7 advices before starting your camper trip
Every trip starts with an idea.
From our perspective, the secret to van life is making sure that idea remains flexible. Set a general framework for the kind of journey you want, hit the road, and let the adventure surprise you!
That said, one of the biggest limitations travelers face is simply being unprepared. That's why we've put together this list of tips based on a lifetime of travel experience. Let's get started:
1. Plan, but not too much
Stay flexible. Weather changes, needs change, and so do opportunities. Rain in one area, strong winds in another, or maybe you discover a friend happens to be nearby. Unexpected events will come your way, both good and bad. Take advantage of one of the greatest strengths of a camper van: the freedom to move, explore, and discover.
2. Even so, make a plan
Although flexibility is one of the greatest joys of camper life, some places are especially beautiful, and weather forecasts are occasionally right!
Jokes aside, waiting until late in the day to find somewhere to stay can create unnecessary complications for several reasons:
Arriving at your destination after dark can make it difficult to understand your surroundings. A rough track, a full parking place, mud, or hidden rocks can easily catch you off guard.
If you leave your overnight planning until the end of the day, chances are you'll be in a hurry, tired, and therefore less likely to make good decisions.
You might drive right past incredible spots without noticing them simply because you didn´t realised, because there's no daylight left or due to lack of time.
3. Keep it simple
Space is one of the most valuable and limited resources in a camper van. Treat it like treasure!
4. Organize your space
It's amazing how easily things disappear in such a small space. You'll repeatedly lose track of that one item you're desperately looking for. Be systematic when it comes to keeping things organized.
5. Understand the difference between camping and overnight parking
This is probably the trickiest point to cover. Spanish regulations (as of April 2026) vary depending on the municipality. It wouldn't make much sense to ask you to study the rules of every town you visit, so here's our practical advice:
Avoid setting up camp in busy places during peak periods. When in doubt, simply stay overnight without extending beyond the physical limits of your vehicle with tables, chairs, awnings, or other equipment. In urban areas especially, it's usually best not to attract attention.
6. Ventilate
Moisture builds up easily on windows and can accumulate in various parts of the van. Good ventilation is almost always the best solution.
7. Essential tools
There's no complicated advice here—these are simply tools you'll find useful time and time again:
Headlamp
Pocket knife
Rope
Sunscreen
Basic medications
We could talk about cooking gear and comfort accessories too, but many of those will already be provided by AlaCala! ;)
And remember: whenever you're unsure about something, we're always happy to help at AlaCala. Just ask us!
Road&Roll!