Besides anything happening unexpectedly, the next worst thing that could happen is that you don’t have the right things with you to deal with it! Whilst being a parent automatically means you start thinking about all eventualities when going somewhere, you can never be too prepared. Write a list of all the things you might need ahead of time so you have time to get everything you need for your trip. These things will also benefit the whole family, but when the kids are involved, it’s so much easier to be prepared for any situation. Think about emergency breakdown numbers, spare tyres, first aid kits, emergency food or drinks, any special medication needed (inhalers, allergy relief, etc), torches and spare things for the vehicle such as fluid or a tyre pump. It may seem excessive when packing, but when you’re far from home or amenities and it’s late, you don’t want to be left unprepared!
Warm and Cosy
Another one that applies to everyone, but that is super important for your whole family is staying warm and dry. It will always get chilly at night, even in the warmest places sometimes as you can never be too sure of the climate or any freak weather that might occur. You can easily make sure your van stays warm with some self-adhesive insulation and plenty of warm blankets and duvets. It’s always better to be over prepared! Bring lots of spare clothes and shoes for your little ones as on your adventure they will want to explore and they will need spares of everything to keep them going! Having layers will be very important for trapping the warmth and, depending on the season, things like socks and hats are essentials that shouldn’t be overlooked. Investing in some good quality electrics for your campervan will also ensure everything runs smoothly on your trip – there’s nothing worse than being stuck with wet hair on a cold morning when you can’t use the hairdryer!
Fun and Games
One thing you won’t be able to do without on your trip is lots of fun and games to keep the little ones amused! From journeys in the campervan to overnight stays in camping sites, you’ll need plenty of options to keep them going for a week or two. Make a huge list of games for them to play in the car and vary it up – have some that include the adults, some that don’t, verbal-only games, internet games, looking-out-the-window games, and don’t forget to stock up on their favourite TV shows on your phone or tablet to keep them entertained. These will be a lifesaver when their patience tires out! Also, ensure you have some fun outdoor games such as frisbee, rounders or Twister that you can play in the evenings and have a laugh with. It also might be a good idea to bring some playing cards for the adults to play some games with too! Board games will also be fun as they can play with one another, and will be perfect for any rainy days that may occur.
Article written by Luke
(Photo by one-vibration via Flickr)