10 Best Summer RV Tips that Will Make Your Travels More Exciting

With the summer season fast approaching, now is the perfect opportunity to plan your travels ahead. While caravanning at this time of the year can be the stuff of dreams, things can get pretty sticky if you’re caught unprepared. To make your caravanning experience more exciting, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best tips that will help your summer getaways that much more enjoyable. Also, visit RV Parts Express today online for any of your caravan and RV accessory needs.

1. Book in advance

There are no two ways about it — summer is a popular time for road trips and getaways. This means plenty of people will line up all over caravan parks around Christmas and New Year. If you want to get the best views over the water, then booking well in advance is definitely a good idea.

You might still get in at a short notice for shoulder periods considering that most campgrounds aren’t full until Boxing Day and they tend to quiet down at the second week of January. Of course, don’t expect to get the best powered ensuite site to the park by turning up unannounced so act quick and book while it’s still early.

2. Set up at the right time

One thing to know about summer afternoons in Australia is that the temperatures can get blazing hot. The afternoon sun is hottest during the day so if you don’t want the rays beating down on your RV, find a shady campsite or set up late in the afternoon. A camping spot under the trees is perfect for staying cool and making things a bit more comfortable whilst you’re out enjoying the great outdoors.

3. Stay hydrated

Camping out in the heat of summer can expose you to dehydration which is why you should keep the fluid intake up at all times. Adults need at least two litres of water per day so keep this in mind to ensure you bring enough potable water when bush camping.

While caravan parks are often hooked up to town water, not all of them provide potable drinking water (bore water and tank water sources come to mind) so keep an eye out for hydration stations whilst you’re out travelling.

4. Keep the wild at bay

The Aussie bushes are home to plenty of nasty creatures. Summer is when snakes and spiders become active, with less dangerous threats being bull ants and fire ants. Most species are adept at hiding in the bushes and while you don’t need to be hyper-vigilant, just make sure to look where you’re walking and avoid navigating through tall grass patches.

Also, be careful when collecting firewood as you don’t want to risk getting bitten out of nowhere and have to call for emergency assistance.

5. Bring some insect repellent

You might feel buzzy about your camping, but so do flies and other insects. If you want to avoid the slight inconveniences that these insects bring, it’s best to bring some insect repellent with you. Bug zappers are also a good option since mozzies are attracted to light sources. Lastly, don’t forget to cover up and wear insect-proof clothing for added protection.

6. Use warm lighting

Camp lighting attracts all sorts of interlopers from moths and bush flies to Christmas beetles and other weird-looking insects. Such uninvited guests can be driven off by using warm, yellow lighting. The insects don’t like warm lighting as much and will look for another light source that catches their eye.

7. Be wary of bushfires

Bushfires are common during the summer months and are becoming more prevalent due to increased climate change. Be wary of fire bans so you don’t inadvertently start a bushfire. Also, make sure to tune in to the news and media for bushfires near your campsite. Knowing where the nearest open ground is crucial for when you need to pack up and move out of harm’s way.

8. Bring a first-aid kit

A camping essential that you should never leave without is a first-aid kit. You’ll never know when an unexpected emergency occurs so it’s best to be prepared and have the necessary supplies at hand. A good first-aid kit should include crepe bandages, adhesive dressing strips, gauze swabs, and sterile eye pads. While you’re at it, make sure to bring some medication with you like pain relievers, laxatives, anti-allergies, aloe vera gel in the off-chance you experience some headaches and allergic reactions.

9. Swim safely

Summer camping means taking a dip into the open water This makes water safety that much more important as you don’t want to risk being caught out. Aim to swim on waters with lifeguards or duty or at least with other swimmers nearby. Study the water before you swim, keeping an eye out for bluebottles or submerged logs if you’re swimming in a river or lake.

10. Reinforce camp security

Thieves don’t go on holidays. How meticulous you were at locking up the house should also be applied to your camp as well. This is especially true during the summer season where parks are all crowded and the risk of theft is high. Invest in door locks, anchoring devices, and hitch looks for added peace of mind during your summer getaways.