The motorhome isn't just for big trips. In fact, one of its greatest advantages is how easy it makes short getaways: a weekend, a long weekend, a night in the middle of the week. No hotel booking, no packing, you just grab the camper and go. Making the most of these little trips is what makes owning a camper so worthwhile. Here's how to get the most out of them.
The great advantage: ease
With the camper more or less ready, a short getaway is child's play: load the food, fill the water tank and go. That immediacy is what lets you make the most of any long weekend or weekend without the planning a big trip needs. The fewer steps to get going, the more getaways you'll take.
Keep the camper "ready to go"
The trick used by anyone who takes lots of getaways: keep the camper almost always ready. A permanent basic kit on board (kitchenware, bedding, the essentials), so you only need to add fresh food and little else. That way, leaving takes minutes. We cover it in what to bring and storage.
Choose somewhere close and take it easy
For a short getaway, don't go too far: you'll waste time driving. Choose a destination one or two hours away, with few stops, and enjoy it at a relaxed pace. Near almost any city there are great spots for a night or two: a charming village, a reservoir, a mountain range, a beach.
Make the most of even one night
Don't underestimate the power of a single night away. Leaving on a Friday afternoon to sleep in the middle of nature and coming back on Saturday or Sunday is more of a reset than a weekend at home. The camper makes "getting away" incredibly easy, even midweek.
Practical tips
- Find the site or spot before you leave, especially on busy long weekends.
- Have your autonomy ready so you don't depend on a plug for a short trip (see how much battery you need).
- Keep meals simple and travel light: it's a getaway, not an expedition.
In summary
Short getaways are one of the camper's greatest advantages: easy, immediate and hugely refreshing; the trick is keeping the camper ready to go and choosing somewhere close. The step you can take today: leave a permanent basic kit in the camper (kitchenware, bedding, essentials) so your next getaway is just a matter of loading the food and setting off; you'll take a lot more of them. And if it's your first time, check out tips for beginners.
