Any tips for a first time family holiday in a campervan?

[TerrifiedFirstTimer]

Hi,

It looks like we're going to spend two weeks at easter in France in my parents campervan.
Two adults plus two kids (13 and 12).
Initial excitement has now given way to complete dread.
Can anyone point us in the direction of any resources for planning / surviving two weeks locked up together in a single room.
Any top tips?
Any gems that we should know _before_ we start out?
Here's some that I've already gathered by way of example from other's travelling with their family for extended periods (some of this might be heresy):

-- Don't forget that you can always just check into a budget hotel for a night or two if you need to break things up.
-- If a site isn't working, just move on.
-- Pick a route where you know you can get to larger sites with better facilities (bars, seating areas, pools) so you can spend some evenings 'out of the van'
etc.

-- Maybe for your first time, half and half it. Use the van to spend a few days getting somewhere, have a week in accommodation, then use the van to road trip back...

Any practical pointers would be greatly appreciated.

 

[hilldweller]

ps. It's a SeA Sharky L2,

Surely that's not just 3 tonnes.

Looks a winner for a good holiday.

 

[Puddleduck]

Get the kids involved with planning - where to go, routes and giving directions when you are on your way. Get them to research where they would like to go and what to see and visit from water parks to fortifications depending on their interests.

Also get them to make scrap books of the adventure keeping all sorts of stuff like entry tickets and toll tickets, they could write up a few lines each night or just do a couple of pages of sticking in stuff (from tourist information centres) and postcards.

Get them to look up the road signs you might encounter and what they mean It will help you and make them feel very involved in the adventure. In the UK our 5 year old Grandson looks for the ted triangle signs and gives instructions on what we need to be aware of or doing.

 

[Puddleduck]

You'll soon learn to be tidy in a M/H and ALWAYS ! that is ALWAYS!
tell everyone in the group, that you are removing the Cassette to empty it.
A few quiet words prior, can prevent a very loud "I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!!" later.

We have a sucker with a flag on it to stick on the seat If the seat is lifted it fouls the wall behind so no excuse to have "forgotten" !!!!!!

 

[SpeedyDux]

I suggest confiscating the kids' smartphones before setting off so they will have to make new friends at the campsite. Then you won't see them again between breakfast and teatime.

That SeA Sharky L2 looks big enough as long as you are careful not to bring too much stuff. Remember there are shops in France. Decathlon and many supermarkets will have camping gear if you forgot something.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Caggsie1]

Check where the water and petrol go respectively, a few newbies have accidentally filled one or the other with the wrong liquid! Very expensive mistake.

Remember they’re not built like a house, so doors etc need to be respected! My son still bangs doors- really winds me up!

Check how to close water valve off for heater. I’ve helped a few people who are filling one end and it coming out at the other because the valve hadn’t been closed and someone inside was pulling water through.

Best of all go and enjoy it. I believe it’s one of the best type of holiday for those that are transitioning from being kids to teenagers and haven’t quite lost that ability to socialise with own age group. Enjoy

 

[nicholsong]

I personally would leave the kids behind - also saves weight problems.

 

[Grandchildren escapee]

My main piece of advice would be to stay on English time and all go to bed at the same time.

 

[Robert Barron]

Hi,the important thing here is not to try and do too much, children love anything different, cooking outdoors etc is all brand new to them. Get organised as to sites, not too much driving per day and take a relaxed stance and you will have a ball. We have had many trips with our grandchildren when they were younger and they still talk about them. Good Luck.

It looks like we're going to spend two weeks at easter in France in my parents campervan.
Two adults plus two kids (13 and 12).
Initial excitement has now given way to complete dread.
Can anyone point us in the direction of any resources for planning / surviving two weeks locked up together in a single room.
Any top tips?
Any gems that we should know _before_ we start out?
Here's some that I've already gathered by way of example from other's travelling with their family for extended periods (some of this might be heresy):

-- Don't forget that you can always just check into a budget hotel for a night or two if you need to break things up.
-- If a site isn't working, just move on.
-- Pick a route where you know you can get to larger sites with better facilities (bars, seating areas, pools) so you can spend some evenings 'out of the van'
etc.

-- Maybe for your first time, half and half it. Use the van to spend a few days getting somewhere, have a week in accommodation, then use the van to road trip back...

Any practical pointers would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Lawrencep]

If you want to keep in a happy mood, use a drive-away awning or at least, a separate tent. Campervans can become too crowded with four having to take turns moving around. Not so bad if the weather is warm and you can use a roll-out sun awning. We adore our campervan but it gets stressful when the grand-kids want to be moving around all the time.