Vanlife for Beginners: Planning your First Trip
So, you’ve finally got your campervan, it’s fully kitted out with all the essentials and now you’re itching to set off on your first adventure. Before you hit the road, there are a few important things to keep in mind to ensure your trip goes smoothly. From planning your route to packing efficiently and knowing how to make the most of your space, these tips will help you navigate vanlife like a pro from the start.
Make sure you've read our Vanlife for Beginners: What You Need to Know Before Hitting the Road to get the basics down, then dive into this guide for everything you need to know before you embark on your first journey!
New to vanlife: How do I choose the right campsite?
The location and campsite you choose will have a big impact on how much you enjoy your first camping trip. Luckily, you don’t have to travel far to get a feel for how vanlife works. Opting for a nearby campsite is a great way to test your setup and see what’s working, or needs adjusting for you.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting the perfect campsite for your first vanlife adventure:
Facilities: Larger campsites often come with more modern amenities, but smaller, quieter sites may offer a more peaceful retreat with more basic facilities.
Location: Would you prefer to be by a lake, near the beach, or within walking distance of a town? Consider what kind of surroundings will make your trip more enjoyable.
Campsite Rules: Do they allow campfires? Is there a noise curfew? These can be especially important if you have young children who need an early bedtime. You can find details of campsites in Great Britain that allow campfires here.
Duration: Can you book a single night? For your first trip, a shorter stay might be the way to go.
Season: Most campsites are only open from March to October. If you're planning a trip in the off-season, check out campsites open year-round (follow this link for more).
Aside from the above Google Maps, other ways to search for campsites include Cool Camping, HipCamp, Pitchup and Searchforsites. However, to get the best price, it’s always a good idea to book directly with the campsite whenever possible.
Before booking your pitch, think about whether you need an electric hook-up. If your campervan is equipped with a leisure battery or solar panels, a single night stay without hook-up might be a great opportunity to test them out. Keep in mind that electric pitches are generally about £5-£10 more per night, but they’re often located closer to central facilities, which could be a helpful convenience worth considering.
If you are new to vanlife and eager to embark on a road trip, or just don’t know where to begin, why not take the guesswork out of planning? Consider one of my Travel Guides, which feature a tried and tested itinerary, along with personal recommendations for campsites, activities and must-see locations. These guides are perfect for helping you make the most of your adventure, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable trip from start to finish.
New to vanlife: Beginner Meal Ideas
If you are new to vanlife then pre-preparing some evening meals in advance can make your first trip/s more enjoyable, unless, of course, you plan on dining out. By pre-cooking or partially cooking meals, you’ll save time and reduce stress, giving you more opportunities to relax or explore once you arrive at your destination. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out our extensive collection of FREE recipes that cater to camping needs.
For storage of your precooked meals, consider using large BPA free storage boxes that stack neatly in your fridge, or reusable foil trays that can be recycled. Additionally, reusable food bags are a fantastic option for storing leftovers or snacks sustainably, ensuring you make the most of your culinary adventures on the road!
Click here for your FREE printable PDF Weekend Camping Meal Planner.
Here are a few key considerations to keep in mind during your stay:
Remember that other guests are there to enjoy their holiday as well. While children can be lively and noisy, it's important to encourage them to keep their volume in check, particularly near fellow campers’ pitches. Most campsites have specific rules regarding noise levels, the use of stereos, campfires and the operating hours of play parks, so be sure to familiarise yourself with these guidelines before your arrival. Additionally, please leave your pitch as you found it. Dispose of all rubbish responsibly - recycle what you can and take any leftover waste home with you. This not only helps maintain the campsite's beauty but also ensures a pleasant experience for everyone.
New to vanlife: Packing Tips
When embarking on your vanlife journey, it’s essential to be prepared for the unpredictable UK weather regardless of the season. Even the summer evenings can be much colder than you might expect. Since we can’t guarantee sunny skies, it’s wise to pack layers that accommodate the temperature fluctuations. A warm coat is a must, regardless of the forecast, along with cozy blankets to keep you snug during chilly nights. For more helpful tips and resources, don’t forget to check out the links below. Plus, click here to download your FREE PDF packing list! Other sources of information can be found below.
PDF Children’s Packing List (suggested for a two week period)
New to vanlife: How do I spend my time away?
Vanlife looks different for everyone and it takes time to figure out what works best for you. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, so be patient as you adjust and settle into this new way of travelling. Start by planning how you want to spend your first few days on the campsite, keeping in mind that every trip will be a learning experience.
Check if the campsite has amenities like a play park or explore nearby walking trails that you can enjoy straight from the site. Many campsites provide local area information on their website, which can be helpful when planning activities. If you're a National Trust member, see if there are any nearby properties worth visiting.
Be sure to pack some outdoor activities or games like bikes, a football, or a frisbee and don’t forget about indoor games either - UNO, Pass the Pigs, Top Trumps, Ok Play, Snap and Dobble are just a few family favourites that are easy to bring along for evenings in the campervan. The key is experimenting to find the right balance that works you between adventure and relaxation.
Finally, remember to pack some activities for those moments when you just need to unwind. While outdoor adventures will likely fill your days, a bit of downtime is always welcome - whether it's with a good book, colouring pages, or an iPad.
One fun way to capture memories from your first trip (and every adventure after) is by keeping a Travel Journal. Perfectly designed for little explorers, My Travel Journal is a great way for your mini adventurers to document their experiences. You can purchase it here!
And finally, ENJOY! Whatever happens, you will love it and learn from it!
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