How to Plan a Motorhome Holiday Itinerary
TL;DR Plan a motorhome trip by choosing a region, mapping a flexible route, balancing campsites and stopovers, keeping drives short, and leaving room for spontaneity.
Planning a motorhome trip is one of the most exciting parts of travel. The open road, the freedom to explore, and the ability to change plans as you go are all part of the appeal. However, having a well-thought-out route can make your journey smoother, more enjoyable, and far less stressful.
If you’re wondering how to plan a motorhome holiday itinerary, this guide will walk you through everything you need to consider—from choosing destinations and overnight stops to building in flexibility and making the most of your time on the road.
Start with Your Destination (or General Direction)
The first step in planning a motorhome itinerary is deciding where you want to go.
This doesn’t have to be a strict, fixed route. Instead, think in terms of:
- A region (e.g. the Lake District, Cornwall, Scottish Highlands)
- A theme (coastal drives, food and drink tours, etc.)
- A timeframe (weekend, one week, or longer)
Having a general direction helps you structure your journey without overplanning every detail.
Decide How Long You Have
Your itinerary should always reflect how much time you actually have.
Ask yourself:
- How many days are available?
- Will you be travelling every day or staying in places for longer?
- Do you prefer a fast-paced trip or a slower, more relaxed experience?
A common mistake is trying to cover too much ground. In a motorhome, less is often more.
Plan a Rough Route (Not Every Kilometer)
When learning how to plan a motorhome holiday itinerary, it’s important to strike the right balance between structure and flexibility.
Instead of planning every turn, map out:
- Your starting point
- Key destinations or stops along the way
- A rough route connecting them
This gives you direction while still allowing for spontaneity.
Choose Where to Stay Each Night
One of the most important parts of any motorhome itinerary is deciding where you’ll stay overnight.
Campsites
Campsites are ideal if you want:
- Electric hook-up
- Showers and facilities
- Longer stays in one location
They’re particularly useful for:
- Multi-night stops
- Family trips
- Recharging your motorhome systems
Motorhome Stopovers
For one-night stays, motorhome stopovers are often more convenient. This is where Brit Stops becomes especially valuable.
With Brit Stops, you can stopover at over 1,400 fantastic locations, including:
- Pubs
- Farm shops
- Vineyards
- Attractions
These stopovers:
- Don’t charge campsite fees; just purchase something during your stay
- Are Ideal for breaking up journeys
- Are located across the UK and Ireland
Including Brit Stops locations in your itinerary allows you to travel more flexibly and discover places you might otherwise miss.
Plan Your Driving Distances
Motorhome travel is not the same as driving a car. Roads can be narrower, speeds slower, and journeys more tiring.
As a general guide:
- Aim for 2–4 hours of driving per day
- Keep distances manageable (around 150-200 kilometers)
- Allow time for breaks, fuel stops, and detours
Shorter driving days make the journey more enjoyable and less stressful.
Factor in Road Types and Accessibility
The UK has many beautiful rural routes, but not all are suitable for larger vehicles.
When planning your route:
- Avoid very narrow country lanes where possible
- Check for low bridges and weight restrictions
- Use motorhome-friendly navigation tools
- Look at satellite views if unsure
Taking a few extra minutes to check routes can prevent difficult driving situations later.
Build in Flexibility
One of the biggest advantages of motorhome travel is the ability to change plans.
Even the best itinerary should allow room for:
- Unexpected discoveries
- Weather changes
- Recommendations from locals
- Longer stays in places you love
Using flexible overnight options like Brit Stops makes it easier to adapt your plans as you go.
Plan Activities (But Don’t Overload Your Schedule)
It’s tempting to fill your itinerary with activities, but try to leave space to relax.
Instead of overplanning:
- Choose a few key attractions or experiences
- Leave gaps for spontaneous stops
- Allow time to enjoy your surroundings
Motorhome travel is as much about the journey as the destination.
Consider the Time of Year
Seasonality plays a big role in motorhome travel in the UK.
Summer
- Longer days
- More campsites open
- Busier roads and destinations
Spring & Autumn
- Fewer crowds
- Beautiful scenery
- More availability
Winter
- Shorter days
- Some sites closed
- Ideal for cosy pub stopovers
Adjust your itinerary based on daylight hours and weather conditions.
Use Apps and Tools to Help Plan
Several tools can make itinerary planning easier.
Helpful resources include:
- Campsite directory websites
- Motorhome travel apps
- Navigation apps
- Weather apps
These tools allow you to:
- Find overnight stops quickly
- Adjust your route in real time
- Stay informed while travelling
Pack with Your Itinerary in Mind
Your travel plan can influence what you need to bring.
For example:
- Longer off-grid stays require more water and supplies
- Campsite-heavy trips may need hook-up cables
- Winter trips require extra heating and insulation
Packing appropriately ensures a smoother trip.
Have a Backup Plan
Even with careful planning, things don’t always go to plan.
It’s always wise to:
- Identify alternative overnight stops nearby
- Have a secondary route option
- Keep emergency supplies on board
A flexible mindset makes unexpected changes much easier to handle.
Responsible Motorhome Travel
Wherever your itinerary takes you, it’s important to travel responsibly.
- Only stay where permitted
- Respect local communities
- Support businesses that welcome motorhomes
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave no trace
Responsible behaviour helps keep destinations open to motorhome travellers.
How to Plan a Motorhome Holiday Itinerary FAQ
Final Thoughts
Learning how to plan a motorhome holiday itinerary is about finding the right balance between preparation and freedom.
By mapping out a loose route, choosing suitable overnight stops, and allowing flexibility along the way, you can create a journey that feels both organised and adventurous.
With options like campsites for longer stays and Brit Stops for unique overnight stopovers, planning your route becomes part of the enjoyment.
Take your time, explore new places, and embrace the freedom that motorhome travel offers.
