Spring will soon be upon us! It’ll be time to hit the road on your camper van trip pretty soon, with the weather getting warmer and the Easter holidays coming up.
There’s a lot to consider when planning your first camper van trips of the year and when checking your camper van over, particularly if it has been stored for the winter and hasn’t been used much.
In this post, we’ll run through some things to check with regards to your van and how to plan a safe and successful road trip to make sure you get the most out of your valuable holiday time.
1) Choosing The Right Campervan, Or If You Already Own One, The Right Equipment: If you don’t already own a camper van and are looking to purchase one, just give Elite Campers a call and we’ll do our best to assist. There are many different makes and models of campervans available, so it’s important to ensure that you choose one that suits your requirements and your budget. Even if you already have a camper van there are still many things to consider, such as how many people will be traveling, the amount of space you require, and the particular features or equipment you may need to suit your lifestyle and activities on this trip.
2) Packing the essentials: When traveling in a campervan you’re obviously restricted on space, it’s important to know how to pack light but also to make sure you have all the essential equipment. This will include things like bedding, cooking utensils, food and water supplies, outdoor gear like camping chairs, tables and a maybe a portable grill (unless your van has one fitted in the kitchen, of course!) Make yourself a comprehensive list of everything you think you might need for this camper van trip and then pair it down to the “must haves”. Don’t forget stuff for the dog if they’re coming too!
3) Planning your route: Before you hit the road, plan your route with Google maps or a similar app and plan your stops in advance. Also, make sure to have an offline map of the area you will be spending time in, just in case you’re in a “not” spot or your mobile device isn’t available for some reason. Book your camp sites in advance if you’re planning on a spot of glamping, or, if you’re going to be somewhere reasonably remote, make sure you know where the fuel stations and emergency facilities are. This will help you make the most of your time and ensure that you don’t miss out on any must-see attractions along the way or whilst you’re there, for the sake of a ten minute detour.
4) Staying safe: It’s important to be aware of all traveller’s safety when embarking on a camper van trip. This means ensuring that your vehicle, equipment and travelling companions are in good shape (don’t forget that first aid kit!) and that you have good travel insurance. You should also take precautions such as parking up safely, locking your doors at night and being aware of your surroundings. If you’re starting to feel unwell before a camper van trip, don’t try to “make the best of it” because you don’t want to let fellow travellers down. Postpone the trip until you’re in the best health for it, just in case the trip ends up being a disaster because you’re the only driver and you’re not well enough to drive or ensure everyone else’s safety.
5) Enjoy the journey: One of the best things about camper van road trips is that you’re able to take your time and enjoy the open road and the countryside or the coast. Take frequent breaks to stretch your legs, explore new places, and meet new people along the way. Don’t try to pack in too much so that the trip becomes hectic. Van life is all about relaxation, so allow yourself time to relax! Read a book, soak up the spring sunshine!
Overall, a camper van trip can be a wonderful way to see the world, experience different cultures, and forge lasting memories. Just remember to plan well ahead, stay safe, and enjoy the journey!
