Many campers say that life on the road offers true freedom. You can travel from place A to B without needing a concrete plan. Don’t feel like driving? No problem! You simply find a place to park because your house is with you. For us, living in a camper is (almost) perfect. But we’ve also learned that sometimes, having extra transport options can be really helpful.
For instance, you might park on the outskirts of a city to visit the old town centre. The parking lot is too far to walk… Maybe you couldn’t find a safe spot closer? Or you’re in an environmental zone. In these cases, public transport, a bike, or a scooter can make getting around much easier. They can also give you a chance to explore the area differently.
During our travels, we’ve seen many different forms of transport from fellow campers. Skateboards, scooters, bicycles, and even small cars drive out of a camper. Anything is possible! However, we assume that storing a car is more of an exception. So, we’ll focus on the more practical options for your camper adventure. We’ve compared different transport options, each with its pros and cons. Hopefully, this will help you plan your next camper trip!
1. Exploring by Public Transport
Public transport comes in many forms, depending on where you are. You could park near a ferry, for example. One ferry we took once takes you from the parking lot straight into the heart of Lisbon. Other options include the bus, tram, train, or even a cable car. These transport options make it easier to get around without needing your van, and some work well alongside a camper trip!
Pros
Travelling by public transport offers many advantages:
- Affordable and eco-friendly: It’s often much cheaper than driving and helps reduce your carbon footprint.
- No parking hassles: You don’t have to worry about finding a parking spot, and it’s more comfortable since you don’t have to drive.
- Convenient: With a wide network of routes, especially in cities, it’s easy to get around. Plus, you can enjoy the sights and explore more of the area while travelling.
- Authentic experience: Public transport gives you a chance to experience a place like a local.
In short, public transport is an efficient, affordable, and sustainable way to travel!
Cons
While public transport has its benefits, there are also some downsides to consider:
- Limited availability: In some areas, especially outside cities, public transport may not be available at all, or there may be only a few buses or trains per day.
- Crowded and uncomfortable: Public transport can often be crowded, which can make the ride less pleasant.
- Less flexibility: You’re dependent on timetables and routes, which can limit your freedom.
- Weather concerns: Waiting at a platform or bus stop in bad weather is never fun.
- Less personal space: Compared to travelling in your own camper, you have less privacy and space.
- Costs can add up: In some places, public transport can be expensive, especially for longer trips.
While public transport offers many advantages, it’s important to consider these drawbacks when planning your trip.
2. Exploring by Bike
Another great way to travel, besides using your camper, is by bicycle. Biking is one of the most popular and flexible transport options to get around. There are many types of bikes available, and the right one for you depends on your needs.
- City bikes are perfect for everyday use.
- Hybrid bikes combine features of mountain and racing bikes.
- MTBs are built for off-road adventures.
- Electric bikes offer extra support to make your ride easier.
- Folding bikes are ideal if you’re short on space.
- Touring bikes are designed for long-distance rides.
- Tandem bikes are made for two people.
So, what kind of rides do you want to take? How much space do you have for a bike or bike? Would a bike trailer be an option? Trailers can be very useful but remember, they add length to your vehicle. This could mean higher tolls and make your camper more noticeable if that’s a concern for you. Also, consider the weight, especially with electric bikes, which tend to be heavier.
Pros
The great thing about travelling by bicycle is the flexibility it offers compared to public transport. You don’t have to worry about finding parking near a bus station or ferry terminal, and you can explore even the most remote places. Plus, there are plenty of other benefits to biking:
- Environmentally friendly: Cycling doesn’t pollute the air with CO2, making it a cleaner choice for the planet.
- Sport, adventure, and exploration all in one! Cycling is a fun way to stay active while discovering new places.
- Reduces stress and boosts mental well-being: The fresh air and physical activity can have a positive impact on your mood.
- Cost-effective: You save money on fuel, train tickets, and the maintenance costs are generally lower than those of a car.
- Super accessible: It’s easy to reach areas that might be difficult to access by car or public transport, allowing you to explore new spots with ease.
