or Maps.me will point you to most local playgrounds (they usually appear with a swing icon).
Other travel utilities: With children it is important to anticipate unforeseen events, so also consider: a reliable weather app such as Meteored or AEMET, to avoid bad weather ruining a day of outdoor games. Also, if you take bikes or want to do easy hiking trails, the Wikiloc app offers nearby routes filtered by easy or kid-friendly level. And for extra fun on route, Geocaching (mentioned above) can become a family game: many caches are easy and are in parks or monuments, the kids love to search for “treasures” with the mobile. Finally, if you need to refuel frequently (motorhomes consume more), the GasAll app shows the cheapest gas stations in Spain, useful for saving on long trips.
In short, technology can be your greatest ally when traveling with children. Before leaving on your trip, install and test these apps to familiarize yourself with them. With the right tools, you’ll quickly find everything your family needs: from a swing to a pizza to that essential toilet, so you can focus on enjoying your trip with the peace of mind that every need is just a couple of clicks away!
Pre-departure checklists
When traveling as a family, good preparation is the key to success. So that you don’t forget anything important, here are some practical checklists that you can review before setting off with your motorhome:
✔️ Documentation and papers:
Personal documents: ID card or passport for everyone, including the children’s health cards (and the family book if you are traveling alone with children, for possible verifications). If you are going abroad, the European Health Insurance Card and/or travel insurance with medical coverage.
Vehicle documents: vehicle registration certificate, technical data sheet with current MOT, valid motorhome insurance (green card if you go abroad). Check that your policy covers occupants and roadside assistance.
Other: Credit/debit cards, some cash (not all sites accept cards, especially small tolls or small campsites), driver’s license (of course) and camping cards or discounts (e.g. ACSI card if you have one, or International Camping Card).
✔️ Vehicle and mechanics:
General overhaul: Days before, take the motorhome for a tune-up: oil levels, coolant, windshield washer fluid, condition of brakes and belts. Tires in good condition and well inflated (including the spare tire); adjust the pressure according to the manufacturer’s instructions, considering the load you will be carrying.
ITV and permits: ITV in force (that coincides with the dates of the trip) and if the vehicle is a rental vehicle, all papers in order. Special permits if you are carrying a rear bicycle carrier with V-20 plate, etc., that everything is correctly positioned.
Exterior elements: Check that the awning retracts and closes well, that the skylights and windows open/close smoothly and that the blinds/shades are operational. If you have solar panels, clean them for maximum performance. Remove any antennas or non-fixed accessories that may fly off during operation.
✔️ Preparing the motorhome (the day of departure):
Water and tanks: Fill the tank with clean water before leaving (unless you know you have easy water at destination and prefer to carry less weight). Check that the water pump is working and there are no leaks. Empty the gray water tank and the chemical toilet if they were used, to start the trip with everything clean.
Gas and electricity: Turn off the gas cylinder while driving (for safety reasons it is mandatory in many models, unless you have SecuMotion system). Check that the auxiliary battery is 100% charged; connect to 220V the night before or make sure with the solar panel. Carry flashlights and spare batteries. Check the operation of the heating, refrigerator, stove and other appliances before leaving, to avoid surprises later.
Safe interiors: Store everything well: dishes and food in locked cabinets, nothing loose on countertops. Lock the refrigerator door and drawers (many refrigerators have travel locks). Lower the toilet lid and make sure the trunk door is locked. In the cabin, put sunshades or tablets in place so they don’t become projectiles.
Child seats installed: Place the child seats in their corresponding positions before leaving. Take the time to anchor them correctly with the belt or ISOFIX base if applicable, and test the harness tension of each child. A safe child is a well-restrained child, so don’t leave this to the last minute in a hurry.
✔️ Essential for children:
Children’s hand bag: Prepare a backpack to carry in the cabin with basic items: wipes, a change of clothes easy to take out, snacks, water, a bag in case of motion sickness, pacifier if they use it, etc. This way you avoid having to go in the back while driving.
Feeding: Enough diapers for the whole trip (or at least for a couple of days, you will replace them), formula milk if they drink (and bottled water to prepare it), baby food or favorite food, and their cutlery, bottles or special cups. Don’t forget bibs and a plastic base to protect where they eat.
Sleep and comfort: Their favorite stuffed animal or blanket to sleep with, spare pacifiers, warm pajamas (nights can get chilly) and a flashlight or projector star if they use it for sleeping. Also foam earplugs if any are sensitive to nighttime noises (e.g., at a noisy campsite).
Adequate clothing: Comfortable clothes for traveling (tracksuits, leggings), easy to put on/take off shoes. Warm and rainy clothes even if it is summer (in the mountains the weather changes), sun hat, swimsuits and towels if you go to the pool/beach. For the children, take more changes of clothes than you think necessary – between games and accidents, they get twice as dirty. And remember to pack rest shoes for everyone (flip-flops or slippers), useful inside the motorhome and campground showers.
Entertainment: Select toys that will take up little space and that they will enjoy the most. Examples: stories, a tablet with drawings, card games, small dolls, magnetic constructions. Do not take the whole collection of toys; better few but versatile. Charge batteries of tablets, laptops, cameras and powerbanks the night before. Also include paper, colored pencils and a new game or surprise to take out in case of “boredom emergency”.
✔️ Several important:
Cooking and cleaning: Basic kitchen utensils (frying pans, small pot, spatula, can opener, etc.), plates, glasses and cutlery (best unbreakable). Matches or lighter if your stove is not piezoelectric. Food supplies for at least 2 days: pasta, rice, canned food, milk, coffee/tea 😉 whatever you usually consume. Cleaning supplies: dishwasher, scouring pad, rags, garbage bags, paper towels, and toilet chemicals if needed.
Navigation and routes: GPS or cell phone with holder; paper maps as backup (especially if you are going to areas with poor coverage). Addresses of campsites or planned areas noted. List of useful coordinates (e.g. service areas en route).
Safety and emergency: In addition to the first aid kit mentioned above (check medication expiration dates), carry a small extra fire extinguisher if you have space, a triangle or approved V-16 light, and a belt cutter/glass breaker handy in the cabin. A reflective vest for each accessible stowed occupant. And don’t forget your insurance’s roadside assistance phone number.
Finally, before you start, do a final walk-through: is everything locked, stowed and secured? Mirrors in place, TV antenna down, electric step pulled up? Children in their car seats, doors locked – done! If you follow these checklists, you will reduce the probability of forgetting something important and you will be able to start your trip with the peace of mind of having everything you need. Now it’s time to enjoy an unforgettable family adventure on the road. Have a good trip!
