When you travel with your toddler in a motorhome, make sure to check whether it has all the right features. Safety comes first – from the fall-out protection in the bed to the seats with Isofix, which are, for example, standard in all SUNLIGHT vehicles. Thus, you can easily install your own child seats.

“For us”, Aline says, “the only question was whether we can put two child seats next to each other – and that worked out perfectly.” SUNLIGHT also offers an additional child bed to turn the driver’s cabin into an extra place for sleeping.

While spontaneity can be the essence of adventure, camping with kids requires some advance planning to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. The better organized the camper vacation is with the kids in advance, the more relaxed it will be on-site. Aline used to be spontaneous, often following waves, weather, or powder alerts.

But with kids, planning is essential: What needs to come along and where should it be readily stored? Have we thought about sufficient sun protection or activities for rainy days?

By thinking ahead, we can ensure that the camping trip with the kids goes smoothly and we get the most out of our family adventure.

“Our original plan was to drive all night, while the two are sleeping”, Aline remembers. “Yet, only a few hours into the journey we realized how naïve that idea was. You should not try a 12-hour ride with kids. Make sure to divide your trip into stages.

In the end, it is not a problem to stop and rest with the camper van or motorhome.” You find legal parking spots easily with apps like Park4Night.

“And you should also not underestimate how important it is to keep the kids entertained on the road: distract them with books, games, songs – whatever works.

My tip: bring a lot of toys for the road – and a great selection of nursery rhymes.”

Yet, how many toys should you actually bring? Aline pleads for downsizing: “Apart from the time on the road I really believe less is more. Our kids were so happy playing with driftwood and seashells, they had no interest in their toys at all.”

In the end, a sandy beach is the perfect playground for kids. “And at the campsite they played with pinecones and tupperware. You really don’t have to bring your whole arsenal of toys.” Another point to consider is where to store the toys.

Easy accessibilty from the inside as well as from the outside is top priority – “otherwise the noise level will rise quickly.” Aline’s top tip: “We reserved our shoe rack for the kids – you open the flap, and everything is right there handy.”

• Safety first: Pick a family-friendly motorhome with Isofix seats and extra sleeping spots for the little ones.

• It’s all about the plan: Choose kid-friendly campsites and map out your route beforehand so you can chill out and focus on your adventure.

• Slow down: Take your time for breaks and don’t cram too many miles in a day – it keeps everyone’s nerves in check!
• Legal spots only: Make sure you carefully select your overnight spots to avoid trouble and respect nature. Platforms like Park4Night or AlpacaCamping offer heaps of legal spots for camper vans and motorhomes.

• Less is more: Ditch excessive toys and let the kids explore nature on their own.

• Shared experiences bond: Plan activities that the whole family enjoys and create unforgettable memories in the great outdoors.

The essence of camping is minimalism. Camping shows us that we simply do not need much stuff. Plus, the less we pack in our motorhome or camper van the less fuel consumption and emissions we have (and the less money we leave at the petrol station).

Also avoid traveling with a full fresh and gray water tank when on the road. Usually, you have the opportunity to get fresh water on site – and you also get fresh produce from local shops. So, do not bring too much food or drinks, but buy and try and enjoy local.

Tip 6: Let the wind in

Open your window, turn off the air-conditioning. This saves energy and brings in the travelling vibe: let the wind play with your hair, soak in the salty breeze from the sea or the wild aromas of the maccia.

Tip 7: Recycling

It’s often more difficult to avoid waste on the road than it is at home. But try using as many refillable options as possible, shop fresh produce at local stores and separate your waste. The campsites have recycling systems and bins. Tip: it can come in handy to have more bags to separate your rubbish in your motorhome.

Check 1: Open the hood and check whether the marten has paid a visit and nibbled, or does everything look okay?

Check 2: While we’re at it: make sure to check the levels of engine oil, brake fluid & windshield fluid.

Check 3: And what about the windshield wipers and the lighting system? Does it all work?

Check 4: Let’s move on to the tires: Do you require air top-up or a reduction, because you’ve inflated them more for the winter to make up for gradual air loss?

Check 5: Although you have drained and cleaned the freshwater tank in the autumn, it is still important to do it again. Once cleaned, refill the tank and test the water system to ensure that the tank was not damaged by any remaining water during the winter season. Also, check the water pipes, hose clamps and connectors.

Check 6: And it is similar with the gas system: open the cylinders and stopcocks, inspect all pipes and valves, and test the hobs and the heater.

Check 7: And, of course, absolutely essential: connect the starter battery, check the voltage and charge the battery if necessary. Then test the electronics on board, from the refrigerator to the sockets to the boiler.

Check 8: Finally make sure to inspect the storage space for any signs of moisture, check if the blinds are functioning smoothly, and check whether the windows are functioning properly.

Tip 1: Plan a cool route: Take your time to check out your travel route in advance. Don’t just think about your main destinations, but also consider alternative routes and interesting stops along the way.

Tip 2: Be flexible with your time: Don’t plan everything down to the last detail and allow yourself to make spontaneous changes. This way, you can experience unexpected adventures and fully immerse yourself in them.

Tip 3: Emergency stuff and safety: Make sure you always have enough emergency supplies and safety gear in the camper. Water, snacks, a first aid kit, and a toolkit are essential.

Tip 4: Stay in touch and stay safe: Always let someone know where you are and what your plans are. Have an emergency contact and check in regularly with your people.

Tip 5: Be self-sufficient: Learn to take care of yourself and be independent in your camper. Get savvy about repairs and basic camping skills.

Tip 6: Drive carefully and chill: Always drive with caution and take regular breaks to breathe and relax. Make sure you get enough sleep and don’t overdo it.

Tip 7: Respect nature and the environment: Be a responsible traveler and keep nature clean. Leave no trace behind and adhere to environmental protection rules.

Tip 8: Respect for other cultures: Be sensitive to cultural differences and respect local customs. Be open to new experiences and learn from the locals.

Tip 9: Connect with other travelers: Take the opportunity to chat with other travelers and exchange stories. Be open to meeting new people and learn from their experiences.

Tip 10: Enjoy the freedom and the adventure: Make the most of your time alone in the camper to discover yourself and find your preferences. Enjoy the freedom to travel at your own pace.

The right clothes

Hat, gloves and of course a waterproof jacket are the key. Since there are often warm days in the fall, we recommend the so-called layer or onion principle. This way you are always dressed for any weather and ready for your adventures.

Tea Time

Whether you’re hiking or after an action-packed mountain bike tour – a thermos flask of your favourite tea warms your hands and belly. You can also warm yourself from the inside on your hiking tours.

Comfortable pillows and blankets

What could be better than curling up with a good book after a biking tour, snowboarding or hiking? Even better if you have enough soft pillows and blankets at your disposal. Add a good book – perfect time out!

Lights on for the evening hours

As the days get shorter, you shouldn’t do without a headlamp or torch. That way, nothing stands in the way of an evening stroll under the starry sky.

Campfire

In the evening after finishing your tour a crackling and warming campfire with a beer or wine? There are definitely worse things, so equip yourself well for a campfire and enjoy the evening. Please be mindful of applicable regulations and safety measures when doing so.

Fairy lights

A string of warm lights will not only make your camper cozier, but the illusion of warmth should not be underestimated.