Never Hired A Motorhome Before? Here's How To Plan Your Summer Trip

Summer holidays don't have to mean overcrowded airports, strict hotel check ins or expensive last minute bookings. A motorhome puts you in control of your route, your pace, your rules. If you've never hired a motorhome before, the idea can feel a little daunting. It really isn't. Here's everything you need to know about how to plan your summer trip.

Work Out Where You Want To Go First

Before you think about vehicle size or kit lists, get the destination sorted. The UK alone has extraordinary landscapes such as the Scottish Highlands, the Jurassic Coast, Snowdonia and the Norfolk Broads, all of them far more enjoyable when you can wake up in the middle of them rather than driving in from a B&B twenty minutes away.

If you'd rather head to Europe, France, Spain and the Netherlands are popular with first time motorhome travellers for good reasons — they are home to well maintained roads, excellent campsites and plenty of space to explore at your own speed.

Choose The Right Vehicle Size

Motorhomes come in several layouts and picking the right one for your group makes a real difference to comfort on the road.

Two people – a 2-berth is easy to drive, park and manoeuvre on country lanes
Families – a 4 or 6-berth with a fixed rear bed and dining area gives everyone space
Groups or longer trips – a larger A-class or coachbuilt model offers the room to genuinely relax, with proper kitchen and lounge space

If you're a first timer, don't automatically reach for the biggest option. A mid-size vehicle is usually the sweet spot between comfort and confidence behind the wheel.

Book Your Campsites In Advance

Summer is peak season, when the school holidays have begun, particularly in August. Pitches on well-located sites, especially coastal or national park spots, fill up fast. Plan a rough route and book your key nights early, even if you leave a few nights flexible for spontaneous stops along the way.

Apps and site finders make it straightforward to compare sites, check facilities and secure your pitch before you set off.

Get Your Packing Right

One of the most common first timer mistakes is overpacking. Motorhomes have storage, but it's limited and weight affects fuel economy and handling.

Stick to the essentials:

Bedding, towels and a few changes of clothes
A basic toolkit and spare bulb (most hire vehicles carry these)
Portable outdoor furniture if your itinerary includes scenic stopover spots
Food staples for the first day or two; most sites are near shops

Your hire vehicle will come equipped with kitchen essentials, so there's no need to pack your entire cupboard.

Understand What's Included In Your Hire

A good motorhome hire company will be upfront about what's covered. Check whether your package includes breakdown cover, mileage limits, bedding, a full gas cylinder and any required safety kit for European travel. Read this before you collect the vehicle, rather than at the handover — it saves time and avoids surprises.

Just Go is one of the UK's leading motorhome hire companies, with a modern fleet, clear pricing and depots across the country. Whether it's a long weekend in the Lakes or a three week European adventure, the team is on hand to match you with the right vehicle and make sure your first hire goes smoothly.

Get in touch with us today to begin planning your first motorhome trip this summer.