There are many different ways to look at travelling. For some, nature and adventure are the most important aspects. For others, a trip should be very relaxing and there is no need for too much adventure. Still others see travelling more as a way to get to know new cultures. For some people, the further the better, others like to go on holiday in their own country. It goes without saying that there is no ‘right’ way to travel. The main goal is the same for everyone: Enjoy, gain experience and get away from it all. A camper holiday is somewhere between all these forms of travel. It focuses on an adventurous way of travelling, where it is perfectly possible to completely immerse yourself in nature. However, this form of camping still allows for a form of luxury to a large extent. Nothing is a must, you do not depend on hotels, excursions, flights or public transport. On the other hand, you do have everything you need to enjoy a good place to sleep, a place to cook extensively and all necessary sanitary facilities. The perfect combination of comfort and adventure. Would you like to discover whether this way of travelling is something for you? Then these tips are indispensable on your first camper holiday.

1. Don't make too many investments yet

A camper is not just a car. The very first time is therefore quite exciting. Camper holidays are a very specific way of travelling. So it is best not to buy too much stuff before you know that it is something for you. Especially when it comes to a camper itself. There are enough places where you can rent them, so you can postpone the big investment until you are sure that this is your new way of travelling. There is also a platform, ‘Goboony’, where owners of a mobile home can
rent it out to other travellers. Also with regard to other typical camping equipment, it is not a bad idea to first ask in your network whether you cannot borrow certain things. That way you are not stuck with a lot of investments before you know whether a second trip will follow.

2. Get to know your camper

In most cases, a camper can be driven with a B driving license. However, this does not mean that it drives the same as the car you are used to. Keep in mind that a camper is bulky and large. It requires a bit more attention in sharp turns and you also need to know what you are doing on slopes. Therefore, drive around your neighborhood in advance without a load, and a second time perhaps with a load. Find places where you can practice parking and maneuvering. Also always make sure that you know the dimensions of your camper or have one nearby. For example, at
tunnels and bridges it is important that you know the exact height of the car.

3. Plan your route

The more experienced campers naturally love nothing more than to set off without a plan and see where the journey takes them. This also gives an extra adventurous touch to your journey, especially when you travel through countries where you are allowed to camp freely. If you are just starting out, then it is advisable to map out and plan the journey. Not all roads are suitable for campers and due to your lack of experience and feeling for the vehicle, it is not easy to improvise on the spot. Try to plan your first trip in regions where you know you will not suddenly end up in a mountain range, with a snow shower that came completely out of nowhere. Also do not forget that some countries have quite a few toll roads.

4. Get to know your new community

The group of travellers who travel by camper or caravan is a subculture in itself. This world also has a whole range of customs, terms and concepts. It is not a bad idea to go through a few of these things in advance. For example, it is customary for campers to always park with their noses in the same direction on camper pitches. This way, the doors will not face each other. Furthermore, there are a lot of terms and concepts that have to do with your camper or campsite. So do not hesitate to speak to your fellow campers or the campsite manager if something is unclear.

5. Secure everything properly

The camper may be your hotel room for the upcoming trip, but don't forget that it is also your vehicle. As a mobile home, it is therefore important that you always store and secure everything properly. This requires a certain form of discipline, because that means that everything must be neatly tidied up before departure, the dishes must be completely done and everything must be checked thoroughly.

6. Don't hold on to your plans too tightly

Just because it’s your first camper holiday doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your trip without worries. So don’t be too hard on yourself if you miss your stopovers or your final destination. If there’s one thing that can ruin a camper holiday, it’s getting somewhere on time. You’re free and have everything you need on four wheels. If you come across a beautiful spot in the afternoon, don’t hesitate to stop and enjoy the view. Would you like to have an extensive picnic in the sun during the trip? Go ahead! If you don’t make it to your destination that day, that doesn’t have to be a problem. Travelling with a camper isn’t about the final destination, it’s about the trip and the journey itself.

7. Think about nature

A large part of the pleasure you get from camping is the beautiful scenes you encounter. It is therefore important that you do not damage this beautiful nature too much. Therefore, tidy up nicely everywhere you go and ensure that those who come after you can also enjoy it. Do you want to do more? There are also ways to camp more ecologically on a larger scale. Think carefully about your consumption, use as many organic products as possible. For example, you can wash dishes, shower and clean with organic products, but there are also organic solutions for your chemical toilet, like Solbio, our organic toilet fluid.

8. Enjoy!

Whether it is your first or your hundredth trip, one thing should always be central to a camper trip, and that is enjoyment! Try to enjoy the surroundings, nature, the local economy, the culture and the people as much as possible. Do you feel like going for a swim? Then go for a swim. Do you want to stop for a walk in nature? Then find a nice spot and go out. A camper holiday means going and standing where you feel like. No pressure: nothing is required, nothing is allowed.

Extra tip

It is always a good idea to take bicycles with you on your camping trip. Often you will come to areas that are very suitable to put your camper aside and exchange it for the bike, for a relaxing bike ride. This flexibility is one of the many advantages of a camper holiday.