Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Camperfans
Scandinavia and the Austrian Alps, require the use of winter tyres and/or snow chains, even for those just passing through. If you’re unsure how to check what tyres are mounted, look out for the letters “M+S” or the image of a snowflake within a mountain peak on the tyre walls.
If you are intending to drive through mountain ranges, use snow chains any time from November through to April.
Before departing, it’s important to know how to fit them correctly. You can swot up on this via the Indie Campers blog.
The hire company will supply snow chains, as well as all other safety equipment that is legally required in the country where you are starting your van rental, at no extra charge.
WHEN RAIN STOPS PLAY
If the weather is not playing ball and there’s no option but to stay inside, there are lots of ways to have fun right there in your van.
Movie night: A campervan provides the cosy feel of home with the added charm of snug quarters. After a long day out in the fresh air, snuggle up with pillows and blankets on the back seats and enjoy a movie marathon or box-set binge. The best way to enjoy a movie is on the big screen, so invest in a portable projector. Many can be connected to a laptop, mobile device or streaming stick.
Portable canvases in various sizes are cheap to buy, but white sheets offer a suitable alternative.
If the sound of a laptop is not enough, Bluetooth speakers can provide something closer to a cinema feel.
Add some hot chocolate, popcorn, and fairy lights and you have the perfect setting for a magical evening. Old-school fun: Ditch the screens and deal out the cards. Whether it’s a standard deck for a few rounds of whist or family favourites Uno and Dobble, a pack of cards takes up very little space but can provide hours of entertainment. Look out for other smallsized games such as dominoes, Pass the Pigs or mini Jenga.
If it’s solitude you’re after on your trip, escape the outside world for a while by getting lost in the pages of a book.
BEING PREPARED
Thinking ahead about a situation more serious than bad weather will give you peace of mind while driving. If the worst should happen, the first priority in an emergency is the safety of the driver and passengers. Once they are secure, shift your focus to the vehicle. Make sure help is at hand: Hire a van from a company that includes round-the-clock roadside assistance wherever you are travelling, and ensure you have the relevant phone numbers to call for breakdown and recovery.
Vehicle insurance: Insurance is a travel essential. You may already be covered for medical needs and personal property but the van needs the same protection.
Indie Campers includes a basic insurance package for all campervan rentals, including cover for accidents caused by a third party.
There is also a premium package available with more extensive coverage. Drivers should purchase the appropriate insurance package based on their anticipated use of the vehicle.
Emergency kit: A motorhome emergency kit should include tools, lights and other repair equipment. You can customise yours based on where you’re travelling, but the essential things to have in every kit are: jump-start cables, tyre repair kit, spare tyre in case full replacement is required, multi-tool or Swiss Army knife, bungee cords, whistle, flares and first-aid kit.
In addition, consider packing other useful items such as a fuel jerry-can, power bank, hi-vis vest and torch. Indie Campers supplies a car jack and an emergency triangle. Be aware that some countries, including France, require all vehicles to carry emergency kits which include hi-vis vests for use in a breakdown.
BOOK IT
All that’s left to do now is book the van.
Indie Campers has its own fleet of vehicles available for pick-ups at centres in London, Manchester and Edinburgh, as well as dozens of cities across Europe.
Or head further afield to rent a van from its newest centre in Los Angeles. indiecampers.co.uk
After a day in the fresh air, snuggle up for a movie marathon or box-set binge