A successful caravan trip can mean different things depending on who you ask.
To many travelers, a thrilling caravanning experience involves numerous excursions through scenic landscapes. Some caravanners might gauge the trip’s success by the number of unpleasant incidents encountered.
In any category you fall in, adequate planning is critical to making each caravanning adventure an experience to relish forever. Read below for essential tips on how to plan the perfect caravan trip.
1. Find a Caravan
It’s impossible to go a caravan without a caravan. So, the first step in planning an adventure-filled caravan tour would be to find the right van.
There are two options to explore here, namely buying and renting.
The most compelling reason to rent a caravan is that it eliminates ongoing maintenance costs. You only pay the rental fees whenever you need to go on a tour.
However, buying a caravan is more cost-effective in the long run. While you may pay thousands of pounds in the initial purchase price, the cumulative cost of renting a caravan will eventually exceed the van’s original buying price. That’s especially true if you travel a bit more frequently.
Owning a caravan also provides amazing opportunities for customization. You can personalize the van depending on your taste and style.
Even more reassuring is that there are many private caravan sales where you can find a van that suits your travel needs and budget.
2. Choose Between Static and Touring Caravans
Once you’ve determined whether to buy or rent a caravan, the next dilemma is choosing between static and touring caravans.
Static caravans, or mobile homes, are prefabricated structures to be permanently stationed at campsites or holiday parks. They differ from touring or motorized caravans, which you can hitch to a vehicle and bring on a road trip.
Static caravans provide a homely experience far from home. They also attract lower maintenance costs than their touring counterparts due to their immobility.
But when planning a caravan tour into multiple scenic locations, you should consider touring vans. Motorized caravans are suitable for road-trippers passionate about exploring several breathtaking landscapes and meeting new people.
3. Plan Your Routes Ahead
You can skip this step if you’re planning a retreat in a static caravan. Just be sure to find a scenic parking location for the van.
But if you’re planning a trip in a touring caravan, you’ll need to pick your routes wisely.
Prioritize scenic routes for an up-close experience with nature. Backcountry trails would suit you best if you prefer to explore hidden gems off the beaten tracks.
Note that driving caravans is akin to driving a trailer. As such, you should consider routes wide enough for better maneuverability.
Avoid crowded roads, too. The last thing you want is to be caught up in traffic snarl-up while cruising in your motorized caravan.
4. Know the Weather
The weather can make or break your caravanning experience. So, as you map out idyllic routes for your caravan trip, understand the prevalent weather conditions in all the destinations in your itinerary.
Adverse caravanning weather is usually one marked by precipitation.
Wet conditions can painfully slow you down. When the trails get too slippery, it may be risky to off-road altogether.
Violent winds, such as tornadoes and cyclones, are other elements of severe weather to watch out for when planning a caravan trip. It’s worse if such conditions occur alongside thunderstorms.
Lastly, you want to avoid caravanning in winter unless you’re prepared to brave the chilly conditions.
5. Check Your Van’s Condition
A common mistake new caravanners make is to embark on a tour without inspecting their van’s structural condition. It’s worse if the trip involves motorized caravans.
Inspecting your touring caravan in advance minimizes the chances of breaking down in the middle of nowhere. It also ensures the van is roadworthy and can endure the trip ahead.
Start by checking for signs of damage on the caravan’s exterior, including the roof, walls, and windows. Seal all cracks for better thermoregulation.
Next, examine the caravan’s tires and suspension system. In the case of static caravans, the focus here would be the van’s foundation stability.
Proceed to your caravan’s interior and inspect the electrical fixtures. Test all lights and switches to ensure they function correctly.
Do the same for plumbing installations, including taps and drain pipes. Don’t forget the van’s heating and cooling systems.
6. Bring In Other Essential Items
There are plenty of essential supplies to bring on a caravan tour, depending on the nature and duration of the trip.
Start by packing adequate food rations. Insist on items that can last several days before you need to replenish.
You’ll also need camping and sleeping equipment. While you can sleep comfortably in a caravan, you may want to spend some nights in the woods, which explains the need for camping tents.
Toiletries are another set of items required for a successful caravan trip. These include a toothbrush, toothpaste, washing and bathing detergents, and toilet paper.
Don’t forget your communication gadgets (phone and chargers) and a properly stocked first-aid kit.
Summary
Implementing the above strategies can go a long way in making each caravan trip memorable. However, note that even a perfectly planned tour might go wrong.
So, remember to keep an open mind even as you explore the world in your caravan. Don’t hesitate to cancel the trip if the conditions are no longer favorable.
