4 Essential Tips for a Campervan Trip
Hey, campers! Are you excited about taking that campervan out of the garage and hitting the road? Of course, you are. Your dream campervan trip is within reach, but you’ll need to consider a few things before starting the journey.
In this article, we’re going to talk about some things you should and shouldn’t do before and during your campervan trip. So, here are four campervanning tips that’ll upgrade your campervan vacation.
Related: “Ultimate Travel Guide to Vietnam”
Choose the right van
Giving up the comfort of your home – electricity, hot water, internet, etc. – just to cram yourself into a tiny space for weeks. That’s just not right, is it? That’s why choosing the right van for your needs and wants is especially important. Should you go for a minivan, campervan, or caravan? Should you buy it or rent it? Should you choose a new van or a used one? Those are the questions you should decide with your partner(s) before hitting the road.
The types of campervan you need will largely depending on your family size and budget. Normally, most campervans will be able to accommodate two adults and two kids. If your family is bigger than this, it’s time for you to be creative. You can either bring a tent or get a hammock bed that can be hung over the front seat. If you’re a couple on a budget, a small campervan is a perfect choice for you.
Expect the unexpected
No trips are perfect, especially when it comes to campervanning. It’s definitely not only about taking naps in the middle of the day, reading a book while sitting under the shades, stargazing through the rooftop. It’s an exercise for you to practice flexibility and patience. Everyone has experienced some van problems while out on the road. Having a mechanical issue or getting lost can be frustrating, but it’s definitely part of the campervan adventure.
Now your van is also your home, it’s important to have it in the best condition and have a backup plan for when things go wrong. Make sure to clean the van in advance, stock up on essential supplies, fill the gas tank. Also, a good idea is to install a GPS map on your van or download a GPS map onto your smartphone to help you navigate the roads.
Pack the essentials
Remember that you’re travelling in a campervan with little storage space. Don’t get carried away and pack the whole house into the van. Pack only the essentials, and you’ll realize how much freedom living small can give you. Especially when you’re campervanning, the less stuff you bring, the more space you have to sit around. Here, I’ll list some essentials that you should bring along to your journey:
- Clothing: T-shirts, pants, underwear, one or two hoodies, a light coat, and socks (pack according to weather conditions).
- Toiletries: Shampoo bar, soap bar, wet wipes, insect repellent, and sunscreen.
- Food: Stock up on canned and dry foods and avoid buying snacks at the gas station. For vegetables, make sure to check out the farmers’ markets. But also take some kitchen staples for better food such as herbs and spices for BBQ meat such as brisket.
- Water: Always take enough water with you and keep everyone hydrated.
- Headlamp: Packing a headlamp is not going to disappoint you. It gets dark very fast out in the wilderness, so having a lightweight headlamp is helpful for your safety.
- Kitchen essentials: One small and medium pot, cutting board, plates, bowls, and cutlery. If you want to have BBQ nights, bring a small grill along.
- Fun things: Books, Bluetooth speakers and board games.
Keep your van clean and organized
Your campervan is your second home. It’s where you sleep, eat, relax, and do everything else. That’s why it’s important to keep the van fully functioning and organized. Even a small mess in a tiny space is enough to ruin your campervan experience. So, while planning for your van trip, remember to figure out ways to keep your space organized.
When it comes to organizing your campervan, containers or picking bins can be your lifesaver. If your van doesn’t have enough drawer and cabinet space, opt for plastic containers with lids. They are durable, transparent, and waterproof. It’s easy to see what’s inside, and you can stack them on top of each other to create more space for other stuff.
Make sure that you have separate containers for clothing, bedding, electronics, dry/wet foods, and hiking gear. Another pro-tip is to label each container and sort them in a way that’s easy for you to access.
Are you feeling inspired to get ready for your next campervan trip? If you’re already dreaming about days at the beach, hikes up in the mountains, and picnics with the family, then start planning your campervanning trip this summer. Remember to use those little tips and tricks to have a safe and fun campervanning experience with your family and friends!