June 30th, 2023 by Shauna Hammond

Caravan holidays are one of the most popular forms of holidays here in the UK. In fact, the number of caravan owners and parks number in the hundreds of thousands and many of us hold dear childhood memories of summers spent in caravans. However, if you are new to caravanning and are planning your first trip soon, then it’s important to know the key to a successful trip is planning ahead and ensuring you have everything. So, in this blog, we will discuss some tips for making sure your next caravan holiday goes smoothly:

Make sure the caravan is in good condition

Whether you are renting or looking to buy before your caravan holiday it is essential to do a thorough check of your van – after all, you don’t want to be driving down the motorway and be faced with a sudden breakdown or get caught in a sudden summer shower only to find that your caravan is leaking! Here are a few areas you should carefully check before setting out:

Check the exterior

Thoroughly check the exterior of your caravan checking the walls for any signs of damage such as cracks, deteriorate seals or areas of dampness. You should also check the roof for these same issues as well as any signs of leaks or sagging in the roof.

Inspect the windows and locks to ensure they are all functioning correctly, and again that all seals at intact. If the seals have weakened then this can result in water leaking into the interior or poor insulation which can lead to caravans feeling very cold.

Checking the interior

With the interior of your caravan, there are a few things that you also should be diligent to check these include checking the walls, floors, and ceilings for any signs of water damage, dampness, or mould – the presence of these will likely indicate a bigger issue with the caravan not to mention will create an unpleasant atmosphere.

You should also test all electrical outlets, switches, and lights to ensure they are in working order. Before checking the plumbing system for leaks, including taps, pipes, and drains. You should also test that the heating and cooling systems are all working correctly too.

Finally inspect all the kitchen appliances, such as the stove, refrigerator and any other appliances to ensure they are fully functional too. Chances are if you are renting then you should need to worry too much about these checks however it is always better to be vigilant.

Plan your route in advance

Now that you know your caravan is in full working order it’s time to start planning your route – whether you are planning to head to just one campsite or planning a cross-country trip to visit multiple campsites it is important you plan your route in advance. Remember that driving with a caravan attached to your vehicle or driving a motorhome is very different to driving your normal car – so try to pick routes that are easy and will provide plenty of rest stops so that you can take frequent breaks to avoid becoming too tired.

If you are planning a cross-country trip be sure to arrange your stops and do your research before setting off so that you can be prepared to pre-book in campsites or book tickets for any attraction that may require it. Planning your routes and creating an itinerary will also help to avoid traffic congestion in more populated areas so you can avoid spending too long stuck in traffic after all you don’t want to spend your vacation stuck in traffic!

Make Sure Satnav Is Up to Date

You don’t want to risk getting lost whether you are driving or just exploring the area so it is important to make sure that your satnav and map app is up to date. It is also worth taking the time to down offline maps too – this way if you lose signal in more rural areas you won’t be left standard without a map to guide you! Even if you feel confident with your own navigational skills it is always better to have a backup just in case.

Summer Essentials

Now that you have the more practical parts of the trip locked down it’s now time to focus on the more exciting aspects! Here are the Pro-Kleen’s must have for your summer in the caravan;

BBQ

No summer is complete without a BBQ – so make sure to bring one along with you, they are a great way to eat delicious food without the high price of eating out! You can get a disposable one from most local supermarkets if you don’t feel like carting one around for the whole of your trip but bringing a smaller portable BBQ with you gives you the chance to have multiple BBQs.  

Cool Box

Don’t forget to bring a cool box or picnic basket with you on your trip either, this way you can enjoy a picnic when you’re out and about on the beach, at the park or on a hike – a picnic is a must-have for any summer vacation!

Sun Loungers/Parasols

Don’t forget to bring your parasols and sun loungers with you – these will come in handy for both beach days and days relaxing at the campground. They will give you a comfortable place to relax and unwind in the sun.

Lots of Games

Finally, don’t forget to bring some fun games with you – cards are great if you get rained in by any sudden showers, and let’s face it in the UK there is always a chance that the rain will come when you least expect it. While some outdoor games such as swing ball, badminton, or tennis are great outdoor activities to enjoy both in the park or out and about.

So, there you have Pro-Kleen’s must-haves for getting prepared for your caravanning holiday. Vacations are always about relaxing and spending time with those that matter, so don’t forget to sit back relax and enjoy your holiday above all else.