7 ways to have a great motorhome vacation

Posted By Talon Windwalker in Guest Posts | 0 comments

—By Brandy Bell, in collaboration with Caravan Club

One of the greatest ways to take a vacation that maximizes your time and finances is the option of taking a motorhome (also known as a caravan). With all your necessities on hand, it’s a convenient way to relax at the end of a day without the hassle of hauling your luggage from car to lodging.

As always, prior planning is crucial to ensure you have the best experience possible. The bonus? You don’t have to worry (too much) about over-packing as there are plenty of nooks and crannies to store your stuff.

Here are my seven tips to turn your trip from a weekend getaway to a lifetime memory:

• Take items from around the house that are functional and fanciful like gorgeous beeswax candles which add ambiance and function in case of lighting emergencies.
• Know that you’ll be covering a certain portion of the country? Bring a few maps for the motorhome and put them into a plastic frame to make navigating a snap and keep your route close at hand.
• Making your motorhome a part of the trip is wonderful for two reasons: building memories and saving money. Plan for a gourmet meal with non-perishable goodies. Think cured cheeses and meats, elegant and assorted crackers and, of course, a bottle of wine worth savoring.  This night in can be just as special and memorable as a night out.
• Keep it fresh. Living in close quarters can tend to smell a bit stale. Make sure you open the windows for portions of the day, and take advantage of the breeze by spraying air freshener throughout the room. Bonus Tip: Make an all-natural air freshener by adding a few drops of essential oil (think lemon, lavender, cinnamon, whatever makes you most relaxed) into a spray bottle with water.
• Have no fears. Be at peace on your excursions by making sure you’ve done your research on the appropriate insurance for your vehicle (triple check; the legalese of motorhome insurance is a bit confusing). I’ve found  Caravan Club to be the most comprehensive and easy-to-understand site of all.
• Where are you going? Have a list of all the campsites and attractions you might be interested in visiting and keep them on a corkboard for easy planning and last minute flexibility. Nothing beats pre-planning and being well informed, but the freedom to choose your pace and place is one of the major advantages of being on a self-contained vacation.
• First Aid. Accidents can happen anywhere in the world, but having a simple first aid kit on hand at all times can ease many worries. Keep safety staples like Band-Aids, fever and pain relievers, gauze wrap, and a fire extinguisher within easy reach, and feel your worries vanish.

These tips will have you cruising the country in your very own motorhome in no time!