In short, travelling by bicycle is a healthy, sustainable, and practical way to get around, benefiting both you and the environment.
Cons
While the bicycle may seem like on of the perfect transport options, it’s not always the ideal choice for everyone. Here are some of the main disadvantages to consider when travelling by bike:
- Weather challenges: Whether you’re in chilly Austria or the hot Algarve in summer, cycling can become uncomfortable in extreme weather. Without much protection, staying comfortable can be tough.
- Limited storage space: Compared to a camper, a bicycle offers very limited space for luggage. This can be a problem if you’re planning long rides or need extra gear for hiking or a few days away.
- Physical effort required: Cycling requires stamina, and sometimes the destination may be too far, even for an experienced cyclist. Hilly or mountainous terrain can also make the journey much more tiring.
- Fewer bike-friendly areas: In countries like Australia, there are fewer cyclists on the road, and outside busy areas, cycle paths are rare. Drivers may not be as accustomed to sharing the road with cyclists, increasing the risk of accidents, especially for less experienced riders.
- Environmental impact in some areas: While cycling is more eco-friendly than driving, it can still have an impact in natural areas. Off-road cycling, especially outside marked paths, can contribute to soil erosion or harm local flora and fauna.
- Space in your camper: A bicycle takes up valuable space in your camper, potentially leaving less room for other essentials. Using a bike carrier can help, but it’s something to keep in mind. Also, if you’re considering an electric bike, make sure your camper’s electrical system can handle the extra power needed to charge it.
In conclusion, while biking is a great option for many, it’s important to weigh these potential drawbacks when planning your trip.
3. Exploring by Scooter
A scooter can be a fantastic addition to your camper trip, offering many advantages, especially if you’re looking for a convenient and flexible way to cover short distances. Here are the top reasons to bring a scooter along.
Pros
- Compact and Lightweight: A scooter takes up very little space in your camper and is much lighter than a bicycle. This makes it perfect for smaller campers or when you need to save on space and weight.
- Fast and Efficient for Short Distances: For quick trips, like heading to the supermarket, a restaurant, or the beach, a scooter is much faster than walking and more convenient than public transport. You can zip around the city or campsite without worrying about traffic or waiting for a bus.
- Great for Your Health: Scootering is a low-impact exercise, making it an enjoyable way to stay active during your travels. It helps improve your fitness, muscle strength, and endurance, while also boosting circulation and reducing stress.
- It’s environmentally Friendly: Like cycling, scootering is an eco-friendly way to get around. It produces zero CO2 emissions, helping to reduce the environmental impact of your trip and keeping your travels sustainable.
- Easy to Carry: Many scooters are foldable, making them easy to store in your camper when not in use. This is one of the great transport options for travellers who want to save space and avoid extra luggage.
- Accessible to Everyone: Scootering is easy to learn and suitable for all ages. It’s less intensive than cycling, making it a convenient option for most people to travel quickly and comfortably.
- Great for City Exploration: In cities or campsites where you need to cover short distances, a scooter is ideal. You can easily navigate narrow streets, parks, or paths—places where a camper may not fit.
- Cost-Efficient: Save money on public transport or taxis by using a scooter to reach your destination quickly and for free. It’s an economical way to travel.
- Easy to Maintain: Scooters are simple to maintain and have low costs. With no complex parts or expensive upkeep, they’re perfect for long journeys.
Cons
Here are 5 disadvantages of bringing a scooter along on your RV trip:
- Limited Speed and Distance: While scooters are great for short trips, they aren’t ideal for long distances. Covering more ground, especially on hilly terrain, can be tiring.
- Weather Dependence: Just like with cycling, your scootering plans depend on the weather. Rain, strong winds, or extreme heat can make it uncomfortable, limiting your flexibility.
- Takes Up Storage Space: Even though many scooters are foldable, they still require space in your camper. If storage is tight, it could be challenging, especially if you need room for other items.
