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When we were kids it felt like we were always having caravan holidays. Usually it was to a campsite but occasionally we would go to our favourite spot for a bit of “wild” camping too. So I think it’s safe to say we’ve tried it all. When I was a teenager the caravan was sold, but last year my parents invested in a second hand one, as well as a motor home, so we are well set up for caravan holidays again!
However, things have changed somewhat from when we last had a caravan holiday and I’ve gone from being a kid to having to take my own kids. As with all holidays with kids, preparation is key, so here are my tips for a smooth trip.
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Family Caravan Holiday Packing List
This isn’t a full list, only you can know how much clothing you want to take, or other necessities for your family. But I hope you will find it useful and you find a few new ideas for items to take.
Caravan Kitchen Essentials
You will need all your usual kitchen equipment, plates, cups, cutlery, tea towels etc. Space is limited in a caravan so just one of each per person will be sufficient and then you can wash as you go.
Don’t forget to take salt & pepper and your other favourite seasonings. There’s nothing worse than making the effort to cook up a meal to find that it’s going to be bland. Save yourself some cash and avoid the usually quite pricey camp shop and take your own from home.
When you’re travelling with young kids spills are often inevitable, but in a caravan they can be a lot harder to clear up. You don’t have as much space and you won’t have a never ending supply of towels – and definitely no washing facilities handy. For the kids I like to take them their own water bottles. A personalised water bottle each means they don’t get mixed up and they each have their own to use during the trip. Unnecessary spills are avoided and you can keep the shouts of “mum – I’m thirsty” at bay.
If you plan on having a BBQ while you’re away then either buy a disposable BBQ in advance or invest in a small travel BBQ than you can use time and time again. They’re off the ground making them safe to use, and they’re the perfect size for some burgers or a couple of sausages each.
When we’re away it is all about the easy breakfasts. I don’t want to waste my time making something elaborate and doing a big pile of dishes – I want to get out and explore the area. Cereals make the best quick breakfasts for us, and the Rollagranola range has the perfect nutrient dense blend to set you up for the day. I am my most insulin resistant first thing in the morning, so the Keto Caveman mix takes the stress out of breakfast and leaves me feel my best and ready to tackle the day. They also make trail mix grab bags which provide a tasty snack that doesn’t take up a lot of room or need stored in the fridge where space is limited.
Campsite Washroom Essentials
Depending on where your pitch is, you might not be close to the washrooms. A hanging washroom organiser means you can have all your toiletries in one place so you can just grab and go when you are headed to the washroom. The hanger is really helpful in the shower, as you can hang it on the hook on the door, keeping your toiletries off the floor.
When you’re heading into the showers flip flops are a must. Even the cleanest bathroom has still have been used by many people and they can be wet and slippy. So grab a pair of plastic flip flops (we find the Crocs flips flops last a really long time) and keep them on in the shower. It also saves you faffing around with socks and shoes in a cramped changing room – just get dressed and head back to your caravan to change your shoes.
Even after thoroughly washing your hands you still have to touch taps and bathroom doors when you’re finished in the washroom – and so do the kids. A bottle of Gruffalo hand gel kills 99.999% of bacteria in 5mins, and is suitable from 3 months old so you know the whole family is covered.
With space at a premium it is worth investing in microfibre towels, if caravan holidays are going to becoming part of your regular routine. They fold up small, and many come with their own travel bags to make storage easier. They can also be great for tossing in the back of the car when you head out for the day.
Of course caravans have a toilet in them, but most people prefer to head out to the shared washroom to use the loo. That’s fine during the day, but in the evening when it’s dark it can be a bit daunting for kids. You could use a regular torch, but it is way more fun to give them a dinosaur head torch. You’ll suddenly find they’re keen to make that final toilet trip before bed!
Check out these dinosaur gift ideas for the dino lovers in your life
Kids Camping Sleep Set-Up
When we were first working out the logistics of a caravan holiday with kids I wasn’t sure how best to set up the sleeping arrangements. Children over the age of 3 can sleep in a sleeping bag, but it is recommended that you purchase a shorter length one. Kids over the age of 6 can use a regular sleeping bag.
