Buying a campervan has been my husband’s dream for years, so I’d like to introduce our new family member: Nigel. We’re thrilled about the adventures ahead. Choosing the right campervan took time since they all vary so much, but once you know your must-haves, it’s just a matter of waiting for the right one to appear.
A campervan gives your family the freedom to explore at your own pace. From national parks to coastal towns, you can change plans on a whim and reach places that would be impractical by car alone. We can’t wait to travel to spots we’ve only dreamed about.
On the road, the journey becomes part of the fun. Sitting together in a small, cozy space encourages conversation, storytelling, and shared moments. It’s a chance to unplug from daily life and reconnect. Even familiar places feel new—like when we had tea and played chess in the back of the van at Grafham; the kids loved it.
Over time, a campervan can save money compared with traditional holidays. Cooking your own meals and sleeping on the go reduces hotel and restaurant costs. Driving to Spain, for example, is often cheaper than flying, though you do need to consider travel time.
You don’t need to hunt for family-friendly hotels—your campervan is your home away from home. You can pick overnight spots that suit you, from busy campsites with big pools and slides to quiet beaches. We’re even planning to mix camping with an all-inclusive stay on either end to keep things varied and fun.
Traveling in a campervan offers great learning opportunities for kids. New landscapes, local cultures, and different terrains teach practical lessons you can’t get in a classroom and encourage curiosity and a love of discovery.
Waking up surrounded by nature makes it easy to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, or picnics. A campervan puts you right where the action is and helps instill an appreciation for the outdoors in your children.
Watching sunsets from the van—whether by mountains, a lake, or the sea—creates simple but unforgettable memories for the whole family.
Modern campervans come with comfortable sleeping areas, kitchen facilities, and sometimes a compact bathroom. Our van doesn’t have a shower, but it has everything else we need for the four of us, so we stay comfortable without constantly unpacking.
A campervan also removes the stress of packing and unpacking at different hotels. Your things stay organized and ready to use, so you’re less likely to forget essentials. After squeezing luggage into the tiny boot of my Juke for a trip to France, I’m looking forward to not having to pack so lightly.
Finally, a campervan puts you in charge of your family’s adventure. You can build a flexible itinerary that suits your pace—stay longer in a favorite village or take a spontaneous detour to a hidden gem. We’ve booked a few trips but left plenty of room for spontaneity, and we’re excited to see where Nigel takes us.
Investing in a campervan is an investment in shared experiences, freedom, and the joy of the journey. We’re ready to hit the road and make memories that will last a lifetime, and I can’t wait to share where we go over the holidays.
