Checklist For a First Campervan Holiday with Kids

A campervan can provide a tremendously rewarding way to spend a holiday as a family, it's something I've done a few times with my kids and not only is it a fun adventure but also a great way to bond and have some quality family time. If this is going to be your first campervan holiday, however, then you’ll want to take a few preparatory steps before you embark as it's not like a normal holiday and can take a few adjustments to get comfortable. 

By getting the planning stages right, you’ll minimise the likelihood of something going wrong, and give yourself the best chance of a memorable, enjoyable experience.

Selecting the Right Campervan

With so many options out there today it can feel a little overwhelming but there are plenty of companies that offer campervan hire, which is an affordable way to try it out before investing in a camper yourself & also lets you see what works and what doesn't for your family. If the vehicle you choose isn’t appropriate for your family’s needs, then you might struggle to have a good time. You’ll want enough beds to accommodate everyone, as well as seat belts for all of the passengers you’re taking.

Storage space is also essential. If you don’t have enough, then you’ll be forced to store luggage in walkways and other inconvenient spaces. Over the duration of the holiday, this can be a source of considerable stress.

To drive on public roads in the UK, you’ll need to have your vehicle insured. In the case of campervans, it’s worth looking into special campervan insurance policies. These will cover not just the cost of the vehicle, but also of the vehicle’s contents, if you're hiring a camper this should be included in the cost of hire. 

Planning Your Route and Campsites

By planning your route well in advance, you’ll be able to work out whether there are any family-friendly sites along the way. Research your options thoroughly. A site that’s been designed for retirees or young people might not be appropriate for families.

In the more picturesque corners of the country, you’ll tend to find a higher concentration of campsites. The best way to see Snowdonia, the Lake District, or the Scottish Highlands is often to find a site that’s right out in the wilderness. That way, you’ll be able to experience the untamed beauty of nature, without having to contend with crowds of tourists.

Packing Essentials for the Journey

Even if you’re staying in a larger campervan, you’ll still need to ensure that you’ve packed appropriately for the trip. This will tend to mean using packing cubes, which will help you to sort out all of your items so that you aren’t confronted by a mess when you open a suitcase.

The weather in the UK is notoriously difficult to predict, so you might want to include a range of different layerable clothes. Don’t forget Wellington boots, and waterproof jackets and coats, even if you’re travelling during summer.

To keep the kids occupied, it’s worth also bringing along a selection of books and board games. This will help you to minimise your screen time.

Managing boredom and Tiredness on the Road

Travel can be a stressful thing for adults. But small children they can at times easily get bored and then in turn agitated or frustrated. Dealing with this problem is often a matter of managing your schedule so that disruption is minimised, and so that you stop off somewhere child-friendly every so often. When there’s an adventure playground just around the corner, your kids might find it easier to stay positive.