With the expansion of the European Union, transport networks have developed providing good driving conditions. Tourism has increased and facilities have improved. A well-equipped VW camper offers practicality and economy, suitable for any adventure. It is your freedom and security.

The following tips may prove useful whatever type of camping you choose. With research and systematic planning future problems can be alleviated.

Be realistic when planning your journey, allow for some flexibility. Information gathering is crucial at this stage. Think about the resources required to fulfil your aims. Primarily these include your camper, its contents and any accessories attached to it. Remember also items that are required for your-self. Once your plans are complete, evaluate by making a short trip.

When driving abroad for the first time, take extra precautions. Invest in a 'Drive Right' indicator or make your own sticker. Extra care is needed as you start driving for the day. It's beneficial to have a passenger to navigate and check traffic coming from the left at junctions.

Ensure your camper is legal for the duration of the journey, service your vehicle and attend to any maintenance. Consider changing the cam belt. Anti-freeze is essential as night temperatures can fall. Carry spares and tools for repairs. Take a manual and a list of dealers in Europe, with provision for maintenance and repair.

Make yourself familiar with the necessary legal requirements for travel in foreign countries.

Some countries require 'Green Card' insurance cover. Specialist motor-caravan insurers offer this along with other useful benefits (Five Star European Breakdown).

It is essential to take all motor documents with you. In relation to your own personal requirements, travel insurance can offer some security in the event of accident or injury. Consider Internet banking and setting up an e-mail address. Travellers-cheques and credit cards can be used widely. Visas may be required in certain countries.

A Camping Card International allows easier access to campsites. Take a comprehensive medical kit and treatments for minor ailments. An emergency kit with sterile contents may prove useful in countries with inadequate healthcare.

Remember to take some items for occupying and entertaining yourself. The BBC World Service can be reached with a good short-wave radio.

Campsites are commonly used when touring, however, they can prove expensive and overcrowded in high season or may be closed at other times. Wild camping is a cheaper option but does require greater planning and consideration. (Security can prove to be a problem).

Essential services are needed, such as gas and electricity. Water is crucial for both washing and drinking. A large inboard fresh water tank is a good option. Mineral water can be purchased quite cheaply in most countries. Sometimes it's possible to find naturally occurring spring water at the roadside. A small hose can be used to extract water from a public tap. An in-line water filter and purification tablets can reduce the bacteria level. If in doubt, boil the water.

Camping Gas is available throughout Europe (except Scandinavia) on an exchange basis. Always carry a spare bottle.

A large Ampage secondary battery will supply power for a few days if you are careful. A 12 volt or solar-powered charger will recharge batteries for use in accessories. If you are stationary for long periods invest in a solar panel.

A porta-potti is always useful, even when using campsites. Public toilets can be used for emptying the contents if care is taken to clean up afterwards. In an emergency bury the contents in a remote place, away from the public and watercourses. Use eco-friendly toilet fluid.

Personal hygiene can prove a problem in a small camper. It is possible to make your own solar shower and attach it to the side of your camper. Motorway service stations
Sometimes provide showers and a strip wash is always an option. In southern Europe public showers can be found on beaches (but limit the use of soapy compounds).

When using campsites secondary batteries can be recharges and fresh water taken onboard. Waste products can be disposed of and it is an opportunity to wash clothes and take a shower. A mains hook-up facility provides all necessary power. Ensure you carry a Mains-Tester to check the polarity of the supply and an adaptor for the mains cable. An awning and a bicycle can be an advantage.

Storage is at a premium. Take lightweight clothing that can be easily hand washed, plus a few warmer items. Launderettes are easily found. Consider taking small, multi functional, inexpensive products. English foodstuffs can be bought in tourist areas. Lidl supermarkets are found almost everywhere.

Mobile phones are essential in cases of emergency (activate the roaming network). Sim cards can be bought abroad allowing for cheaper local calls. A less convenient but cheaper option is to purchase a phone-card for use in public call boxes. Internet
facilities are often available in urban areas.

When travelling to hot climates beware of the sun's intensity and troublesome insects. Blinds and a good quality 12volt fan may provide some relief. Mosquito nets can be placed on doors and windows and insect repellents can be used.

The security of your camper and its contents are of paramount importance. Vehicle theft is uncommon. However, valuables inside the camper are of greater risk. Laptops, cameras and mobile phones are often targeted by opportunist thieves. Take cash and credit cards with you as their loss can cause considerable inconvenience. Busy beaches, large supermarkets and socially deprived areas are places to avoid when parking. Consider parking outside cities and using public transport.

Place yourself amongst other motor caravans if possible. Appear to be inside the vehicle by closing the curtains and leaving a radio on. An old pair of shoes may be left outside the sliding door of your camper (if in an appropriate place). Put a dummy wallet, containing some cash and a couple of invalid credit cards in an obvious place, in the hope that the intruder will leave. To increase security, place an adjustable chain between the cab doors. This is essential whilst asleep at night. (Park in a well-lit area near a security camera, if possible). Always lock your vehicle when paying for fuel. Avoid being distracted by anyone and leaving the vehicle unattended.

Wild camping can be very useful, particularly when travelling long distances and in the need of a quick stopover. Show consideration to others, if you decide to stay only do so for a night or two, move during the day. Parking outside campsites and restaurants may upset the proprietor. Be discreet about your actions, especially when preparing and eating meals. Avoid the temptation to place items outside the van (tables, chairs, sun-beds).

Remember, ' Take only photographs, leave only footprints'.

It's not uncommon to be disturbed by noise at night whilst sleeping in your camper, particularly in car parks. Theft of items attached to your camper for example, bicycles, is a possibility, less likely are intruders entering whilst you are inside. For prevention, activate alarms and security devices. The adjustable chain, mentioned previously, should be used.

Try to avoid sleeping in service-areas near borders, bars, discos and remote places. Park with cover at least at the rear of the vehicle. Prepare yourself for a quick departure in an emergency, take note of an escape route. If in doubt, move away. If approached by someone appearing official, be courteous and polite, avoid opening doors and windows.

Most people who travel to Europe in their campers do so relatively trouble-free. However be prepared for the unexpected particularly when taking on a challenge and being more adventurous. Great satisfaction can be gained on the completion of your journey. My advice is to travel sooner rather than later. Increasing legislation and cost are inevitable. Bon Voyage.

Ian Rowden.