The great thing about caravanning is that you get to enjoy all the wonders of the outdoors without actually having to go to all the effort that you do on camp. There’s no having to set your tent up in the rain; no having to build a fire, and no long trips across a muddy field to go to the bathroom. In a word, caravaning is about experiencing the outdoors with a degree of dignity.
But how do you bling it up and turn it into a great holiday experience? Here are some ideas.
Take A Course
If you’re serious about doing caravanning right, you should probably take a course that will help you master the dark art. It might seem a little over the top, but going on a course will boost your confidence and help you feel at home behind the wheel. After all, towing a caravan can be a little nerve-wracking, especially if you’re worried that it is going to start strafing from side to side on the motorway and get out of control.
If you don’t want to take a course, then at least take your caravan out for a quick practice run before setting off on a long adventure.
Use A Head Lamp
There’s a good chance you’ll have to do some manual work outside at night, whether it’s changing a wheel or doing the dishes. As such, it’s a good idea to be able to see where you’re going.
Head-mounted torches are the best option in this circumstance, as they allow you to use both your hands while also letting you see where you’re going.
Take A First Aid Kit
When you’re in a new environment, you’re actually a lot more likely to get injured. That’s why so many people recommend taking a first aid kit with you in your caravan.
It’s also worth taking a “first aid kit” just for your caravan too, including all the things you’re likely to need, like WD40, a spare tyre, spare fuses, spanners, and screwdrivers.
Kit Out Your Caravan For Entertainment
On any caravanning holiday, there are rainy days. And on those rainy days, you want to have some half-decent entertainment. These days, it’s possible to get caravans with 12v TV technology built-in, allowing you to watch TV on the go, something that was thought impossible just a few years back. Having entertainment at your fingertips is a lifesaver if you’ve got kids with you.
Take A Solar Light
Solar lights charge up during the day and then release their night at light. When caravanning, they’re perfect for illuminating the perimeter of your pitch, lighting up washrooms and providing night light to kid’s sleeping areas. What’s more, because they’re solar, they don’t rely on your caravan’s general power supply.
Double Your Showers
When it comes to showers, caravans aren’t always the best. Thanks to the limited supply of water from the water carrier, they have to be short out of necessity. Fortunately, however, there is a solution: double the number of water carriers. This will allow you to spend longer in the shower ad actually enjoy your holiday.
Make Your Caravan Glow In The Dark
Campsites can be dark places at night, and that’s problematic if you’re trying to find your way back to your caravan or open the door. This is why some experts recommend that caravan owners paint the winder nuts with luminous paint. This helps them to see where everything is at night, allowing them to get their bearings.
Always Reverse To The Right
Reversing your caravan to the right allows you to see what your unit is doing through the driver’s window. There#s no need, therefore, to rely on your travel buddies or your mirrors to make sure that the unit itself is straight. Don’t forget to ask for help, though, if you need it.
Register With An Internet Telephone Service
Most campsites now have WiFi (just look out for the logo on their website). Because of this, it’s now possible to pick up phone calls while you are caravanning. If you want to stay in touch with work while you’re on holiday, think about setting up some kind of VoIP service in your caravan. This will allow you to take regular phone calls to your landline or mobile through the internet, a little bit like Skype. What’s more, it’s essentially free, meaning no expensive long distance roaming charges. Apple’s FaceTime is one good option you could use on your next caravanning adventure. Other options are available too, like Zoom.