A caravan may be warmer than a tent, but even in the peak of summer the weather in the UK can be very variable. Take a blanket for each child so they can layer up in bed if required, or just use it for comfort in the evenings. If you pick a personalised blanket they can have a little piece of home away with them.
Camping Games
Some of my best childhood memories are of riding my bike around a campsite with my brother and sister, and it looks like my kids are following in my footsteps. However, they prefer a scooter and I have to say I love it. Scooters take up less space than bikes and are perfect to nipping around the campsite to burn off some of the never ending energy kids seem to have.
If you like a bit of family competition then it’s worth packing Swingball Classic All Surface for a game on site. It is easy to transport, comes with it’s own base so you don’t need to dig it into the ground and folds up small for transport. It’s a great family game – but who will be the champion?
Small and fairly compact for travelling, Pindaloo is a great game for on the go. Perfect for playing outside you need to find the right technique to spin the ball around the loops. Everyone always wants to have a go!
It might seem a bit of a cliche – but card games really are great for camping holidays. We often play Dobble because it’s suitable for all of us, or one of the smaller Orchard Toys games. Sometimes they’re not needed, but if the rain comes (as it has a tendency to do here) it’s handy to have a few games up your sleeve to keep everyone amused.
One of the kids favourite games at the moment is the Stomp Rocket Ultra. Now it may not be suitable for use on the actual caravan site (you don’t want to lose a rocket on someones roof) but it takes up no room at all, so you can put it in the car and take it out on an adventure with you. Pull up at a park and take turns to stomp the rockets into the sky – hours of fun!
Family Caravan Sites In The UK Reviews
Now you’ve invested in a caravan you need to find the best sites to have your family caravan holiday. Below are reviews of some caravan sites in the UK that you might want to explore:
- The Best Campsites In Wales
- The Best Touring Caravan Sites In Cornwall
- Andrew Shayes Holiday Park
- Yamp Camp, Alpaca Campsite in Sussex
- Trawsdir Touring Caravans and Camping Park
Looking For Activities For On Your UK Holiday? Check These Out
always take a pack of cards for rainy days!
Choose the right destination – with plenty of interesting attractions to visit, a site with on-site entertainment and caravan essentials provided etc
Take plenty of waterproof clothing as it is bound to rain.
Don’t take too much luggage with you!
pack for all weathers
Only take what luggage you need
take plenty of blankets and waterproofs just in case!
Take some games, because the way our weather changes there will be days stuck indoors.
Most stuff you can buy once you’re there
Take flip flops as feet are easier to dry than shoes, boots, trainers etc
Like your tip above, always take salt! Xx
We always take some board games incase we need to fill an hour or two to keep the kids occupied!
take welly boots in case where your staying is muddy! x
Take plenty of games for rainy days
Pack games and books!
take your own cutlery and tea towels
Take board games for when the weather is bad!
Make sure you make a checklist so you can be sure you have everything before you set off
take your own towels
Bring a mini game console with you like a psp.
Find a nice place by the sea , holidays are much better with a nice view
Bring some games đ
always take some games for when bad weather strikes!
Pack for all weathers and take plenty of games to keep the kids entertained if you’re rained in!
Find a nice place by the sea , holidays are much better with a nice view
If you have room in the car prepare for anything! Wellies, sandals, trainers, beach stuff, board games. Itâs a pain unpacking it all but at least youâre covered whatever the weather x
bring some games
pack for any time of weather and somewhere that is near sights to see
My best tip is to not overpack ⊠youâll never need as many clothes as you think you will!
If youâre serious about caravanning, you should do it properly.
While they might seem excessive, the various âcaravanning for beginnersâ courses on offer will provide great theoretical and practical advice and boost your confidence.
Alternatively, arrange for a caravan specialist to check your rig before you set off.
Take some pens and paper for rainy day games.
Books and boardgames just incase you get a rainy week!
Teabags and salt and pepper