Travelling in a campervan is a dream for many people in the world. More and more travellers are opting to invest in a campervan instead of staying in a hotel or hostel, giving them total freedom to explore wherever they want, whenever they want! Whether you plan to hit the open road to explore the UK, or even venture further afield, there are a few things you need to know before travelling in a campervan.
While you may dream of it being all about campfires and sunsets, it’s important to do your research and be organised before you head off on your adventure. With that in mind, here are 8 useful tips for living and travelling in a campervan.
If purchasing a campervan isn’t an option for you, it may work out a lot more economical and convenient to rent one instead. There are companies such as Outdoorsy which offer RV and campervan rentals with full third party support and insurance.
Finding a Campervan
First and foremost, there’s no trip without the campervan! When buying your very own, it’s important that you do as much research as possible. There are various websites that may be of use to you, such as Gumtree, eBay or Facebook marketplace, where you will find a wide selection of new and used campervans. It’s best not to go for the first one you see though. Comparing models and prices can help you figure out what is a reasonable offer.
Get Insured
Once you’ve purchased your campervan, you need to be aware of the extra costs that are involved. One of the most important of these is campervan insurance. You may want to check out companies like Quotezone who specialise in comparing campervan insurance quotes, helping you to get the best deal possible. Quotezone.co.uk aren’t owned by any insurance company, meaning their service is independent and unbiased. The place where you purchase your insurance may depend on the country you are in, for example in Canada, you have to take the basic level of insurance with ICBC in British Columbia and this varies per province.
Sleeping Gear
Your campervan will be your home away from home, so it’s only natural that you will want to make it as comfortable as can be. Whether you’re exploring for a couple of days, or a few months, it’s important that you have the right sleeping gear with you. The last thing you want is to have a bad night’s sleep, especially if you’ve got a full day of driving ahead of you! Make sure you are fully prepared for the right climate.
Pack the Essentials
Whether it be clothing, food and drink, or toiletries, there are lots of essentials that you will need to take with you. Although you’ll be able to purchase a range of items whilst on your travels, it doesn’t hurt to have things already in place. Instead of taking everything but the kitchen sink, try and stick to the essentials, ensuring you have space in your campervan to relax, unwind, and most importantly, drive!
Bring a Travel Buddy
While it may feel liberating to explore the open road alone, there is a heck of a lot of driving involved, especially if you want to venture further afield. Tiredness can kill, and you may get lonely from time to time, so having someone with you can really add to the experience. Whether it be a close friend or relative, sharing the driving and adventure together can make a big difference.
Stay Flexible
While you should do some planning before you head off on your adventure, it’s important to be flexible at the same time. You may have created the perfect itinerary, but things don’t always go according to plan. Try not to make your schedule too tight, otherwise your journey will feel like a chore, rather than something to enjoy. For example, if you’re really enjoying a particular area, why not stay a bit longer? At the end of the day, do what makes you happy!
Stay Hydrated
It always helps to carry plenty of water whilst on your travels. Staying hydrated throughout your trip is crucial, especially if you run into situations like your campervan breaking down in the middle of nowhere. The last thing you want is to be dehydrated, especially if you have a long drive in front of you. It’s important that you’re alert and on the ball when behind the steering wheel, so have a water bottle on hand to keep you hydrated.
Keep in Touch
Make sure that you keep in touch with your nearest and dearest whilst you’re away. Although it may feel exciting to get away for a bit and see new places, your friends and family will worry if they’ve not heard from you. Thankfully, there are lots of SIM cards that can be used all over the world, meaning you are never too far away from your loved ones. Giving your family and friends a call can really help too, especially if you feel homesick.
No matter where you plan to explore in your campervan, being in the know and taking all the tips listed onboard, can help make your adventure that little bit more structured and organised. Whether it be packing the essentials, bringing a travel buddy along for the ride, planning your daily drive, or knowing how to budget, these are just a few essential tips that you should know before you ride off into the sunset on your exciting journey ahead.
Share your useful tips for living and travelling in a Campervan in the comments below
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