In the time of the pandemic, when finding proper and safe transport or accommodation can be problematic, choosing a campervan for travelling seems to be a convenient option.

It saves time and money, as it serves both as a place to sleep and as a private means of transport. What’s more, you can store all the luggage and equipment that are necessary for travel inside, with almost no weight limitations.

Despite the fact that a campervan is a comfortable and flexible vacation choice, it needs to be prepared carefully before starting the journey. How to make your campervan ready to set off for your next holiday adventure? We list the most important points to consider and tick off.

Check Its Condition And Technical Parameters

It may seem trivial, but checking the technical parameters of every vehicle is necessary at the start of every journey. Make sure that the wheels and tires work properly, check the oil level and examine the condition of the brakes.

If you notice anything suspicious in the way the van works – simply go to the mechanic to make sure it’s nothing to worry about, and if it turns out that there are some issues, make sure they are fixed before you start your journey.

Then, examine the interior of your campervan carefully. Check the doors and windows for any leaks, make sure that the appliances in the kitchen and bathroom work. If any problems appear, it will be easier to solve them before the trip starts.

If you’re hiring a campervan, make sure it’s in a good state before signing any hire documents. There’s plenty of van-hiring companies on the internet, such as https://omcmotorhomes.co.uk/.

Take Care of The Comfort

Your campervan will be a place where all the travellers are going to spend most of the time during the trip – it’s a place to sleep, eat, take a rest, or even spend entire days, for example, when it’s raining.

That’s why it is important that the interior of the van is comfortable and cozy. How can you create such an atmosphere without cluttering the space with unnecessary objects?

Adding some pillows, candles, and blankets to the interior will surely create a cozy atmosphere, and these items will be useful in case the evenings and nights are cold.

Another idea to personalize the interior and make it feel like home is to create some personal space for every traveller – it can be separated, for example, with a cupboard or a bookshelf. This way, you will gain some extra storage space and provide some intimacy at once. To see some inspiration on how to arrange space inside a campervan, click here.

Weigh the Luggage And Equipment

As the campervan serves not only the function of accommodation, but it also a means of transport, it needs to be weighed carefully, so it doesn’t exceed the weight limit, which would be problematic in case of an accident.

Usually, companies that offer hiring a campervan provide the service of weighing the luggage – if they don’t, simply contact your mechanic who may perform such services as well.

Remember to always travel light – don’t take too many items that you won’t even use during the trip. The same goes for supplies like food, detergents, or cosmetics – If you run out of any of these, you can always buy them later on your way. To get some more tips on how to pack for campervan travel, visit this website.

Customize If Needed

If you want to make your campervan easily recognizable, you can boost its design using some DIY methods – use colorful paint or spray to paint the outside of the van, and customize the inside by using stickers or posters.

You can also customize the interior by putting colorful blankets and cushions on the beds, choosing comfortable mattresses, and painting the fronts of the cupboards or wardrobes. Remember – your imagination is the limit! If your van is not the newest and most fashionable one, you can still make it beautiful and trendy using DIY methods. To read more about it, visit this website.

Preparing Your Campervan For a Journey – Additional Tips

Once you prepare your vehicle for the journey and check its technical parameters, make sure to choose appropriate and safe places to park it. Currently, the camping offer all over the world is quite wide, so it shouldn’t be a problem to find a place with satisfactory facilities.

What facilities should a good campsite have? Obviously, bathrooms, toilets, kitchens, and dining sites are essential in all places of this type. Additionally, most of the campsites provide the laundry service. If you’re travelling with kids, keep in mind that they also need to relax and check if the campsite has any additional facilities for the little ones.

Conclusion

Travelling in a campervan can be a great pleasure provided that the technical state of the vehicle is good and that you take care of all the necessary elements and items.

Finally, make sure to find good-quality parking spaces so that the travel goes smoothly and without any unexpected events. Above all, make sure to buy appropriate travel insurance that will cover any possible damage or loss.

The freedom of travel and a nomadic lifestyle has become even more popular of late. Nomad travellers are no longer considered as lost souls with no direction in life; they have now become the norm. Many people have realised that the corporate world or the slog of a 9 to 5 job does not suit them, and this is when they opt to travel and explore the world. An extended holiday of longer than two months requires proper planning and foresight. It isn’t the kind of thing that can just happened at the drop of a hat.

There are many things that will need to be organised, fall into place and pursued before you can leave on a jet plane, train or ship. Managing your finances and travel plans will take up most of your time but if you prepare ahead of time, you can avoid a catastrophe or an inconvenience which will set you back in terms of your travel and exploration goals. Here are some basic starting points to consider when you have decided to pack up and head out into the unknown.

Pack and Store Your Belongings

First and foremost, you will need to give notice on your leased premises and start organising your life to take on a more ‘nomad’ way of being. If you have decided to rent out your property short-term while you are away, you will need to decide if you will keep it furnished or whether you will require self-storage. A quick and convenient self-storage solution is provided by PODS. Find your storage at ukpods.co.uk for the best way to move and store your belongings safely. PODS will deliver your container to your home and once you have filled it, they load the container and move it to a secure storage facility. Quick, easy and convenient! Ensure you pack up your belongings properly and check which items are not permitted for storage.

