So you have decided on your first caravan holiday? We can’t tell you enough, the amount of excitement lying ahead of you. Before the actual trip begins, another exciting part is the planning for the trip. The apprehension and preparation is a good boost to look forward to actual caravan holiday. 

A holiday with a towing caravan includes many factors like packing essentials, road safety, destination choice, and parking points, etc. However, don’t let it dampen your spirits. We have some essential tips for the newbie caravanner to have a great first caravan holiday.

1. Make a list, and check it twice. You can never go wrong with a checklist. From kitchen to bathroom, bedroom, outdoors and everything else in between, there are some packing essentials which will let you off on a good start. Check our recommendations here and you will rarely miss a thing on the road.
2. Check van health. Your caravan and vehicle readiness for the road is an essential part of caravanner preparedness. Lights, tyres and other tool kits like spare fuses, a set of battery leads, extension towing mirrors, and a strong tow-rope along with crisis dealing equipment should hold you in good stead.
3. Get towing ready. Most new caravanners take time to adjust to twoing. Make sure you have all the basic manoeuvres under control. Parking, reversing, over-taking, etc. take some getting used to. Don’t panic if your caravan is swaying, lower the acceleration and loosen the steering a bit. Be aware of side-winds from larger vehicles and keep an eye on fuel consumption. Fellow caravanners will be happy to help with useful tips. 
4. Practise a set-up routine. After a long time on the road towing for the first time, the last thing you want is a setting-up hassle. Remember, you are on a caravan holiday and stress should not be a part of it. Draw out a set-up routine starting with unhitching your caravan and parking your vehicle away. Steady your caravan and set up gas and water systems. Connect the power and check all appliances. You are now set to enjoy as a caravanner.
5. Start early, start small. Take it easy on your maiden caravan trip. Remember, you are getting used to everything from driving a tow car, to setting-up and packing for a caravan holiday. Get an early start to avoid morning rush hour traffic, same goes for evening. 

Choose a less ambitious, nearby route. If you are within an hour’s drive from home, the return trip will be easier and shorter too. Familiarise yourself with the caravan’s system before venturing out.

There are numerous other things that are equally important, but as a newbie caravanner these essential basics should boost your confidence. For everything else, you can always rely on expert advice from the community and reliable caravan establishments like Camp Smart. Just remember to secure all drawers in the caravan before you accelerate!

Congratulations new caravanner, the great Australian outdoors is waiting to be explored. 

Have you decided that this summer you’re going to spend some time exploring the UK? The great thing about the UK is the fact that there’s so much on offer to see and do, and so many amazing places to head to for a fun summer break. 

Whether you’ve got a couple of weeks free or even just a weekend, there are plenty of places and trip types on offer, it’s just a case of finding the right one for you and your family. 

If you’re thinking about exploring more of the UK this summer but aren’t sure where to head to and what to do while you’re there, have a read of the tips and ideas below!

Head to Cornwall 

Cornwall is one of the UK’s top holiday destinations, and it’s easy to see why. Picture this: beautiful beaches, huge waves perfect for surfing, lots of cute, quirky towns, and some fantastic restaurants to die for – many of which are child-friendly, not to mention several renowned art galleries and other fabulous attractions. Plus, there are some incredible accommodation options on offer, from hotels to caravan parks. To find the best caravan holidays in Cornwall or to source the perfect hotel, go online and take the time to do some research – there are some amazing places on offer. 

If you’re heading to Cornwall, some locations you don’t want to miss are: 

• Lizard Point – home of an amazing lighthouse and lots of seals
• Mousehole – the birthplace of the Mousehole Cat
• Tintagel – the village with the healing waterfall
• Padstow – renowned for its incredible fish and chips

Go to Devon 

Devon might be Cornwall’s rival county but it is also the home of the famous cream tea, in addition to an array of spectacular stretches of pristine coastline, some of the UK’s most breathtaking coastal pathways, and a number of impressive sights and attractions, from model villages and steam trains to theme parks and cathedrals. Devon is also home to some amazing accommodation options, from yurts set in the tranquil countryside to fancy hotels in the city. 

If you’re planning on visiting Devon, some locations you don’t want to miss include: the seaside towns of Dartmouth and Salcombe, Exeter cathedral and the city itself, the Seaton Trams, Overbecks Garden, and Killerton House. 

Visit Dorset 

Devon’s neighbour, Dorset, is another coastal county that’s a popular travel destination with visitors. What sets Dorset aside from other travel destinations is the fact that it is renowned as being the UK’s Jurassic county, with a number of beaches including Kimmeridge, where visitors can search for real fossils hidden in the rocks. 

If you’re thinking about visiting Dorset, some locations you don’t want to miss include: Swanage Bay, Corfe Castle (and the village), the Swanage Steam Railway, the lost village of Tyneham, Durdle Door, and Lulworth Castle. 

When it comes to travel, the UK has a wide number of fantastic destinations on offer and so many things to see and do.

Planning the perfect family vacation can be a stressful time, especially if you have family members of varying ages who all might want or expect different things. You shouldn’t have to overly compromise to find your ideal family destination, however, and there are plenty of opportunities and fantastic destinations out there to find something perfect for everyone. 

Think About Those Destinations Which Have a Lot Going On 

You don’t want to risk anyone getting bored, and this is more of a risk with younger children. You should consider those family-friendly destinations which have enough to offer for everyone, such as activity-based trips, city breaks to Europe, or the larger theme parks in America. You should research potential activities in advance, and there are great deals online if you’re looking for Disney World tickets.

Consider the Travel Time

The distance you have to travel shouldn’t affect your destination of choice, but it should be considered if family travel becomes an issue. Perhaps very long flights aren’t ideal for your family if you have young children or a baby, and especially if you all have to deal with jet lag. You also have to take into consideration the expense of longer flights. 

Decide What Kind of Environment You Would Like 

Would your family fare better with a beach vacation, or are you the outdoors type of family who is up for spending time outdoors in more rural or country setting? Are you looking to relax in a quieter setting, or are you after an activity-filled vacation with plenty of buzz?

Understand what your family wants and needs so that you can narrow down the locations available to you. 

Think About Your Accommodation 

The perfect family trip isn’t just about the destination. Your accommodation will have a huge impact on your holiday, as a lack of comfort, space, or a good night’s sleep will negatively affect your trip. 

Family-friendly accommodation like renting an apartment or villa may be more preferable to smaller accommodation options like hotel rooms, because then you have a chance to spread out and still have family time together, such as mealtimes, in a home away from home. 

If you are not staying in one place, you could think about renting a motorhome so that your family can still enjoy home-comforts while on the road. Accommodation on wheels will also give you a chance to visit more places at your own pace. 

Take Time to Research the Cuisine 

Of course, most countries in the world will see that you have a great selection of all different varieties of food, but it’s worth researching because certain places may have more of one type of food than another – and it may be something which doesn’t sit well with younger children or picky eaters. Therefore, think about cuisine before you head somewhere and make sure you have a varied menu selection wherever you choose to go, and one which all the family can agree upon.