You want to spend a vacation in a camper or van for the first time this year? Then you should not make these camping mistakes!
Corona also had a few good sides. More and more people are rediscovering their love of nature. No wonder camping vacations are at the top of the wish list.
Just a few years ago, everyone rolled their eyes when they reported bringing a vacation in a tent, van or camper. Small excerpt from the classic statements pleasing? "That's not a vacation! That you do this to yourself, I do not understand. Are you serious?"
I could go on enumerating forever.
No wonder - for many, camping was still such a hippie trend until then. Some even thought that only those who don't have money for a "real vacation" go camping. What a nonsense. :)
If you've changed your mind about that too and are going camping for the first time, then you should avoid these beginner mistakes. This will save a lot of trouble and the rude awakening will not happen.
I did some research for you and asked a real pro.
If anyone needs to know, it's Camping van rental Vinzenz Eder from myvanture. He has been an avid camper for years and travels with his own van.
Tip 1 comes immediately: "Preparation is the be-all and end-all." So that you are well prepared, there are not only tips for the vacation, but also a special offer.
For those who are interested in camping and want to save money, I have organized a myvanture coupon code. With the discount code "wegocamping" you save 5 % on your booking!
Here you can about the offer from myvanture and choose from four different vans.
But back to the preparation. So that your first camping vacation does not become a failure, Vinzenz reveals the best tips.
The biggest mistakes camping beginners make and how you can avoid them
Let's get started right away. You have no time to give away and are certainly already full of anticipation. The camping vacation and many great experiences are waiting for you!
1. you choose the wrong vehicle
Take the car to the camping site, pitch the tent and you're done? That's what people used to do. Today you save back pain from the hard ground and are protected in rainy weather.
This is made possible by camper vans, panel vans or caravans. The choice for beginners is often not that easy. Newcomers often choose the wrong vehicle.
Vincent explains: "It depends on what you want to experience on site. With a van, you're more flexible, you can change locations more quickly, and you can often find a spot even at crowded campgrounds. With a large and bulky camping van, that becomes a bit more difficult."
On a long road trip, you should choose a vehicle that has a toilet. A shower is not absolutely necessary. For this purpose, there are special camping showers, where even a bucket of water is enough. Such and many other gadgets are among the Camping Must Haves 2021!
Are you also planning to visit cities? Then you are also better positioned with a van than with a camping car. Small winding streets are easier to explore with a van.
2. do not obtain information about the parking place
Wild camping sounds wonderful. Just park the camper or van in the middle of nature and enjoy. But that can quickly become expensive. In many European countries, wild camping is prohibited. This can quickly cost you a fine of 1500 euros - more than you may have planned for the entire vacation.
In some regions, however, wild camping is not a problem as long as you don't leave any trash behind and follow certain rules. The best thing to do is to search Google for current guidelines and then you will be up to date.
To find the best places to park your van, Vinzenz recommends the Park4night app. It's like a digital camping guide that contains information about places for wild camping, rest areas and camping sites.
By the way: To park the vehicle somewhere spontaneously, that was once. Since camping vacation has experienced a boom, you have to take care of it in advance. Many campsites are booked up months in advance.
3. you do not create a packing list
"Preparation is everything," says Vincent. That also applies to the packing list - after all, you need enough clothes and also some other equipment.
The perfect packing list is not difficult to put together. Think about the following questions:
- Where am I going? (sea, mountains, city)
- What do I want to do there? (hiking, swimming, city tours)
- Do I need my bike with me?
- What will I cook and where will I eat?
It's about finding the happy medium. Especially camping beginners like to pack too much - and then even the wrong thing. If you go to the sea for 4 days, you don't need 5 bikinis and 15 shirts. Space is limited, so you have to pack wisely.
Think about the food, too. Find a few nice restaurants along the way and be prepared to cook. "Salt, pepper, vinegar and oil are absolute classics and should be on every packing list," explains Vincent. As well as pots, bowls and cutlery. And, of course, enough gas.
Just like a broom and a few cleaning utensils. After all, the van or camper will be your living room for the next few days, not just a car. You can save a lot of cleaning work if you use a tarpaulin for the floor.
Awning, awning, camping table and chairs are also never a mistake.
And there's a special tip on top: Don't forget your adapter cable for camping abroad and pack an extension cable.
By the way, different rules apply on the roads in every country as far as high-visibility vests, spare lamps and the like are concerned.
Do you already know the 13 smartest camping gadgets of the year?
4. you drive off on the off chance and do not plan the route
A big camping beginner mistake is the lack of route planning. Having to deal with it in advance sounds like a lot of effort, which you often don't feel like doing.
But Vinzenz also has a tip for this: "If you plan your road trip from A to Z, you can still decide spontaneously to change the route. But you should have a rough direction in mind." It's much less stressful. You can enjoy the trip more and don't have to be constantly glued to your smartphone.
And everyone knows the situation: Hungry looking for a snack or restaurant is pure horror. The same goes for camping sites, showers and the like.
Questions you should ask yourself for planning purposes
- Where would I like to go
- How long I would like to stay
- What can you do on site
- Where can you get something to eat
By the way, here's another pro tip: "Always plan for a base, even when wild camping. You can enjoy a normal shower and toilet here and get the van back in shape."
5. do not pay attention to the speed limits
If you go on vacation in a van or camper, you enjoy the freedom of being able to change locations. But inform yourself beforehand very carefully about the speed limits. This can be very expensive!
Small example:
- In Germany, there is no speed limit on the autobahn. On the country road 100 km/h.
- In Austria, 130 km/h applies. On the country road 100 km/h.
- In Switzerland, you are allowed 120 km/h on the highway. Country road: 80 km/h.
- And in Italy, the speed limit is 130 km/h on the highway and 90 km/h on the country road.
Those who do not comply have to dig deep into their pockets. In Switzerland, the fine is up to 160 euros per offense.
In short: Find out beforehand exactly how fast you are allowed to drive and where. Write it down so that you do not exceed the speed limit.
Our conclusion
With these tips, camping beginners won't make any mistakes on their first road trip. Have a good time and enjoy the free time. I wish you beautiful weather and many great experiences!
If you want to treat yourself to a special vacation this year, you can save with the discount code "wegocamping" 5 % on the booking of a camping van. You can find the offer you at myvanture. Just give the code when booking.
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