Welcome to the World of Campervan Travel
Your first campervan adventure is exciting.
It's also a little daunting.
Questions race through your mind...
- What if I forget something?
- Where do I sleep?
- How do I fill the water tank?
- What happens if it rains all weekend?
- Will I enjoy it?
The good news is that every experienced vanlifer once asked exactly the same questions.
At VanLife Explorers, we've learned that campervan travel isn't about getting everything perfect—it's about learning as you go, embracing the unexpected, and enjoying every mile.
These 101 practical tips will help you start your journey with confidence.
Planning Your Trip
1. Start with a weekend trip before planning a month-long adventure.
2. Stay close to home for your first outing.
3. Always have a rough itinerary—but stay flexible.
4. Research campsites before you leave.
5. Save offline maps.
6. Download route planners before losing signal.
7. Check road closures.
8. Avoid driving after dark in unfamiliar rural areas.
9. Check ferry times if visiting islands.
10. Tell someone your travel plans.
Choosing Where to Stay
11. Book popular campsites in advance during school holidays.
12. Respect overnight parking rules.
13. Leave no trace.
14. Never block gateways.
15. Avoid noisy overnight stops.
16. Arrive before dark whenever possible.
17. Check ground conditions before parking.
18. Avoid soft grass after heavy rain.
19. Park level whenever possible.
20. Support local campsites and businesses.
Driving Tips
21. Take corners slowly.
22. Remember your vehicle height.
23. Watch for low bridges.
24. Allow extra braking distance.
25. Slow down on narrow country lanes.
26. Use passing places courteously.
27. Keep both hands on the wheel in strong winds.
28. Fill up before entering remote areas.
29. Drive to enjoy the scenery—not race through it.
30. Take regular breaks.
Packing Smart
31. Pack less than you think you'll need.
32. Choose quick-drying clothing.
33. Roll clothes instead of folding them.
34. Use storage boxes.
35. Label containers.
36. Carry waterproof clothing all year.
37. Bring spare footwear.
38. Pack a torch.
39. Carry a first aid kit.
40. Keep important documents together.
Water Management
41. Fill your fresh water tank before travelling.
42. Carry spare drinking water.
43. Learn how quickly your tank empties.
44. Don't waste water washing dishes.
45. Use biodegradable washing-up liquid.
46. Empty grey water responsibly.
47. Keep hoses clean.
48. Carry different hose fittings.
49. Clean water tanks regularly.
50. Know where your next refill point is.
Cooking in Your Campervan
51. Plan meals before shopping.
52. Batch cook when possible.
53. Keep simple ingredients onboard.
54. Use stackable cookware.
55. Store food securely.
56. Carry long-life milk.
57. Bring herbs and spices.
58. Cook outside when weather allows.
59. Keep tea and coffee easily accessible.
60. Never travel with loose kitchen items.
Staying Comfortable
61. Ventilate your van daily.
62. Open roof vents while cooking.
63. Reduce condensation early.
64. Carry extra blankets.
65. Use blackout curtains.
66. Level your van for better sleep.
67. Invest in a comfortable mattress topper.
68. Keep the floor clear.
69. Dry wet clothes outside whenever possible.
70. Air bedding regularly.
Toilets & Hygiene
71. Empty toilet cassettes before they're completely full.
72. Carry disposable gloves.
73. Keep toilet chemicals topped up if required.
74. Carry hand sanitiser.
75. Learn where service points are.
76. Use campsite showers when available.
77. Carry biodegradable wet wipes.
78. Respect disposal facilities.
79. Keep a small toiletries bag ready.
80. Never dump waste illegally.
Safety Tips
81. Lock doors when leaving the van.
82. Carry a fire extinguisher.
83. Test smoke alarms regularly.
84. Install a carbon monoxide alarm.
85. Know how to turn off your gas supply.
86. Keep emergency contact numbers handy.
87. Don't overload your campervan.
88. Check tyre pressures frequently.
89. Keep valuables out of sight.
90. Trust your instincts—if somewhere doesn't feel right, move on.
Budgeting
91. Set a fuel budget before your trip.
92. Shop locally where possible.
93. Keep emergency savings.
94. Use loyalty cards for fuel.
95. Mix paid campsites with affordable stopovers where appropriate.
96. Track your spending.
Making the Most of the Journey
97. Talk to fellow campers.
98. Support local cafés, pubs, and farm shops.
99. Watch every sunrise you can.
100. Don't rush—slow travel creates the best memories.
101. Remember why you bought the campervan in the first place: to enjoy the journey, not just the destination.
Bonus Tips from Little Lenny 🚐
Our faithful retired Scottish ambulance has picked up a few lessons over the miles:
- Always put the kettle on before making big decisions.
- Rain usually looks worse through the windscreen than it feels outside.
- The best viewpoints are often found down the roads everyone else drives past.
- You'll never regret stopping for homemade cake.
- Wave to fellow vanlifers—you might make a new friend.
- A muddy pair of walking boots is a sign of a day well spent.
- Some of the best campsites aren't the fanciest—they're the friendliest.
- Every wrong turn has the potential to become your favourite memory.
Final Thoughts
Campervan travel isn't about luxury, perfection, or ticking destinations off a list.
It's about freedom.
It's about waking up somewhere beautiful.
It's about sharing stories around a campfire, discovering hidden places, and slowing down enough to appreciate life's simple pleasures.
You'll make mistakes.
You'll forget things.
You'll probably get caught in the rain.
But you'll also watch breathtaking sunsets, meet wonderful people, and create memories that last a lifetime.
So don't wait until everything feels perfect.
Pack the essentials, fill the kettle, point your wheels towards somewhere new, and start your adventure.
From all of us at VanLife Explorers—Tony, Kelly, and our trusty home on wheels, Little Lenny—we wish you safe travels and unforgettable adventures.
We'll see you somewhere down the road.