Get the Paperwork Sorted

You will want to update your insurance as if you have opted to store your belongings or car, your insurer will need to be notified. If you think extended travel is something you would like to do long-term, you can opt to sell your car and cancel your car insurance. Speak to your broker about a comprehensive travel insurance as you do not want to be in a foreign country without it. A comprehensive policy should cover your health and medical evacuation if needed. Another important tip is to get a prescription from a doctor that proves the medication (if any) that you are travelling with will not get you into trouble with border security.

While you are updating your insurance policies, ensure that you have all the required documents to travel. Ensure your banking cards, credit cards and driver’s license are usable in the location/s you will be staying and travelling in. Check that your passport is valid, your visa is done, if required, and any other documents you may need to travel. Keep certified copies of everything scanned in the cloud so that you can access them if you ever need to. It is better to be prepared than sorry!

Plan Your Adventure

Research the area or places you will be travelling in and ensure you understand what is required in terms of transport, accommodation and funds. Booking these amenities beforehand and confirming them prior to departure will save you a lot of stress while in transit. Plan where you will be heading to, how long you will be staying, what your goals are and how you will be getting there. Another useful tip is to check which cellular provider operates in the area or country you are travelling in. Research what data will cost and where to get a sim card so that you can stay connected to your friends and family and use the internet for work, email or social media.

Check the power and plug configuration so that you are prepared to charge your devices adequately. Invest in guidebooks and check the currency conversion – you will need to know how far your pound will get you in another country. Find expat groups on social media to brush up on some frequently asked questions so you get a better lay of the land before heading out.

Remote Work Opportunities

Working remotely may be something you are keen to undertake while travelling. There are great resources available for the working nomad community on Facebook and on various online platforms. Remote working opportunities are popular amongst travellers who want to make the most of their adventure while earning an income too. If you are lucky enough to receive income so you do not have to travel, then you can explore at your heart’s content.

Working remotely offers you the opportunity to handle small projects according to your skillset from anywhere in the world. All you need is your laptop, an internet connection and the drive to work remotely while travelling. If you are taking your entire family along, enrol your children for online schooling that allows distance learning, so they do not fall behind in their academic year.

Pack Light

Extended travels require the ability to travel light. This means that you should pack only the bare minimum needed to see you through your travels comfortably. You should also remember that whatever you don’t need will become a pain to slog around while travelling and if you do need something, chances are you can probably purchase it when you need it. Invest in a good pair of hiking boots and clothes that travel well. The last thing you want to worry about is having to iron clothing or transport them delicately as to not damage them. A good quality soft-shell jacket should also be another investment as this is lightweight, warm and weather-proof. The less you pack, the lighter you can travel and the easier you can explore.

Once you have planned and organised your life accordingly, your extended travel adventure awaits. Pack your sunblock, vitamins and travel pillow and explore at your leisure knowing that you are fully prepared and organised to do so!

Camping is an enduringly popular holiday option: nights under the stars, sitting around the fire, enjoying the great outdoors. But, there’s no denying that the activity comes with its drawbacks. Many people feel put off by the possibility of coldness, damp, bugs, uncomfortable sleeping, and limited food options.

Fortunately, there are many things you can do to bring a little luxury and comfort to your camping trip. With proper preparation and a few home comforts, life in the outdoors doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Check out our six tips below to make your camping trip more luxurious!

Sleeping

Camping doesn’t have to mean an uncomfortable night spent in a sleeping bag on the hard ground. While many opt for a simple sleeping bag and a roll mat, there’s nothing stopping you from going all-out on the sleeping set-up you take along.

Air mattresses may be a pain to inflate at the start of your trip, but you’ll feel so grateful for it at nighttime! For extra comfort and indulgence, choose a double-thick air mattress. They stay inflated for longer and feel almost like a real bed!

Also, don’t forget about campground matting to improve your sleep by providing a barrier between you and the ground. Your tent is cleaner because this campground accessory prevents dirt and moisture from seeping through the floor. Additionally, high-quality campground matting, like the ones from Campsmart, reduces noise, which promotes a more peaceful sleeping environment.

For a comfortable, cozy night’s sleep, consider taking a real comforter or duvet with you—and don’t forget your favorite pillow, too!

Food and Cooking

To make your trip enjoyable, it’s essential that you plan what and how you’ll eat each night. Take lots of easily-bagged snacks so that you don’t go hungry, and don’t pack light when it comes to cooking supplies. Simple tricks such as taking spice and seasoning mixes will ensure your camping food isn’t bland.

Cook a luxury meal for your party by purchasing the best camping stove for your needs. Don’t forget to invest in a quality food cooler to keep items fresh and chilled.

Grill vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and asparagus until tender and slightly charred. Serve them with a homemade dipping sauce from Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.

Cook a traditional Spanish paella in a large cast iron skillet over the campfire. Combine rice, saffron, chicken, chorizo, shrimp, and various vegetables for a flavorful one-pan meal that’s sure to impress.

