Looking for a quick, long weekend away before summer’s out? We would, too! But in your haste to get away from the daily humdrum that is life, ensure you don’t forget all those essentials you may need, especially if you are going away on a caravan holiday.
Fear not because, here at Allens Caravans, we have prepared a last-minute list for you, just grab a pen and tick off as you pack:
Consider packing some caravan essential kitchen basics including tea towels, mugs, kitchen roll, knives and cling-film or aluminium foil. Some simple cleaning bits such as washing-up liquid, sponges and multi-purpose cleaner could also prove to be useful!
Don’t forget favourites such as milk, tea, coffee, salt, pepper and cereal. Depending on the time of your arrival, you may want to treat yourself to your favourite drink after a long journey!
Ensure you pack snacks as these will come in handy for the journey – especially if you get stuck in traffic. It is also a good idea to take essentials such as teabags, coffee, sugar, milk, bread and other breakfast essentials to get you through the first night and morning after a long day of travelling.
Also, if you are planning to have a barbeque during your caravan holiday, don’t forget to take your grill tools, too.
Packing Tip: Pack bits you may want easy access to on the top or towards the top of your bag. After a long journey, most people will want a drink before starting to unpack.
Depending on the accommodation you have booked, you’re likely not to be supplied with basics such as towels, toilet roll and washroom products. Consider purchasing a washroom bag (waterproof and with a closing mechanism, zip or toggle) and fill it with basics such as shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, soap and your toothbrushes. On your last day, you can always throw everything back into the wash-bag without worrying about making your clothes or belongings damp.
Packing Tip: Try to pack lighter towels – think beach towels rather than bath towels as they take less time to dry and can be hung up much easier.
Clothing will probably be the hardest part of your packing list – you will want to pack light depending on how long you are planning to travel for and where you are headed to. A few outfits that can be washed (either by hand or using the on-site facilities) and at least one warm outfit, or at the very least a decent fleece or jumper. You can’t always trust a British summer, so consider an easy-to-pack and quick-to-dry raincoat or kagoule that you can pop in your bag. You may also want to pack a pocket umbrella and wellie boots.
Packing Tip: Rather than folding clothes, roll them instead – you’ll prevent creases and rolled clothes take up less room than folded. For extra space, you could consider vacuum packing clothes and bulky items such as towels. Don’t forget to fill your shoes – use this extra space for storing socks and other small clothing items.
Is there a swimming pool on-site or will you be heading down to the beach? Make sure to pack your swimming essentials including life-savers, arm-bands or inflatable vests for the youngsters.
The “Just-in-Case” pile can very quickly get out of hand, so make sure to carefully consider what you’ll need to take with you. A first-aid kit will always be essential – make sure it includes basic medical supplies including plasters, disinfectant, painkillers, children’s medicine, bug-spray and antiseptic cream. A pocket sewing-kit can also come in handy for those inconvenient clothing mishaps!
You could also include a small “laundry essentials bag” that contains some washing powder, black bags or a holdall for carrying washing and potentially a portable washing line and pegs, too.
Packing Tip: Rather than taking full packets of make-up, creams and toiletries, consider decanting into small travel-friendly bottles or even contact lens cases. Less space and easier to clean on your return.
As well as all of the above, you will need to think about adding insurance and breakdown documents, bed linen, chargers, phones, weather suitable attire and footwear, swimwear, sleeping bags (if needed), and pillows to your weekend away checklist.
For entertainment and recreation during your time away, consider including the following on your ‘what to take’ holiday list:
There are a few essentials you’ll need to have handy for the car and caravan too which have been listed below.
If you need to buy things, like sleeping bags and towels, start looking for deals and purchase them within plenty of time (this will also give you time to wash new sheets, towels, etc.). On the other hand, if you already have the basics for your holiday home or caravan holiday, spend the weeks leading up to the holiday making sure everything is washed, cleaned and in good condition.
Go shopping with a list, though, to avoid overspending and impulse buying, which not only wastes valuable budget but also takes up unnecessary and otherwise very useful space.
Seem like a huge amount of packing for what should be a relaxing trip? Well, why not book your UK caravan break with Allen’s Caravans, and let us do all the worrying for you?
Alternatively, if you’re still looking for a site to stay on during the summer holidays, Allen’s have a diverse range of caravan sites to choose from here! Simply browse our website or call us directly on 01564 792323 for more information on our range of equipped holiday parks and resorts.
Allens Caravans Estates Ltd is registered in England and Wales - Reg No. 525635
