Your first camper trip: 5 practical tips for beginners

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

1 Make sure you have the right papers and preparations

Good preparation is half the battle, especially when it comes to camper trips. Well before departure, check that all your documents are in order. Think of a valid driving license (for large campers >3500 kg you need a C1 driving license), passport/ID and possibly an international driving license for travel outside the EU. Don't forget to arrange your insurance papers – for rental campers this is often arranged through the rental company, but with your own camper you need to 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 these in time to avoid fines. Finally, it is wise to plan your route roughly in advance and check whether you need toll roads or special vignettes for your route. Information about this can be found on the website of the ANWB.

2 Pack smart and check your equipment

A camper offers limited space, so pack your luggage and equipment thoughtfully. Make a checklist of essential items for on the road such as personal items but also practical camping gear. For example, think of an extension cord and adapter plugs for electricity, a water hose to fill the water tank and toilet chemicals if you have a chemical toilet on board. Also check if the camper equipment is complete. Especially with a rented camper, a lot is often present, but check for sure if things like kitchen inventory, camping chairs and tools are present. Take into account the climate of your destination: even in summer you can experience cold or wet weather at the location. So make sure you have both swimwear and warm clothing and a good rain jacket, so 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 passenger car. A camper is larger, heavier and has a longer braking distance, so adjust your driving style accordingly: drive calmly, anticipate traffic and keep extra distance from your predecessors. Before you leave, it is smart to practice with the vehicle. Take a few test drives on a quiet terrain. Practice basic maneuvers such as reversing, parking and taking a sharp turn. 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 objects from flying around while driving. Adjust your mirrors correctly for optimal visibility and write down the height and width of the camper on a note on the dashboard, so you don't encounter any surprises at low viaducts or narrow passages. If you are still somewhat unsure about driving, consider a short driving course for campers, the NKC (Dutch Camper Club) offers driving skills training to introduce beginners to camper driving.

4 Plan your route but stay flexible

One of the most enjoyable aspects of traveling with a campervan is the freedom to go wherever you please. It's helpful to broadly outline your route, but also leave room for spontaneous detours and extra stops. Account for a lower average speed – with a campervan, you'll generally be on the road longer than with a car, especially on country roads.

Try not to cover too many kilometers in one day; 200 to 300 km is comfortable, allowing you to regularly pause and enjoy the surroundings. Route planning can be simplified with special navigation for campervans or caravan route planners that consider the height and length of your vehicle. The ANWB caravan and campervan route planner, for example, helps you choose a suitable route and even shows campsites or campervan pitches along the way. Stay flexible during the trip: if a certain place is disappointing or particularly enjoyable, feel free to adjust your plan. After all, that freedom is the great advantage of campervan travel.

5 Choose your overnight spot in time

Finally, it's important to think about your overnight spot in good time each day. In many European countries, wild camping with a campervan is restricted or prohibited, so look for an official campsite or campervan pitch for the night. Popular campsites can fill up during peak season, so arriving early or booking in advance is advisable. especially for beginners, a reserved spot provides peace of mind.

There are useful apps and websites like Campercontact by the NKC where you can find thousands of campervan locations with facilities and reviews from other campervan users. Upon arrival, make sure to level your campervan with leveling blocks if the ground is uneven, and connect electricity and water if possible. Get to know your neighbors and inquire about any house rules at the campsite, for example, where you can dispose of wastewater or until what time it should be quiet. Once settled, you can enjoy the location and relax with peace of mind. Your home on wheels is ready for the next adventure.

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

More information: campstar.com/nl/camper-huren