This mum's guide to a caravanning and camping lap around Australia is exactly that! A guide! It’s not designed to ignite a debate on gender roles. All these tips are things that I do, and not just because I am a mum. I do some of these things because I can’t weld, change tyres, repair mechanical breakdowns or spool a new line on a fishing reel. It’s how I contribute to camp. For example, waxing my chin ( tip #13 - pack waxing strips) is the least I can do… no one wants to see me with a beard! Even if it is blonde!
1. Invest in laser hair removal.
It’s a game changer, I promise. No more regular shaving and scheduling wax appointments. Start now. If you’re planning to tour Australia, choose a laser clinic that has branches across the country. After my initial treatments, I now only need to book in for a maintenance session once every six months.
2. Put the caravan keys on a lanyard.
It’s easier to hang a lanyard on a hook, hang them around your neck and not in your pockets. Your keys will stand out, no matter where you put them. I promise you, “Where’s the caravan keys?” will be abolished from your daily conversation.
3. If camping only for a weekend, prepare and precook dinners.
Some of our family favourites that are suitable to being prepared in advance are tacos, burritos, spaghetti bolognese, chicken schnitzel and bangers and mash.
4. Use a battery powered blower to blast all the debris and out of the car.
It’s especially helpful after you’ve been 4wding and you need to blast the sand out of the car. You can also use the blower to kick start a camp fire.
5. Keep your toes nails painted.
It will help disguise how much dirt is underneath and prevent some staining. This is especially necessary when you are in red dirt destinations and you prefer to wear sandals or thongs. It’s also OK to treat yourself to a pedicure now and again.
6. Have a compressor fridge in the car
and always keep it stocked with refreshments, snacks and ingredients for sambos. When you’re out and about, you’ll always have something to satisfy the troops.
7. Get the kids involved in set up and pack down.
If they’re old enough, you can give them important jobs like doing the stabiliser legs and collecting kindling for a fire.
8. If old enough, teach your kids how to build a fire.
It will keep them busy as they search and gather firewood. Take the time to show them the right technique. They will have a real sense of accomplishment when their fire springs to life. We’ve been having fun experimenting with different fire set ups and our favourite one by far is the “Jenga.”
9. Disinfect and wipe down all hard surfaces every time you pack up the caravan.
Then every time you arrive, you open up to a super clean van!
10. Have the same set jobs for everyone when packing up.
Doing this prevents the blame game when someone forgets to put the pin in the tow hitch. This may or may not have happened to us.
11. Label your containers and storage boxes.
That way, you will know what’s inside just by glancing at the box.
12. When remote camping, 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner will save you time and water.
Some people also swear by dry shampoo when you’re “in between” washes.
13. Pack Nair Mini Wax strips
to clean up your unruly eyebrows and if you’re like me, your chin and moustache! When you’re travelling, it can be difficult to find a waxing saloon you can trust to do a decent job.
14. Bring your lacy underwear
and its not just for the most obvious reason… lace dries super fast and the quicker you get get the washing done, the faster you can get back to exploring or relaxing.
15. For solo travellers, pack a well used pair of men’s size 12 work boots.
The idea is to leave them just outside your door while you are sleeping and when you leave your camp unattended while you explore the area. Other people will assume there is a tall, large man to contend with!
16. Learn how to drive while towing the caravan.
It’s so important to have the confidence to tow for multiple reasons. There are huge stretches of road where you must complete a big day of driving and it’s quite unfair to expect one person to do this. Driving while towing is very tiring and unless you give it a go, you won’t quite appreciate the effort involved. Even more so, if you are visiting a remote area and the unthinkable happens to the only driver and you need to move the caravan, you should at the very least have the ability to do it yourself.
17. If you have the space, bring a hand held rechargeable vacuum cleaner.
It’s the one thing I really, really wish I could have but I just don’t have the room.
18. Don’t forget to pack a floor mat
for the exterior of your tent or caravan to help keep the dirt and grass out. A floor runner for the interior is also worth its weight in gold, in keeping the dirt and sand out of the beds!
19. Take time out for yourself.
It’s really important to schedule in some “me time”. Take the time each day that’s only for you. Go for a walk, read a book, grab a coffee, do an exercise routine. Everyone needs the space and separation and it will do wonders for your mental health and general wellbeing.
I'm sure you’ll find a lot of these tips useful. And if you have some more tips for a camping and caravanning lap around Australia that I’ve left out, let me know, I’d love to hear them!
X Mia
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