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If you are getting ready to dust off the camper or caravan for the upcoming holidays, here are out tips for how to prepare for your Christmas Holiday camping trip.

Unless you are one of the fortunate few who get to travel the road full time, chances are your caravan sits idle for extended periods throughout the year. If that is the case, there are a few things you probably want to check before you hit the road.

In this instance, we’ll assume you’ve already completed the usual pre-trip safety checks (like tyre pressure, wiring, trailer brakes and wheel bearings etc.). And that you’ve already filled the gas bottles and checked the caravan’s battery system.

Instead, we are going to cover off a couple of things you might have forgotten about or overlooked while the caravan has been sitting idle. Most of these you’ll want to do a couple of days before heading off on your trip.

1. Check for unwelcome residents

In the lead up to your trip take the time to open up your van to check for things such as spiders, ants, cockroaches or snakes. I’d suggest going in armed with a can of bug spray and a broom, just in case.

2. Clear everything out

If your fridge has been closed up since your last trip, there is a chance it is now harbouring some nasty mould. Give is a once over before you power it up. Once it’s clean, turn it on to check everything is operating as it should be.

3. Freshen up

If your tanks have been sitting with water in them, you want to make sure there isn’t anything that’s started to grow in there. Before you refill, make sure you empty everything out and give it a good clean.

4. Check that door

Next, you want to have a good run over your cupboards and doors. Sticky hinges, broken latches and doors that don’t close properly might seem minor, but they can get very annoying when you’re on the road. Plus you don’t want things falling out of your cupboards while your travelling.

5. Final Inspection

Once you’ve finished inside, the last step is to check the outside before you head off. Make sure everything is in it’s travelling position, and everything is latched down and secure. Finally, check all your hitches and plugs are securely connected and fully functional.

Now that you’ve got that covered, all you got to do now is pack up the family (don’t forget the Christmas pressies too!) and you’re ready to hit the road.

Want to make your camping holiday feel more festive?

Here are some tips for bringing a little bit of extra magic to your home away from home.

 

  • Check out the Op Shops. If you don’t want to cart bulky decorations around your whole trip, check out some of the local op shops in the area for festive goodies. You can always donate them back when you’re done with them too.
  • Turn it into a fun activity. Grab some supplies from a local craft store or cheap shop to make your own decorations together. Just make sure you aren’t tossing them away when you’re done. Donate, recycle or store whatever you make for future use.
  • If you aren’t bringing a tree with you, get creative. If you have a tree close to your campsite, add a few decorations and hey presto, you got yourself a Christmas tree. (Just be sure to collect all your additions before leaving, and be careful not to cause any damage to the tree.) Don’t have a tree nearby, see if you can create a makeshift one out of supplies on hand. A bit of tinsel, garland or string of lights shaped into a tree can be just as magical.
  • Twinkle lights are the perfect holiday decoration. Heaps of stores have inexpensive solar options available and these are a great option for adding a little sparkle to your site.
  • Look for local events. Most towns will hold special events around the holiday season. Ask around in the community about carols nights, local Christmas light displays, markets and any other seasonal activities.
  • Meet up with fellow campers. Most campgrounds will have events on-site and these are a great opportunity to celebrate the holidays with friends, old and new.
  • Make sure you’re organised! Purchase as much of your food, drinks and other necessities as early as possible. Be sure to find out what shops in your local will be open around the holidays and how far you may have to travel if you forget anything important.

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