Caravanning with the Family: A Practical Guide to Planning a Holiday Getaway

Front view of happy family looking at camera outdoors at dusk, caravan holiday trip.
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Now‍ that the world is opening up again, we’re all wanting to catch up with overdue holidays. For some that means travelling overseas. For many, we’re looking for opportunities to explore our own country. That has meant a rise in popularity for caravans. With so many families coming to caravanning for the frst time, we thought we’d compile some tips for the new acquainted. This article will help you navigate the ins and outs of this type of holiday so that you can have an enjoyable trip with minimal stress and best results.

Young woman and little girl smiling and looking at each other while sitting together on cozy sofa next to window in caravan

Choosing Your Caravan

If you’re new to caravans then you’re probably discovering the breadth of caravan types out there. Don’t get lost among the weeds when searching for a family caravan. The important thing is to what you are looking for. Family caravans usually have bunks for kids and a queen bed for adults. You’ll also fnd that many pop-tops have a generous amount of beds for families. They’re a great option if your car isn’t big enough to tow a full caravan. New caravans can have a long lead time at the moment, due to their popularity. For many, buying second hand will be the best option.

Research and plan your trip

Before you start booking a caravanning trip, you should research what type of caravan you want, the best time to travel, and the best places to visit. When researching different caravans and vehicles, you will want to keep in mind the size of your family and the amount of stuff you want to bring along. You will also want to think about the size of your family and how many people will be travelling with you. You will also want to consider the climate when planning your trip, as this can have a signifcant impact on your trip. You will also want to check any regulations and rules in the area where you want to travel. This can vary depending on the time of year and if you want to travel to a popular tourist area or national park.

Decide on a travel date and location

When planning your trip, you will want to factor in the date and location. Different times of the year will have different weather conditions, and you will want to travel to an area that is warm and not affected by extreme weather conditions. You will also want to consider school holidays in your area and dates that are popular for travel. Popular travel dates are typically during peak seasons, such as July and August, and around major holidays like Christmas. You will want to avoid travelling during these times if you want to avoid long lines and crowds. You will also want to avoid travel during the colder months if you want to avoid travelling in wet or snowy weather. You will also want to consider the amount of time it will take to get to your destination if you want to travel during a popular time.

Choose your accommodation

When booking your accommodation, you will want to make sure to book early if you want to fnd affordable rates. You can also look into staying with friends or family in the area you want to travel to. You can also look into renting a house through a site like Airbnb or other similar sites. You can also look into booking a caravan park or camping near a place you want to visit.

Plan activities for the trip

When you are planning your trip, you will want to consider what activities you want to do while you are there. You can plan a day trip to a nearby city, visit a nearby national park, or go on a road trip to a nearby state or province. You can also plan one or two longer trips that will give you more time to explore the area.

Find shaded spots to park up during the day

You will want to fnd a shaded spot to park up during the day if you want to avoid the heat of the sun. You can also use an awning or canopy to create shade over your vehicle during the day if you want to stay connected to your family while you

are parked. You can also look into installing solar panels if you want to keep your batteries fully charged while you are parked during the day.

Know your rules and boundaries before you go

You will want to sit down with your family before you go on your trip and discuss any rules or boundaries that will help keep everyone safe and happy. You can discuss sleeping arrangements, rules for the bathroom, what’s allowed to be brought on the trip, and anything else that will help keep things running smoothly.

Don’t forget the basics

  • Supplies – You will want to make sure to bring all of the essentials that you will need while on your trip. This includes food, water, drinks, frst aid supplies, toiletries, and anything else you will need. You will also want to make sure to bring any items your family will need, such as medication, baby supplies, and items for any special needs family members may have.
  • Clothes – You will want to make sure everyone has comfortable clothes to wear, including shoes that are appropriate for walking and exploring. You will also want to make sure to bring clothes for all types of weather, from hot to cold temperatures.
  • Entertainment – Make sure you have plenty of entertainment on hand for long drives and rainy days. This can include books, games, music, and anything else you can think of.