The Ultimate Packing List for Your Caravan Holidays in the Summer

 

Bailey Wales is the leading caravan dealer in Wales and has been providing caravans for over 60 years. Over the years, we have gathered the knowledge of the ‘perfect packing list’ which we will be sharing with you. Packing for a holiday in the UK can be overwhelming as the weather can vary drastically each day. Packing is especially difficult in the summertime as it may be boiling in the day, but cold and rainy in the evening! 

Things to Consider Before Packing 

Before we explore the packing list, there are a few things to consider. If you will be towing your own caravan, you need to remember that there’s a weight limit which needs to be stuck too. 

You should also consider how you pack your caravan as the way it’s loaded is important. Making sure it’s packed correctly will ensure it’s stable on the road as the weight will be distributed evenly. 

You should only bring items that are necessary and you will need. Bringing a few extra items may not seem like a big deal but the weight can add up quickly, increasing the weight of the caravan. The less weight of the caravan, the lower the strain on your vehicle will be and you’ll use less fuel consumption saving you money.

Clothing

When packing for your caravan holiday in the summertime, we suggest not just packing for warm weather, we also suggest packing some waterproof clothing items. This is because the UK weather can be very volatile and the weather changes quickly. We have all experienced dressing for a warm occasion to later be met with rain and wind. 

• Lightweight clothing for warm weather: shorts, t-shirts, dresses, etc.
• Sunglasses and hats 
• Comfortable footwear such as trainers or sandals 
• Swimwear
• Waterproof jacket or a poncho
• Layers for a colder evening: jumpers and hoodies
• Comfortable lounge bottoms 
• Underwear and socks 
• Smarter clothing for an evening if you will be visiting a local restaurant

Remember, this is a guide and you will need to pack the appropriate amount of clothing for the time length you are away for. It’s better to slightly overpack than under-pack, especially when it comes to items such as pants and socks!

Personal Items 

If you are visiting a caravan site, many places provide items such as towels, toilet paper and sometimes even body wash. Although this may be the case, it’s suggested to pack these items anyway just in case. Of course, if you are using your caravan then you will have to pack these items yourself also. 

• Towels – beach and shower 
• Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo, cologne, deodorant, conditioner, soap, sanitary products
• Sun cream and lip balm with SPF 
• Aftersun 
• First aid kit
• Personal medication 
• Painkillers 

Once again, taking products that you specifically require is necessary. This is just a guide on things to give you an idea of what to include when packing.

Kitchen and Cooking Supplies 

If you plan on getting the full camping experience and will be doing your own cooking as opposed to eating out at a restaurant, then these are the supplies you will require. It’s important to check with any campsite regulations on rules to do with BBQs or fires on site. 

• Portable stove or BBQ 
• Gas canisters or charcoal (if required)
• Matches or lighter 
• Cooking utensils: cutlery, spatula, tongs, cooking spoon etc. 
• Pots and pans for cooking
• Plates, bowls, cups and mugs 
• Cutting board and knives
• Can and bottle opener 
• Kitchen towel or paper towel 
• Washing up liquid and cloth
• Cool box 
• Condiments: salt, pepper, vinegar, ketchup, mayo etc.
• Coffee and tea 
• Canned foods 
• Fresh foods and meat for the BBQ 

Equipment & Entertainment 

It may be a good idea to bring some outdoor equipment to keep everyone entertained and busy! Camping doesn’t have to consist of expensive activities, you can always bring your own and make up the fun. We suggest bringing some sort of entertainment, especially if you have kids or there will be kids with you on the holiday. Here are some of our camping entertainment and equipment suggestions. 

• Camping chairs and outdoor table
• Gazebo for shade 
• Portable folding table for outdoor dining
• Flashlights, or headlamps for nighttime 
• Picnic blanket 
• Windbreakers or screens for windy days
• Rubbish bags and recycling bags
• Bucket and spade for the beach
• Broad games and playing cards
• Books or magazines 
• Portable music speaker 
• Sports equipment – football, badminton set, frisbee etc.
• Bicycles

Final Thoughts 

Packing for a holiday in the UK requires careful consideration due to the unpredictable British weather. It can also be relatively stressful as items can easily be forgotten when aching, or even over-packing can occur which can its issues. This packing list for summer caravan holidays will make the packing process much simpler. Remember that this is a rough guide, you should only take the items from this list that are relevant to you and your holiday. 

At Bailey Wales, we offer new caravans in Cardiff, perfect for your camping holidays in the UK. If you want more information then contact Sunnyhaven at 01792 892884 or Blazers at 01792 643 326 today.