The camper is a common sight on the roads of the UK, especially during the summer. We love them as they allow us to have our home away from home. It couldn’t be easier to simply pack a few things and drive to anywhere that takes our fancy, meaning that there are some terrific adventures to be had.
In this article, we have put together a list of our favourite things that your camper absolutely should not be without.
Depending on the model of camper that you have or where you stay, getting clean and showered is not always an option, so it is good to have something on hand that allows you to freshen up, no matter where you might be. A portable outdoor shower can be easily hooked up, and some options are even solar powered to make sure that the water is a comfortable temperature.
It is great to be out in the middle of nature, but there are times when you do not want nature to intrude, particularly at 5am. That is why installing thermal blinds can be essential. They can not only block out the sun at unwanted times of the day, but they can either keep heat in on a cool night or reflect it back out in the middle of the day. They are a simple but effective addition to your camper that can make it much more comfortable and private with very little effort.
Depending on where you set up camp for the night, you may not be somewhere that is very well lit, and so it is important to have your own lighting available if you need it. Battery operated lamps are easy to use and set up and can provide you with plenty of light whether you are relaxing outside or trying to find your way too or from the camper. It not only creates a more pleasant atmosphere, but it can also make things feel a little safer too.
You will want your camper to feel comfortable at all times, so look at fitting some stretch carpet, to giver you a great feel underfoot. These rolls of carpet are easy to cut to the right size and shape and are simply fixed into place using spray glue. As the name suggests, it is designed to stretch, making it easy to fit and minimising the risk of there being any wrinkles. These carpets not only make the camper look good, but they can also help to retain warmth and minimise noise.
Campers are not huge inside, so having some outdoor furniture that can easily fold away means that you can easily extend your living space. Having a picnic set or loungers that you can put outside gives you another place to put your feet up or have dinner, and you can take in the scenery at the same time.
There is nothing better than grilling some sausages and steaks outdoors when you are on holiday, so remember to take a barbecue with you. It can give you more dining options and is always good fun. There are portable gas and charcoal barbecues to choose from, so you can pick something to suit your cooking style. If you set up camp in a campsite or caravan park, it is important to make sure that you are familiar with their rules for barbecuing. You should also be careful when you are out in the wild, as stray embers can very quickly start fires in a dry environment, so make sure that you are responsible, be aware of any warnings, and clear everything away safely.
The best bit about getting away in a camper is having the freedom to do as much or as little as you like, which is why we think everyone should have a hammock. Snooze in the sun, catch up on a good book and relax in the midst of nature whilst gently swaying from side to side. What could be better?
You might want a camper holiday so that you can get away from it all, but these days it can be hard to survive without WiFi. Whether you want to keep in touch with family, use your phone as a sat nav or simply relax with a movie, you might find that many of your chosen locations don’t offer you much in the way of a WiFi signal. Therefore, having your own WiFi booster can help to increase your signal and you can stay connected.
Unless you are planning to eat out for every meal, it is likely that you are going to want a few kitchen essentials. Make sure you have the basics of a kettle, toaster and microwave, and most meals will feel within reach. You should also make sure that you set off with some of the more important things like milk, coffee, tea bags and breakfast cereal to see you through most situations.
A camper holiday is all about freedom, so you might not want to be tied to a campsite that has lots of amenities. If you have your own portable solar panels on board, then you have the ability to go almost anywhere that you want to, and still be able to have electricity for your lights and appliances. What we can’t guarantee you is how much sunshine the British weather will provide.
Camper holidays are a completely different way of life to many others, and it is easy to see why they are becoming more and more popular. The ability to simply get out on the open road and spend the night almost anywhere that you please can be very tempting when you want to get away from it all, and if you make sure that you pack all of our essentials, you can have a great trip no matter where you end up.