Campervan holidays

[Michaelmonstera]

I am thinking of buying a small camper-van for weekends away in the UK with my dog. I went on several similar holidays when I was married with children, but I am now divorced and the kids are grown up. My question is would I be very out of place on a campsite?

Not at all, I see plenty of single people on site. I think it helps if you are friendly and approachable, then people are happy to pass the time of day, especially if its nice enough to sit outside.
Go for it, happy travels

Not at all - I've not been to campsites on my own but have been as a single parent with my young child, and met and chatted to other adult who were women on their own on several occasions - I was always slightly jealous to be honest - sounds like a great holiday! X

I bought myself a little camper van last year to do exactly the same thing! Only got the opportunity to go away in it once unfortunately as there was quite a long wait for the fit out. The trip I did take was lovely though, really friendly people and I didn’t feel out of place on my own at all.

The only thing I will say is showers and going to the loo were a bit of a nightmare as I have a velcro dog who hates being left alone.

Carol Vorderman on the NY Taskmaster was saying how she lives several months of year travelling around in a camper; so go for it!

Not at all! Look at the facebook groups Ladies Campervan travel group and VW Camper Chicks and there's lots of people in your position and plenty of useful tips on good sites (and ominous engine noises etc), plus sharing of dog pics. Do it, it's a fab way to holiday.

The responses are reassuring @VictorianGothic thank you - the FB groups look good.

Any tips for does and don’ts when buying a campervan?

@Iheartmysmart fortunately the dog would happily wait in the van for quite long periods. I do worry about practicalities like going to the supermarket if the weather is too hot to leave him though

I took a reasonable amount of provisions with me so didn’t actually have to go shopping. One couple on the campsite had a Tescos delivery the day after they arrived so that’s always an option.

In terms of what look for, I decided on a base vehicle and had it converted to my specifications. I bought from a well respected supplier and probably paid over the odds but it was worth it for peace of mind. It’s my only form of transport now so it has to be practical for everything. This is the inside of mine.

A neighbour of mine is a widow who now goes away in her camper van alone.

When buying a camper have a look at Damp in caravans and campers so you know how to spot it.
Hire a few different campers so you know what is the best lay out for you.
IE VW T4 & 5 unless its Long wheel base you can't open the fridge with the bed down and have no room for a toilet, best to do some research

@Funf Thank you - very helpful! Even looking at ads has made me realise it is a minefield unless you have a large budget (which I don’t). My previous experience has been with huge motorhomes where layout was less of issue. I‘ve also gathered that I need to consider issues like the strength needed to put away some types of bed.

Talbots are usually cheap but you must do your research and buy carefully.
Owners forum here good source of info is owners clubs
talbotoc.com
We have converted a van in the past but its a lot of time consuming work to do it to a good standard

So, what trips does anyone have booked this year?
I'm away on Friday to Derbyshire for a long weekend. Cannot wait! 🚐

I know this is a relatively old thread but in my research for buying a van I came across Camper Vanya on YouTube, she is a solo camper following her bereavement 3 years ago. She makes lovely videos, very soothing and inspiring to just get up & go!

I think O follow her on Insta. I'm in lots of women campervan groups, and sad life events are often a catalyst for van adventures. I think you'll love it 🖤🚐🖤

I'd absolutely love a campervan. Are VWs the most popular/recommended?

People who have VWs love them. The rest of us call it the VW tax - because they are so expensive for what they are! Mynfirts van was a hightop converted Renault Trafic and it was perfect for me. I only traded it in because pulling out and ousting away the rock n roll bed was really annoying on long trips. I didn't know much about vans before I got one. Now I know there are so many options. People have a great time car camping, there are microcampers like a Fiat Doblo. Gorgeous older designs like RomaHomes. You might want to get an entry price vehicle to seenif its for you, rather than miss out saving up for something more expensive. Spend some time researching and if you see one of interest in a carpark, just ask the owners for a nosey in the back. Most vanners love showing off their vans 😁

We hired a California for a week a couple of months ago and I loved it. Slept in the roof which I didn't think I could do (being ancient and fat) and slept really well. Not sure DH was convinced but we both love the idea of being able to just go when we want, which doesn't really work with hire vans. We used to camp but don't fancy it so much these days, it's bloomin hard work! I just adore the idea of the freedom.

Pay for click and collect instead

This is me, basically. I am often to be found at one particular campsite hugging myself with glee that I'm not one of the families with the noisy kids! I don't give a damn what anybody thinks of me TBH.

I have a Nissan NV200 van, which I semi converted myself. I built cupboards in the back that the bed (just boards and 3x old cot mattresses- it's really comfy!) rests on. I built it like that so that I can put the bed away easily and restore it to the child taxi/ delivery van it usually is. One of the cupboard doors opens up to form a little table that a small gas cooker can rest on, but I also prefer to cook over an open fire if I can.

Absolutely go for it! I have a VW California and love going off on trips. 'These Girls Van' on Instagram is worth a follow, they have a couple of group camps a year.