Beginners guide to hitting the road in a campervan

Have you been wanting to hit the road for your own adventure but don’t know where to start? Maybe you’ve dreamed of road tripping up the east coast of Australia, or want to explore the picturesque vineyards of regional Victoria, but the thought of driving a big motorhome makes you a little nervous? We promise driving a motorhome is easier than it looks and is the perfect way to experience the freedom of the open road.

What vehicle should I take?

If it’s your first time heading off on a road trip we recommended hiring a campervan so that you can ease into life on the road. Our Vivid Campers are a great option for first timer vanners and are super easy to drive! If you can drive a normal automatic car, then you’ll have no problems driving a Vivid Camper! Plus being much smaller than a big motorhome means they can be parked almost anywhere – perfect if you need to drop into the shops!

Sleeping up to 4 guests, the Vivids are perfect if you’re heading off on a solo adventure or road tripping with a few friends. The rooftop tent is perfect for stargazing and the fridge and gas stove means you can easily whip up something to eat while you explore.  The best thing about our Vivid Campers is how easy it is to pack up when you’re ready – just jump in and head off to a new destination. It’s the perfect vehicle for camper van beginners wanting to head out on their own #vanlife adventure.

Where do I stay?

We always recommended staying in holiday parks or campgrounds so that you can utilise their toilet and shower facilities, as well as allowing you to connect to electricity to recharge your battery and keep your fridge cold! Make sure to book your camping spot in advance as they can fill up, especially in school holidays and peak seasons. Our ApolloConnect App can help you find, compare, and book camp grounds while you’re on the road and can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.

What do I pack?

Our top packing tip is to always use soft bags! These will be much easier to fit into the campervan and will save you the trouble of trying fit a suitcase into the smaller storage areas. Make sure to also research the weather of your destination so that you can pack your clothes accordingly – always remembering to throw in a wet weather option just to be safe!

All our vans come with personal kits which include your sheets, duvets, bath towels, and pillows, but if you are travelling in winter and feel the cold easily you may want to pack an extra blanket. We also provide your cooking utensils and pots and pans, but you will need to bring your own dishwashing liquid. Camping chairs and camp tables can also be added to your reservation, just ask our friendly team when booking your campervan.

Don’t forget to also pack a good book or boardgame to keep you entertained at night, and your favourite snacks for the road.

Where should I go?

The options are endless! We have branches all over Australia and NZ meaning you can hit the road for a quick weekend getaway or you can pack your bags for a month-long holiday. Road trip between your favourite surf spots, explore the wonders of a natural park, or visit charming rural towns.If you need some #travelinspo make sure to check out our other blogs and follow us on Instagram!