Seating

You’d be surprised at how many people forget to pack practical seating solutions when they go camping. There’s nothing worse than sitting on cold, damp grass for the duration of your trip. Make sure you take a suitable number of seating options for your group.

There are plenty of choices here. You may opt to stick with standard fold-up chairs. But for extra luxury, consider inflatable chairs, couches, or even a hammock or two!

Candles

Add some atmosphere and ambience to your trip with a few scented candles. Your camping area will instantly feel more refined and sociable.

If you like your home comforts, take the same scented candles you use at home. Or, to keep bugs at bay, why not try a citronella scented candle? Don’t forget to pack a box of matches or candle lighter, too!

Like any other candles, scented candles pose a fire hazard, especially in outdoor settings where conditions can be unpredictable. Ensure your cosy candles are placed on stable surfaces away from flammable materials, and never leave them unattended.

Rugs

A hardy outdoor rug will make all the difference to your camping experience, providing both comfort and luxury. You can place the rug inside your tent to make it feel more like a room or use it outside for sitting by the fire.

Outdoor rugs are durable, and dark colors mean you’ll get more life out of them. This simple but often overlooked addition to your outdoor kit can transform your outdoor space from bare to beautiful.

Place rugs on campground matting to add comfort, warmth, and homeliness to your camping setup. The rugged texture of the matting can sometimes be uncomfortable to walk on or sit on for extended periods, especially if you’re spending a lot of time outside your tent. Laying down rugs creates a softer surface for lounging, playing games, or simply relaxing outdoors.

Decoration and Lighting

Lighting up your communal camping area is key to creating an enjoyable social space. Plus, who doesn’t love twinkly outdoor lights? Pack some solar-powered lanterns and fairy lights to give your campsite that extra bit of glam. Don’t forget to hang them out during the day so that they can use the sun’s rays to recharge!

Camping doesn’t have to mean discomfort and cold. With our handy guide, you’ll be well on your way to an enjoyable, comfortable trip. Happy camping!

When you are traveling, most of the time you don’t think about packing a flashlight. However, this is one of the gadgets that you do not want to leave behind. There are many reasons you should pack a flashlight when traveling.

5 Reasons You Should Pack a Flashlight When Traveling

A flashlight is a portable and mobile source of light. Just like those essential items for any of your travels, a high-quality flashlight should never miss on that list. Here are 5 important reasons to always have a flashlight in your travels.

For Self-defence

If used effectively, a flashlight can be a perfect tool for personal defence and safety. LED Light Ideas recommends using a high-quality LED flashlight with the power to temporarily blind an attacker due to its enhanced light for night vision. When planning for any kind of travel be it a hike, summer vacation, or road trip, you can’t tell what will befall you.

In case you are attacked, here’s how a flashlight will be of help. Since most flashlights are too bright, flashing them directly into an attacker’s eyes affects their vision. This will give you enough time to escape, subdue them, or get help. Additionally, attackers do not usually attack people who have flashlights.

Safety

During night travels, a flashlight sometimes becomes your only source of illumination. At times, not all parking lots or roads are well lit. Without an extra source of light, finding your car might be a misery. At the same time, walking back to where you parked in the dark is also a challenge.

You may have not planned to stay out of your hotel room until it’s late but then you find yourself stuck in an unfamiliar place in the dark after an evening walk. Having a flashlight will keep you from tripping or falling. You will also be able to trace your way back to your hotel room or car safely.

Emergency Backup Power During Blackouts

Before you travel, you must be prepared for any kind of emergency. Power blackouts are one of the things you are likely not to consider, yet it often happens in several parts of the world. Power may go out while you are in your hotel room, car, or in a dimly lighted trail.You shouldn’t let this stop you from traveling.

A flashlight will be the best backup tool for such a situation. An LED flashlight is reliable due to its ability to last longer thanks to long-lasting batteries and energy-saving bulbs. To safely move from one location to another during a power outage, you will require one.

First Aid Necessity

Apart from the medical supplies, a well-stocked first aid kit needs to have a flashlight. The simple reason is you never know when a medical emergency requiring first aid will arise. If it happens in the dark in the course of your journey, you will need a flashlight to help you see the medical supplies and how you can use them.

Checking for Bed Bugs in Hotels

All hotel rooms and places where you can rest during a journey always look clean. What you do not know is what you cannot see. Bugs are sometimes present in accommodations that are on the road. For example, sometimes you can find bedbugs, roaches, or rats in a hotel room along a road.

All these creatures do not like light. You can make sure you get rid of any by pointing your flashlight in dark areas of your room. This may mean pulling your bedsheets back and lifting the mattress. It may also mean shining the light on the corners and any dark areas of your room. The light will scare off any bugs and rodents that may have snuck into your room.

Conclusion

Whether they use it for safety, personal defence, or to check for bed bugs on hotel rooms, experienced travellers should always have at least one flashlight packed in their suitcases. Use these tips to stay safe while traveling and focus only on enjoying your trip.