A traveller can experience life from the front seat, one mile at a time, allowing the world to surprise, excite, and challenge them. The same sentiment is expressed by travellers who are more inclined to purchase RVs, customize them to meet their needs, and prepare for journeys that extend beyond fixed itineraries and short vacations.
Several states in India have taken steps to promote caravan tourism in recent years, including Karnataka and Uttarakhand. There are more options today for Indian travellers to kick-start their van life than ever before. They can hire a full-fledged van from local brands such as Feel home, Motor caravans, and Ojes or they can convert a minibus or jeep into a tiny house.
Making your campervan trip-ready is more important than setting it up. As a tiny-house-on-wheels, you should always prioritize security and equip it with the essential supplies.
With your home at your back and the open road ahead, imagine exploring completely different places for as long as you can. Living in a campervan may be the logical next adventure for you if your hands crave to be at the steering wheel when you think about travelling by campervan!
A must-follow list if you intend to travel in a Camper’s Van.
1. Don’t start until you’re well prepared
You’ll be living in your camper van. To make sure you arrive at the destination prepared, make proper checks of your van. You should have the necessary license papers, engine, tyre and mechanics integrity, power source, water supply, and have a good understanding of the areas you will be cruising through. Even though a camper van doesn’t have to follow a set route, researching local culture, vehicle regulations, and food halts are always useful.
2. Sacrifices Will Be Required
Seeing the sights in an RV means you will have to adjust the way you travel if you are used to travelling in business class, plush hotel rooms, and fine dining. The decisions you make regarding staying in hostels or camping on the side of the road are not dependent on how much experience you have as a backpacker. Instead, they are dependent on how much you enjoy roughing it.
You may not be able to take showers as frequently as you’d like while travelling in an RV. You might not have the strongest air conditioning you’ve ever experienced, so you’ll have to be creative when it comes to cooking. In the end, though, you’ll have a rewarding experience.
On the open road, we can expect endless possibilities to blow through our hair. Sounds corny, right? You can experience a life of adventure few have yet to experience.
Getting the most out of travelling doesn’t necessarily require a butler or a hefty price tag. By appreciating simplicity over excess, you’ll come to appreciate small things.
3. Take your meals seriously
You would not want to fall ill while travelling by van. If the traveller is going to spend the majority of the day driving, it is recommended that they arrange a meal schedule and eat healthily prepared meals. Consider recipes for food you can prepare easily and consume multiple times (bring along extra dry snacks). Another way to ensure you have a continuous supply of fresh, hygienic food is to set up a mini-refrigerator, induction stove, and water purifier inside your van.
4. Decide which campsite to use
You should choose campsites that let you see a place’s natural beauty, whether you’re taking your van to the beach or parking in the hills. To be on the safe side, find out about places that allow travellers to park their vans on their premises for a few hours or more. Be extremely cautious of the vicinity. Who would want to run into some zombies in the middle of the night or some curious thugs lurking about.
Karnataka’s Caravan Tourism Project aims to foster caravan tourism in cities like Hampi, Gokarna, Badami, Kudremukh, and Coorg. Karnataka State Tourism Department Corporation (KTDC) hotels currently offer spaces for travellers to park their vans. They can, however, expect parks to provide them with assistance in the future.
5. You don’t have personal space anymore
You’re going to have to learn to cope with your newfound lack of space if you travel with someone – whether a partner, children, pets, or all of them.
You will have several bubbles popping every day. In a small space, privacy is sacrificed.
Finding time alone may require some creativity. However, you will be rewarded with quality time with your loved ones and pets if you sacrifice your privacy for them. We hope you enjoy being with your companion!
6. Being organized is key
When travelling by van, knowing where your stuff is, how frequently you need it, and what you don’t need is crucial for having an enjoyable trip. Don’t throw things around. You should provide separate baskets for items like electronics (chargers, laptops, and headphones), health products (skincare, medicine, and first-aid kits), and books that can be pushed under the bed or stored in the trunk.
7. Essentials to carry
It is imperative to pack items that will not take up much space nor cost much money for a comfortable journey. Do not overpack though. You might want to take a quick look at the following important items before you depart:
• Wet Tissues – You can easily clean coffee spills with a wet tissue or baby wipes instead of digging around for a cloth. Recyclable paper is better to use.
• Mobile charger – Whether you make calls, use GPS, or browse the internet, your phone is your best friend while you travel. Access to your phone regardless of the amount of battery it has is vital.
• Folding Chairs – Chairs that can be folded into a van’s interior make great furniture. A folding chair is essential if you plan on making a stop, planning a bonfire, or just relaxing under the sun in the morning.
• Sanitiser – Sanitiser is a must-have in the pandemic era if you’re interacting with people, buying supplies along the way, or when human contact is imminent.
• Hammock – A hammock is sure to make you feel like you’re on vacation. This is a lightweight, portable tent that allows you to stretch your legs anywhere. You can take a quick nap under a banyan tree or beside a waterfall when you find some.
• Dustbin Bags – Keeping roads and localities clean for others is your responsibility as a traveller. Collect your trash until you can find recycling centres or garbage containers. We recommend owning and using some dustbin bags to dispose of your waste (make sure they’re biodegradable).
• Mosquito Net – A mosquito net can keep you safe against the uninvited guests – mosquitoes – while sleeping in a camper van at night. An insect-repellent cream can also fend off invasive insects and mosquitos. If you do not want to use mosquito-repellent creams, you may want to use a bed net.
• Flip-Flops – Pack a pair or two of flip-flops apart from running shoes. You are likely to be exploring areas with poor roads and possibly no public toilets for a substantial portion of your trip. Be prepared for these and many other situations by packing flip-flops just in case your sneakers get untidy.
Conclusion
I hope this “camper’s survival guide” has answered your questions, and now you can start preparing yourself for the situations that may arise when in the wilderness. We know there are many factors that can affect the way you camp. Weather, wildlife, and even your own physical stamina will play an important role in how safe and strong you are during your camping trip. Always put safety first. We can be reached at any time if you have any further questions.
You can connect with us on our social handles (Instagram, Twitter & Facebook) and drop your queries directly there. You can even email us at iflynfeast@gmail.com!
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