Experience the most glorious sunsets, wake up in the morning to birds singing and smell the air after a heavy downpour. You can experience all this even if camping doesn't appeal to you, because a great summer adventure can also be enjoyed on the road in a campervan. If you're still planning that summer experience, six tips from the campervan enthusiast Dace Alpa will be useful to make travelling around Latvia enjoyable, safe for both the traveller and nature, and memorable
Photo: Kempings pie Daugavas
1. Look into the places you plan to visit
Camping is often associated with the ability to go and stay anywhere, but this is not true. Before travelling you should definitely check potential places to stay to see if you are actually allowed to park your campervan there. Such restrictions may apply to protected areas, and of course it will not be possible to stay on private property without a permit, which could turn out to be the shore of a small lake, for example. It is safest to stay at campsites with a designated pitch for campers – you can check this on the campsites' websites or by contacting them.
Most of these campsites are equipped with electricity and other amenities needed for travelling. If you want to stay by the sea, you can choose authentic seaside life in Miķeļbāka or the much-loved Pāvilosta, while the magic of the lakes can be especially enjoyed in Vidzeme – lovers of peace and quiet might enjoy staying in Sigulda, while more active holidays can be enjoyed at Lake Raiskums, and in Kurzeme you can choose one of the campsites at Lake Usma. You can find more places to stay with a campervan here.
Photo: whiterabbitcampers
2. Plan your movements
One of the constraints when travelling by campervan is the quality of the roads. It is worth checking the access conditions at the campsites you plan to visit, especially if they are away from main roads. The campsite staff will know the current road conditions best and will advise you on the best way to get there. But overall, it's very convenient, says Dace. There are also free places to stay, but the Latvian summer is so short and the demand for such free places by the sea is quite high, so there should always be a backup option if the planned place is already taken. You can use the "Mamma Daba" map or dodies.lv extensive map of nature trails and picnic spots to find suitable places to visit, such as nature trails, cultural and historical sights or recreation areas.
Photo: Ieva Zorgevica
3. Plan carefully what you'll take with you
Before setting off, checking what will already be available in the campervan is advisable. Dace's family travels with their own campervan, but if you're just interested in trying it out, you can rent one. The cost of renting a campervan will depend on the season and the rental period. In summer, the costs will be higher at around €100–150 per day, but for longer-term rentals, the price per day will be lower. If you plan to rent, it is very important to find out in advance what equipment is available.
If the camper is fully equipped, you probably won't need to bring bed linen or crockery, but if not, you may need to bring quite a lot to enjoy all the benefits – from household utensils to entertainment options. Dace recommends always thinking about what you'll do if it rains – her family's favourite pastime is playing board games. It is also important to check whether the campervan will have facilities. If not, this may affect the choice of holiday accommodation; you should look for places with all the necessary amenities.
Travelling with a campervan means spending a lot of time outdoors, so take a first aid kit, especially if you're travelling with children. Patches, ointments for itching and blisters, sun cream and medication for fever and pain can be the most useful things to take with you.
Photo: A.Barbans
4. Travel with an open mind and be ready to adapt
When going on holiday with limited comfort, you should always be prepared that things might not go quite as planned. That's why it's always important to be open to new adventures and to let things happen. Dace also mentions that sometimes the most unexpected adventures follow when you change your plans and, for example, decide to stay one more night in Tūja and end up with the most beautiful summer sunset.
You may also have to adjust your usual menu. Although most motorhomes are equipped with a small gas cooker so you can cook simple meals, you should bear in mind that this will not be as easy as it is in home. Choose a simple, one-bowl breakfast – a variety of porridges, omelettes or sandwiches. For lunch or dinner you can plan to have a campfire, so it can be useful to bring a pot for cooking on open fire. Vegetable soup, various stews topped with canned beans or chickpeas, chili con carne or spicy minced meat with beans and tomatoes will all be a filling and convenient choice because everything is prepared in one bowl. But for more active days outside the camper, such as exploring nature trails, ready-made meals such as instant soups can be prepared by simply pouring boiling water over the top and you're ready for a hot meal in no time, are the best option.
Photo: whiterabbitcampers
5. Think about additional accessories to furnish the environment around the camper
It is important to look at the campervan not only as a means of transport, but also as a place to live for the whole trip. That's why Dace also brings a variety of accessories with her on her outings, which help to furnish the immediate area, creating a real homely atmosphere. If electricity is available, you can decorate your "house on wheels" with strings of light bulbs, place a simple small rug at the entrance, pick flowers from the local meadow in a glass jar and have dinner with your family at a folding table in an exclusive location. Dace says that at the end of the summer she and other friends who also have campers have a party together, which becomes one of the highlights of the summer and the year.
Photo: K.Ungurs
6. Seize the opportunity to experience the most beautiful moments in nature
Travelling by campervan is not just a commute, it quickly becomes a way of life, says Dace. Despite the fact that you seemingly move to a more cramped place compared to an apartment or a house, it makes your family very strong and every holiday like this leaves unforgettable memories. Dace's family's favourite places are by the sea, so every year the family tries to go to both Pāvilosta and Tūja, and sometimes even to friends' backyards to set up a small camp. Staying in a campervan makes it much easier to experience the sunrise in the marsh when you're nearby, go for a longer hike while the rest of the camping companions head to their destination, fall asleep listening to frogs in Lake Burtnieks or enjoy a night swim in the sea at a seaside campsite.
It will be an unforgettable summer for adults and children alike, and above all, it will strengthen relationships and love for nature!
