Vanlife for beginners: 15 things nobody tells you before your first campervan trip

Your first campervan trip is much more enjoyable if you arrive knowing a few things. Space is gained through organization, not square footage. Water and battery power are managed. Furthermore, you drive more slowly and with an eye on the altitude. And nighttime trips are planned using daylight. The rest you learn on the first day, and almost everything is better than you imagine.

The essentials of your first campervan trip in five lines

• To drive a Vanvaz you need to be over 25 years old and have a B driving license for at least one year.
• Water and battery are finite: refill when you can and use them wisely.
• Less luggage means more travel. Soft bags, no hard suitcases.
• Sleeping inside the camper is not camping: with everything packed away, you can spend the night where parking is allowed.
• You're not alone: before you arrive you receive the camper guide with videos and you have a Vanstyle advisor throughout the trip.

Almost everyone who writes to us before booking shares the same mix of excitement and nerves. Will I be able to drive it? Where will I shower? What if we run out of water? It's normal, because nobody is born knowing how to live in six square meters. However, after many first-time travelers to Fuerteventura, we know that the doubts are always the same. And they're resolved as soon as you start driving. That's why we've compiled the tips we wish we'd heard before our first campervan trip.

Before your first campervan trip

1. The hard-shell suitcase is your enemy

In a campervan, everything has its place, and those spaces are soft and adaptable. A backpack folds, flattens, and stows away. A hard-sided suitcase, on the other hand, gets stuck in the way all week. Pack half the clothes you planned. In Fuerteventura, you'll be living in a swimsuit, a t-shirt, and maybe a sweatshirt for the evenings. That way, you leave room for what really matters: beach gear, surfing equipment, or just for relaxing.

2. If something is not included, make a note of it.

A Vanvaz comes with a kitchen, utensils, and the basic equipment for living inside. That means you don't need to carry pots and pans. What you should check is your fare. Towels are included in Flex and Top fares, but not in Basic. If you're traveling in Basic, pack them in your backpack. And add to your packing list a headlamp, tongs, shower sandals, and shopping bags.

3. Watch the videos before you arrive

Before your trip, we'll send you a link to the campervan guide with videos of your van. There you'll see how to turn everything on, how to fill the water tank, how the battery works, and how to empty the grey water tank. Watch them at home, at your leisure, perhaps with a cup of coffee. That way, everything will seem much easier on your first day because you'll have already seen it all.

4. Plan the first night, improvise the rest.

The first night is the only one you should plan in advance. You'll arrive tired, the van is new to you, and you don't know the island yet. So, choose a nearby, easy, and quiet spot, and leave the adventure for the next day. Check-in is from 2:00 PM, so you'll have plenty of time to do your shopping and arrive before dark. If you don't know where to sleep, ask your advisor: that's exactly what they're there for.

Life on board your first campervan trip

5. Water is managed, not wasted.

The clean water tank holds a lot, but it's not infinite. For the first few days, everyone uses water like they do at home and is in for a surprise. The trick is simple: turn off the tap while you're soaping up and wash the dishes in a basin. Also, refill the tank whenever you can, even if it's not empty. And bottled water is best for drinking.

6. The battery also has its rules

The living area runs on its own battery, separate from the engine's. This battery powers the lights, refrigerator, and electrical outlets. It's what surprises first-timers the most, because at home, electricity never runs out. Turn off lights you're not using and don't leave appliances plugged in overnight. For example, charge your phone while you drive. In the campervan guide, we explain how your model recharges and how to check its battery level.

7. Order or chaos: there is no middle ground

In a house, you can leave things lying around for days. In a camper, however, a sweatshirt out of place clutters the bed, the table, and your patience. The rule that works is simple: everything has its place and goes back to it as soon as you use it. Once a day, dedicate five minutes to the "reset": make the bed, put away the dishes, and take out the litter box. It sounds silly, but it's what makes the camper still feel spacious on the seventh day.

8. Sand gets in. Always.

Fuerteventura is all sand, and the sand travels with you. Shake out your feet and towels before going up. Leave your flip-flops at the entrance and keep a small brush handy. Your bed will thank you every night.

9. Cooking easily is cooking well

Cooking in a campervan isn't about recreating home cooking. In fact, the best dishes on your trip will be the simplest: pasta, salads, omelets, or fish bought at the port that very morning. On your first campervan trip, plan one-pot meals and buy enough for two or three days, no more. And take advantage of the opportunity to eat in the villages: a campervan trip is also a culinary adventure.

