Anyone who has ever taken a road trip knows that some unspoken commandments must be followed to make the experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. These commandments are even more important for camper van road trips, as you deal with limited space and sometimes unpredictable weather. Here are some commandments of camper van road trips to help ensure your trip is a success!
Packing and organizing your stuff
One of the cardinal rules of road tripping is to be organized. This is especially important when you’re in a camper van, as space is limited.
That’s a hard one, we know. Fitting all of your belongings in one car will lead to pile-ups! Don’t just throw in your clothes, kitchen utensils, toiletries, car tools, etc., without thinking it through. Think about what you need to use daily and where it is located.
Be sure to pack small and have a place for everything, so you’re not rummaging through your things whenever you need something.
Remember, when you’re packing for a camper van road trip, be sure to include all of the essentials. This includes things like food, water, clothes, bedding, toiletries, and first-aid supplies. Don’t forget to pack any items you might need for your specific destination, such as hiking gear or bathing suits.
Make a route plan
It’s part of the fun of a road trip to be spontaneous, but if you’re traveling by camper van, you should have an idea of where you’re going. Make sure to map out your route in advance and know where you’ll be staying each night so that you don’t end up stranded in the middle of nowhere.
Thou shalt be prepared for the weather
It is important to keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable, even in the summer. Be sure to pack clothes for both warm and cold weather, as well as rain gear. It’s also a good idea to have a small space heater and extra blankets in case it gets cold at night.
Thou shalt not forget thy entertainment
When you’re spending hours on the road, it’s essential to have some form of entertainment to keep you occupied. Bring along books, games, music, and movies so that you can enjoy the trip even when you’re not driving.
Be adventurous when cooking
One of the best parts of a road trip is the food. When you’re in a camper van, you have the opportunity to cook in some pretty unusual circumstances and places. Whether on the ground, under cockatoo attacks, surrounded by kangaroos, in the car, in the rain, on the beach, or in a bus shed. You have to be creative when it comes to cooking!
Be sure to bring along all of the supplies you need, including a portable stove, pots and pans, and non-perishable food items. And don’t forget the marshmallows for s’mores!
Thou shalt respect nature
When camping in a camper van, you’re likely to spend a lot of time in nature. Be sure to respect the environment by leaving no trace and being respectful of wildlife. This will help ensure that everyone can enjoy the beauty of nature for years to come.
Thou shalt follow the “3Rs.”
The 3Rs of camper van road trips are “reduce, reuse, recycle.” Be sure to reduce the amount of stuff you bring with you so that you don’t have to pack up and move everything around all the time—reuse items whenever possible, such as using a coffee mug for your toothbrush holder.
However, living in a camper makes recycling a bit more complicated. It can be stressful when you have all those bins blocking your walkway and all those bottles piling up. Your best approach is to reduce and reuse first. In order to stop trash and live greener while traveling, you should prefer to buy items in bulk (like detergent, frozen foods, soaps, and cleaning products) and then reuse small containers from your previous purchases.
Learn to fix things yourself.
It is always possible for something to go wrong on a road trip, regardless of how well you plan. This is why knowing how to fix things yourself is crucial. Be sure to learn how to change a tire and jump start a battery before you hit the road.
Master navigation with a compass and map
Exploring new places on a road trip is exciting but can also be challenging. One of the most important things to remember when planning a road trip is that not all roads are well-marked. In fact, many rural areas don’t have street signs at all. This is where a compass and map come in handy. Learning how to navigate with these tools will help ensure you can find your way even when the usual landmarks are unavailable. In addition, a compass and map can be helpful if you get lost or stranded. Knowing how to read them allows you to find your way back to civilization, even in the most remote locations. For these reasons, every camper van road trip must include a lesson on how to use a compass and map.
Get solar panels for your work week
Setting up a solar panel system on your camper van is a great way to honor the work week. Solar panels provide several benefits for those who travel frequently. First, they can help to reduce your dependence o fuel.
With solar panels, you can generate your electricity, saving you money on fuel costs. Additionally, solar panels can help to reduce your carbon footprint. By generating your own electricity, you’ll be using less energy from coal-fired power plants and other sources of pollution. Finally, solar panels can provide a sense of security while on the road. If you’re ever stranded without power, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you can generate your own electricity. So, whether you’re looking to save money, reduce your environmental impact, or increase your sense of security, installing solar panels on your camper van is a great way to go.