Your first camper trip: 5 practical tips for beginners

More and more people are discovering the freedom of travelling with a camper. Especially for beginners, it is important to be well prepared, so that your first camper trip goes smoothly and pleasantly. Whether you are renting a camper or have just bought your own, with the following five practical tips you will be carefree on the road as a new camper.

1 Make sure you have the right paperwork and preparations

Good preparation is half the battle, especially when travelling by camper. Check well before departure whether all your documents are in order. Think of a valid driver's license (for large campers >3500 kg you need a C1 driver's license), passport/ID and possibly an international driver's license for travelling outside the EU. Don't forget to arrange your insurance papers - for rental campers this is often arranged by the rental company, but with your own camper you must arrange good camper insurance yourself. Furthermore, in some countries you need an environmental sticker or environmental vignette for certain cities or regions. Such as in parts of France and Germany. Apply for this in time to avoid fines. Finally, it is wise to plan your route in advance and check whether you need toll roads or special vignettes for your route. You can find information about this on the website of the ANWB.

2 Pack smart and check your gear

A camper offers limited space, so pack your luggage and equipment wisely. Make a checklist of essential items for on the road, such as personal items but also practical camping gear. Think for example of an extension cord and adapters for electricity, a water hose to fill the water tank and toilet chemicals if you have a chemical toilet on board. Also check whether the camper equipment is complete. Especially with a rented camper there is often a lot present, but to be sure check whether things like kitchen inventory, camping chairs and tools are present. Take into account the climate of your destination: even in the summer you can encounter cold or wet weather on location. So make sure you have both swimwear and warm clothing and a good raincoat, so that you are prepared for all circumstances. Finally, don't forget safety: a fire extinguisher, first aid kit and flashlight are standard in the camper equipment.

3 Keep driving safe and comfortable

Driving a camper is different from driving a regular car. A camper is bigger, heavier and has a longer braking distance, so adjust your driving style accordingly: drive calmly, anticipate traffic and keep extra distance from the people in front of you. Before you leave, it is wise to practice with the vehicle. Take a few test drives on a quiet terrain. Practice basic manoeuvres such as reversing, parking and taking a tight bend. This way you get used to the dimensions of the camper.

Also check before departure that everything is properly stored and locked in the camper to prevent flying objects while driving. Adjust your mirrors correctly for optimal visibility and note the height and width of the camper on a note on the dashboard, so that you are not surprised by low viaducts or narrow passages. If you are still a bit unsure about driving, consider a short driving training for camper owners, the NKC (Dutch Camper Club) offers driving skills training to familiarize beginners with camper driving.

4 Plan your route but stay flexible

One of the best things about traveling with a camper is the freedom to go wherever you want. It is useful to roughly map out your route, but also leave room for spontaneous detours and extra stops. Take into account a lower average speed - with a camper you are usually on the road longer than with a car, especially on back roads.

Try not to drive too many kilometres in one day; 200 to 300 km is comfortable, so that you can regularly take breaks along the way and enjoy the surroundings. You can simplify route planning with special navigation for campers or caravan route planners that take into account the height and length of your vehicle. The ANWB caravan and camper route planner, for example, helps you choose a suitable route and even shows campsites or camper sites along the way. Remain flexible during the journey: if a certain place disappoints or is very nice, feel free to adjust your plan. After all, that freedom is the great advantage of camper travel.

5 Choose your overnight accommodation in advance

Finally, it is important to think about your overnight accommodation in advance every day. In many European countries, wild camping with a camper is restricted or prohibited, so find an official campsite or camper place for the night. Popular campsites can fill up in high season, so arriving early or booking in advance is advisable. Especially for beginners, a reserved place gives peace.

There are handy apps and websites such as Campercontact from the NKC where you can find thousands of camper locations with facilities and reviews from other campers. When you arrive, make sure you level the camper with ramps if the ground is uneven, and connect electricity and water if possible. Get to know your neighbours and ask about any house rules at the campsite, for example where you can dump waste water or until what time it should be quiet. Once you have settled in, you can enjoy the location and relax with peace of mind. Your home on wheels is ready for the next adventure.

The first camper trip is exciting, but with good preparation and these practical tips you will have a wonderful holiday. Take the time to get used to camper life and don't forget to enjoy the unique freedom that a camper offers. Do you want to experience what it is like to go on a trip with a camper? Then consider renting a camper. Via a platform like Campstar you can easily find a camper that suits your needs, from professional rental companies all over the world. This way you can start your camper adventure relaxed, ready to make memories on four wheels!