Going caravanning for the first time? We help you cut down on costly errors. Ron Crittall reports.
A holiday by caravan or campervan is a great way to tour Australia inexpensively. But if it’s your first time, inexperience and a lack of adequate planning can end up making your trip far more pricey than it needs to be. Here we provide our Top Ten checklist on how to keep your caravanning holiday costs down.
The key to inexpensive holidays is to be as independent as possible. That means that you should have your own vehicle, and cater for your own needs whenever practical. The more you rely on others to transport, accommodate or feed you, the more you’re going to pay. Unless you have your own caravan or motorhome, you first need to weigh up the costs of hiring.
Caravan parks represent the most economical option for people seeking to stay in an organised environment. Most parks offer a range of accommodation including furnished cabins, chalets and/or on-site caravans. These are usually self-contained, with refrigerator and cooking facilities, and are considerably cheaper than staying in motels.
People with caravans or campervans can use powered or (the cheaper) non-powered sites. You can also use the park’s cooking and laundry facilities, which provide extra savings.
1. Have a check-up
Have a thorough vehicle (and caravan) inspection before departure. A simple problem like a dirty air filter can increase your vehicle’s fuel consumption by five per cent, and fixing problems in remote areas can be difficult and expensive.
2. Try park life
Cabin accommodation in caravan parks tends to be much cheaper than staying in motels, and most cabins are very comfortable. Get NRMA’s Tourist Park Guide for details or visit www.mynrma.com.au/travel.
3. Self cater
Stopping to buy meals and snacks can take a real bite out of your budget. Plan ahead and make your own sandwiches and drinks, and watch the savings add up. You can also choose where you stop — somewhere scenic rather than the roadhouse surroundings.
4. Save on food
Buy food at supermarkets, rather than roadhouses or campsite kiosks. Supermarket prices are usually much lower, the food is often fresher and there is more variety on offer.
5. Keep it cool
If you plan to travel for several weeks and self-cater, keep your food fresh with a mobile fridge. You can hire these and they plug into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter.
6. Join a ‘club’
There are three caravan park ‘Clubs’: Big Four, Top Tourist and Family Parks. Each has two-year memberships and includes discounts on cabins, chalets and site fees for short-term stays. These parks have good standards, and the membership fee is soon saved if you use them regularly. NRMA Membership (or Seniors Card) can also sometimes earn you a discount.
7. Stay free
You can save on caravan park fees by staying at legal free sites. Each state has different rules for camping on public land. There are publications available that describe where you can do this (see box below).
8. Keep your speed down
Whether driving a motorhome or towing a caravan, cruising at about 90 km/h is more fuel efficient than travelling at the speed limit (if it is higher).
9. Don’t fight the wind
When using a motor home or caravan, consider delaying your next move if strong head winds are forecast. Battling the wind will increase your vehicle’s fuel consumption.
10. Don’t tow more than you need to
Disconnect and leave the caravan at the camp site while doing local shopping and sightseeing. Save on fuel by making day trips, rather than towing the caravan to a new site and don’t carry weighty gear if you won’t need it. Lugging extra weight can increase fuel consumption by up to five per cent.
There are many ways NRMA can help you with your caravan or motor holiday.
For detailed maps and touring guides of Australia, visit your local NRMA branch or telephone 13 11 22. The NRMA website is also an excellent source of information, with maps, expert tips, driving guides, accommodation booking facilities and special Member discounts.
Camps Australia Wide 2 is a great guide for the budget conscious traveller, aimed at motorhomers and caravanners.
4WD
