How to plan a family motorhome trip?

Family holidays are an enriching experience. All the time you spend with your children strengthens your bond and creates precious memories. Scheduling a family motorhome trip allows you all to enjoy an unforgettable time together. The possibility of spending all your time with your loved ones, getting up in a different place every day, stopping whenever you feel like it and not having to worry about packing and unpacking are advantages that only those who have already experienced it know about. If this is going to be your first time, pay close attention to these tips.

Tips for a family motorhome trip

Enjoying a family motorhome trip requires good planning. You need to spend some time thinking about how you are going to do it. To help you, we have prepared the following recommendations.

Choose the ideal vehicle

As you know, there are different options when it comes to travelling by motorhome. If you already have a vehicle or you are going to borrow one, you can move on to the next section. If this is not the case, pay attention to these tips:

• Buying. Buying a motorhome is the most advantageous option when you are going to use it a lot. If it is the first time or one of the first times you choose this means of transport, we recommend that you rent one.
• Renting. Renting is the best option for those who want to try it out. Let us advise you and choose the one that best suits your needs.
• Camperize. If you have already tried before and this is definitely what you want, you have an extra option, the campervan. Although you will have to make a significant investment for the transformation and legalisation of the vehicle, it will adapt to your tastes and needs.

Safety first

You should always travel safely, but when there are children it is necessary to take these measures to the extreme. For example, if the motorhome has a folding table, remember to open it. Also, secure the doors and all the elements that can be opened or moved during the journey.

If the little ones are still old enough to travel in their car seat, make sure that it is securely anchored to the seat and in the rear-facing position. The safety rule applies equally to both the car and the motorhome.

Another safety rule is to spend the night in safe places. The areas may not be as idyllic as when travelling with friends or a partner, but it is better not to take any risks. Children are unpredictable and a slip-up can lead to a scare at the best of times. Choosing a place with all the guarantees, such as the Villasol campsite, is the best idea.

What to take in the caravan when travelling as a family?

Travelling as a family is a different experience. Children have different needs to those of adults. Their impatience, the attention they demand and the urgency with which any inconvenience has to be dealt with, makes it essential to take a series of extra things with you. Here are some of them:

• Children’s first aid kit. Children are more prone to bumps, scrapes and cuts. A special first-aid kit is needed with extra bandages, plasters, gel for burns, disinfectants… It is also a good idea to take specific medicines for children, in case they get sick.
• Games. You will have to make a large space for all kinds of toys and entertainment. Board games, paints, activity books, comics, dolls and anything else you can think of will be welcome. This recommendation is especially important if you are travelling in autumn or winter.
• Mosquito repellent. Bites are common on motorhome trips. Take bracelets, lotions and as many anti-mosquito systems as you can. Also include lotions to soothe the itch.
• Extra clothing. Kids are going to get dirty, and lots of it. Bring plenty of clothes and assume that some of them won’t come back. The important thing is that they enjoy themselves, so be flexible and patient.
• Trackers. GPS trackers implanted in children’s watches can save you some aggravation. It’s a worthwhile investment, although you’ll still need to keep a close eye on them. A Walkie Talkie is also a good idea, for when you’re out on excursions. They’ll also be a lot of fun.
• Food. Grown-ups will eat anything at any given time, but children will not. Keep this in mind and take some packed dishes with you in case they get hungry at other times or you have a problem finding food.

A final tip when planning a family motorhome trip is to start small. Before you embark on hundreds of kilometres, make sure your children are well adjusted. Instead of long trips to many destinations, you can start by enjoying a few weeks at a campsite, with all the comforts and amenities you might need for the little ones. Bon voyage!