If you enjoy the great outdoors but still want your home comforts, going on holiday in a caravan is a great way to get the best of both worlds. With a caravan you can still enjoy access to electricity and running water, without staying in a hotel or villa.
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Before you go on your caravan holiday, there are a few things you should consider packing.
Kitchen Essentials
Remember to take the kitchen essentials that will make your self-catering experience a breeze. A kettle is a must-do for fans of tea, and will be a very welcome addition when you want a cup of coffee first thing in the morning. Make sure your caravan has adequate plates, bowls, and cutlery, as well as washing-up liquid, sponges, and towels. Food supplies can be purchased close to most caravan sites. However, if yours is particularly rural, you may want to pack some in advance. If you are going on holiday during the summer, you might have the chance to enjoy a barbecue in the evening. Consider taking a portable barbecue, as well as gas or coal to keep it fuelled.
Staying Warm at Night
No matter what type of year you go on a caravan holiday, forgetting your blankets will leave you shivering at night time. Make sure you have enough bedding to get you through the holiday. If you are going away with children, consider adding spare sheets to the mix. Caravan trips during the winter will require extra insulation, so make sure you include a fleece with your bedding or a duvet that has a high tog level. This is particularly the case if you are visiting a mountainous region like the Brecon Beacons, or Scotland. If you are travelling during the summer, do not underestimate the British weather’s ability to leave you feeling a little too hot in the evening. A small electric fan will keep you cool if things get too hot.
Entertainment
Whether you are staying in a caravan park with an array of facilities, or in a more rural location, you should take something along to keep you entertained. A couple of books should keep you ticking over if you enjoy reading, and you may want to consider crosswords. Children and adults like enjoy boardgames, as they can act as a great way for the family to enjoy spending time together. Particularly young children may benefit from a portable DVD player or laptop; this is a great way to fill the gap when you have a couple of hours to spare and nothing to do, and can be a life saver on those rainy days. If you are travelling during the summer, a portable volley ball net or blow-up goal and football will go down well. Sports equipment can be particularly useful if you are spending time at a seaside location like St. Ives, Newquay, or the Isle of Wight.
Before any caravan holiday, you should spend a little time creating an itinerary. Think carefully about the types of conveniences you require at home, that you also could not do without when away. By spending some time doing this, you can make sure you take everything you need on your caravan holiday with you. The better prepared you are, the more cost-friendly the trip will be, and things will also run smoother.
Lydia Clarke is a professional travel consultant. She enjoys sharing her insights about holiday destinations, and writes about travel for various blogs around the web. Visit the link for more information about Static Caravan Sites.
