Top Ten Tips for Campervan Newbies

April 29, 2024

• 7 mins read

Top Ten Tips for Campervan Newbies

Campervan touring is a fantastic way to explore the beauty of the UK (and further afield!) at your own pace. If you’re new to the world of campervanning, but keen to get started on your first AddVenture, our top tips are here to help you prepare for your journey. 

Whether you're renting a motorhome, considering your own campervan conversion or purchasing a bespoke van conversion such as our AddVenture camper, there are vital things you must know before setting off on your first holiday. Fortunately, our team is passionate about the adventure lifestyle, and have decades of experience, tips and tricks to share for living your best life on the road. 

Keen to hit the road? Let’s kick off our top ten tips for making the most out of your campervan touring experience.

#1 Choose the best van for your trip

Embracing the nomadic lifestyle and hitting the road in a campervan is a thrilling journey filled with endless possibilities. However, the first vital step towards ensuring an enjoyable and memorable trip is choosing the right campervan for your journey. Whether you're considering renting a motorhome for a short vacation or investing in one for long-term travels, this decision requires careful thought and planning.

The ideal campervan should not just be a mode of transport, but a home away from home. It should be equipped with all the essential amenities to support your comfort, convenience and overall well-being throughout your trip. Our AddVenture camper is designed with these considerations in mind, making it an excellent choice for both novice and seasoned travellers.

The AddVenture camper features a full bathroom, allowing you to maintain your hygiene routines wherever you go. It also offers a double bed for restful sleep and a comfortable living space to relax and unwind after a day of travelling. The kitchen facilities enable you to prepare your meals just how you like them, adding to the feeling of home. What's more, it includes an additional awning that provides extra sleep space, perfect for those travelling as a group or family.

An equally important aspect is secure storage space for your equipment, keeping it safe and out of your living area. This thoughtful design element ensures that your living space remains clutter-free while ensuring that all your belongings are easily accessible when needed. Choosing the right campervan is key to enjoying a smooth and stress-free journey. With its comprehensive range of amenities, the AddVenture camper van offers everything you might need on the road, making it an ideal choice for those new to campervan touring.

#2 Try a staycation

Embarking on a camper van adventure is an exciting prospect, but before you hit the open road, it's essential to familiarise yourself with your home-on-wheels. Your bespoke camper is not just a vehicle; it's your accommodation, kitchen, and relaxation space rolled into one. As such, it is vital to ensure everything is in order and you have all the necessary amenities for a comfortable and memorable van camping experience. 

The best way to do this is by taking a test run closer to home. Consider it as a 'staycation' - an overnight trip within your local area. This practice run will give you a hands-on impression of what it's like to live, cook, sleep, and move around in your van. It will help you identify any missing items or potential issues that need addressing before you venture on a long journey. For instance, you may realise you need additional storage solutions or discover that your sleeping arrangements aren't as comfortable as you'd like. You might find out the hard way that you've forgotten essential items like a can opener or torchlight. A local trial run will help you iron out these issues and ensure your van is fully equipped and ready for the ultimate campervan adventure.

Remember, every successful journey starts with thorough preparation. So take time to know your bespoke camper inside and out, and ensure it's perfectly tailored to meet your needs. This way, when the time comes to embark on that long-planned trip, you'll be ready for a smooth and enjoyable van camping experience. 


#3 Get behind the wheel 

Before embarking on that epic trip you've planned, it's crucial to ensure that you are comfortable behind the wheel of a campervan. If your choice is a large motorhome, remember that these vehicles, while offering ample living space, can be quite challenging to manoeuvre, especially for those who are new to touring. 

If you're on the lookout for a van for camping that offers the comfort of a motorhome but is easier to handle, our AddVenture campers are the perfect solution. These custom vans are campervan conversions of Fiat Ducato vans, enhanced with a unique sliding box mechanism that effortlessly doubles your floor space. The result is a vehicle that combines the spaciousness and comfort of a large motorhome with the easy drivability and parking convenience of a smaller van. 

#4 Plan ahead

Okay, so it’s time to begin seriously planning your dream campervan roadtrip. But, where do you start? Whilst campervanning is much more flexible than other types of holidays, some booking and preparation is still essential to make sure that your trip will be a success. It’s for this reason that we’d always recommend planning where you’ll be parking your van (especially overnight!) and booking your space nice and early where you can. The most popular campsites tend to get booked up early, especially during the peak summer season.

#5 Pack the essentials 

Food, drinks, maps or GPS, your phone, your charger, kitchenware essentials, toiletries… The list goes on. Take the time to check that you’ve packed everything you need for your holiday, so you’re not caught out.

Some essentials we’d recommend include:

  • Clothes and shoes suitable for a range of temperatures (you’ve got to love Britain’s unpredictable weather!)
  • Food to make campervan-friendly meals
  • A first aid kit
  • Kitchen essentials (a chopping board, utensils, a kettle)
  • A warm sleeping bag or bedding 
  • Toiletries 

#6 Plan some van-friendly meals

​​One of the unique pleasures of this experience is the freedom to stop and enjoy a meal in any beautiful location you come across. We suggest pre-planning some delicious, easy-to-prepare meals for your journey. Pasta, chilli, wraps and salads are just a few of our favourites that are perfect for van life. Our AddVenture van is equipped with a complete kitchen, allowing you to explore your culinary skills while on the road. So, gear up for this exciting mobile feast, and tuck in surrounded by beautiful scenery!

#7 Consider the security of your van

When travelling and parking up in various locations, it’s important to ensure that all of your belongings will be safe. Make sure that you’ve taken proper security measures, locked your van and hidden any valuable possessions such as your phone, wallet, laptop or passport from view. 

Concerned about safety on the road? Both our AddVenture Van and Re-Cycle Caddy have secure storage for your valuables and equipment. 

#8 Think about your sleeping arrangements 

At the end of a long day of exploring, there’s nothing better than getting a good night’s sleep. So, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve got enough room for yourself and anyone else travelling with you to sleep comfortably. 

Our AddVenture camper has both a spacious and comfortable double bed and an additional awning available, perfect for resting ahead of another day of travel!

#9 Choose your travel times wisely

To make the most of your campervan holiday, you’ll want to avoid rush hour and any other peak travel times where possible so that you can really enjoy your time on the road. Remember - campervanning is about the journey, not just the destination, so be sure to stop at any sightseeing spots you come across on the way!

#10 Don’t forget your AddVenture equipment!

If you’re anything like our team of AddVenturers, it’s likely that you’ll have some fun activities planned throughout your trip. Whether you’re a paddleboarder, a kayaker, a cyclist or a surfer, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve got room to securely store your equipment both on the road and parked up. Our AddVenture camper has space for secure equipment storage separate from your living area to ensure maximum comfort. 

Looking for the perfect camper for your touring needs? Take a look at our vans to get your AddVenture started today!