Let’s face it, nothing beats exploring the local sights and sounds of Australia than on a travelling caravan.
A caravan gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. You don’t have to stress about finding accommodation or transportation, as your caravan doubles as both your primary means of transport and home away from home.
And with the family involved, a caravan trip can take away the stress of coordinating different schedules and itineraries, as everyone can just relax and enjoy the journey together.
Here are seven tips to make your caravan trip one that the entire family will cherish for years to come.
1. Choose the Right Van
Before you hit the road, you need to consider the size and type of camper van that will best suit your family’s needs.
With many camper vans in the market, it can get overwhelming for first-timers to choose the best option.
However, to put it simply: the key is to find a balance between size, comfort, and family needs.
For instance, if you’re the type of family that enjoys spending time outdoors, then you’ll want a caravan with plenty of room for storing camping gear, bikes, and other sports equipment.
If you’re more interested in spending your time relaxing inside, then you might want to choose a smaller caravan with storage options for board games, art books and paper, and other recreational activities.
You’ll be in your caravan for a sizeable portion of your trip—so keeping it cosy should be your top priority!
2. Plan Your Route
One of the best things about travelling by caravan is the immense degree of flexibility you have in your hands. Spotted a nice-looking restaurant down the road that’s not on your itinerary? Nothing’s stopping you from driving over there for lunch with the kids.
That said, it’s still a good idea to have a general route in mind before you set off. This skeleton can give you some structure to your trip and help you budget your trip accordingly.
Also, be sure to put in backup options for your must-see sights and activities, as you never know when bad weather or traffic might put a damper on your plans. This way, you won’t scramble at the last minute for a replacement activity or waste a day on the road.
3. Ensure Your Car is Fully Geared Up
From flat tires to minor accidents, there’s a non-zero chance that you’ll find yourself in a sticky situation while on the road.
As such, it’s essential to ensure that your car is in top condition before embarking on your journey. This means getting a full check-up at the mechanic, stocking up on emergency supplies such as jumper cables and a first-aid kit, and making sure you’re familiar with the basics of car maintenance.
That said, collisions can still happen, so it’s important to take extra precautions while traversing through unfamiliar territory. If you’re in dire need of smash repair services while on the road, there are many car mechanics you can contact through DingGo to help you repair your car.
4. Pack Light but Smart
While you want your campervan to feel like home, you don’t want to bring your entire house! Overloading your vehicle with many items can put undue strain on the engine. It also adds clutter to your living space and makes it difficult to move around—not ideal when you’re trying to enjoy quality family time.
That said, a few key items are essential for caravan trips. These include:
- Food
- Water
- Clothes
- Sleeping aids
- Travel utensils
- Hygiene products
- Bedding
- First-aid kit
Make sure to pack these items first, and then add in any non-essentials if there’s still room left over. A road trip packing list can help give you ideas on what to bring and what to leave out.
5. Take Breaks
While there’s joy in exploring new places, being in the car for long distances can be taxing, mentally and physically.
That’s why it’s crucial to take breaks often!
After a few hours of driving on the road, pull over to a scenic spot and stretch your legs. Let the kids run around for a bit to burn off some energy. After an hour or two away from the caravan, you’ll feel re-energised and ready to take on the rest of the journey.
6. Be Prepared for All Weather Conditions
Australia is known for its wide range of climates, so it’s important to be prepared for anything when it hits the road.
If you’re travelling during the summer months, pack items like sunscreen and hats to protect your skin from the scorching heat. In winter, pack extra blankets and fleece jackets. Even if there aren’t any rain forecasts, it’s always a good idea to bring along a wet weather jacket—you never know when the conditions might take a turn for the worse.
And no matter what time of year it is, always carry drinking water and emergency supplies in case of unforeseen circumstances.
7. Enjoy Yourself
Above all, don’t forget the main reason why you’re going on a caravan trip in the first place! The bustle of everyday life can be stressful, so use this opportunity to relax and spend quality time with your loved ones.
Disconnect from social media and gadgets as much as you can and take in all the beauty that Australia has to offer. By the end of the trip, you’ll be sure to have memories that will last a lifetime.