Benefits of Caravan or Motorhome Vacations for Seniors

Create unforgettable memories on a caravan vacation! Enjoy peace and tranquility with nature, and save costs on travel. Caravanning for benefits and discounts.

• safer vacation for your health
• enjoy the journey in your own time
• your luggage is unpacked and you can take more than a suitcase
• make new lifelong friends

Every caravan vacation is an adventure and incredible memories are created. Be inspired each day by purchasing a beautiful journal and record this exploration, so you can share it with your kids, grandkids, and friends! Don’t lose these remarkable recollections!

Save costs on flights and accommodation and you are not dependent on reservations. No need to rush as you can do things in your own time. You will receive many benefits and discounts if you belong to a caravanning club and at the same time discover new places. There is plenty of storage space, but most importantly you will have peace and tranquillity with nature. This form of travel is an adventure!

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Why is Caravaning a safer option during a Pandemic or just for Health Safety

Health safety is a priority for seniors all over the world, especially during and after the pandemic. So many of us have lost friends, partners, or family during and due to Covid-19, or symptoms that they already had that were aggravated by the virus.

Abiding by the “rules” which we have to obey to keep everyone safe, such as using face masks, sanitizing, keeping a distance of one and a half meters from anyone in front of you in a shopping queue, and not going into crowded spaces, has become ingrained in us. Our health awareness has never been so stringent. We need to break out of this “strangling” bond!

The feeling of claustrophobia and isolation has also increased. Much older generation individuals have been cut off from family, kids, and their joy, grandkids. The result is an increased depression rate and a compounded suicide rate has been recorded.

Due to the economic crisis worldwide, numerous senior citizens have been forced into retirement creating a feeling of unworthiness. What can you do for yourself to boost your mental state of mind?

Those quarterly or annual plans for international travel have gone by the wayside. Not only due to the lockdown levels of various countries but also due to a fear that if we travel, are we going to get Covid? This has become real anxiety!

So those trips which we planned for over a couple of months in anticipation, and the actual vacation is no longer there. We see months go by without any chance to plan forward. Do you need a holiday where you can experience some form of normality?

Caravaning, whether towing your own, static or in a mobile home allows you to break free, out of “jail” and a depressive society, into a new unrestricted, spontaneous, uninhibited environment, back to nature! Smell nature once again and get back to knowing yourself! Caravaning does this!

Your caravan site is not on top of everyone else, as it would be in a hotel. The ablution blocks and laundry areas are sterilized regularly and quite safe. If you socialize you do so outside around a campfire and at an automatic distance. And most importantly, you can have some fun in a different environment! How positive is that?

One of the most enthralling things about caravanning is that it allows you to do other outdoor activities, such as hiking, waterfall chasing, and bird watching.

15 Tips to help you enjoy the Journey

1. Make sure your car, caravan, or mobile home is prepared the day before. Have a standard checklist that you go through to make sure you have everything. Place the extended mirrors on the motor vehicle, Full up with petrol, and check the oil and water. Clean your windscreen and rear window. Tyre pressure on both the towing vehicle and caravan should be correct. Your windscreen wipers do they work? I would advise the service of your vehicle if you are close to your service mileage. Is your speedometer working? Your fridge and freezer within the caravan, turn on the morning before so you can pack fridge or freezer items while traveling. Are tow bar wiring and plug socket working? Do all the lights work and do you have extra bulbs?
2. Caravan maintenance and caravan insurance. Does your caravan need any maintenance done to it? Don’t do this at the last minute. Is your caravan insurance up to date?
3. Check gas levels of gas bottles needed for cooking within the caravan. Wise to take an extra bottle. Also, make sure you have some charcoal or wood for campfires.
4. Make sure your fire extinguisher is up to date. Every caravan should have one and be checked every year.
5. Start packing the checklist items you need into the caravan a few days before, just to make absolutely sure you are not doing everything at the last minute. Do you need any extras of anything if one thing needed had to break and it would not be easy to obtain?
6. If you are on medication, it is wise to get it before you go away. This is the worst feeling when you have traveled for 2 hours and you suddenly remember you did not get your medication. (If you are allergic to bees don’t forget to take the correct instant reactive medication. The same applies to diabetes, any heart conditions, or blood pressure)
7. Pack your caravan evenly so the weight is spread while traveling. You do not want the caravan to sway at all. Breakable items pack between bath towels or clothing in boxes or even in an empty washing basket.
8. Pack clothing suitable for your destination. Remember to pack items suitable for other weather conditions as what is forecast does not always happen.
9. Planning your trip is a must prior to leaving. GPS can not always be trusted as you may lose signal. Download your map at least two days before. Go through it especially if this is the first time you are going to this area. Plan a menu for each day while you are away. If you are in the USA iExit Interstate Exit Guide App is helpful to download. It is an app to assist you when leaving highways.
10. Where are you going to make stops? Are they safe areas? Will you need to fill up with petrol or diesel here? Are there Hygenic ablutions? Is there a restaurant where you would like to stop and have lunch or a cup of coffee?
11. Having adequate sleep the night before is imperative! Especially if you are driving. Have at least 8 hours.
12. Take snacks to nibble on in the car. Nuts, sandwiches, fruit, biltong, crackers, and dried fruit are some suggestions. Having your own snacks available can make a huge difference to your budget and help keep the driver awake.
13. Water to drink is vital! You can dehydrate on longer trips. Water also gives you the energy to help you stay awake while on the road. If you are leaving early in the morning, a flask of warm tea or coffee is just what is needed!
14. Audiobooks are the best! This allows time to slip by without noticing. Get a story that all of you will listen to with enthusiasm. Funny books are a great way to help the driver keep awake. Laughing is the best medicine for many things and a lovely way to start a vacation.
15. Treat yourselves to appreciate the scenery. Make time to stop and relish in the tourist spots of the towns you drive through. Also magnificent views! Stop, get out and take in the beauty! Before you leave do a search on the areas you will be going through and see what you can stop and admire. Take the parking of the caravan into consideration.

