Camper trip to Germany for the first time?

Have you had the idea to do a Camper trip to Germany this time?
Great, but where do you start?
In this article, I will explain step by step, where to start, what to do first, and how to make your dream come true
Quick menu:

Deciding on the destination
Choosing the right Camper for us
What do we book first? Flights or Camper?
Where and when do we pick up the Camper in Germany?
Planning a Camper trip itinerary in Germany
Budget for a family trip with children Camper in Germany

Deciding on a Destination

We are a family with children going on a Camper trip for the first time - where should we start?”

There’s no single “right” answer 😊. A Camper trip can be done to almost any destination in Europe, and the best choice depends on personal preferences, season, budget, and sometimes family constraints.

To help narrow it down, consider asking yourself:

• Where do we feel like traveling this time?
  Is it a country we’ve always dreamed of returning to, or a completely new destination?

• In what season do we want to travel?
  For example, winter trips in Europe are possible but can be more challenging due to the caravan’s water system, road conditions, temperatures, and accessibility of sites.

• Where have we not traveled before?
  Sometimes the greatest enjoyment comes from discovering surprising destinations.

• What type of trip is right for us?
  A relaxing family vacation, a trip with children, or perhaps a route combining nature, attractions, and active options like hiking or cycling - often called “Hiking-Biking trips.”

• Are there convenient flights at reasonable prices to the destination we’ve chosen?
  Sometimes, flight availability and cost will influence the choice of destination.

• Is there a suitable Camper in Europe for our family and budget?
  Make sure the vehicle model fits the size of your family, budget, and preferences - especially important when traveling with small children.

By considering these points, you can choose a destination that balances adventure, comfort, and fun for the whole family.

Another question I hear a lot is:
“Where is the most beautiful?” or “What’s the best place for a first Camper trip with kids?”

My answer is simple: everything is beautiful, and everything can be suitable!
Europe is stunning, North Europe is fascinating, South Europe is breathtaking, and West Europe and East Europe are simply a dream. Each destination offers its own unique beauty, and all of them are suitable for a Camper trip with children.

What really makes the difference is you - the type of experience you’re looking for, the pace you enjoy, and how you want to experience the road.

How do we choose the right Camper for our trip?

This is an important question that deserves a detailed answer. Please click Yes to read the full article: [How to Choose the Right Camper for Us for a Camper Trip?]

What should I book first - flights or a Camper?

When planning a trip with a Camper, it’s best to start with the vehicle availability. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1️⃣ Check Camper availability at Germany
Visit the Bandana website to see the status of the Camper you want:

• Available: The Camper can be booked immediately with confirmation.

• Confirmation within 24 hours: This may mean there’s only one left, or another request is in process. You can submit a reservation request without obligation or a credit card, and we’ll handle it quickly.

Depending on the response, we can reserve the Camper for you, suggest alternatives, or update you if it’s unavailable.

2️⃣ Verify pick-up and return details
Once availability is confirmed, check:

• Pick-up and return times

• Minimum booking days

• Any restrictions related to flight arrival or departure

Remember to account for:

• Time to collect luggage at the airport

• Travel time from the rental station (if not at the airport)

• Arriving at least 30 minutes before the station closes

Distances from the station to each Camper are displayed on the site for easy planning.

3️⃣ Check flights
After confirming your Camper:

• Search for flights online by date, time, and price

• Book the Camper first, then secure flight tickets

• Many online sites allow short-term free cancellation, giving flexibility to align with Camper availability

Friendly summary:

1. Check Camper availability at Germany

2. Request a temporary hold if necessary

3. Verify pick-up and drop-off times

4. Then book your flights

Tip: Don’t rush. If your flight schedule is tight, consider staying in a hotel the first night. Arriving at the rental station under pressure can start your Camper trip off on the wrong foot. Let the Camper lead your planning - the flights will follow smoothly.

Where and when do you pick up the Camper at Germany?

One of the most common mistakes among Camper travelers is overlooking the pick-up and drop-off times - and this can cost both time and money.

• Pick-up and drop-off location: Germany rental station

• Timing matters: If you arrive early but the Camper pick-up is scheduled for noon, you might spend several hours waiting unnecessarily.

Tip: Check with us about the possibility of adjusting pick-up or drop-off times, even for a small extra fee. Sometimes paying a little more can save time, stress, and even an extra night in a hotel.

How does the actual pick-up and drop-off work for a Camper at Germany?

At Germany, Camper pick-up and drop-off usually take place directly at the rental station during designated hours or by prior arrangement.

• Shuttle services: Some stations provide a shuttle to the rental station and back to the airport or hotel at the end of the rental.

  • At some locations, the shuttle is included in the price.

  • At others, it is available for an additional fee.

• Hotel pick-up options: Certain stations offer pick-up from selected hotels on the first morning and return at the end of the rental.

On our website, each station’s page details exactly what is included and what needs to be pre-booked:

What days can you rent a camper at Germany?

Most rental stations in Germany are open Monday through Saturday.

