Travelling by campervan: a practical guide before your first trip

Travelling by campervan for the first time raises two questions almost every time: where can I spend the night without getting into legal trouble? And will I actually know how to drive this thing? This guide answers both, with the experience of someone who's already done it before you.

Spending the night on the road: legal overnight stays

In Spain there's a clear difference between spending the night (stopping to rest without setting up tables, awnings or chairs) and camping (setting up as if it were a campsite), and only the former is legal outside designated areas. Before your first trip, it's worth getting this straight so you don't end up with a fine or a headache. We explain it in detail, including what the DGT (Spain's traffic authority) says and how to find legal spots, in Sleeping in a campervan in Spain: where it's legal to spend the night and where it isn't.

Driving a campervan for the first time

A Volkswagen Transporter doesn't drive like a small car, but you don't need any special skill either: a standard category B driving licence is enough (check the full requirements if you're still unsure whether you can rent one). The first few kilometres are the ones you notice most — height, length, gears, parking and your first time on the motorway. You'll find the full guide, with concrete tips, in Driving a campervan for the first time: tips for the first 100 km.

Common mistakes made by first-time campervan travellers

Some of the most frequent stumbles on a first trip:

• Planning every minute of the day: leave some slack — the van invites you to stop somewhere you hadn't planned.
• Not calculating daily distances properly: less is more — 2-3 hours of driving a day tends to be the sweet spot.
• Underestimating overnight stops: arriving at night to look for a spot is the quickest way to regret it; decide in advance where you're going to stop.
• Not testing the equipment before setting off: the first time you light the gas hob shouldn't be halfway through the trip — it should be at pick-up.

Is this your first campervan trip? The Winkle Adriático is designed to ease you in: simple, comfortable and with everything essential. See the Winkle Adriático →

More guides for travelling by campervan

• Travelling by campervan with children
• Breakdown with a rented campervan: what to do
• Crossing borders with a rented campervan

Frequently asked questions

Is it legal to spend the night anywhere in a campervan?

No. It's legal to spend the night (stopping to rest without setting up) in most places where you can park, but camping (with tables, chairs, an awning out) is only allowed in designated areas. Full detail in the legal overnight stays guide.

Do I need experience to drive a big van?

No, a standard category B driving licence is enough. It does help to read the tips for the first 100 km before setting off, so you're less nervous for the first manoeuvres.

What happens if I break down halfway through the route?

Every beWinkle booking includes 24/7 assistance across Europe, with towing, hotel and a replacement vehicle if needed.

How long does it take to get used to driving it?

Most travellers notice the difference mainly in the first 100 km — after that, driving it feels as natural as driving a large car.