A beginner's guide to campervanning

There’s no greater feeling than the freedom of the open road with the comforts of home in tow. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply longing for a change of scenery, campervanning offers an immersive and flexible way to travel. Let us ease you into your first trip with our ‘beginners guide to campervanning’.

Plan your trip (but not too much!)

Of course, hopping in your van to head off on a spontaneous trip is always a good idea but don’t forget that sometimes in the high season, pitch ups can get booked up well in advance.  Planning a route ahead can help you make the most of your time away. Think about the places you’d like to visit, the distance between each location and the pitch-up options available at each destination but don’t get too hung up… part of the adventure is the unknown!

Get app savvy

Before embarking on an adventure, make sure you download and familiarise yourself with the top apps for campervan travel.

Pack the essentials

Packing for a trip can sometimes be stressful but it really needn’t be! Our ‘packing list essentials’ will help you get on your way hassle free!

Observe camping etiquette

It’s so important that we respect the wonderful nature and wildlife this world has to offer so following the golden rule ‘leave no trace’ is imperative! Be mindful of others, keep noise to a minimum at night, always observe local signage and when staying on a campsite be sure to adhere to the campsite rules.

Safety is always key!

When it comes to safety, prevention is the best cure. Regularly check your campervan for any issues, like tyres, brakes, and fluid levels and keep up to date with servicing. Always consult the instruction manual before using fitted appliances to prevent misuse, damage and injury. Keep emergency supplies handy—flashlight, spare tire, jump cables, and a basic toolkit. Know the drill for emergencies and have important contact numbers ready, just in case. 

Shop local

Gathering goodies from remote farm shops, sampling local delicacies and even foraging is all part of the fun! Gather yourself a feast and cook up a storm, there’s something extra delicious about local produce devoured as the sun goes down!

Be in the know before you go!

Familiarise yourself with all the cool features in your campervan to ensure your using it to its full potential. Swatting up before you go saves precious adventuring time and mishaps on the road. Our experts are always on hand to answer your queries.

Choose the correct GPS system

Don’t forget that most navigation systems are designed for cars not campers! Choosing the correct GPS system can help you avoid some seriously sticky situations. We recommend the Garmin Camper 795 which allows you to input the dimensions and weight of your motorhome so you can drive away with confidence. For those looking to travel off the beaten track, try the Garmin Tread® XL - Overland Edition. Aimed at taking you to the edge of the tarmac and then taking you off road with the extra mapping/routing it provides. It also has the inReach communication platform (subscription based) which will allow you to send texts, track and send an SOS. We particularly like the SOS feature for peace of mind when venturing off-road.

Now that you have the basics down, you’re ready to hit the open road. We hope our tips and tricks will help make for a smooth ride and a memorable trip. If you have any burning questions or just fancy a chat, get in touch. Our experts are always on hand to help!