Travelling Solo in a Camper: 10 Tips for Women (INT-EN)

Photographer Manuela Marks (aka @fraeulein_marks) travels across Europe in her campervan with her dog Kane. She uses her mobile office to work from anywhere and wants to inspire women in particular to hit the road themselves.

She tested the new VANLIFE for us. Here is her review – including tips for women traveling solo in a camper.

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Manuela, what’s your overall verdict on the VANLIFE?

It’s a really clever use of space for a campervan, and one that genuinely makes sense. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a vehicle that works equally well for everyday driving, travel, and remote working, and who also wants the option of staying in one spot for a few days.

What would you change?

I would actually just choose a different spec: automatic transmission, 180 hp, a lithium battery for greater self-sufficiency, and definitely the winter package.

Many in my community said they would opt for a third seat in the front, but personally, I didn’t miss it at all. Instead, I used that space as extra storage.

The VANLIFE is compact and agile at 540 cm. Was the storage space enough for you?

I was positively surprised. It feels incredibly spacious inside, and even though you don’t have a traditional rear garage, I managed to fit everything in with no trouble. I found the many small storage options particularly clever, like the ones in the stairs. For one or two active people, it is absolutely sufficient. I even had my SUP and my camping chairs with me. While driving, I either transported the SUP between the bench seats or folded it up and stowed it up front between the seats. The camping chairs fit there easily too.

Anyone who travels with a dog knows how much extra kit that brings, which made it all the more impressive just how much the van could swallow. The drawers in the steps are perfect for small bits and pieces, and I used the compartment above the bed for pillows and blankets, so nothing had to sit out in the lounge area while we were moving.

Another highlight: in bad weather, the lounge converts into a generous bed in just a few simple steps, it really is quick and straightforward. In fact, everything felt very intuitive to me. You get in, find your way around instantly, and everything has its place. Plus, for a vehicle of this size, the bathroom is a real miracle of space.

540 V ^Vanlife

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And how was the driving experience for you?

Great, of course, as it’s such an agile vehicle with a small turning circle and a really relaxed feel behind the wheel. With my Grand California, I often have to think ahead about whether there’s enough room to turn, whether parking is feasible, or whether I’ll even be able to get down a particular road. Some of my favourite spots have become genuinely tricky to reach in a bigger vehicle. With the VANLIFE, so much of that simply falls away. You can find a parking space even when you’re doing a supermarket run or driving through a city. For anyone who finds manoeuvring a larger vehicle a bit daunting, I think this concept is really ideal.

Some of my favourite spots have become genuinely tricky to reach in a bigger vehicle. With the VANLIFE, so much of that simply falls away.

As a woman who spends a lot of time on the road — with a van, a dog, and a mobile office, often travelling alone, we need a few campsite recommendations from you…

Here are three of my highlights:

Camping Ideal Molino, San Felice del Benaco on Lake Garda
A small site right on the lake, which you really have to book in advance. This time I parked right by the water. Opening the rear doors, working with a lake view, and then paddling over to the café on the SUP…

Camping Schartner Alm, on the sunny plateau of Oberbozen
An incredibly beautiful, family-run site at 1,300 meters with an organic natural pool, sauna, and restaurant (croissant & Italian coffee in the morning!) – and at the same time, you are right in the middle of nature and can start hiking right from the camper door. Here too: it’s a small site, so definitely book in advance.

Kilefjorden Camping, north of Kristiansand in Norway
The perfect place to ease yourself into Norway. I can highly recommend this site to anyone who opts for the short ferry route from Denmark to Kristiansand in southern Norway. It’s not a long drive after the ferry, yet you dive straight into the country. An official and yet so idyllic nature campsite.

With all the years of experience: what are your top recommendations for women who want to set out on solo campervan trips?

It’s something I get asked a lot, so I’ve put together a top ten list.

1. Pro tip: Place a dog lead or a food bowl somewhere visible inside the camper. It acts as a deterrent – and it works even if you don’t actually have a dog.

2. Check out the camping spot in advance. Park near other campers and not completely isolated. Apps I use: CampingApp EU, Roadsurfer Spots, Vansite, Hinterland Camp. But don’t just look at the spots in the app; check them on Google Maps and read the reviews too.

3. Always have a Plan B. I always look for two or three alternative spots nearby.

4. Lock the doors. I always lock the van from the inside, even during the day.

5. Evening routine. Check the doors, power, and windows, then switch off and relax.

6. Trust your gut. If something feels off when you arrive somewhere, just drive on. Small, idyllic campsites are always a better choice than some random spot in the middle of nowhere.

7. Light inside the van. If you’re in a self-converted van, a few small ambient lights or a head torch can make a real difference to how comfortable and safe you feel.

8. Connect with the community. There are many women out there travelling solo, and the online exchange is really active. This is important to me too, and I try to answer every question quickly.

9. Roadside assistance and important numbers. A reliable roadside assistance service gives me peace of mind if something goes wrong, and I also keep key phone numbers written on a piece of paper in the van, just in case something happens to my phone.

10. Never post your location in real time. Never share your spot publicly while you’re still there. Instead, share your live location privately with family or friends.