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So consider renting an RV. There are many great RV rental companies that offer a number of well laid out smaller motorhomes. Most have their own kitchen areas, bathrooms and several beds. Additionally, all the hoses, cords and peripherals needed are supplied by the rental company. All you need to bring is a valid driver's license and personal items. They can also provide a wealth of helpful information regarding RVing in Europe, can answer your unanswered questions and provide emergency service for roadside breakdowns.
When I first looked at the price of RV rentals in Europe they seemed expensive. But once I crunched the numbers, they looked a lot better. Remember, an RV rental covers the majority of your lodging and transportation expense. You will have to pay for expensive European gas, but these smaller RV's are surprisingly fuel-efficient. Campground charges are very reasonable, and while boondocking (camping for free somewhere) is not as easy as in the US, it is possible with a little effort. Significant additional savings can be achieved by eating motorhome-cooked meals. Simply hit the grocery stores. Self-prepared food will be a lot cheaper than eating at a restaurant every night -- plus it is fascinating exploring foreign food shelves.
Unlike car rental companies, however, there aren't really any international RV rental companies. This means picking up an RV in one country and dropping it off in another is usually impossible, or it requires a very expensive transport fee to return it to the original rental site. With a little careful planning though, this isn't such a big deal. If you plan on covering a lot of countries, simply start in a central location, such as Germany and travel in a large loop, beginning and ending at the same point. Since travel distances are shorter in Europe, one can easily drive, say from France back to Germany, in a few days.
Obviously motorhome travel isn't for everyone. If you like every detail arranged for you on a trip, you probably won't like the extra legwork required to get your trip in order. But if you value a lot of freedom in your travel, you should certainly consider it. Once you know the general area you want to visit, start by contacting the RV rental company. Find out the details of their service, then plan your trip with and without an RV. A comparison will not only reveal that motorhome rental camping is very competitively priced, but the extra mobility it provides will allow you to visit many more areas you'd like to see, with far less effort.
