A motorhome is your own little home from home but if it’s your first time away how do you pinpoint exactly what you’ll need. Something we hear time and again when we talk with our new hires is “What do I need for a motorhome holiday?”. The smarter you pack, the quicker it is to load and unload your camper. It makes it easier to keep track of your belongings and shortens unpacking time after your break.
We’ve put together 5 quick tips to make your planning as painless as possible.
Ask what's included.
What does your hire company provide. Do you need bedding and towels? Do they include all the kitchen essentials, think about tea towels, cleaning products etc. Check if toilet chemicals and paper are included and does their breakdown kit include first aid supplies and a torch. These are all standard items included in our hire but it does vary from company to company. If you are travelling in the summer months don't forget insect repellent especially if you are heading to Scotland.
Pack light.
You don't have as much wardrobe space in a van as you would in a hotel, especially if there are 6 of you. If you are away on a longer break use the campsite launderette halfway through your break and if you are travelling with children choose a campsite with lots to do on site that day. The added benefit of doing a couple of loads part way through your break is the reduced laundry pile when you get home.
Multi functional clothing is a great idea too, a knee length dress can be worn for walking during the day or in the evening for drinks out. We always take pyjama bottoms or light weight joggers, they are handy to grab in the night if it gets a bit chilly (we leave ours at the bottom of the bed with a hoody or sweatshirt) and are brilliant for trips to the shower block or relaxing in the van. Your robe will take up much more room.
Prep ahead.
Pack enough food for the first few days, it gives you a chance to get used to the size of the vehicle before you have to tackle the supermarket car park. You can make chilli, bolognese, curry or casserole before you go, freeze it and put it in the ice box. Easy dinners sorted and you can concentrate on having a great time. Some companies include a basics hamper and it's again worth checking what that includes.
Prepare for a great nights sleep.
If your sleep is easily disturbed, think about packing an eye mask and earplugs. It gets light early in summer and it's easy for the first rays of sun to find a gap in the blinds and curtains. If you are touring between sites it will also be in a different position each day. If you’re a light sleeper it might be hard to get off while others in your van settle for the night or other campers are sit out enjoying a late drink. You might also come across little ones bursting with energy at the crack of dawn and remember if you can’t beat them, you can always join them. You are going to meet some of the friendliest people there are.
Get your game on.
Don't forget a couple of rainy day activities, we provide board games and cards but a lot of companies don't. British summertime is notoriously temperamental. So whether it's Scrabble, Boggle or Cards Against Humanity a little competitive fun will help pass the time. We leave the Monopoly at home though, it soon gets out of hand. Books and magazines are also great and take up very little space and most motorhomes include at t.v.
We hope these quick tips take some of the stress out of your holiday planning and don’t panic because if you do forget your toothbrush (we’ve done it) you can always pick one up when you get there. Happy Planning.
Adventure Awaits