Make Your First Trip a Success

Setting out on your first campervan adventure is incredibly exciting, so to ensure a smooth, memorable and most importantly a fun-filled experience, here's our breakdown of some essential tips which tips we think will help you have a trip to remember.

Planning & Preparation

Some people may start with a short trip close to home, but some may be more adventurous and delve straight into a full on NC500 campervan road trip, however you do it, with a bit of preparation you will feel more confident and ready for adventures. We would suggest booking your campsite with an electrical hook up and trying to arrive by daylight so you can get used to how everything works in your new/hired campervan. Research your campsite or designated camping areas beforehand so it has got the facilities you require and you are not surprised if it doesn't have a shower, if you are not one for booking in advance, it might be worthwhile to have a book up plan just in case your chosen destination is booked out or public camping area is full when you arrive. Factor in driving time, a campervan isn't going to be as quick as your car. Pack light and do some research on the areas.

Pack Smart

Create a checklist to avoid overpacking. Focus on light clothing and space saving items, pack appropriate clothing and gear based on the forecast. Be prepared for unexpected changes and don't forget your spare socks, nothing worse than wet feet. Choose items that serve multiple functions, a campervan isn't going to be the biggest and you don't want to take up all your space with big, bulky items. Toiletries don't forget the essentials, but you are more than likely to be going close to, past or your site will have a shop, so you are going to be able to buy the things you need. Cooking supplies, most campervans/motorhomes have fridges so you will be able to bring the things you need, milk, breakfast items, tea(dinner) for the first night. Again, you aren't going to the Sahara Desert and will be able to restock as you go. Bedding; some people like sleeping bags, these are ideal as they pack small, and you can store them away in a cupboard or under the beds. but if you are like me and are going to take a duvet/dooner/comforter then normally with a pop top you will be able to lay it flat on the top bed and still close the pop top quite easily. Bin Bags are not just for waste but great for dirty and wet clothing.

Know Your Vehicle

Before your trip, spend time learning how everything works. When you collect a campervan from us, we will give you a good 30–40-minute demonstration of how everything works. If you are not hiring from us (why not?) We would expect the same from any person or company you're hiring from. We will show you how the swivel seat, rock n roll bed, hob, pop top, hook up etc. work. If you are not sure about something, just ask as you are being shown the campervan. No question is a silly question, especially if it's your first time. If you arrive at your campsite and you have forgotten everything you have been told, there are hundreds of YouTube videos you can refer to but if you are still unsure just give the rental company/person a call. Or find the campsite know it all, they will always be on hand to tell you something completely wrong.

Respect Nature

If you have decided to go wild camp, respect your surroundings and leave NO TRACE. Pack everything away, the animals don't need to live with your discarded rubbish for the rest of their lives. Observe animals from a distance and never feed them. Keep noise levels down, especially at night. Respect other campers' personal space. If you are staying on a campsite, take note of their rules. If you are planning on doing a bit of partying, then it is probably best not to book a campsite with an 11pm curfew. Most campsites will have this on their own website.

Relax and Enjoy the Experience

Campervan travel is about freedom and exploration. Take time to appreciate the scenery and create lasting memories. Take pictures (tag us in your Instagram photos). Remember, it’s meant to be fun so most of all, enjoy it!

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By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to a fun filled, memorable and fantastic first campervan adventure!