When traveling in a van with children, anticipation makes all the difference. We quickly realized that beyond 2 or 3 hours of driving, the atmosphere in the van becomes tense (and so do our nerves!).

Our golden rule : plan short and varied stages , with a balanced mix of nature , fun breaks and quiet moments. We favor small roads rather than main roads, which are often less pleasant and too monotonous.

And today, we are lucky enough to be able to rely on some really useful tools: some AI applications help us save time when choosing a route , organizing our stops or even managing unforeseen events along the way.

Also remember to plan frequent breaks , about every 1.5 hours. A walk in the woods, a snack by a lake or a well-placed playground can boost everyone’s energy.

Among our favorite stops:

We often use Park4night to find a good spot or a nice place for wild camping , and HomeCamper to spend the night with locals , in complete safety.

Organizing meals and sleeping in a van

When traveling in a campervan with children, you have to think about everything in compact mode: sleeping , storage, meals… every detail counts. We quickly learned to optimize space , from the smallest cupboard to cooking time.

For the night , we fitted out our compact van with a pop-up roof . Our daughter sleeps upstairs, while we set up our bed downstairs. We invested in comfortable bedding , blackout curtains , and warm sleeping bags. The result: everyone sleeps (almost) like at home.

In the kitchen , we work with a gas hob , a small stove and an electric cooler. We prepare simple meals in advance, and we stock up on fresh food at local markets . Our tip: always have an airtight container with pre-cooked rice or pasta for days when we don’t feel like cooking.

To respect the children’s rhythm , we keep their benchmarks: nap after lunch, a little story in the evening, and a cuddly toy never far away. Even in the middle of nature , it reassures them and makes the nights sweeter.

Keeping the kids busy during van rides

Let’s be clear: when traveling in a van , it’s not the kilometers that tire you out the most, but the boredom on board . And we quickly understood that a bored child can ruin the whole atmosphere of the road trip .

To avoid this, we’ve implemented a screen-free activity routine . And often, it’s the simplest games that are the hits:

Everything fits in a small pouch, easy to pull out as soon as the tension rises.

We also alternate with adapted podcasts or audiobooks . It calms the atmosphere and creates a little moment just for them during the road.

To limit conflicts , we value autonomy : everyone has their own corner, their own games, their own things. We take turns choosing music and impose a few simple rules. And when things get heated? Immediate break at a nice spot to let off steam and boost the good mood.

Practical tips for a Zen adventure

When traveling in a van , unforeseen events are inevitable: rain, sick child, temperamental GPS… We’ve learned to keep it simple. The key word: flexibility .

Always keep a well-equipped first aid kit handy. In case of bad weather, a tarp , a few board games , and a playlist are often enough. And if necessary, treat yourself to a night at a comfortable campsite to recharge your batteries.