TOP TIPS FOR WINTER CAMPERVAN TRIPS

Quieter roads, the best camping spots and off-peak prices to boot. There’s a lot to love about getting out in your campervan through winter, but if you’ve only ventured out during the warmer months, there are a few extra things you need to consider before you take to the open road. Fortunately, the experts from Goboony are here to help with some epic tips to help you make the most of your winter road trip.

People often worry about whether they’ll be warm enough in their campervan in winter, especially overnight, but your van can be just as cosy as your home – if not more so! Follow our top tips, and you’ll soon be wondering why you haven’t tried road-tripping in your camper through winter before.

A big perk of travelling in a campervan is that you get much more storage than you would if camping in a tent or staying in rental accommodation. You aren’t as restricted to what you can bring and aren’t constantly lugging suitcases around and packing and unpacking your stuff.

However, the more gear you bring with you, the more important it is to stay organised. That way, you can make the most of the space.

During summer campervan trips, you’ll probably be eating al fresco most days, but in winter, chances are you'll want to be tucked up inside. So, the last thing you want is to rearrange your stuff every time you sit down to dinner, which is why organising is key. Put the things you’ll be using every day somewhere handy and keep extra gear that won’t be needed as frequently tucked away so you can get to it when needed.

Think about the conditions when planning where to put stuff too. It’s likely to be colder, so keeping your extra layers and socks within easy reach means you can grab them and layer up when needed.

Usually, we're all about packing light. But for winter campervan trips, it's about packing enough. Check out our ultimate campervan packing list and make sure you're all geared up for adventure days out on the road. 

Staying warm in winter is all about layering, as multiple layers trap heat and keep you warm. So make sure you pack plenty of layers. Base layers are a must as they help regulate your temperature as you move from sitting in your cosy campervan to working up a sweat on a walk.  

Don’t forget to pack plenty of spare clothes too - having a comfy pair of sweatpants and thick socks to change into once you get back to your campervan will make all the difference.

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A big advantage of campervans is being able to sleep in a proper bed and under a duvet. But, in winter, if you’re someone who feels the cold or you're travelling in a larger campervan that takes longer to heat, you might want to bring your sleeping bag. Sleeping bags tend to be much warmer as their cocooning shape helps trap your body heat and prevents any cold spots.

If you’re worried about not being able to snuggle up to your travel companion, don’t panic! You can get two-person sleeping bags so you can share your warmth.

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Shorter days mean that in winter, you’ll probably spend more time in your campervan than in spring or summer. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it’s the perfect time to tackle your ever-growing reading list, pour over maps and start planning epic summer hikes, or go old-school with a game of cards or a board game.

Sure, you can bring your laptop and electronics along if you need to, but trust us, some screen-free time getting back to basics with the people you love is worth it!

Winter’s also a great time to make the most of the cooking facilities in your van. Get out into the local towns or villages, shop at markets or delicatessens in the day, and prepare home-cooked grub in your camper at night. The simple pleasures are the best.

When choosing the right campervan for your trip, it can be tempting to size up and get something with more space, especially considering you’ll be spending more time inside during winter. However, smaller campervans, like a Volkswagen or Mazda Bongo, are great if you plan to drive on rural roads and stay at serviced campsites.

Think about facilities too. If you’re heading to more basic sites in remote locations, you need a campervan with a shower and toilet. Whereas if the campsites you're stopping at have washing facilities, you can do anyway with some of these on-board luxuries.

If your pooch adjusts well to new places, why not choose a pet-friendly camper and take them along for the ride? It’s a great way to encourage you to stay active and get outdoors, whatever the weather.

It’s not difficult to find dog-friendly campervans and plenty of campsites also welcome pets.  Just make sure to check beforehand and follow any rules once there, like keeping your dog on its lead in designated areas.

Pics of you cosying up by a campfire and toasting marshmallows are just what your Insta is missing, so make sure you choose a campsite where you can light a campfire. Not all do, so it’s best to check with them before booking if this is a deal breaker for you.

If you’re heading somewhere where parking up and wild camping is permitted, never light a campfire on the ground, as it can be dangerous and harm nearby wildlife. Instead, take a firepit with you and only light it where allowed and safe to do so.

Failure to prepare is preparing to fail, and this is so true when winter camping. There’s no misery like sitting in wet clothes or being unable to get warm. So, before your trip, check out all the essentials you’ll need from Snow+Rock. 

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Feeling ready to tackle a winter camping trip in a campervan? Head to Goboony and check out their available campers now.