Caravanning with kids - 8 tips from The Blonde Nomads

Embrace the slow
With little ones in tow we make sure not to jam too many activities into our days. We learnt very quickly that it’s ok to travel at a slower pace and everyone is much happier for it. That might mean breaking up longer drives with some overnight stays and making sure we stop every couple of hours to stretch the legs. Remember that for the kids, travel is as much about the journey as it is the destination and there’s certainly lots to discover when you take the Sloways. We like to take the back roads, where we can stop and visit a few smaller towns as we pass through. You never know who or what you may stumble upon.

Arriving at camp

We like to make sure we arrive to our destination in daylight with plenty of time to set up and settle in before it gets dark. On travel days we also like to have an easy dinner ready to go so that dinner and the bedtime routine can go as smoothly as possible with the kids. When setting up our caravan we like to follow a bit of a process to ensure we don’t miss a step. We have a rule that everything has to be all set-up before the ‘fun’ can start so we are not caught out later.

Include the kids
When setting up camp we make sure to give the kids a job or two to help out and contribute. Something simple like setting up their own camp chairs or helping to collect firewood is always fun. When heading out on an adventure we like to include our mini Blondies as much as possible in our plans. We let them know ahead of time what we are doing and where we are going so they get a clear picture of what is expected throughout the day. If there is an opportunity for them to have a say in our activities, we let them make some decisions which they love. 

Meal Plan
When you know what’s for dinner each night, it’s a lot easier and stress-free when the time rolls around each day. Having a meal plan also allows you to manage the limited space you have in the caravan fridge as well as keep your costs down at the supermarket (avoiding impulse buys). We often cook simple meals in larger portions and plan to have leftovers for lunch the next day. Having a packed lunch ready to go means we can enjoy an awesome picnic somewhere wonderful.

Less is more

When it comes to packing the van for your adventures, keep it simple. We stick to the basics. When it comes to clothes, pack what you think, then cut it in half. For the kids, we try to avoid light-coloured clothes and often leave the PJs at home and simply pop the kids to bed in tomorrows clothes. We also keep the knickknacks and toys to a minimum. If you do forget something important you should be able to pick it up from a local store as you travel past and you’ll find the kids will be busy outside playing with sticks, making sandcastles and getting dirty (just the way it should be, right?!).

Mix it up, avoid Cabin Fever
As fun and exciting as caravanning with your family is, there may be some times when the weather is bad or you all just need a break. When this happens, we make sure we mix up the daily routine and always get outside (yep, even in the rain!). If we are close to town, a visit to the local library is always fun. There is often a kid’s corner with puzzles and colouring-in and sometimes a free storytime. The local shopping centre or Bunnings is great too, let the kids run wild while you enjoy a coffee. These are especially handy for rainy days. A quick trip to the local cheap shop is a great place to look for small car/van friendly activities. We love mess-free craft items like colouring with water pens or ‘magic ink’ books, sticker activities, dot-to-dot and maze books.

Timing is everything
When the kids were little, we planned our drives around sleep time. By packing a favourite teddy and blanket you can help encourage your little ones to take a snooze on the go. When we stop for lunch or to stretch our legs, EVERYONE has to go to the loo. It’s a non-negotiable in our family. If you are driving at night (sometimes unavoidable) pop the kids in their PJ’s so you can transfer them straight into bed on arrival.

Peace of mind

It’s a bit of a no brainer that before any of the above we make sure we have covered the basics for road tripping and caravan travel. This includes making sure that our car is road ready as well as equipped to tow our caravan safely and legally. We also make sure we have adequate Caravan Insurance and keep up to date on all car and van servicing. With all that covered we know we can travel with confidence and enjoy some quality time with our family, having fun and making lifelong memories. We hope these tips have helped and we look forward to seeing you out there! Be sure to say g’day. 

We also make sure we have adequate Caravan Insurance that meets our needs. With all that covered we know we can travel with confidence and enjoy some quality time with our family, having fun and making lifelong memories.

See more adventures and travel tips from The Blonde Nomads via @theblondenomads and theblondenomads.com.au.