If you’re thinking of going on a road trip around Europe and you’re considering travelling by van, things may seem a little bit confusing at first. There are plenty of options at your disposal. Luckily for you, we gathered the best tips and tricks to help you choose the right van for your European trip.
Choosing the Right Van Type
Vans have always been a fantastic solution for a trip. Whether you want to reach a certain destination and spend some quality time in your very own house on wheels or you simply want to discover life on the road, buying a van is certainly the solution to go for. However, finding the one that suits you best is a matter of analysing different factors.
Actually, things are not as complicated as it may seem. Making sure you find the right van means taking into consideration a couple of practical aspects. First ask yourself what are your needs and how much money are you willing to spend in order to fulfil them. This is very important because it will definitely influence the success of your van adventure.
Van Types
One of the crucial things you should take into consideration is whether you’re travelling alone or with other people. Comfortable van driving and living is essential. This will prevent you from choosing the wrong van type. And if we got to this, we need to remind you (or tell you if you didn’t know yet) what are the major van types out there for having a successful trip.
Obviously, combining accomodation and transport, vans come in different size and shape. Depending on your plans and needs, you can choose from a variety of options. If you want to go with friends and family, then you should consider a full size van. These also come in different styles. Usually, this particular van type has plenty of room and is very comfortable. Some full size vans even come with a raised roof which is a major plus in comfort. However, opting for a larger van has some drawbacks. A larger van inevitably means consuming more fuel and going on a more expensive trip.
Another great option is picking a camper van. Being completely equipped (kitchen, sleeping areas etc.), camper vans make a great option for those who want to stop for a couple of days or even longer to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and sights Europe offers us. Because you are going to live and travel in this camper van, selecting the right one is of utter importance. Fortunately for you, there are options which are not very expensive, while still being comfortable. Of course, if your pocket allows it, you can spend a little bit more on a van that has other small luxuries such as TV, microwave, running water and even a shower.
Don’t worry. Saving some money and travelling comfortably is definitely still possible. We’re talking about conversion vans. These vans offer greater flexibility and you can convert them into camper vans. You can buy a cheaper cargo van and convert it according to your taste and needs. This means you get to spend as much money as you please on transforming your van.
But if you don’t plan on having many other passengers with you, then you can opt for a smaller van. Of course, a smaller van means less space. And as mentioned before, less space means less fuel and a more economical driving. Because they are so easy to drive, small vans have great consumer reports which will definitely help you save some money.
Also, when choosing the right van size for your trip, keep in mind the journey you have ahead. Pay attention to the road conditions you are going to face on your trip and try to pick a comfortable driving route.
Safety Always Comes First
Obviously, suitability and price are major factors when choosing a van for your trip. However, no matter what particular type of van you have in mind or what van suits your fancy, you must always remember to put safety first. This means that before you actually purchase one, you must definitely take it for a test drive. Make sure to keep an eye on its mechanical integrity and check for any possible problems.
Of course, there are plenty of options out there but you will definitely want to get the best possible one. Although you may think this means getting the newest van available, this is not always the case. If you cannot afford buying a brand new van, you can still purchase one that has pretty much the same quality.
The first thing you should have in mind is its mileage. Vans with low mileage are the ones for you. Not only will you be able to travel more on the road but you will also avoid other mechanical issues that come along with overused vehicles. Basically, spending more money right at the beginning means thinking ahead. The more you spend when buying a low mileage car, in good condition, the more you save on possible future repairs.
The easiest way to make sure you don’t come across any type of unexpected issues with your van is to simply take it for a test drive. If you’re not sure what to look for in such a test, feel free to ask for help at a mechanic shop. They will know for sure what to do and then you will find if the car is worth buying or not. Once again, don’t forget that a mechanically sound car is essential. It will prevent you from having your car breaking down in the middle of the trip and it will also keep you safe on the road.
Conclusion
So there you have it. No matter what size or shape you’re looking for in a van, consider its safety, its suitability for most types of road and its comfort. Keep these things in mind when choosing a van for your trip and you’ll definitely find the one which suits your needs. And please remember not to overstress about it. Travelling by van means having fun and enjoying life on the road.
