Tips for planning a caravan holiday with children

Going on a caravan holiday with children can be a lot of fun and be really exciting, especially for the kids, but it can also be stressful for the parents planning such a trip as there is so much that you need to think about.

If you are researching and planning children’s caravan holidays, it can feel daunting as there is so much information out there. It doesn’t have to be, however, and going on family caravan holidays in the UK is also a great way to introduce children to travel. Here we share some tips to help you plan a caravan holiday with children.

The best tips for planning caravan holidays with children

• Choose a suitable destination
• Buy or stay in a family-friendly caravan
• Plan your journey
• Pack appropriately
• Plan activities
• Bring familiar items from home and toys

Choose a suitable destination

The first thing you need to consider when planning a caravan holiday with children is the destination of your trip. You should consider destinations that are suitable, and think about the age and interests of your children when you are in the research stage of your holiday.

There are lots of different options and you can pick a caravan park depending on its nearby attractions. Ask yourself whether a park close to beaches and the seaside would be preferable or if one that is near to a national park would better suit your family.

Caravan parks in Cornwall are a popular choice and our park is not only close to some great beaches, but it can be used as a base to go and explore top award-winning attractions like Newquay Zoo, Land’s End and the Eden Project.

ALSO READ: Planning your holiday in Looe

Buy or stay in a family-friendly caravan

You may decide that you want to own your own caravan so you can explore lots of different places with your family and on a budget (after the initial expense of buying a caravan, of course).

Emma’s Diary shares some tips for anyone who is thinking of buying a caravan: “If you’ve decided to give caravan ownership a go have a look around at your local dealership. The most important thing to consider is the layout. Have in mind where the children will sleep and whether you will have room to sit and relax after they’ve gone to bed.”

If towing a caravan around isn’t for you, there are hundreds of caravan parks across the UK that you can holiday at and have everything ready for you. If you would prefer this, you should browse through the different static caravans that are available and pick one that best suits your needs.

Here at Dolphin Holidays, for example, there are caravan holiday homes that sleep a maximum of 6-8 people and have all the facilities that a family need.

Plan your journey

Making travel plans for the journey to the caravan park you are staying at can be stressful as you need to make sure the kids are entertained whilst making sure you don’t get lost!

Make sure to map out your route in advance, taking into account the distance and duration of your journey, as well as any stops you want to make along the way. Don’t try to drive long distances without stopping to stretch your legs and take a break. Taking regular stops, especially when you are travelling with children, is a must as it helps to prevent boredom and fatigue.

ALSO READ: How to keep kids entertained on the journey to Cornwall

Pack appropriately

Packing for a holiday used to be so easy – throw a few clothes and toiletries into your backpack or suitcase and, as long as you had your passport (if travelling abroad) and credit card, you’d worry about the rest as you went.

But when you are going on a family holiday with children, that all changes. Suddenly you need to ensure you have all the kids’ holiday essentials to cater for every single eventuality.

Firstly, you should make a list of all the items you’ll need for the trip, including clothes, toiletries, food, and any special items for your children.

Claire Hall is the writer behind the award-winning UK family travel blog Tin Box Traveller, and she says that whilst you need to bring all the essentials, there are some other items you should consider packing.

“These are optional items for your caravan packing list, but they do make things more homely and fun:

• Blue tooth speaker – we have this for streaming music and charging our iPhones and Kindles.
• USB adaptors for 12 volts – another handy gadget if you want your tech to stay charged and connected.
• Camping games – bringing a few games when caravanning with kids is a must.
• Books and pencils.”

Below is a list of some essential items you need to pack for your caravan holiday:

• Clothes for adults and children – the clothes you pack will depend on the time of year you are visiting.
• Wet weather gear – it doesn’t matter what time of the year it is, you should always bring a raincoat and waterproofs with you.
• Family travel accessories – consider packing items such as prams, car seats, day bags
• Toiletries
• Camera, chargers and other electronics
• Toiletries – shampoo, deodorant, glasses (if you wear them)
• First aid kit
• Toys for children – books, playing cards, teddies
• Any travel documents you need

ALSO READ: What to pack for the ultimate camping trip

Plan activities

When you go on your caravan holiday, bring along plenty of activities to keep your children occupied during the trip. Packing items like colouring books, card games, and portable electronics are a must as these will keep children entertained when you are enjoying a bit of downtime during your trip or if the weather takes a turn for the worse.

When planning your trip, something that is worth checking in the research stage is to find out what caravan holidays there are with children’s entertainment on offer.

Many holiday parks run kid’s clubs, and these are perfect for keeping the children entertained. They also keep them happy and give you some time to relax without having to worry about appeasing the children.

You can plan days out during your holiday and visit attractions which are nearby. If you are heading down to Cornwall on a caravan holiday, you can visit theme parks like Flambards, try surfing at one of the county’s world-class beaches or opt for a walk along the South West Coast Path.

ALSO READ: Cornwall Surfing: Where to learn to surf on your holiday

Bring familiar items from home and toys

If you are planning children’s caravan holidays, something that can easily be forgotten is to bring toys with you and other items from home.

Clare from the Travel Bugs blog says bringing some home comforts and toys with you will help keep children entertained whilst on your caravan holiday: “The best way to settle your kids in when you arrive at your caravan, is with some familiar things from home. Not only will they provide some comfort, but you’ll know they are guaranteed to keep your little ones occupied.

“Make sure to pack their favourite cuddly bear, dolls and action figures to provide some familiarity, and give them the option to play with their favourite toys.

“If you have your own static caravan, then why not store some extra toys in your holiday home all year round, so you’ll always have some to hand for your children to play with.

“You can also do the same with books and colouring pads!”

This guide shares some tips for planning a caravan holiday with children, but the most important tip of all is to relax and have fun. A caravan holiday is a great opportunity to spend quality time together as a family and make lasting memories. Contact us and book a trip to our campsite in Cornwall today!

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