Beginners guide to staycations in a campervan

10 essential tips for the ultimate UK road trip this summer

As staycations are coined to be the travel trend of the year, campervans are booming and many are heading out on the ultimate UK road trip for the first time. Campervans have been deemed one of the best summer holiday options, offering easier isolation while spending time outdoors surrounded by nature.

This sudden popularity has been heavily reported in recent times.

«About 70% of our 100.000 travellers experience their first road trip with us. Based on our recent booking patterns, since May this percentage has become even higher» says Hugo Oliveira, CEO of leading van rental company Indie Campers «In the UK alone, we observed a 31% increase in domestic bookings compared to 2019».

A Longwoods survey further found that 82% of people travelling in 2020 made changes to their travel plans due to COVID-19. Of these changes, 50% cancelled their trips completely, 22% changed their travel from flying to driving and 11% changed from international trips to domestic travel. A road trip can be the solution to safely bring back travel into our lives. For everyone planning their first UK campervan adventure, make the most of your time of the road by checking with these10 golden rules for an unforgettable post-lockdown road trip.

1. Learn about the van you are travelling in
   Before heading on the road, it is essential to know everything about your van and clarify any doubts on how it works. For example, look at video tutorials of the van, spend some time physical understanding the vehicle at pick up and don’t be afraid to ask for advice before, during or after the trip.

2. Plan with flexibility

Research the route you want to take, things to see and where to stay, but keep an open mind as you might drive past many unique places and gems along the way. Look up road trip itineraries’ suggestions that you can research before starting your trip. Pin stops on Google Maps.

3. Pack light and smart
   Campervan essentials go beyond comfortable clothes and travel documents. With thousands of miles on your route plan, you want to make sure you have everything you need. Having at hand small items like baby wipes, head torch or USB cables can be useful during your trip.

4. Organize your van
   It is always easier to live in a confined space if it is well organized, especially if travelling in a group or with kids. Arrange your van to easily access frequently used items like shoes, food, jacket, and money. Make sure to know where regularly used items are located to save time and space.

5. Make sure you find your camping spot before dawn. Looking for campsites in the dark or late at night is never a good idea. Make sure you have time to settle down and find a nice camping spot before it is too late. Research campsites in advance so you have the time to settle down and enjoy dinner with a unique view.

5. Always bring your valuables with you
   If you park and leave the campervan to go to the beach or for a walk, bring all valuable things with you and leave nothing visible from the outside.
   
   
6. Be sensitive to nature and local communities
   Show respect on the road and ensure your presence is positive towards the environment and local communities along the way. Check that your camp spot is in line with local regulations, keep noise to a minimum if you are camping near other people and always leave your parking spot as it was before your arrival.

8. Make a checklist of things to do before leaving the vehicle. Campervans have many new utilities and tools to keep track of, keep track of the level of gas, water and electricity supply before you settle down. Make a routine of checking nearby camping sanitary service points, so you don’t end up without access to water, power, gas or lavatory when you need it the most.

9. Analogue entertainment essentials. Disconnect with the online world, reconnect with nature and your inner self. Bring things to keep you entertained the analogue way: make sure to have a good book, board games or sports equipment with you.

10. Safety backup. Remember a good flashlight and a power bank. You might spend long periods in remote areas, you surely want to have a working phone in case something happens.

Find images of Indie Campers’ campervans and life on the road here.

Indie Campers is Europe's leading campervan rental company. The company currently has a fleet of more than 850 campervans in over 40 locations across The United Kingdom, Ireland, Portugal, Iceland, Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, The Netherlands, Croatia, Belgium, Austria and the Mediterranean islands of Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily. Campervans can be picked off and dropped off in different locations and include 24/7 support and roadside assistance to give the ultimate road trip experience. Rentals also include a cooler or fridge, cleaning kit and air conditioning. At an optional cost extra, you can add bedding and kitchen kit, airport transfer, bikes, outdoor furniture, surfboards, wetsuits, BBQs and more. Indie Campers already have clients from more than 130 nationalities who have spent more than 200,000 nights in campervans. More information on https://indiecampers.co.uk/ and Instagram.