First-Time Campervan Renters: 10 Tips to Start Your Adventure Right

First-time campervan renters : 10 tips to start your adventure right

Thinking about hitting the road in a campervan for the first time? High five. You're about to unlock the kind of freedom hotels just can't compete with, sunsets from your bed, breakfast with a view and the power to chase the coast (or hide from the rain) at will.


But before you turn the key and roll into the sunset, here are some tried-and-tested tips from the team at Gatwick Campers to make your first campervan trip smooth, safe, and seriously fun.


1. Choose the Right Van for You

Not all vans are created equal. Are you a couple craving cosy weekends? A family of four with bikes and board games? A solo explorer needing stealth and simplicity? At Gatwick Campers, we help match you to the right van—before you book.


2. Don’t Overpack (Seriously)

Space is premium in a camper. Pack layers, not wardrobes. Essentials, not “just in case” extras. Pro tip: soft bags fit better than hard cases. And you can always add marshmallows.


3. Plan (but not too much)

Book your first night or two, especially in peak season. After that? Let the road guide you. Part of the joy is following your nose—and maybe a rainbow or two.


4. Know Your Power

Campervans run on leisure batteries. Want lights, a fridge, and phone charging? Know what’s plugged in, and when to recharge (a campsite hook-up or a good drive will do).


5. Practice Parking & Setup

Take a quick spin before the trip. Practice parking, reversing (hello, mirrors!), and setting up your awning if you’ve got one. You’ll thank us at the first stop.


6. Use Campsites (at least sometimes)

Wild camping’s cool, but sites have showers, Wi-Fi, waste disposal, and often great views. Plus: fewer awkward “where do we park?” convos at 11pm.


7. Bring Entertainment

Rain happens. Pack games, playlists, books, and download a few offline maps and shows before you go. Campervans are cosy—make the most of it.


8. Respect the Road & the Outdoors

Drive slower than you would in a car. Wave at fellow campers. And always leave a spot better than you found it. Nature’s our playground—let’s treat it well.


9. Ask Questions (we love them!)

Not sure about gas bottles, heating, or how to fill the water tank? We walk you through it all before you set off—and we’re just a call away if you need us mid-trip.


10. Relax Into It

Things might go a little wrong. You might forget the corkscrew or take a wrong turn. That’s part of the magic. Campervan life isn’t perfect—it’s fun, freeing, and real.


Ready to Rent?

Whether it’s a weekend getaway or your first vanlife taste-test, Gatwick Campers is here to help you rent with confidence.


Drop us a message or browse our campervans, we’ll get you road-ready in no time.

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Read by a Wild Viewpoint Bring a stack of paperbacks (or your Kindle), a cosy blanket and pick a dramatic overlook—cliffs, fields, or woodland nooks. Challenge yourself: no moving until the sunset or you finish a chapter (or the whole book!). Ask Locals for Their Secret Spots Skip the tourist traps, Chat to a friendly local and discover hidden waterfalls, secret trails, or that cosy country café known only to the regulars. Wild Swim Adventure Find a secluded river, pine‑fringed lake, or coastal cove and take the plunge. The shock, giggles and eventual triumph are pure magic. Afterwards, lounge on a rock and sip tea from your flask while the world wakes up. Create a Road‑Trip Sketchbook No skills needed, doodle road signs, clouds shaped like sheep, or the face of that grumpy village shopkeeper. Captions optional but highly encouraged! Stumble Upon a Local Market, Then Picnic Wander the stalls, grab cheeses, fresh bread, berries, or something unrecognisable and feast al fresco. Imperfect utensils? No problem crisps double as spoons here. Local‑Only Cook‑Off Challenge yourself to cook using only fresh, local ingredients, egg, wild herbs, mystery veg, maybe a local cheese. Whip it up over your camp stove or under the stars. Take a “Stay‑Put” Day Park by a lake or forest and simply don’t drive. Nap, journal, stretch, cloud‑watch, or turn your camper into a spa with a face mask. No world-saving required today. Scatter Little Kindness Notes Leave cheerful messages (“You’ve got this!”) tucked into menus, trail rocks or loo mirrors. You’ll never see the smiles you spark, but it’s a quiet joy to spread. Navigate the Old‑School Way Pull out a paper map, plot your route with coloured pens, doodle stops and surprises. No GPS? No problem, embrace the mystery. Postcard Time Capsule Buy cheesy postcards and write to your future self about this moment how free, silly, peaceful you feel. Don’t mail them… stash them away and revisit during a dreary Tuesday back home. Why Go Offline? Unplugging from Wi‑Fi helps you plug into real moments: breathtaking views, spontaneous conversations, and the simple joy of doing absolutely nothing without distraction. You'll return with stories, smiles, and perhaps just a tad of mud, exactly what makes a campervan trip unforgettable.
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