Save costs on flights and accommodation

Even though you will be towing a caravan, your petrol or diesel consumption will be higher, due to the heavy load behind, you are still saving on enormous costs going on holiday with a caravan, or going to a static caravan, or with a mobile home.

Your flights or train fairs to your destination will not be incurred. That is a huge saving. These work out far more than the road trip.

As mentioned previously your food bill while on holiday will be far less, than if you were eating out at a hotel. You will be eating similar meals as if you are at home, but even simpler. Pack the food in the fridge and freezer that you are taking with you. Also if you need to purchase near your caravan destination, go out to the general shopping markets, where you would pay similar prices that you would if you were at home.

Other essentials such as dishwashing liquid, clothes washing powder, toothpaste, shampoo, spice, etc, could be a higher price where you are going as these places are normally out of town. Bottled water, take a considerable amount! You are not 100% sure if the water is pure where you are going. Make sure you have a water purifier in the caravan.

Accommodation at hotels, guest houses, lodges, or even Airbnb’s far more expensive than at a caravan destination. To save you, even more, contact the caravan park where you would like to go to and ask them if they have specials on certain days. Going out of the school holidays is a saving in itself. Being a pensioner, you will also get discounts.

Belonging to a Caravan Club can be an enormous saving.

In a caravan, your luggage is unpacked already and you can take more than a suitcase

• pack an extra plug, dishwashing liquid, dish towels, and swabs. Scourer and scrub is also a good idea.
• washing powder for clothes and extra coins for the laundromat
• car charger for cell phones and extra wireless charger already charged
• leveling and securing devices for the caravan. DIGIFLEX 2 Way Caravan Mini Spirit Level for Camping Campervan Camp Leveler is cost-effective and perfect.
• A Food grade hose is important for filling water into the caravan
• Candles, flashlights, and torches in case you have no electricity for a period of time or if you need them while having a campfire outside. Extra batteries will also be wise to pack
• make sure your kettle is working and you have a selection of pots and pans, but don’t overdo it
• with knives for cutting vegetables, meat, and bread, and try and have those that can be used for multi-purposes. Also, knife, fork, and spoon for eating utensils
• crockery just to suit your simple needs. Space is limited
• to a plastic breadboard and plastic tight fast containers for putting food in the fridge
• washing up containers
• medical aid kits, bee kits, and snakebite kits. Don’t forget the tweezers, nail clippers, safety pins
• waterproof matches and lighters
• extension chord
• towels for showering, and towels for swimming
• take slip-slops (thongs, tsinelas, slops, geta, jandals) to wear while showering in ablutions
• clothes that are practical. Don’t pack too many but keep in mind hot weather, cool weather, and rainy weather. Also, practical shoes
• swimming costume if next to a beach or the park has a pool
• sunblock and sun hat
• sheets, and duvets. An extra blanket or two if it gets very cold
• take a few games to play with others you meet
• remember a bottle of wine or two

Making new lifelong friends among other caravanners

Caravanning can be the best way to make life-long friendships. As we mature in years it is harder to make new friends, but remember the way you feel is the way many other seniors feel!

Go to smaller caravanning spots

If you are going out of season, other caravanners in your chosen spot will mainly be seniors and those without kids. On making a booking, find out from the owners of this park is a popular park for seniors. Which time of the year do the seniors mainly come?

Be open to communicate

Caravanners respect other caravanners and if you look like you do not want to communicate, they won’t. Smile and greet others in the park. When visiting the laundromat, say hello and open up a bit of a conversation. Ask questions and do most of the asking not talking. People love to talk about themselves and it relaxes them, but not everyone loves listening! You become the listener!

Invite others over for dinner around the campfire

There is nothing like a good “braai” (barbeque) to form new friendships! Prior to the meal, find out if they prefer meat, chicken, or vegetarian. Take out a bottle of wine and relax. Time to get to know each other.

Play games

This is why you packed some games! They are a fabulous ice-breaker and add to some fun in the evenings. Don’t be a sore loser! If you are very competitive, restrain yourself!

