4 beginner's roadtrip mistakes to avoid

Published June 10, 2024

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The first time you set off in a converted van or car, it's always an exciting time, as you rediscover your childlike soul and can't wait to discover vanlife. Travelling in a converted van means being able to sleep in front of exceptional landscapes, but it also means a few little problems, so to save you a few hiccups along the way, we've put together a list of 4 mistakes to avoid.

1. Underestimating night-time temperatures

One of the most common roadtrip mistakes is not taking enough blankets for the night.

In a van or car, the temperature at night can drop much more than in a house, so don't hesitate to take a blanket in addition to your usual comforter. The first night is also when we gauge our comfort, so it's better to bring an extra blanket if you're cold than to run out and sleep badly! 

💡 Tip: if you're in any doubt about your "level of coverage"😅, consider taking a survival blanket. In case of extreme cold, it can come in handy (and we recommend taking one anyway when you're out and about). 

This first night will show you whether or not you need a more suitable sleeping bag.
If you'd like more advice on sleeping bags, take a look at our article "How to choose your sleeping bag".

Beyond the comforter, pyjamas are strategic! They're best worn close to the body to retain heat, and don't forget a pair of socks!

With all this, you'll never be cold again! Of course, we adapt these recos according to the season and outside temperatures!

2. Parking on a slope

Choosing the right location is essential, especially at night! Make sure you park in a quiet spot, in the shade or protected from the wind if necessary, and ... on flat ground!

Always remember to check the slope of your spot before setting up for the evening. A sloping site is often very difficult to cook on (hello eggs sticking to one side in the frying pan 😂) and above all it's very unpleasant to sleep with your head down, for example!

💡 Tip: use a spirit level to check the inclination of your spotlight before you spend the night! This will guarantee you a safe and peaceful night's sleep.

3. Not using light protection equipment

If at home we're used to closing the shutters or drawing the curtains to spend a night without light, in the car we'll have to find solutions! First tip: make sure you don't have a street lamp or other light source near your vehicle when you park for the night!


Obviously, the solution is to provide a mask and curtains! When it comes to curtains, Tchao Tchao works with Breizh trotter for optimized curtains that are totally customized to the vehicle model.


💡 Tips: there are also several other tricks for making curtains from scratch: cut-out yoga mats, aluminum foil over windows... give it a try! 😁

dormir-van-amenage-montagne

4. Don't download the apps you need for your roadtrip 

Some apps can be invaluable on a roadtrip, so it's a shame not to download them beforehand!  


I give you a selection of 3 must-have applications: 


- " Park4night" helps you findsecure parking areas and camping spots. 

- Where are the toilets" is indispensable for locating public toilets at a glance, a real plus on roadtrips. 

- And finally "Waze" is a navigation application that will help you avoid traffic jams and find the best routes.


Having these applications at hand will make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.

If you'd like to have a complete and practical roadtrip list, you can consult our article "The best apps for a road trip in a converted car".

If you have any other tips to share, please feel free to comment on the article and share your tips. 

In the meantime, we wish you all the best with your Tchao Tchao kit!

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