The September edition of The Wanderer magazine is out now for members of the Caravan and Motorhome Club of Australia, and inside I have a story on preparing for caravan holidays in spring, especially when it comes to coastal getaways.

Spring is a great time for throwing off the drudgery of winter and having a brighter outlook on life in general and it’s also a time to check over the caravan, ready for holidays in the warmer weather. In this advice piece, I was asked for ideas on what to think about before hitting the road for spring holidays.

I find it’s a great time to reset and take a good look at what you’re carrying in the van, do a spring clean and get rid of any unnecessary extras you’re carrying. At the same time you can check what you’re carrying in the pantry supplies and make sure they are still relevant and in date. The same goes for bathroom products and first aid gear, cull anything that’s out of date or not useful.

It’s also a good time to change the smoke alarm battery in the caravan and do a safety check over the outside of the van too. How are the tyres looking? Is it time for a wheel balance?

If coastal destinations are on your radar then there’s also a few things to plan for. We take shade and wind protection with privacy screens that can be used on whichever end of the caravan where they’re needed.

We also have a large outdoor mat from Intreke, which is lightweight, made from recycled plastic and waterproof, breathable so doesn’t harm the ground it’s on, and comes in a handy carry bag. It looks nice, saves taking sand or grass into the van and works brilliantly.

Pest control is always high on my packing list as the little bitey buggers love me. My go to, is an Australian made, pleasant smelling lotion called Good Riddance and again I use it because it actually works for me and smells good, so doesn’t repel people.

If you’re heading to a coastal region that you’re unfamiliar with, take note of local signs warning of hazards. Some of them may be unknown to you if you’re from a different part of the county and there are lots of things that can harm, bite, sting and even kill if you don’t heed the warnings. And this is just in the shallows!

On the bright side, coastal holidays capture us every time for the views, the serenity, the sea breezes and long leisurely walks on the beach or coastal paths. Be prepared, and enjoy your spring holidays!

Cheers

Glenys

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