The fact that we can head for the open road and go caravanning again is the best news we’ve heard in a long time. And seriously, what a perfect time to go.

There’s something so romantic about travelling in winter – wrapping up in warm blankets, holding big mugs of hot chocolate, toasting marshmallows, feeling the winter sun on your face, listening to the rain fall on your caravan roof…

It’s a big yes to all of it.

To help you get off on the right foot, we’re giving you our top 5 tips for winter travel…

1. Check the forecast:

This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s so easy to get caught out in the elements along the way. Yes, it may be winter, but depending on your destination, you’ll need to pack different items, especially in Australia’s often-changeable climate. If you’re heading to the southern states, warm clothes, raincoats, blankets, boots, scarves and gloves are a must. Those pocket warmers that you can find at camping stores are surely one of the best inventions ever, and will also come in handy.

Even if you’re visiting our warmer states up north, mornings and nights can still be very chilly, so it won’t hurt to do a little research beforehand.

It’s also a good idea to plan your activities around the weather, so listen to any advice from the locals.

AND if you're planning to bring the fur babies, don't forget to bring a warm, cosy bed or extra blanket for them to sleep on.

 

2. Don’t plan for a late arrival:

Trust us, you don’t want to be arriving at your destination at night… (Not talking from experience at all!) Fumbling around in the dark for a torch to set up onsite is not much fun, and just makes everything a little more difficult than it needs to be. However, if you do find yourself in this situation, for whatever reason, make sure you have a fully charged torch ready to go, warm clothes to wear when connecting your power, grey water hose, etc… so that you can do what you need to do and get through your first night in comfort.

 

3. BYO entertainment:

On days when you may just want to relax in or around your van, make sure you come prepared, especially if you have kids on board. Books, journals, jigsaw puzzles and card games are perfect activities for rainy days; they bring families together, and are loads of fun. It’s times like these that make wonderful memories you don’t forget in a hurry.

 

4. Shop local:

Our communities have been through so much, struggling with droughts, bushfires, floods, and now COVID-19. The locals will surely appreciate your support, whether it’s buying coffee from a local café, provisions from the general store, shopping in a gift store or wine tasting at a local vineyard… Maybe plan a date night at the local pub, where you can indulge in your favourite winter comfort food and a glass of local wine. Sounds good to us!

People will be so happy to see tourists in their towns again, so definitely get out there and see what you can bring to each destination. It goes both ways!

 

5. Pack for your morning/evening routines:

Don’t forget to pack everything you need for those special routines that are an important part of each day. You’ll need your cereal or porridge bowls for nourishing brekkies that set you up for the days ahead, mugs for hot chocolate, share plates for hearty food, big bowls for popcorn and marshmallows, as well as blankets to keep you cosy and warm in the evenings… Sometimes, these simple times are the best parts of a holiday, so come prepared.

 

There couldn’t be a better time to load up your van and head off on that trip you’ve been meaning to take forever. Borders are opening up, communities are waking up, and people are excited to appreciate everything our beautiful country has to offer, after being confined for these past months.

So, grab your blankets, your jackets, your marshmallows and your games and get ready to experience that romantic winter holiday feeling again.