33 Hacks for Caravan Holidays

When it comes to caravan holidays, we have more than a little experience in ensuring that our guests have the best time possible. Ensuring that our guests make the most of their holiday with their loved ones is at the centre of what we do and we like to go above and beyond to deliver a getaway worth remembering.

Whether you like to get out on the open road visiting the length and breadth of the country or prefer the familiar home comforts that come with a hired caravan holiday, we thought that we would help you on your way with our top life hacks for caravans.

The staycation is still gathering momentum and harking back to the good old days with a traditional family caravan holiday should be up there on your list of things to do! What a fantastic way of reconnecting with your family in a way that you just don't get from a beach holiday abroad. We look at some of the best hacks to get you on your way for your next caravan holiday.

Packing Hacks for Caravans

1. Keep a set of caravan essentials ready to go so when you leave, all you need to organise is clothes. Caravan essentials: kitchen utensils, toilet roll, tea towels, washing up liquid, bin bags, anti-bacterial wipes, bedding, towels and even games – because we all need some entertainment!
2. Use soft bags instead of suitcases as these can be stored more easily once at your destination
3. Don't pack too much – write an essential list and a luxury list. If you can get by without the luxuries, then leave them at home!
4. Roll clothes instead of folding – you can see what you have much easier and you are more likely to avoid creasing your clothes
5. If your clothes do get creased, simply hang in the bathroom while showering
6. Add a scented dryer sheet to your bags to keep your clothes smelling fresh
7. Use packing cubes to ensure things are easier to find – remember to put things you will need to hand on arrival on top
8. Packing jewellery can be a nightmare – thread necklaces through a straw to avoid any pesky knots
9. When it comes to packing to go home, pack one case with clean clothes, and one with dirty laundry to save sorting through when you get home
10. Always take some duct tape or sellotape when you go away. This can act as a lint roller, helps remove splinters, can trap flies and help with first aid matters
11. Use a hanging shoe rack to store kitchen essentials. Not only does it roll up easily, but it takes up even less room on the way home
12. Keep your caravan stocked with essentials: a small toolbox to get you out of a pickle – mallet, screwdriver, allen keys; citronella candles to keep insects away naturally, LED lights and torches to help you get around after dark
13. Forget buying smaller versions of your toiletries – take the ones you use at home. Simply cover with cling film under lids to avoid spillages and store in a ziplock bag
14. Take a power strip if you know you will need extra plugs while on holiday – those phones, cameras and tablets all need charging, after all

Travelling and Out & About

1. Pack a small bag for travel essentials – water, snacks, chargers, books or magazines, first aid equipment in case of emergencies and a holiday playlist, of course
2. If travelling with kids, take a tablet or laptop that is pre-loaded with favourite films and TV shows – and don't forget the charger or a spare battery
3. If you are going on a summer caravan holiday, clean out an empty sun cream tube to store your valuables in. Similarly, you can store rolled-up cash in a clean, empty tube of lip balm
4. Baby powder is great at removing sand from fingers and toes
5. Even if you don't have a baby or small child, having a photo of one in your purse or wallet makes it more likely to be returned if lost
6. Children's soft play floor tiles are a great way of giving children a safe place to play with toys while cushioning the ground for toddlers if playing outside
7. A travel cot doubles up as a playpen if out and about, as well as a safe place to sleep
8. No air con? Hang a cold damp towel over a fan to cool the air down before it circulates
9. No after sun? Yoghurt makes a great, cooling alternative for those unexpected sunny day emergencies

Cleaning

1. Staying in the UK will inevitably mean that you might have to deal with the rain at some point. Forget damp, wet shoes making you feel uncomfortable until you get home; stuff wet shoes with newspaper and leave them overnight to dry out
2. Use a pop-up washing basket as a make-shift bin. Condenses down easily to save space and can be moved around easily
3. Make use of a dirty shoe basket – this will reduce the likelihood of having dirty shoes trailing all over the caravan, taking up valuable space. Keep in an awning if you have one! Alternatively, shower caps are great for putting over dirty shoes.
4. Microfibre towels dry much faster than normal towels, so keep a few handy should you need to mop up any spills without using a normal towel
5. Clean the caravan thoroughly before you leave – this way when you come back again, there is minimal effort required to enjoy your getaway next time around. Ensure all water and gas outlets are turned off and drained properly and leave your fridge door open to reduce the risk of mould
6. Similarly, giving your home a quick clean and tidy the night before you leave for your holiday will ensure you come home to as little stress as possible

Food and Drink

1. Forget ice packs and cubes in cool boxes – they take up valuable space! Instead, freeze some bottles of water – they act in the same way as the ice packs, but leave you with refreshing chilled drinks, too
2. Alternatively, soak a sponge in water and seal in a ziplock bag before freezing. A great way to keep cool without getting wet when it melts
3. If you are taking food with you, plan ahead to avoid carrying around food that won't get eaten. Top tip: crack eggs into a bottle to avoid breakages!
4. Herbs, spices and seasoning are essential for good tasting food, but lugging a spice rack away on holiday simply isn't efficient. Try creating some herb and spice mixes before you leave, and keep in pill boxes for easy access

Make the most of your well-deserved break with these handy hacks for caravans and take the stress away from organising your getaway. Now you've got it covered, we can help you find the perfect spot for your next holiday.

Contact us on 01564 792323 for more information today.