Are you looking forward to taking your first trip in a motorhome or campervan? If you have never travelled in a campervan before, the initial steps to plan and take your holiday may seem a little daunting. But don’t panic – driving a campervan is no different to driving a large car and the steps you need to take to arrange a trouble free trip are simple and fun.
Here are some things to consider before you set out in your van for the first time.
1. Pick Your Destination
You have a wealth of choice in where to go in your campervan. Your first major decision is based on your preferences and personality, and how far you want to travel. Many people want to stay within the UK for their first trip in a campervan or motorhome. Look at the possibilities in Scotland, for example, when you want to see a completely different part of the country while remaining close to home. Camper van hire Scotland companies hire vans and motorhomes from convenient bases in Scotland if you don’t yet own your own. Hiring is a way of ‘try before you buy’ providing the ideal means of exploring the varied and exciting landscape, towns and cities of this magnificently diverse country.
2. Pick Your Route
Once you have decided which region or country you want to explore you can begin planning your route and itinerary. There are different ways to do this, again depending on your preferences and personality. You could take each day as it comes, deciding there and then where to go and what to see. Or you could plan a meticulous route in advance, mapping out each stage of the journey in detail. Whatever you choose, build in a little space for flexibility. One of the best things about a campervan holiday is the freedom you have to pick when and where you visit. It is a good idea to book campsites in popular areas in advance, particularly during the summer months, as many places book up quickly.
3. Do Your Packing
As well as your personal items, pack some food for the first night so you don’t have to worry about finding a shop. Also, pack a few items of warm clothing and if possible take a dressing gown with you on your travels. The nights can be chilly even in summer, and like being at home, it isn’t always practicable to pack a lot of bed linen, blankets or quilts.
Remember your essentials like a torch, your wet weather gear, all the things you need for pets if you have any, and your mobile phone (although bear in mind that many remote areas in the country have very poor or even non-existent phone signal).
4. Practice Your Driving
While driving a campervan is easy to master, there are some basics to consider when you first get behind the wheel. Remember to give yourself more time and more space to manoeuvre when you are driving. Try to brake and accelerate slower than you would normally in a smaller car. Take corners wide and take care in high winds with a high-sided van.