Places to avoid in a motorhome

Looking for an adventurous way to see a new country? You’ll have everything you need at your fingertips with a motorhome holiday, the perfect way to explore new destinations. There are, however, a few places you might want to avoid in your RV. After all, big cities with small roads can prove troublesome to navigate in a larger vehicle! So here are some hotspots to avoid on your motorhome adventure - but with some fantastic alternatives, so you won’t be missing out!

New York, USA - visit Boston instead

New York is an amazing city, but it can be difficult to navigate in an RV - especially for beginners! Think about all those tiny streets, the infamous traffic, and no-nonsense locals! These are just a few reasons why it’s best to avoid visiting the Big Apple in a motorhome.

Luckily, there is an excellent alternative close by - and that’s the city of Boston. About three and a half hours’ drive north from New York, this picturesque city is full of landmarks that will have you experiencing and understanding American history in a new light. It’s still a relatively big city, but there are several RV parks on the outskirts of “Beantown” that make it a breeze to get around.

If there’s one thing you do when you pick up your campervan in Boston, make sure it’s the Freedom Trail. This is a 2.5-mile route through the city which links together 16 historical sites relating to the American Revolution. Get ready to see the Benjamin Franklin statue, the beautiful Boston Common park and so many other exciting gems.

Venice - visit Tuscany instead

When you think of Venice, you probably conjure up romantic images of old cathedrals, canals and gondolas… and RVs don’t tend to fit into that picture! When it comes to Venice, you’re going to have to embrace the waterways and your own two feet for transport.

Fortunately, there are some wonderful alternatives for your Italian motorhome adventure. Trade in narrow streets and waterways for the wide-open Tuscan countryside. If you’re a beach bunny, head to the coast where you’ll find lush forests, charming seaside towns and an endless array of beaches. Capezzolo is a popular beach town, while La Feniglia’s seven kilometres of sand are unforgettable.

If your soul calls you to the mountains, then Tuscany also has everything you could dream of. A great place to start is the Garfagnana district, where views of the Panie mountain Apuan Alps will take your breath away. Hike nature trails to your heart’s content, and visit the many historic towns dotted through the region.

Simply pick up your motorhome in Florence and make your way into the Tuscan countryside at your leisure - trust us, so many wonders await.

Death Valley, USA - try Joshua Tree instead (summer)

There’s nothing like travelling America in a motorhome - it’s certainly one for the bucket list. But did you know that during the summer months, most motorhome companies won’t insure you if you travel to the otherworldly landscapes of Death Valley National Park? That’s because it’s one of the hottest areas on Earth, and temperatures can stretch above 50 degrees Celsius. Its remote location also makes it a riskier place to be if you break down in the heat.

If you’re travelling in the summer months, play it safe and head to Joshua Tree National Park instead. Both National Parks will make you feel as though you’ve landed on another planet, so it’s the perfect substitute.

Hire your motorhome from Los Angeles and make the two and a half hour drive to this park where your jaw will drop to the ground at the sight of incredible giant boulder formations, thousands upon thousands of Joshua Trees, and desert stretching out to the horizon.

Rome - visit the Italian Lake District instead

Rome is another Italian gem that is best avoided in a motorhome. The ultimate way to experience this iconic destination is on your own two feet, wandering the spellbinding networks of narrow lanes and historic buildings, getting lost along the way.

The good news is that once you’ve explored Rome on foot, you can head to another more motorhome-friendly region in Italy - the stunning Lake District. This is home to Lake Como (famous for being a favourite holiday spot of George Clooney!), Lake Maggiore, Lake Lugano, Lake Iseo and Lake Garda.

Each lake has its own many charms. Lake Como is famous for its dramatic scenery and elegant mansions, Lake Maggiore is beloved for its gorgeous islands, and Lake Garda is renowned for its vineyards and gardens.

Hire a motorhome from Milan and drive to Lake Como to start things off - it’s an easy 1.5-hour drive. From there, you can discover the rest of the region’s enchanting lakes.

So now you know a few cities and regions to avoid on your motorhome holiday - but hopefully you’re feeling inspired to explore some new and different destinations! There are so many places around the world perfect for RV travel - so where will you visit first? Let us know in the comments.