- Not Built for Rough Terrain: Scooters are generally not designed for rugged or mountainous landscapes. If your travels involve a lot of off-roading, you may want to consider alternatives like a bicycle.
- Safety Risks: Scootering can be riskier than other transport options, particularly on uneven surfaces, busy roads, or if you’re not experienced. The risk of falling increases, especially in bad weather or when moving at higher speeds.
These factors may make taking a scooter less appealing, depending on your travel plans and preferences.
4. Exploring by Skateboard
Another great option for your camper is a skateboard. It’s lightweight, compact, and doesn’t take up much space, making it easy to bring along. However, a major downside is its reliance on good weather conditions — wet or slippery roads can make skating dangerous. Here’s a quick overview of the pros and cons:
Pros
- Compact and Lightweight: A skateboard is small and light, making it perfect for travelers with limited storage space in their camper. It takes up minimal room while still offering great mobility.
- Fast and Convenient for Short Distances: For quick trips to the supermarket, a restaurant, or the beach, a skateboard is much faster than walking and more convenient than waiting for public transport.
- Good for Your Health: Skateboarding is a fun way to stay active on the road. It helps improve balance, coordination, and endurance, offering a great workout while you travel.
- Low Costs: A skateboard is an affordable option, both in terms of purchase price and maintenance. You won’t need to worry about fuel or ticket costs, and upkeep is minimal.
- Easy to Carry and Store: Thanks to its compact design, a skateboard is easy to store in your camper without taking up valuable space, making it a practical choice for travelers.
- Accessible to Everyone: Skateboarding is relatively simple to learn and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s an enjoyable and accessible way to explore your surroundings.
Cons
- Speed and Distance Limitations: Skateboards are best for short trips and aren’t ideal for covering long distances or high speeds. They can become tiring on longer rides or on hilly terrain.
- Terrain Dependency: Skateboarding works best on flat, paved surfaces. It can be difficult, if not dangerous, to use on unpaved roads, gravel paths, or in mountainous areas.
- Weather Dependent: Like cycling and scootering, skateboarding is weather-dependent. Rain, snow, or strong winds can make riding uncomfortable and even hazardous.
- Limited Storage Space: While compact, skateboards can still take up valuable space in your camper, especially if you plan to bring multiple boards. This could be a concern if you already have limited storage space.
- Safety Risks: Skateboarding carries more risks than other transport options, especially on crowded or uneven surfaces. The risk of falling increases, particularly at higher speeds or in poor weather conditions.
A skateboard can be a fantastic addition to your RV trip, perfect for short distances and city exploration. It’s flexible, compact, and easy to store. However, it’s important to keep in mind its limitations, such as the terrain and weather conditions, as well as to prioritize safety during your travels.
Explore by Compact Transport
There are plenty of other transport options to consider bringing along on your camper journey, such as:
- Electric Unicycle (EUC)
- Monocycle (Unicycle)
- Inline Skates (Rollerblades)
- Hoverboard
- Trolley or Shopping Cart
- Mini Motorcycle or Electric Motor
- Tiny Car (Compact Car)
And of course, you can always stick to the most straightforward mode of transport—walking!
Enhancing Your Camper Journey: Choosing the Right Transport Options for Every Adventure
So far, we’ve mostly relied on public transport, rented bicycles, or taken ferries during our travels. However, we’re considering adding an electric scooter to our gear in the future. It takes up minimal space (which is crucial since we have limited storage), is lightweight (which helps us avoid exceeding weight limits), and is perfect for covering shorter distances.
No matter how you choose to get around, having the right transport options to complement your camper journey can truly enhance your experience. Whether it’s the flexibility of a bike, the convenience of a scooter, or the ease of public transport, each choice offers its own unique advantages. The key is to consider your destination, terrain, and personal preferences before deciding which mode of transport will best suit your needs. Ultimately, it’s all about exploring new places, staying active, and making the most of your adventure on the road.
Happy travels, and don’t forget to enjoy the journey—however you choose to explore!
Camper Stock photos by Vecteezy