What to pack for your caravan holiday
Deciding what to pack and what not to pack, no matter what kind of vacation you’re having, is an art. This can be compounded if you are planning several months down the road. Spend some time thinking about what should have and what you just think you should have. Make lists and ask family and friends who have taken similar trips. The old saying “less is better” is often helpful advice for travelers. That said, you should not deprive yourself of something that will make your trip more pleasant.
FOOD
It’s often difficult to decide what to pack for food. Actually this can be quite simple, just aim for a balanced diet like you would have at home. After all, your likes and dislikes for food will not change. If you always have the following non-perishable items, you will always have the ingredients for a meal or snack on hand:
- Coffee
- Tea
- dried herbs
- cereals
- condiments
- Rice
- Pasta
- Vegetables
- oil and vinegar
- salt and pepper
- A small range of canned goods.
Remember, you will meet other people along the way and you will probably invite them to your caravan for a meal, a snack or at least a cup and a cookie; make sure you have something on hand for them.
One big tip: don’t try to bring enough food for the whole trip unless you’re going for a very short time – buy as you go. Supermarkets across Australia carry the same basic grocery items, although certain gourmet items now standard in metropolitan stores can be hard to come by in some areas of the country.
Prices are also reasonably stable throughout the country, except for fresh fruit and vegetables. Lack of availability, particularly in remote areas, can force prices of fresh produce to vary significantly. One way to avoid this is to seek out the seasonal regional produce offered at roadside stalls. In many seaside towns you can buy fresh fish on the pier or at a beachside kiosk. Other products are available in some regions, so keep an eye out for producers selling olives, oil, honey, cheeses, fruit and vegetables, game and prepared meats, and of course local wines.
Note:
Whether you’re packing most groceries or shopping on the go, avoid items with breakable packaging. Lightweight plastic cooking oil bottles are notorious for breaking and leaking. Choose glass or metal containers, and store them in a plastic tub for added protection.
There are restrictions on the movement of fruits, vegetables, and some foods, like honey, across some state lines, so take a look.
KITCHEN EQUIPMENT
Most RVs and campers have their regular stove and microwave too, so a limited selection of plastic cooking containers is a good investment in what to pack for your microwave. They are usually packaged inside each other, don’t rattle or break, and aren’t expensive. Obviously, your normal pots and pans and your baking dish are necessary for normal stovetop cooking. A kettle and toaster are essential, as is a frying pan. A good idea for a skillet is to have a cast iron one; this can be used on an open fire if you wish. Then depending on your meals you may want to include a wok which is extremely useful for cooking a variety of things.
Kitchen utensils should include flip-flops, an egg lifter, a cutting board, bottle and can openers, a good quality knife or two, a wooden spoon, a measuring jug, and an oven rack. An all-purpose barbecue tool is essential for outdoor cooking.
Don’t forget your crockery and cutlery. Try to avoid traveling with fragile and easily breakable parts. Unbreakable tableware and drinking vessels are readily available. Inexpensive plastic storage containers with secure lids will come in handy for storing crackers and loose foods.
Again, remember the saying “less is better”: If you’re not sure what to pack if you need a particular item, leave it at home.
CLOTHING
Depending on where you’re going and for how long will obviously dictate what to pack for clothes. Travelers heading north will need light clothing and something warm for those cold nights. Travelers heading south will need a variety of items for hot and cold weather. If you’re traveling to snow or very cold areas, it’s worth considering thermal underwear. If you plan on hiking, check out the extremely light yet very warm clothing made from high-tech synthetic fabrics available at specialty camping stores.
Regardless of where you go, always pack something lightweight with long sleeves to wear after dark when the mosquitoes arrive.
I’ll include your camera here; must be kept on hand at all times. There is no predicting when that magic shot will appear, maybe a wedge tailed eagle sitting on the side of the road devouring dead animals on the road, a kangaroo? Sun hats and sunglasses are essential. I also strongly We recommend you to bring a raincoat and even an umbrella. You may have to set up your camper in the rain and walk (run?) to the bathroom.
What to pack for footwear is important. You should include a pair of light casual shoes or sandals for general daily use; a sturdier pair of walking shoes for when it’s rainy or cold; and a pair of rubber straps or plastic sandals to wear in public showers. Make sure you have a very comfortable pair of shoes for when you are driving.
NOTE: Credit cards can be lost or stolen, so always carry a second credit card issued by another bank. Please keep this second credit card in a safe place, not with your other cards, and use it only in an emergency, i.e. Only emergencies!
DISCOUNTS FOR SENIOR
Many companies in Australia offer discounts to seniors and retirees. Be sure to ask, as these discounts may not be advertised. Many shows and tours also offer senior discounts. Each state and territory government issues a card to eligible seniors that entitles them to discounts on a variety of products and services, including some government services. Senior Cards are not means tested and most are accepted throughout Australia.
This is the twelfth page of 23 with related information on how to get the most out of your caravan holiday. Visit our website at www.crikey-adventure-tours.com/caravan-holiday.html to see our other items.