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Hitting the road in a classic camper can be a dream holiday but it also comes at a cost. If your last campervan trip cost more than you planned, make sure you follow these tips for a more affordable adventure next time.

Plan your trip carefully

Classic campervans give you an amazing feeling of freedom and spontaneity, but simply heading off on a whim can hit your wallet.

The more you plan your trip, the more choice you will have – and this means a choice about how much to spend.

You don’t have to make your holiday into a military operation, but some consideration about the best routes, stopping places and activities will help you to have the best possible time at a cost that suits your pocket.

For example, earlybirds often get reduced rates when booking space at a campsite or tickets for ferry crossings. Leaving it too late means higher costs and reduced choice.

Make a budget

How much can you afford to spend on your campervan holiday? Using a budgeting app can help you to control spending.

You will need to factor in fuel, food, snacks, activities, campsite fees and other extras such as road tolls and ferries.

Once you know how much the basics will cost, you will be able to see how much you have left for luxuries like eating out or buying mementoes to take home.

Don’t forget to check your insurance before heading off.

Don’t pack more than you need

This is another area where a little forethought can save you money.

Ramming in everything but the kitchen sink will not only make your camper feel cluttered, it will also cost you extra money in fuel costs.

A comprehensive list of what you actually need is invaluable.

Every time you go away, review the list and over time you will have cut it down to the bare essentials.

You can take less by using laundry washing facilities when away, or cut down things like toiletries and condiments into travel-sized containers.

Travel outside peak times

In the peak of the summer, people head to holiday regions in their droves, pushing up prices and making everything crowded and busy.

Many people prefer to holiday in these hotter months, while families with children have to holiday outside term time.

Sleeping in a campervan can be a sticky, unpleasant experience at the height of summer.

If you travel outside peak seasons, you will save money, avoid the crowds and potentially have a more comfortable time.

May or September can be magical times to holiday, with plenty of sunlight but lots of space for you to enjoy your camper in peace.

Shop around for campervan insurance

Campervan insurance is a legal requirement for owners of all types of vehicles, including a classic camper.

However, it’s more than just a box to be ticked – you need to be confident with an insurer if you need to make a claim for something like a collision, breakdown or vandalism.

When looking for a policy, be sure to look carefully at what each policy covers before you decide which insurer to select.

A good deal will save you money, but you need to look at what you’re getting for your money.

Avoid the crowds

Well-known tourist sites command a premium.

You’ll pay more to stay, more to eat, and more to shop, but surrounding areas often offer just as much charm and beauty for less.

Staying at a short distance from a tourist trap means you can visit the headline attractions while enjoying laidback accommodation somewhere off the beaten track.

The appeal of a campervan is heading off for the unknown.

Spending time exploring less well-known sites can be much more memorable than trudging around a famous place with the crowds.

Find free things to do

The best things in life are free - watching the sunrise over a glorious landscape, walking an enchanting forest trail, discovering history in a museum.

Wherever you go, there will be free things to do but these are often advertised less than attractions with an entry fee.

A little research and imagination can pay dividends.

Membership of the National Trust or English Heritage can also save you lots of money, as a year’s membership costs the same as just one or two entry tickets and in most places members receive free parking.

Maintain your vehicle

There’s nothing worse than spending your well-deserved holiday trying to source parts for your campervan, or find a local mechanic who understands the needs of your vehicle.

Breakdowns and defects are expensive and time-consuming, as well as putting a downer on your trip.

Keep your camper in tip-top condition with regular servicing and a careful check of the oil level, water and tyre pressure before you set off.

This will not only help to prevent problems, it will also make your vehicle much more fuel efficient, thereby saving you cash.

Check your route carefully

Don’t just rely on your sat nav.

A classic camper is not the speediest vehicle around, so you may be happier travelling on country roads with great views and none of the tailgaters you encounter on motorways.

Avoid travelling at rush hour and park up for a bit during windy spells.

Dawdling along or driving against headwinds are both major drains on your petrol tank – and your wallet.

Opting for flatter routes can also shave pounds off your trip costs as your engine has to work hard to drag your camper up and over those hills.

Research fuelling stations

Even a few pence on the cost of a litre of petrol can drive up costs significantly over the course of your holiday.

Having a plan about where to stop for refuelling is an easy way to save money on your trip.

There are lots of websites that will guide you to the cheapest petrol prices in an area.

You pay more for convenience, so travelling a few miles from a motorway or A-road can often pay off.

Just make sure you don’t take a diversion so lengthy that it ends up costing more than you save!

Do you need insurance for your camervan you can rely on for your classic VW camper? Get a quote from Lancaster Insurance today.