What to pack for a campervan road trip?

The golden rule in Réunion: dress in layers. A morning at the volcano can be freezing; an afternoon on the beach will be tropical. Pack light clothes (t-shirts, shorts, swimwear) and a warm mid-layer (fleece or softshell) for nights at altitude.

Essentials: 1 lightweight waterproof jacket (tropical downpours can be sudden), 2 to 3 versatile lightweight trousers, waterproof hiking boots and sandals for the beach.

Réunion is an outdoor destination par excellence. To make the most of the hikes and viewpoints, a few items are essential. A hiking daypack of 20 to 30 litres is ideal for day trips from the van.

Don't forget sunglasses (the sun is very intense at altitude), SPF 50+ sunscreen and a hat. A head torch is useful for pre-dawn departures to the volcano.

A first aid kit is essential — especially if you are hiking in remote areas. Pack plasters, antihistamine cream (wasps and mosquitoes are present), paracetamol and any regular medication you take.

Mosquito repellent is a must: dengue fever is a real risk in Réunion. Skin repellent, an electric diffuser for nights in the van and covering clothing in the evening are your best defences.

Your van comes with a hob and basic utensils, but a few little extras will make mealtimes more enjoyable. A moka pot for high-altitude mornings, a small chopping board, a good knife and local spices picked up at the markets.

Pack some emergency supplies (cereal bars, dried fruit, pasta) for days when you are far from any shop — particularly in the highlands or on long hikes.

Your van comes with a GPS, but make sure to download offline maps (Maps.me or Google Maps offline): some highland areas have poor mobile signal. A portable power bank is invaluable for charging your devices on long hikes.

A USB car charger lets you top up your devices on the move. Don't forget a spare charging cable and an extra memory card for your camera.