The likelihood is that the summer holiday in the UK will be exactly that. A staycation. With the ongoing effects of COVID-19 likely to last all summer, holidaying at home is the only option. This is where your campervan comes into its own.
Some loosening of the rules means we might be able to get to the coast or the lakes. But before we get to that, I want to share with you my most essential items for a stress-free campervan holiday or weekend break.
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Planning is the key to relaxation
There’s always a delicate balancing act between what you need and what you want. If you plan for safety, comfort and pleasure without taking the entire content of your home, your trip will be a success. Think about what you need and what you think you can’t do without, then take away two of those items and your packing will be perfect.
An awning is an answer to most problems
Without this essential item, you have no holiday, fact! A campervan awning can transform your basic campsite into your own personal Valhalla. Home within a home; creating a space to relax outside of, but connected to, your campervan.
An awning is number one on my list for a reason because it will cool the camper by providing shade; keep you and your washing dry in wet weather and, what’s more, you can add insect screens to stop you and the kids getting bitten to death. It’s a win, win!
Portable Camping Showers no-one can do without
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Don’t laugh! This piece of kit is a game-changer: use it to rinse off bikes, shoes, the kids. If you’ve got dogs on board a portable shower is a must. No more excuses for smelly unwashed animals making a mess in your van.
A portable solar shower can be a lifesaver when you don’t have a shore hook up for your campervan hot water heater.
Handheld battery-powered vacuum cleaner
I don’t know about you but I hate a messy campervan. There’s actually nothing worse than a dirty van zapping the holiday atmosphere. With so many small powerful vacuum cleaners on the market at such reasonable prices, this gadget is on the top of my needs list.
Lighting and gadgets for campervans
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No more tripping up on the way to the loo. Portable, rechargeable lighting is so important, no one wants to sit in the dark and on-one should. The choice is wide and the features varied, but for me, personally, a safe LED portable light or two, along with a pocket torch and these days you can buy wind up one of those, no batteries required.
Folding tables and chairs: you can never have too many
It really doesn’t matter how many tables and chairs you have, there’s rarely a place to sit down. If you’re like me, and the whole point of a campervan holiday is to sit under the stars with a cold beer, you will need to pack these essential items. Look for a neat and tidy stackable design.
Safety first and foremost
So that this a memorable trip for all the right reasons we must think about the things that keep us safe. This should not be limited to a first aid kit but to all the essentials required to keep you and your family safe.
If you hire a van from callcampervanhire.co.uk it’s likely these things will be included; but if not consider packing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, fire alarms and road flares. Not forgetting a whistle for raising attention in an emergency. If the worst happens a wind-up radio is a good idea to keep you company while you wait for back-up.
Campervan heaters your nighttime companion
No matter how lovely the weather is during the day, the likelihood is it will be chilly at night: so a portable heater is a must-have item. I’m sure you’ve woken up in the middle of the night and, no matter how many pairs of socks and spare jumpers you have on in bed, you just can’t get warm. The answer, my friend, is a safe portable heater
Electrics and Portable Power Supplies
Don’t forget a powerful portable charger and additional USB charger cables, whether it’s for charging your phone or Bluetooth speaker, you need something you can plug in while driving to use later; don’t forget these are your links to the outside world. How do you expect to get any peace from the kids, if there’s no life in your IPad?
For something more substantial consider a mini generator. These days they are quiet and portable; it’s amazing what modern engineering can achieve. Some are no bigger than a radio with lots of plug-in points; great for powering a fan, or an entire sound system should you feel like a bit of a rave in the middle of a field and you’re miles from the nearest socket.
No list would be complete without food and drink
Two things I need to stay sane – wine and coffee, not always in that order but not far off. Consider a portable coffee maker, not one of those glass cafetières that’s just asking for trouble. Either a portable electric espresso machine or an on the stove Moka pot. Failing that, a stainless steel french press pot will do the trick.
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Your camper will come with a small fridge, but if it doesn’t use your generator to power a small wine and beer fridge. Oh, while you’re at it, you can put the milk in there too!
The best thing about your holiday will be the memories that you bring home whatever the weather, and this year more than ever we need great memories. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip and get packing.