AI Summary
Thinking about your first campervan trip?
It’s just as thrilling as it is confusing. One minute you’re imagining yourself sipping coffee by a quiet lake, the next you’re 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 totally 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 come with 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 leaving for your road trip, take a quick practice drive. Ten minutes in a safe parking lot beats twenty minutes of nerve-wracking city driving.
2 Map Manageable Distances and Stay Flexible
First-time drivers often underestimate how much energy driving a new vehicle takes. 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 hang around as you discover new things. If planning fatigue hits, fall back on a classic road trip route. Popular routes come with plenty of advice and support.
3 Confirm Exactly What Your Booking Includes
Once your vehicle and route are set, read the rental conditions to know exactly what comes with the keys:
- Mileage policy. Unlimited distance means total freedom.
- Additional driver. Essential if you plan to drive long stretches.
- Kitchen kit. Pots, plates, a kettle, and a sharp knife will save you restaurant bills.
- Bedding. Linen packages or sleeping bags keep nights cozy.
- Insurance cover. Third party liability is mandatory by law, but having roadside assistance or extra coverage can keep you worry-free.
Get all this sorted early to avoid surprise fees when you pick up the campervan.
4 Study the Van Before You Arrive
Most rental companies send walk-through videos and digital manuals after you book. Watch them before you leave so that fresh water valves, control panel icons, and waste tank handles are already familiar. When you pick up the keys, a quick review with the depot team will nail down the details instead of learning them from scratch.
5 Reserve Your Opening Campsites
After your wheels and gear are sorted, book the first two nights—especially if you arrive late or during school holidays. Pick sites with level pitches, hot showers, electrical hookups, and water refill points. A chill first evening builds your confidence and turns later detours into choices, not problems.
6 Keep the Living Space Tidy While You Travel
Even roomy motorhomes feel tight when wet towels, hiking boots, and snack bags spill onto the floor. Pack soft bags that squash into cupboards, use clear tubs to separate food and clothes, and stash heavy stuff low for better driving. Extras like portable heaters for chilly nights or power inverters for cameras can be stored neatly and keep the cabin clutter-free.
7 Don’t Stress: Campervan Life Is Flexible by Nature
Things won’t always go as planned—and that’s part of the fun. Roadworks, sudden rain, or full campsites will pop up sooner or later. In a campervan, these little surprises are just plot twists, not disasters. Change your schedule, chase the sunshine, or keep rolling to the next village. Many beginners come home loving the freedom even more than the destination.
Ready to Roll?
Your first campervan trip doesn’t have to be complicated. Choose a vehicle that fits your style, plan manageable driving distances, double-check the essentials, and arrive knowing how your campervan’s systems work. Add a touch of flexibility and you’ll unlock one of the most rewarding ways to travel. Indie Campers offers beginner-friendly booking tools, a worldwide depot network, and clear pricing so you can focus on making memories. Happy travels, and see you on the open road.
