AI Summary
Thinking about your first campervan trip?
It’s an exciting and confusing mix. One minute you imagine 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 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 spots, perfect for solo travellers or couples. Bigger motorhomes add fixed beds, indoor bathrooms, and plenty of storage, perfect for families or friends sharing the space. Still unsure? Start small, choose automatic transmission, and look for a rear view camera to help you manoeuvre better.
Pro tip: Before you hit the road, take a quick practice drive. Ten minutes in a safe parking lot beats twenty minutes of stressful 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. Plan your must-see stops and reliable fuel spots, but leave room to hang around as you discover new things. If planning gets tiring, fall back on a classic road trip route. Popular routes come with lots of advice and support.
3 Confirm Exactly What Your Booking Includes
With the vehicle and route decided, read the rental conditions to make sure you know what comes with the keys:
- Mileage policy. Unlimited mileage means total freedom.
- Additional driver. Important if you plan long drives.
- Kitchen kit. Pots, plates, a kettle, and a sharp knife will save restaurant bills.
- Bedding. Linen packages or sleeping bags keep nights cozy.
- Insurance cover. Third party liability is legally required; having roadside assistance or extra coverage can keep you worry-free.
Sort this out early to avoid surprise fees when picking up your campervan.
4 Study the Van Before You Arrive
Most rental companies send walk-through videos and digital manuals after booking. Watch them before you leave so fresh water valves, control panel icons, and waste tank handles already look familiar. When you pick up the keys, a quick recap with the depot team will lock in the details instead of starting from scratch.
5 Reserve Your Opening Campsites
Once wheels and gear are set, book your first two nights, especially if you arrive late or during school holidays. Choose sites with flat pitches, hot showers, electricity hookups, and water refill points. A calm first evening builds confidence and makes later detours feel like choices, not challenges.
6 Keep the Living Space Tidy While You Travel
Even spacious motorhomes feel small when wet towels, hiking boots, and snack bags are all over the floor. Use soft bags that squeeze into cupboards, clear tubs to separate food and clothing, and stow heavy items low for better handling. Extras like portable heaters for cool nights 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 might not always go as planned, and that’s part of the fun. Roadworks, sudden rain, or a full campsite will come up sooner or later. In a campervan, these hiccups are just plot twists, not disasters. Adjust your schedule, chase the sunshine, or move on 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 realistic driving distances, confirm the essentials, and arrive knowing how the onboard systems work. Add a bit of flexibility and you’ll unlock one of the most rewarding ways to travel. Indie Campers offers beginner-friendly booking tools, a global network of depots, and transparent pricing so you can focus on collecting stories. Happy travels, and see you on the open road.
