8 Tips for Road Trips in a Van

8 Tips for Road Trips in a Van

Going on a road trip in a van is a lot of fun. There are so many options from camping out with a tent to setting up a sleeping area inside your van or even your car, depending on the make, model, and the intention of your journey. There is a great deal of freedom to be found in this type of adventure, and here are eight tips to make everything run more smoothly.

This is a collaborative guest post.  Images are my own or from Canva Pro / Freepix.

Plan Your Route

It probably sounds like the most obvious advice in the world, but journey planning is always easier than winging it. This is especially true if you are taking the kids along for the travel experience! It helps to know where you’re going and how long it will take to get there. Try to have a clear list of the following to make life easier and stress-free.

A physical roadmap of every place you intend to go to is a great failsafe. It might seem old fashioned but if you cannot access data or GPS signals when you’re on the road you will need them.

Learn how to read them and have clear plots marked too such as places where you can park up or camp out that are safe, accessible, and suitable.

A bucket list of stops or viewing points to tick off along the way is also great.  Throwing in some extra stops that everyone wants to see makes everything even more fun.

Know Where You’re Not Welcome

There will always be places that don’t accept vans or motorhomes parked up overnight or taking up space. It will be easier to plan an uninterrupted, event-free adventure if you know where they are. It is also good to avoid fines and penalties or even having to move on with limited notice.

Have the Right Insurance

Much like general motor insurance, campervan insurance comes in a variety of policy options and criteria. When going off for a trip, your van has to be well covered in case of a number of external factors out of your control like crashes or other types of damage.

Thankfully, with the range of insurance policies out there, the selection process is straightforward and highly accessible. Make sure your cover is live and you are not violating any terms of the contract, especially if you are planning on leaving the country for your trip.

Take Spare Tyres and Repair Kits

Spare tyres are a must! So are repair kits, spare windscreen fluid, and everything else in the needed for vehicle maintenance. Make sure you check your vehicle water levels to prevent it overheating. Other repairs may depend on your level of mechanical knowledge but good roadside cover will also be important. 

Take Spare Fuel

Though it may sound like a pain to store on board, spare fuel is one of the most valuable assets you will take along on your trip. You might plan the route with fuel stops along the way, but you never know if they will be open when you’re passing by or even still exist as not every company updates their site with to-the-minute accurate information.

A small container with enough spare fuel to get you to the next station will be the difference between having to be rescued, and being able to carry on the adventure.

Don’t Ignore Your Budget

The top three budget considerations for a road trip in a van are fuel, night time parking costs and basic amenities. The budget for any trip is important, but it is imperative to stick to it so you don’t run into trouble.

Having an emergency pot of cash is also useful just in case something causes a delay or disruption. Even the most well-looked-after vehicles break down and malfunction without warning.

Pack Carefully

The last thing you want is a cluttered space, and that is why organising the van is beneficial for everyone inside it.  There will be luggage, supplies, spare parts and basic essentials to work around so make sure they are packed well and not too hard to reach.

Food and Drink

There are many staple food and drinks that you can take on a road trip, regardless of how long your journey is going to take. Depending on how many people are travelling, there will always be a call for snacks to keep energy levels boosted. Quick and easy food that is handy to grab and won’t make you feel bloated includes fruit, nuts, oat bars, and even biscuits or crisps for a sweet treat every now and then.

If you are staying in rural locations for a nature experience, you need to keep some accessible food types with long expiry dates too, like tinned goods, pasta and cereals. Try to avoid anything that needs freezing, as cool boxes are great but not efficient for prolonged usage.

The biggest thing to remember is spare water! Take big containers filled with fresh water and store them well. There are bound to be places to refill along the way too.

Tips for Road Trips in a Van

Road trips are one of the most exciting ways to adventure the world and there lots of reasons to choose it as a holiday.  Being able to control the journey in your own space and comfort is an irreplaceable feeling. Taking your van gives you a sense of anchorage, and allows you to keep all of your necessary essentials within arms reach too. Plan big, and don’t leave out the small details!

Photo credits Canva Pro