A campervan road trip is a fun and affordable way to travel. However, it can take time to plan the perfect route and accommodations.
One of the biggest challenges is estimating fuel costs.
Plan Your Route
The best way to enjoy a road trip in a camper van is to plan your route ahead of time. This will help you find the proper rig to rent and decide where to stay along your journey. It will also give you an idea of what kind of experience you want on your road trip.
For example, when traveling to Iceland, hiring a rent a car service in Iceland that offers campervan is the best option as it provides the flexibility to explore the country’s national parks, where 4×4 capabilities are often necessary. However, if you are more interested in finding BLM land or free campsites to stay at, a smaller van may be better.
Regardless of your chosen camper van rental, you will likely spend a lot of time driving on your road trip. So be sure to bring a good playlist, podcast, or audiobook to keep you entertained on those long drives.
Another thing to consider when planning your road trip is the weather. Before your travel, check the weather forecast and be prepared for any changes. You don’t want to be stuck in bad weather or have to reroute your entire trip.
Pack Your Bags
Fortunately, you won’t need to pack as much for a campervan holiday as you might with a tent. But there are still some essentials to include.
Firstly, make sure you have a suitable portable charger for your phone. This will keep your playlist going, let you look up directions, and generally heighten the enjoyment of the trip. You can even get one that clips into your air vent, so you don’t have to juggle it while driving.
Also, invest in some comfortable travel mugs to drink out of. You’ll be on the road for quite a long time, so you want to be able to enjoy some hot drinks.
You’ll also want to bring a few first-aid items. These are handy for blisters, sunburn, headaches, and car sickness. Some antibacterial hand sanitizer and wet wipes are a good idea as well.
Book Your Campsites
A campervan road trip can be an affordable, flexible way to see much of the country. You have to know how to book your campsites right. Campgrounds at popular national parks fill up quickly, especially on holidays. The best way to ensure you get the campsite of your dreams is by being flexible with your dates. Shifting your trip by a few days may mean the difference between staying at a campground next to railroad tracks or in the middle of a beautiful forest.
Also, check the rules and regulations for each place you plan to camp. Some places require you to stay within certain distances of roads, while others have noise restrictions or rules about bringing dogs. Knowing these details can save you a fine and an epic road trip fail. A good tip is to save condiments from fast-food restaurants like ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper packets. They take up less space than full-size bottles and don’t need refrigeration.
Get Your Vehicle Ready
As your road trip draws closer, it’s time to prepare the vehicle that will get you there and back. Start by giving your vehicle a total wash, vacuum, and decluttering. This will help make for a more comfortable ride and remove any extra weight that could negatively impact your fuel economy.
Next, be sure to give your tires a once over. Ensure they are correctly inflated, display even treadwear, and that the tires you use are designed for the driving you plan on doing. Bringing a spare tire and jack is always a good idea, as you never know when a mechanical problem will arise.
Lastly, download a campsite-finding app to help you find the perfect spot to spend the night. This app allows you to search for everything from established campgrounds and RV parks to BLM land and stealth camping options. Booking your campsites ahead of time is essential, as many places allow oversized vehicles to be booked during the summer months.
Pack Your Gear
Keeping your van organized while you’re on the road is critical. There are some items that you’ll need to have on hand all the time, like trash bags, a small camping lantern for those nights you can’t shower (and need wet wipes), and collapsible bins for your food (these will also keep rodents and bugs out of your things).
Another essential item to pack is quick-drying towels. These are great for a variety of reasons: they can be used to dry off after a shower, or they can be used for hiking or beach trips, and they are super compact and lightweight.
Finally, don’t forget a solar-powered phone charger. This will help you stay charged and use your GPS for directions while driving. Also, having a first aid kit for emergencies on your trip is helpful.
