Camper vans: UK’s ‘Coolest Campers’ discuss van conversion

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Camping and caravan holidays are on the rise but if not planned carefully, they can turn into a holiday nightmare. A couple have warned against opting for a cheap deal and explained what to avoid when renting a camper van or motorhome.

Alba and Adrian went on a camping trip along the sunny Portuguese coast a couple of weeks ago.

The couple rented a camper van for 10 days for only £300.

They thought they had found a good deal but they were left disappointed when they saw the vehicle.

According to the couple, the van was in poor condition but as there weren’t any better caravans for the same price, they decided to go ahead with their holiday plans.

“We made the mistake of renting the cheapest van. I thought I found a good deal but when I saw it I was shocked,” Alba explained.

“The van wasn’t what I expected. I thought it was going to be better equipped. It was my first caravan trip and now I know that If the van is not well prepared, you can find surprises.”

She admitted she didn’t know the van wasn’t equipped to at least have a shower.

“Unless you love the crazy life, If your caravan doesn’t have minimum hygiene standards, you can find yourself having to go to the toilet in the middle of a field.

“Certainly, that wasn’t what I expected from my Portugal trip,” she said.

“Another problem with renting a cheap van is that we had major issues with mosquitos and other insects, for example.

“We stayed at a camping site that had a pond with dirty water next to where the caravans were parked. At night, the mosquitoes would eat us alive and we couldn’t even open a window to get some fresh air.”

She continued: “Our van had mosquito nets but they were broken and at night, not only at the Portuguese camping sites but by the seaside, we had hundreds of mosquitos inside the van. It was horrible.

“One day we decided to spend the night by the top of a cliff. The views were amazing, but at night it was so windy we thought we would fall down the cliff. It was terrifying.

“There was no light, no safe spots to go to, the weather conditions started to be really rough and there were no people to ask for help. We decided to drive to the nearest camping but because of the extremely windy conditions, we couldn’t even drive.

“We had to stay there for the night, but it was the worst experience of my life,” Alba explained.

“I definitely recommend opting for a well-equipped van, even if it is more expensive. I have learnt my lesson, for sure.

“I would definitely go camping again, but with a better van and after having researched the camping sites in advance.”

Essential things to look for when renting a camper van

Make sure you know the size and layout of the van

Take a photo of any existing damage

Take a photo of the camper van starting mileage

Pack your own bedding and towels

Research the layout and storage options of the vehicle

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