Do you want to try out the ‘van life’ experience?
Before you hit the road, check out our advice on combining nature with comfort
You might be tempted to just jump in the van and see where the road takes you, but to make sure everything goes smoothly, it’s best to do a bit of preparation.
_
Here’s our checklist:
• decide on the total duration of your road trip
• choose a region
• research the must-see places around these destinations
• create an itinerary on Google Maps (or a road map for old-school road trippers) and mark each place of interest on the map. Being able to see them on the map will make it easier to make decisions and abandon stops that are too far out of the way, for example
• calculate the journey time for each leg (no more than 200 miles per day)
• make a schedule for trips and activities and allow plenty of time so you can fully make the most of each stop
• book popular activities in advance, especially in July and August
• allow time for unexpected discoveries, as they’re what make road trips so special!
_
_
_
When you’re travelling in a camper van, minimalism is a necessity. That said, there’s some gear that you just can’t do without:
_
• a rucksack and a water bottle for your excursions,
• a sleeping bag with the right rating for the season,
• a pocket knife,
• insect repellent,
• a small stock of supplies: tea, coffee, pasta, rice, tinned food, cakes, fruit compotes, toilet paper, water carrier, matches, etc.,
• your sunglasses, whatever the season,
• a first-aid kit,
• a hand or head torch.
_
You can find all this equipment at the Huttopia Camp de Base shop.
Van life takes you back to basics, and we love that! But we won’t lie, we also like taking a nice shower or going for a dip in a swimming pool. Plan a few stops along the route where you’ll have more comfortable accommodation or simply some services nearby. A comfy bed doesn’t have to mean a hotel or city-centre apartment. You can have this luxury while staying close to nature.
_
At our countryside campsites, you’ll get the welcome dose of extra comfort you’re looking for: toilet block, shower, laundry room, camper van service point, etc., while also being able to enjoy a swimming pool, a food corner and bar, a small grocery shop, fresh bread every morning and even Wi-Fi access.
_
Our pitches have ample space, so you can add a tent for friends who are stopping by, for example. And if you’d like to sleep in a comfy bed for a night, you can try out one of our cosy wood & canvas tents.
_
Our wood & canvas accommodation
_
Hitting the road in a van for the first time can be daunting. For a risk-free way to try it out, consider hiring a fully fitted-out van.
_
With Blacksheep, you can create your own bespoke road trip by choosing the right van for you (for 2-6 people, with varying levels of comfort), the town of departure and the length of your trip.
_
A long way from the basic comfort of the VW T2 (which still has its own appeal), Blacksheep’s fully fitted-out vans have everything you need: heating and air conditioning, audio system with radio and aux-in port, power steering, sunshades, etc. And for at the campsite: a table that can be used outside, a sink, storage space, pots, pans and crockery, a camping stove and a fridge.
_
Various extras are also available: roof bars, barbecues, solar showers, bike racks, child seats, etc.
_
Get out into the country after the festive season with Huttopia. (...)