Campervan travel tips for your next family vacation.Photo/Getty Images
If you’re thinking of hitting the road with your kids in a campervan, plan for bumps in the road, writes Lucy Slight.
Embarking on a road trip in a camper gives explorers big and small an unparalleled sense of freedom and adventure. With its breathtaking scenery, Aotearoa is sure to be a dream destination for local and international guests alike.
Adventures take on a new dimension when you go out with kids, combining the thrill of exploration with the warmth of creating unforgettable memories. From the techniques of efficient packing to the joy of cooking under the blue sky and the challenge of entertaining your little explorer, you need to ensure that your campervan journey is as smooth as it is exhilarating.
If you’re planning a road trip with kids, you need to make sure the campervan journey is exhilarating and smooth at the same time.Photo/Getty Images
New Zealand campers spent an average of 10.9 nights camping responsibly and freely in 2019, according to research commissioned by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. A total of 245,000 people embarked on camping adventures, 63% of whom were international travelers. Of these, New Zealand residents accounted for 37% of him, proving how well-suited New Zealand’s environment is for this type of travel.
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The research found that the three most popular areas for responsible camping in New Zealand are the South Island’s Tasman region, Queenstown Lakes region and Christchurch region. The North Island’s Thames Coromandel area and Tauranga City were his fourth and fifth most popular spots respectively.
Exploring winding coastal roads and secluded mountain cabins, spending nights under the stars, and heading anywhere along Route 1 is an unforgettable adventure for the whole family. Sho. Here are 10 tips for success.
New Zealand is a great country for a campervan holiday with your family.Photo/Getty Images
plan your route
Plan your trip in advance, taking into account scenic stops, campgrounds, and kid-friendly attractions along the way. In New Zealand, you can park your campervan on free campsites, conservation authority campsites, holiday parks or private campsites, each with different rules and fees.
Download the CamperMate app to find and book nearby campsites and holiday parks on the go or in advance. This will help you camp responsibly at the location and also allow you to see what facilities are available. Camplify.co.nz also provides information on campsite prices and facilities across the country.
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That said, embrace spontaneity and be open to unexpected detours and changes in plans. Involve your kids in decision-making by offering them to choose from a list of special stop activities and destinations. Also, while driving, keep an eye out for scenic overlooks, nature trails, and other roadside attractions and make impromptu stops. This allows kids to burn off energy and stretch their legs on long drives.
Pack efficiently
Space is at a premium when traveling (and living) in a campervan, so pack light and bring multipurpose items like foldable or stackable cookware, versatile clothing, lightweight layers, and compact bedding. Please prioritize what you do. Space-saving solutions such as vacuum-sealed storage bags are perfect for bulky items like jackets that you don’t really need in the summer.
Create a comfortable sleep environment
Make your camper feel like home by investing in comfortable bedding and giving your kids their favorite blankets and soft toys. Sleeping pads and memory foam mattress toppers can be placed over your existing mattress to take up less space and give everyone a more comfortable and restful night’s sleep.
If you can find a camper with bunk beds, it’s ideal for multiple kids as it gives you extra floor space to work with. The convertible seating area is also key to maximizing space.
Make your camper feel like home by investing in comfortable bedding and giving your kids their favorite blankets and soft toys.Photo/Getty Images
stay organized
Utilize storage bags, hanging organizers, and hooks to keep essentials easily accessible and off the floor, preventing clutter and tripping hazards. Designate specific areas for different items, such as kitchenware, clothing, outdoor gear, etc., so everyone can see where to find what they’re looking for, even by the light of a flashlight. Mesh storage nets and hanging shoe organizers are perfect for keeping all your children’s items, such as toys and games, together and always within reach.
Let’s try some simple dishes
By researching and saving easy camp meals on Pinterest, you’ll have a list of nutritious meals that you can prepare outdoors using campsite equipment or a portable cooker. Toasted sandwiches, wraps, meat and vegetable skewers, and DIY pizzas and stews are all easy and healthy options that kids can help prepare.
Delivering plenty of entertainment
On sunny days, Mother Nature provides plenty of entertainment, but when the weather turns inclement, you’ll need to prepare some creative activities. Keep kids occupied during downtime with books, board games, and outdoor toys like Frisbees and kites. It’s the perfect environment for creative play, so encourage nature-themed scavenger hunts and story-telling sessions around the campfire. If you bring your tablet, save it for watching movies under the stars.
Bring plenty of entertainment. When the weather changes, you need to get creative.Photo/Getty Images
safety first
Carry a fully stocked first aid kit and familiarize yourself with each exit in case of the unexpected. Safety measures such as installing child safety locks on cabinets and securing heavy objects during transport can also help prevent accidents both on and off the road. This is a great opportunity to teach your kids basic campground safety rules, like staying close to the campsite, how to interact with strangers, and respecting wildlife.
capture memories
Lastly, be sure to document all your adventures through photos, videos, and diary entries, and create a scrapbook of souvenirs and favorite memories from your trip, such as postcards, leaves, seashells, and pressed flowers, so your kids can inspires creativity. . In addition to posting your travel photos on social media, you can easily create digital or printed photo albums to share with friends and family back home, and a great keepsake for your grandparents.
