Vanlife Etiquette - A little common sense...

Etiquette is what is expected of us; and what we expect of others. The unwritten rules and customs that guide polite and acceptable behaviour in social groups. Sounds a bit ‘Olde Worlde’, doesn’t it? In the case of the Campervan and Motorhome Community, think, Jane Austen on wheels.

Good manners and respect cost nothing!

Most campsites have their own policies, their ‘written rules’, concerning behaviour; be it noise or children or dogs, and so on. They are almost always made clear in on-line info; if the blurb leans heavily on a ‘quiet vibe’, and you like it ‘lively’, maybe that place is not for you?

Sidestep the potential conflicts. A little common sense goes a long way.

Let’s begin as we mean to go on. Check in at, or after, the time you were given, and check out before the deadline. Respect your hosts, they have routines and procedures to follow. If you are going to arrive late, let them know. You can be sure that they will make some arrangement to welcome you.

Children and dogs. Yours are well behaved, of course, but the rules may still require them to be kept on a lead (the dogs, that is!) The kids will want to run and play, and you will want to worry about where they are and what they are doing. Ask for a pitch near to a play area or open space where they can kick a ball or whatever, without disturbing fellow campers. And you can relax, knowing they are within sight.

Noise is potentially the most challenging aspect of campsite behaviour. Quiet hours are observed on virtually all sites; usually between 10pm and 8am, but not always. So please do check and respect the silence. Even conversation outside of the van can carry and cause disturbance.

Be considerate toward the campsite environment and your fellow campers. Respect the speed limits in force when driving through the site, they are there for a reason.

Respect everyone’s personal space when walking about; would you want anyone cutting through your pitch?

LEAVE NO TRACE. This is more than simply a matter of etiquette, it is a duty. It is how we all have to behave. And it applies everywhere. In toilet and shower facilities,

laundry rooms and washing up areas; at rubbish and recycling points and at emptying areas for grey and chemical waste. LEAVE NO TRACE. Be especially careful around drinking water supplies that you leave no contamination and remember that grey waste thoughtlessly dropped on grass pitches is liquid litter. It too LEAVES A TRACE.

Fires. I’ve left this aspect of motorhome and campervan life until last because it has taken on a more menacing face, especially in the hot dry summers we are encountering, both in the UK and across Europe. The old fashioned idyl of a campfire, on grass and surrounded by stones is now a virtual no-no. It’s can lead to catastrophe.

Many campsites now offer Fire Pits to enable the traditional campfire to continue; some are merely a hole to contain the blaze, others supply a raised circle of flame-proof stonework or a cast iron bowl, in which to set the authentic focal point of an evening spent outdoors.

The campfire is a great place for gathering; for enjoying the company of others. But they are not to everyone’s taste and they can generate noise. Be considerate, keep disturbance to a minimum. Keep some water handy too, in case flames do get out of hand. And, of course, remove all trace of the party as soon as possible.

LEAVING NO TRACE is the most important rule in Van Life. If we abuse the facilities we have and enjoy, we may ultimately lose them. There are people who take pleasure in stopping us having what we have. Our adherence to etiquette, and to the observance of laws, written rules and regulations, define our reputation and leave us less open to attack.

It is also worth bearing in mind that not reporting problems in any area of the campsite is unfair. Whether it be in the toilets or the children’s play area or a defect with a EHU point, let the owners know. Don’t leave a problem for the next guests. It’s a simple kindness.

It goes without saying that everything covered in this blog applies to aires, pub stopovers and park up's as much as it does to campsites. Common Sense, Consideration and Kindness should be applied whenever and wherever we are on the road. Look after one another, please.

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