This question comes up very often. If you want to spend your vacation with complete peace of mind, the answer is YES, you need insurance, but which one is best?

You have three options:

Your payment card insurance (Visa, MasterCard, Amex, etc.). This option doesn't work most of the time because the rental vehicle often weighs more than 3.5 tons or more than 8 cubic meters. It's up to you to check with your bank about the insurance conditions.

Your optional travel insurance. Some insurance policies cover, in addition to standard items (repatriation, illness, etc.), the deductible in the event of an accident. However, you will be charged by the rental company for this deductible, and reimbursed by the insurance company only a few days or weeks later. This can be an option if you can afford to pay the rental vehicle's deductible in advance during this period.

The motorhome rental company's insurance. This is often the most practical option. There are different tiers for this insurance depending on the "level of coverage" you want. For example, "all-inclusive" insurance includes the total repurchase of the excess and generally the majority of paid options.

Think of your campervan as a furnished apartment. The vehicles are fully equipped with everything you'll need, including standard kitchen items like cutlery, cooking utensils, dish towels, dish soap, pots, pans, a kettle, a coffee plunger, and more. You'll also have linens, blankets, towels, hangers, and laundry clips. This means you only need to pack your clothes and personal items.

To make packing easier, use a soft bag instead of a bulky hard suitcase, which will be difficult to store. Don't forget to bring your International Driving Permit (or a certified English translation). You should also pack a travel adapter, a flashlight, CDs for the road, a beach towel, sunglasses, and a first-aid kit with essentials like sunscreen, burn cream, and insect repellent.

Traveling in a campervan offers unparalleled flexibility. Depending on your preferences, the weather, and other travelers, you can choose to stay longer in one spot or break camp earlier. But what are these magical places where you can establish your little corner of paradise?

There are several camping options:

The first and best-known is traditional camping. You pay per night for a pitch for your vehicle and travelers. At these campsites, you can plug into a charging station and recharge your campervan's battery, empty your wastewater, and fill the tank with fresh water. These are private campsites with facilities and pitches that vary in quality depending on their star rating.

Freedom camping: Wild camping is not permitted. There are rules to follow for camping in Australia. Each state has its own rules. Some states are more flexible than others, and depending on the location within the state you are traveling to, the city or town may add its own regulations. We strongly recommend asking the local tourist office if there are any "free camping" areas to avoid the hefty fines for spending the night in a prohibited area.

All is not lost now; there are plenty of free camping options in nature.

While campervans are easy to drive and maneuver, remember that they are larger and heavier than a regular car. Here are a few tips to make driving easier:

• Driving is on the left, but the driver's position on the right side of the vehicle will help you feel more centered on the road.
• Be mindful of your vehicle's height, especially when parking under trees or canopies.
• The speed limit is a maximum of 100km/h in most states. Don't rush; enjoy the journey as part of your holiday.
• Be prepared for a strong gust of wind ("the slap") when a truck overtakes you.
• Don't be surprised if a vehicle overtakes you on the left on multi-lane roads.
• Focus on the road ahead, not the cars behind you.
• Allow vehicles behind you to pass only when you feel it is safe to do so.
• Anticipate the actions of other drivers. A campervan requires a longer braking and acceleration distance.
• Always maintain a safe following distance.
• Whenever possible, drive during the day to avoid unexpected surprises.

Driving a campervan is relatively easy once you get used to it. However, it can be more complicated in cities where there's more traffic and less space. We recommend avoiding parallel parking and opting for paid parking lots where you won't have to maneuver as much. Generally, you cannot free camp in cities; it's best to stay just outside major urban areas or at a city campground.

When using a campervan, it's essential to be responsible and use designated dump stations to empty your toilet and wastewater tanks. This is very important for the Australian environment. Dump stations are located in most Big 4 caravan parks and in main towns and villages. You can find all the dump station on the application: WikiCamps

Before you start your next adventure, always ensure that all interior and exterior items in the campervan are securely stored and won't move around. Lock all cupboards, interior doors, and the refrigerator door. Similarly, if you've been plugged into power, make sure the cable is disconnected and stored away. Double-check that the gas bottle is turned off. For a quieter ride, you can place a paper towel between your plates and glasses to prevent rattling!

One of the greatest joys of a campervan holiday is being self-sufficient, sleeping wherever and whenever you want without worrying about your battery, fresh water, or wastewater levels. Here are a few tips to help you stay off-grid longer:

• Wake up early and go to bed early to use less electricity in the evening.
• Only turn on lights when necessary.
• Turn off the fridge at night if possible.
• Have one or two meals that you can cook without gas or electricity.
• To do dishes, fill the sink and use the same water for washing and rinsing (the "Australian way").
• For the truly adventurous, a shower every two days is enough!
• When you fill up on fresh water, don't forget to empty your wastewater tank at the same time, even if it's not completely full.
• Use public restrooms whenever possible.