6 Things to Consider Before Taking Your First Family Campervan Holiday

Picture it. Day two, rain drumming on the roof, three children in a space smaller than our kitchen, and nobody can find the other welly. That’s the campervan holiday that has kept me hesitating for years, and I doubt I’m the only parent who feels that way.

We’ve done plenty of caravan breaks, from Haven weekends in Kent to Eurocamp summers abroad. A campervan is different though, because your home moves with you. Get a few things right before you set off and those cramped, soggy moments become far easier to handle.

1. Choose a Van That Actually Fits Your Family

Berth numbers can be misleading. A van that sleeps four might mean two of you are on a dinette you rebuild every night, which gets old quickly with tired children. Think about where everyone will sit on a wet afternoon, not just where they’ll sleep.

Seats matter just as much. Children normally need a car seat until they’re 12 or 135cm tall, and child car seats must not be fitted in side-facing seats, so check which travelling seats face forward and have ISOFIX points. It’s also worth checking the van’s weight against your licence, as some larger models go beyond what a standard car licence covers. Some families browse campervans for sale at this stage too, simply to compare layouts before deciding whether hiring or owning makes more sense.

2. Get to Know the Van Before You Leave

A campervan doesn’t drive like the family car. The turning circle is wider, the height rules out some car parks, and you’ll rely on your mirrors far more than usual. A short practice drive on familiar roads helps.

Then there’s the admin. Learn how to use the electric hook-up, fill the fresh water, empty the waste tank and change the gas bottle. A night on the driveway makes a brilliant dry run, as you can work out the heater with your own bathroom close by. Keep vents clear and pack a carbon monoxide alarm too.

3. Pack Less and Give Everyone a Space

Hard suitcases are the enemy in a van. Soft bags and packing cubes squash into odd corners and fold away once you’ve unpacked.

With three children, I’ve learnt that clutter spreads fast unless everyone has a home for their things. A drawer, net pocket or basket each does the job. Store heavy items low down and shut every cupboard before you pull away, unless you enjoy tins rolling about at every roundabout.

4. Keep the First Drive Short and Choose Sites Wisely

Resist the urge to cover huge distances on day one. Around two hours is plenty while you’re still getting used to the van.

For a first trip, a family-friendly campsite with clean wash blocks and a play area beats a remote spot with no facilities. Book your pitches ahead, too. Hunting for somewhere to stop at seven in the evening with hungry children is nobody’s idea of an adventure.

5. Keep Meals Simple

A campervan kitchen is tiny, so this isn’t the week for ambitious recipes. One-pan dinners, wraps and a decent breakfast will carry you a long way, with less washing up in a small sink.

Rather than packing a week of fresh food, do a big shop near your first site. Food costs creep up quickly on holiday, so a rough meal plan helps. Keep hot pans, knives and gas controls well away from little hands, and know the basics just in case. The NHS advises holding a burn under cool running water for 20 minutes as soon as possible.

6. Leave Room for Rain, Rest and Doing Nothing

Sleep can go a bit wonky in a new space, so bring familiar pillows, blankets or a favourite teddy to help children settle.

This is Britain, so pack waterproofs and wellies whatever the forecast says, along with downloaded films, books and card games. Most importantly, don’t overfill the plan. Some of our best holiday memories have come from slow afternoons with nothing planned at all.

From Cramped and Soggy to Cosy Evenings Together

That picture of rain on the roof and a missing welly doesn’t have to be your campervan story. Choose a van with real space, practise the driving and admin, pack light and keep the first few days gentle. Do that and the small space starts to feel cosy rather than cramped.

Your first trip won’t be perfect, and that’s fine. Ours never are! But with a little preparation, it could be the start of a whole new way of exploring together.

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.