One of the great things about motorhome holidays is how self-sufficient you can be - but that’s not to say that there aren’t a few things you really should bring along.
There are two reasons why these nifty little bags should never be missed off your motorhome holiday packing list. Firstly, they’re easy to secure. Everything’s fine when you’re parked up for the night, but when you hit the road, things have a tendency to slide, slip and - most annoyingly - spill. Throw anything that could make a mess into a ziploc bag for instant peace of mind. Secondly, they take up very little room. Space is at a premium in a motorhome, and bulky containers are not the best use of that precious resource. Ditch the big boxes and transfer things over to these beauties before you leave home.
Whether you’re cleaning up an accidental breakage or just keeping the motorhome spic and span, this is an invaluable tool to ensure that your holiday isn’t spent living in a pig sty. More versatile and far cheaper than a handheld vacuum cleaner, this cleaning combo may not be glamourous but it’ll certainly save you loads of hassle and help to ensure that when you hand back your motorhome rental (if you are renting) it’s in tip top condition. Most people have a pair lying around the house, so you may not even need to go out and buy something new.
No matter what kind of journey you’re going on, it’s always smart to have one of these close to hand in case things don’t go quite as smoothly as planned. It’s not always about the big accidents either - make sure your kit includes things like over the counter painkillers and band-aid style sticking plasters to prevent small annoyances from turning into a big deal. This is especially crucial if you’re planning to go hiking or exploring in the wilderness. If you’re heading away from civilisation don’t leave your kit behind: take it with you and store it somewhere safe and accessible when you return.
Leave your usual crockery at home - this stuff is far better for motorhome travel. When you hit a patch of bumpy road, you don’t want to have to worry about whether your plates and bowls will survive the jostling - the last thing you need is to arrive at your destination ready for a well deserved meal, only to have broken plates hold you up. Melamine is tough, cheap and relatively lightweight. Those same qualities also make them great for backpacking, if you’re planning to strike out on an overnight hike.
This is one of those items that you don’t fully appreciate until that one time you forget to bring it, and the guy in the motorhome across from you produces his. It’s not just for clothes - a host of small items can be hung from it, like tea towels, bathing suits and those ever handy ziploc bags. There’s a few different types out there to choose from - many opt for one with suction cups at each end, but if you’re confident with a few basic knots, a sturdy piece of nylon line should suffice. Just don’t forget the clothes pegs.
Also known as gaffer tape, this deceptively simple item has near legendary qualities. What’s it for? Whatever you need it for, really. If something needs to be fixed, amended, patched up, held down, held up, secured or wrangled, gaffer tape is at your disposal. It’s waterproof, incredibly tough, easy to work with, will stick to almost anything and is remarkably affordable. Some people (who should have paid more attention to No. 3) have even used it as a makeshift bandage and tourniquet. A roll of gaffer tape takes up no space at all, so make sure you stow one where you can easily get to it.
What else would you consider absolutely essential to bring along on your motorhome holiday? Let me know in the comments - I’m always keen to add a few new tricks to my motorhoming repertoire!
With all those tips, you are now ready to go on your next campervan journey. If you want to escape the crowds and travel through beautiful landscapes, head to Namibia, where you will be able to start your adventure from Windhoek, the capital. Scandinavian countries like Sweden, Finland and Norway are another great destination to be explored by motorhome. Finally, if you want to discover what the lands Down Under have to offer, you could choose Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane as a starting point for your Aussie road trip, or Christchurch and Auckland if you plan on travelling through New Zealand.
Written By: Kristof Haines
It’s funny how motorhome memories stick with you. I can still recall a motorhome vacation my family took when I was five years old and how awesome I thought I was, tucked away in a loft bed above the cab. From revealing unique destinations to providing tips and tricks, it’s my mission to help others build great motorhome memories too.
It’s funny how motorhome memories stick with you. I can still recall a motorhome vacation my family took when I was five years old and how awesome I thought I was, tucked away in a loft bed above the cab. From revealing unique destinations to providing tips and tricks, it’s my mission to help others build great motorhome memories too.