• Some stations also offer Sunday pick-up for an additional fee and by prior arrangement.

• Certain stations may be closed on Saturdays and holidays.

• During the winter season, operating hours can change, with some stations open only part of the week or with limited hours.

How do I plan a Camper itinerary in Germany?

A: Planning your first family Camper trip to Europe can feel stressful - where to go, how many days to spend in each place, and where to park. But first, relax 🙂 - it’s easier than you think.

There are parking lots at almost every destination. In some countries, motorhomes are everywhere; in others, they’re less common, but there’s always a place to park, sleep, fill water tanks, and flush the toilet. It’s all about planning ahead - or at least taking a relaxed approach.

Forget the old way 😅
In the past, people relied on obscure advice from friends-of-friends, sending old files of “perfect routes” from ten years ago. Sounds reliable? Not really. What worked for someone else may not work for you: different season, different kids, different pace, different preferences.

Routes aren’t copied - they’re built
Every Camper trip is unique: the scenery, weather, kids, and even the mood change everything. As a wise philosopher said:
“You can’t step into the same river twice.”
The same goes for your trip - no two are ever the same.

How to plan properly:

• Invest time (and sometimes a little money) to create a route that suits your pace, group composition, season, style, and interests.

• This is what turns a “Nice” trip into one you’ll remember and talk about for years.

For the spontaneous traveler:
If you enjoy going with the flow, traveling without knowing where you’ll spend the night, and embracing surprises along the road - that works too! Some of my best memories came from trips where I let the road guide me 😉

Bottom line:
Plan enough to feel confident, but leave room for flexibility - that’s the magic of a Camper trip.

What are the options for planning a Camper trip in Germany?

There are several ways to plan a Camper trip in Germany, depending on your experience, time, and preferences:

1️⃣ Bandana + Ready-Made Camper Route

This is the easiest and most professional option - saving time, money, and effort while maintaining full flexibility.

Advantages:

• Time-saving: No hours spent building a route - professionally planned and tested by other travelers.

• Personalized: Routes tailored to families with children, couples, backpackers, or short/long trips.

• Peace of mind: Know in advance where to stop, daily distances, and attractions - no unpleasant surprises.

• Affordable: Fully customizable and cost-effective.

Result: An easy, comfortable, and enjoyable Camper trip where you focus on experiences and family time while all logistics are arranged.

🎥 Watch a video about planning a caravan itinerary with [Bandana/RVPLAN.NET].

2️⃣ Independent Planning via RVPLAN.NET

If you prefer full control, this “Start from Scratch” option is ideal: [https://rvplan.net/]

Advantages:

• Complete freedom: Build your itinerary without pre-made limitations.

• Full customization: Select any points of interest, parks, towns, or hidden spots.

• Control pace and distances: Choose daily miles, length of stays, and trip intensity.

• Unique experiences: Discover less touristy places for a one-of-a-kind route.

• Flexibility en route: Easily modify the route while traveling.

• Sense of achievement: Satisfaction from planning every detail yourself.

Tip: Best for travelers with previous Camper experience. Bandana customers receive a 25% discount - contact us for a coupon.

3️⃣ Planning with a Travel Consultant (e.g., V.I.P Traveler)

Website: [https://viptraveler.co.il]

Advantages:

• Cultural and language support: Consultant speaks Hebrew and understands family and couple needs.

• Local market experience: Knows what works for Germany.

• Personal accompaniment: Tailored itinerary and advice beyond online resources.

• Security and peace of mind: Ideal for first-time Camper travelers.

Disadvantages:

• Higher cost: Personal consultation can cost hundreds of dollars.

• Less flexibility: PDF itineraries are hard to modify mid-trip.

• Outdated methods: Limited integration with digital platforms.

• Potential bias: Some consultants recycle ready-made routes.

Winning combination: Combine a consultant with RVPLAN.NET for professional advice and full digital flexibility.

4️⃣ Private Concierge Service

This is the most premium option.

Advantages:

• Fully personalized support at every stage.

• Tailored itinerary including every detail: travel times, points of interest, camping, kids’ activities.

• Close personal guidance - minimal decisions left to you.

• Perfect for those seeking smooth, confident, and worry-free travel.

Disadvantages:

• The most expensive option.

Summary Table of Options

How should I plan the budget for a family trip with kids in a Camper to Germany?

A: Budgeting a family Camper trip involves several key components:

1️⃣ Camper Rental

• Daily cost depends on the model and size of the Camper.

• Tip: Book in advance to secure availability and get a better price.

2️⃣ Fuel and Travel

• Costs vary based on distance and road conditions.

• Tip: Plan an efficient route with shorter stops to save fuel.

3️⃣ Overnight Stays

• Use designated parking lots for Camper.

• Cheaper options: Public parking lots or basic campgrounds.

4️⃣ Food and Meals

• Cooking in the Camper is the most cost-effective.

• Occasional meals at restaurants will increase the budget.

5️⃣ Attractions and Activities

• Parks, museums, and outdoor activities are great for family fun.

• Tip: Include free activities to save money.