Thinking about your first campervan trip?
It is equal parts exciting and confusing. One moment you picture yourself sipping coffee by a quiet lake, the next you are wondering which switch turns on the fridge. A few simple steps can turn those worries into pure excitement. The seven campervan tips below will help you leave the depot fully ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
1 Choose a Campervan That Matches Your Crew
Compact vans drive like cars and fit into normal parking bays, perfect for solo travellers or couples. Larger motorhomes add fixed beds, indoor bathrooms, and roomy storage, great for families or friends sharing the space. Still unsure? Start smaller, pick automatic transmission, and look for a rear view camera to help you manoeuvre better.
Pro tip: Before departing for your road trip make sure to take a quick practice. Ten minutes in a safe lot beats twenty minutes of white knuckle city driving.
2 Map Manageable Distances and Stay Flexible
First time drivers often underestimate how much energy a new vehicle demands. Aim for three to four hours on the road each travel day. Sketch out your must see stops and reliable fuel points, but leave room to linger around as you discover new things. If planning fatigue sets in, fall back on a road trip classic. Popular routes come with plenty of advice and support.
3 Confirm Exactly What Your Booking Includes
With vehicle and route sorted, read the rental conditions to make sure you know what arrives with the keys:
- Mileage policy. Unlimited distance grants total freedom.
- Additional driver. Vital if you plan long stretches.
- Kitchen kit. Pots, plates, a kettle, and a sharp knife save restaurant bills.
- Bedding. Linen packages or sleeping bags keep nights cozy.
- Insurance cover. Third party liability is mandatory by law, having roadside assistance or additional coverages can safeguard your peace of mind.
Line these up early and you will avoid surprise fees at pick up.
4 Study the Van Before You Arrive
Most rental brands send walk-through videos and digital manuals after booking. Watch them before departure so that fresh water valves, control panel icons, and waste tank handles already look familiar. When you collect the keys, a short recap with the depot team will cement the details instead of introducing them from scratch.
5 Reserve Your Opening Campsites
Once wheels and gear are settled, secure the first two nights, especially if you land late or during school holidays. Pick sites with level pitches, hot showers, electricity hookups and water refill points. A calm first evening builds confidence and turns later detours into choices rather than challenges.
6 Keep the Living Space Tidy While You Travel
Even roomy motorhomes shrink when wet towels, hiking boots, and snack bags sprawl across the floor. Pack soft bags that squeeze into cupboards, use clear tubs to separate food and clothing, and stow heavy items low for better handling. Extras such as portable heaters for cool evenings or power inverters for cameras can be neatly stored and keep the cabin clutter free.
7 Don’t Stress: Campervan Life Is Flexible by Nature
Things may not always go to plan and that is part of the charm. Roadworks, sudden showers, or a full campsite will pop up sooner or later. In a campervan, these hiccups are plot twists, not disasters. Shift your timetable, chase the sunshine, or roll on to the next village. Many beginners return home loving the freedom even more than the destination.
Ready to Roll?
Your first campervan trip does not have to be complicated. Pick a vehicle that fits your style, plan reasonable driving distances, confirm the essentials, and arrive knowing how the onboard systems work. Add a touch of flexibility and you will unlock one of the most rewarding ways to travel. Indie Campers provides beginner friendly booking tools, a global network of depots, and clear pricing so you can focus on collecting stories. Happy travels, and see you on the open road.