10. Taking a shower is easier than you think

This is one of the most frequent questions we get, and there's a good answer. Depending on the model, Vanvaz boards have a shower. Many travelers tell us that a hot shower after a day of surfing was the best part of their trip. Use as little water as possible and shower at the end of the day. You can also take advantage of beach showers to rinse off the salt. Just be sure to respect the rules of each beach and use biodegradable soap.

11. You'll sleep better than you expect

The fear of sleeping poorly is the biggest myth surrounding first-time campervan trips. And it almost always disappears on the first night. A Vanvaz bed is a real bed. Besides, no hotel can match the silence of a coastal town at midnight. One tip: park as level as possible. You'll notice the difference.

Behind the wheel on your first campervan trip

12. Driving a camper van is not the same as driving a truck.

If you have a car license (category B), you can drive a Vanvaz. But be warned, it's not your car: it's taller, longer, and brakes differently. For the first few hours, drive slowly, leave more space, and take corners wider. Pay attention to heights at gas stations, garages, and low-hanging branches. And park with enough room to get out. By the second day, driving will be part of the fun.

13. The wind is the main character of Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura isn't called that by chance. The wind is part of the island, and a campervan feels it more than a car. Especially on open stretches of road and when overtaking. Grip the steering wheel with both hands and reduce your speed on exposed sections. Open the doors carefully when it's blowing hard. And choose your overnight spot with the wind in mind: a wall to the north can completely change your night.

14. Gas stations are not in every town

In the city, you refuel when the light comes on. On an island, however, it's best not to wait that long. Gas stations are scarce both inland and in some coastal areas. So, fill up when you're half full. Remember, too, that the camper must be returned with a full tank. Locate the nearest gas station to the return point before the last day. Mileage is unlimited, so you just have to decide where to go.

Coexistence

15. Overnight stays are not camping, and the difference matters

Sleeping inside your campervan, parked where permitted and with everything tidied away, is considered overnight accommodation. The law treats this as simple parking. However, putting out an awning, table, and chairs is considered camping. This is only permitted in campsites and authorized areas. We explain this in detail in our guide on [the relevant section]. Where can you sleep in a campervan in the Canary Islands?. As a rule of conduct, the usual ones apply: arrive with daylight, keep quiet at night, and take your rubbish with you. Greywater should only be disposed of at designated emptying points. By the way, the traveler is always responsible for emptying the wastewater before returning the campervan, regardless of the rate.

And one more bonus: you won't be alone

That's the difference between taking a leap of faith and taking a leap of faith with a safety net. From the moment you book, you have a Vanstyle advisor They'll help you with the campervan, the route, and where to spend the night. During your trip, you can contact them via WhatsApp or email. And if anything unexpected happens on the road, you have 24-hour roadside assistance. All you have to worry about is enjoying yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special license for my first campervan trip?

No. To drive a Vanvaz, you only need a category B driving license, held for at least one year, and to be over 25 years old. If you are coming from outside the European Union, you will also need an international driving permit.

How many days are recommended for a first campervan trip?

For a first-time experience, five to seven days is ideal. You have time to learn how to live on board and enjoy it at a leisurely pace. At Vanvaz, the minimum rental period is three days in high season and two in low season. If you'd like some inspiration, our 7-day campervan route through Fuerteventura It is designed precisely for that purpose.

What if on my first campervan trip I don't know how something works?

Before you arrive, you'll receive a campervan guide with videos of your van. Plus, your advisor is available via WhatsApp or email during your trip. If you prefer in-person assistance, the Top rate includes in-person check-in with an advisor.

Is it difficult to drive around Fuerteventura on your first campervan trip?

No. Fuerteventura is one of the easiest islands to drive on for the first time: quiet roads and short distances. You just need to be mindful of the wind, the vehicle's height, and take it easy for the first few hours.

And keep this in mind: it's all desert and sand here. Be very careful where you park so you don't get stuck! If you have any doubts, we recommend that the passenger get out to check that the ground is firm.

What do I have to do when returning the camper?

It depends on the rate. With Basic and Flex, return it with a clean interior, a full tank, and the water emptied. With Top, cleaning is included, but you are responsible for emptying the water. All the information is available in our Frequently asked questions.

Your first campervan trip starts here

Everyone who travels with their eyes closed today started with their first campervan trip and with the same doubts you had. The difference is that you already know the 15 tricks. Now all that's left is to choose your van, your dates, and your first sunset. Book your Vanvaz campervan And discover why this thousand-star hotel captivates you from the very first night. Fuerteventura awaits!