Checklist for planning your trip in a converted van

Here’s a checklist to help you prepare for your trip in a converted van. The first thing to remember is to pack light but make the most of it! Before you leave, make sure you take all the essentials with you – adventure will tell you the rest!

Identity papers, driving license and credit card are essential for your trip! Don’t forget to check in advance the regulations in force in your destination country regarding your driving license, as sometimes a European license is not enough. Please visit the website or contact the automobile club association. Last but not least, it’s always a good idea to take some change with you at the start of your van road trip, in case you can’t find an ATM.

Soft bags are preferable to suitcases, as they are easier to store in your van.

We can’t stress it enough: going on a road trip in a van or camper van can be a real challenge. is not the same as vacationing in an all-inclusive hotel. Clothing, accessories and superfluous products are not welcome: they take up space and are not essential. It’s well known that “more can be less”, so you’ll have no trouble simplifying your life during your holiday. road trip in a converted van!

Make sure you know the weather forecast for your destination, so you can take only the essentials. So if there’s something you really don’t need on your van trip, you’ll be able to find it on the spot. Remember, you’re about to embark on an adventure, so leave room for the unexpected and improvisation – it’s all part of the program!

The night is certainly one of the most important moments of your trip. A good night’s sleep is essential if you want to get the most out of your van road trip! Depending on where you sleep, you’ll probably be awakened by a few noises, but that doesn’t detract from the magic of spending the night in your van or camper van…

There are many possibilities, but the ideal is to go where you feel good! The ParkFornight app will help you find the nightspot that suits you best.

There’s no doubt that sleeping in the great outdoors will appeal to many! If you choose to spend the night in a quiet place and wake up to a wilderness setting, remember to prepare your night.

Check in advance that the nightspot in question is not off-limits, and that your van or cam per van can access it easily. To do this, take a topographical map on your phone or a road map that will show you the relief and paths to get there. Our article Map or GPS for my road trip in a VW combi? will give you a clearer idea.

Finally, don’t forget to check out the site and the state of the ground before nightfall. This is essential if you don’t want any nasty surprises after dark. At VanBreak, we provide you with shims to adjust the level of your van!

Don’t hesitate to consult our article on wilderness camping to get ready for theadventure!

Spend one or more nights in a local home with your van or camper van is a great way to get tips on the best places to visit in the region, and above all to meet new people and spend some unforgettable moments.

To do this, you can indulge in unexpected encounters, or use the HomeCamper website to find hosts around you offering a place with more or less facilities for the night.

Plus: rates are often very affordable!

The best-known option is undoubtedly camping. If you’d like to opt for a bit of comfort (electricity or a shower, for example), you can stop off at a campsite during your van road trip. The advantage of a converted van is that it will take you (almost) anywhere, so think about varying nightspots to make your trip more enjoyable!

It sounds obvious, but think about anticipating any noise that might occur in the spot where you plan to spend the night. Park away from shops, nightclubs and even churches, where the sound of bells might wake you up if you’re not a morning person!

Finally, we advise against sleeping at freeway service areas. Although generally strategic depending on your itinerary, freeway service areas are prone to unwanted visitors and night-time disturbances.

Generally speaking, if there are no signs explicitly forbidding converted vans to park overnight, you have the right to sleep in the place of your choice. But be sure to check with other travellers in vans to find out what regulations apply in the area where you’ll be taking your road trip!

To avoid attracting any unpleasantness, make sure you don’t spread out: put away tables, chairs and other accessories in the van before sleeping, so you can keep a low profile!

Of course, wherever you sleep, don’t leave a trace! Dirty waste, accessories and water have no place on your nihgtspot. So remember to put all your garbage (as well as toilet paper and cigarette butts) in a rubbish bag and dispose of it at the end of your visit to the spot.

Finally, it goes without saying that respect for other campers and nature is essential! So don’t make too much noise, and enjoy the silence.

– Park 4 Night(coup de cœur): in addition to helping you find your nightspot, this collaborative app will tell you about its amenities: electricity, grey water disposal space and water presence!

– FreeTaps: ideal for preparing your trip in a converted van, this free app helps you find drinking water points in your area. Enriched by its users, this application’s listing of drinking water points is complete and encourages you not to use plastic bottles but your water bottles or glass bottles!

– MapsMe: also helps you find your way around and locate available water sources. Please note that the application does not always specify whether the water is drinking water or not. Bonus: the plans can be consulted offline!

We tend to forget it, but water is all around us, especially when weventure out in a van far from city centers. Admittedly, showering with river water may seem a little rudimentary, but the experience is well worth it! Rivers, lakes, waterfalls… don’t hesitate to let yourself be tempted by a shower in symbiosis with nature!

Not always drinkable, this water is worth filtering if you’re running low on resources! Think of filtering straws and water bottles to purify your water and make it drinkable.

Some farmers, producers or locals will be delighted to help you out in an emergency, in exchange for a small bill or a small gift from you! Road-trips in fully-equipped vans make it much easier to interact with the locals than from your hotel room!

It’s possible to enjoy meals in a converted van! The good news is that it doesn’t always require a lot of preparation, just a little organization. There are quick and easy recipes that will allow all travelers to treat themselves without going to the restaurant every day. A few ideas for dishes to prepare in your van…

Easy to prepare, these recipes will delight your taste buds without complicating your daily routine. Here are some ideas for cold dishes:

With rice, pasta or tomatoes, the mixed salad is the dish that’s right for everyone. Remember to add a starch so you don’t feel hungry an hour later. Here’s an original recipe that can be quickly prepared in your van:
Pasta salad with salmon and avocado

Sandwiches and wraps are a must, and come in an infinite variety of flavors: vegetarian, with or without vegetables, with tuna or ham… Don’t hesitate to change recipes and dare to try new combinations – you’re never safe from tasty surprises!

Fresh and original, spring rolls are delicious, economical and quick to make in your van or on your folding table!

For a complete breakfast or a quick snack, this recipe is a must-have for your healthy road trip! Make it according to your cravings for the day and seasonal fruit, add yogurt and granola warmed in the pan, and your bowl is ready!

Need a little comfort? Don’t panic, white rice and buttered pasta aren’t the only dishes you can eat on avan adventure. Best of all, there’s no need to eat out every night on your road trip. We’ve put together a few simple yet original recipes to keep your meal as pleasant and convivial as possible!

A classic, but one that takes on a whole new flavour when prepared with a view of the sea or forest! Recipe here.

Accompanied by a salad, this omelette takes just a few minutes to prepare. Don’t hesitate to do it with your children, becausevan adventure is all about living in a community!

You could almost find it on a restaurant menu… So why deprive yourself of such a beautiful pan?

A gourmet pleasure that’s sure to cheer you up on rainy afternoons and difficult mornings! Never say no to good French toast.

Finally, don’t forget that during your adventure you’ll have to improvise. Depending on your destination, small local restaurants, roadside merchants and other van travellers will also be part of your culinary journey!

Although improvisation and schedule changes will be part of your adventure, we recommend that you consider a global itinerary before you leave. This will enable you to anticipate your overnight stops and reserve available slots if you wish to visit!

Our converted vans are not all-terrain vehicles, so don’t venture onto roads that don’t seem suitable. Your journey can quickly take a different turn if you have to call the tow truck…

Likewise, try to anticipate as much as possible where the height of the van would be a problem. The
vans and panel vans
are low and often higher than your car. So be sensible when planning your trip in a converted van, because as your van is your home, it would be foolish to damage it!

Whatever happens, remember that the most important thing for enjoying your
van road trip
is to show a little flexibility and be ready for an extraordinary adventure!