Assist others when they need help

If you see a fellow camper struggling to set up or anything else, ask if you can help them. This is a perfect way to meet others.

Join a Caravanning Club

This is just the best! Most clubs go away once a month for a weekend and for longer periods once or twice a year.

Prior to vacationing go to some expos

Caravan & Camping Expo are held annually all over the world. You can see any new modern camping necessities, but you also can see other caravanning clubs that you did not know about. Also at these expos, you can meet other people, make friends, and share ideas. Find out the best parks to venture to for your age group and when is the best time to go. Find out the specials that run at which time of the year.

Seniors you are not dependent on reservations

Most seniors travel out of season, so during this time, the caravan parks are not full. Once you have an idea of which park or parks you would like to go to, contact these parks and find out when they are normally full and if you have to make a set reservation. Sometimes when you journey off on your holiday, you decide to spontaneously stay at a caravan park for a night or two. Knowing you are traveling out of season you can virtually be guaranteed you can go in.

No rush you can do things in your own time while Caravanning

I love the time schedule of caravanning! Once you have packed up your caravan and you venture out, it becomes exciting! No rush! You have to drive slower as you are pulling a caravan behind you or are in a motor home. Immediately the pace of life changes! Once out on the open road, you have time to appreciate the scenery as you slide past.

Once you are hitched up at the park, your time is your own! Go to bed when you want and wake up when you want. Being a senior most certainly has its benefits while on holiday. Nobody is depending on you.

Washing clothes can be allocated in the day to when you want. The quantity of clothes is often less than if you were at home. Cleaning the caravan is a pleasure and a smaller area, but does not need to be done at the crack of dawn. The ablution blocks will not be crowded during off-season periods so going for a shower can be done whenever you feel like it.

Cooking often occurs around the fire and the preparation of the food is minimal. Taking an outside gas bottle with different cooking grids allows you to keep the “mess” outside. Have a wash up the convertible table so whenever anything is dirty it can be washed up immediately. This also keeps the flies away.

Allow yourself time to read and relax. Get a great book that you cannot stop reading. Kristin Hannah is a fabulous author and I have chosen this one for you to read on your vacation. Firefly Lane is another great one. I have just finished watching the series on Netflix.

Go for walks or hikes in the tranquillity of your surroundings. Most parks have a swimming pool or you are next to the seaside. Relish and appreciate these good things in life!

Write in that journal and share your thoughts and inspirations. I find when I am amidst the beauty and I am relaxed, I have very motivational moments.

Take pictures of the magnificence around you. Memories are very encouraging and you soon realize your dreams have become a reality. Whether you have a cell phone or more of an advanced camera, taking a photo allows you to see new things with new eyes. Capture that moment!

What are the many benefits and discounts if you belong to a caravan and motor home club

By joining a club, you pay an annual fee. This fee has numerous benefits:

• special offers are offered to you by joining at sometimes huge discounts
• food discounts are offered
• special interest clubs such as senior clubs you can join
• choose between a small or large club
• clubs offer affordable and the best insurance on your caravan or motor home
• by belonging to a club you can even get discounts on cars or new caravans if you want to upgrade
• the clubs have their own recommended campsites which fulfill every need
• social getaways so you can make new friends
• technical and knowledge support
• receive news, emails, reviews, and magazines to keep you updated
• weekend getaways monthly with other seniors from your club
• dedicated campsites for the club
• they offer courses for towing your caravan
• road tips while traveling
• camping tips
• advice on the best equipment to take with you
• social groups for advice and sharing

Caravanning to discover new places

“I have been in many beautiful places and did not wish to taste, but to drink deep.” – Everett Ruess

Many retired couples stay in their retirement homes, homes, and complexes and don’t get out and about as going away can be extremely expensive. Caravanning or motorhomes give an affordable opportunity to travel and explore places you have never seen throughout your own country.

As we get older this adventure vacation is so important! It creates new interests and wonders! The soul gets refilled, the conversation between the two of you is revitalized, new moments of excitement come into being and you have a new purpose to get going every day.

As a senior, you view new scenery with novel eyes. You actually SEE, feel and understand as if for the first time in your life. You experience the instant and capsulate it in your heart. A fresh youthfulness encompasses your outlook and your feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. Walking is so good for you as you explore and this most certainly has a vital positive effect on your aging.

17 Tips to help with plenty of storage space

I have added my suggestions from Amazon, the most convenient place to purchase, which have proved reliable, hardy, and useful. These will assist you to relate and purchasing with ease.

• utensil tray and drawer dividers
• hanging shoe racks for numerous storage ideas
• sealable food containers for things like flour, sugar, cereal, etc
• lightweight storage boxes that fit and lock into each other going upwards
• ceiling hooks where you can hang fruit, brooms, mop, duster, and other cleaning supplies
• above the kitchen area install shelving with a front piece (so items won’t fall off while traveling)
• tabletop ironing board
• pop up laundry hampers
• magnetic strips for items such as scissors, tweezers, nail clippers, knives
• double clothes hangers
• over door dustbins
• hooks for cups below shelves
• fold up table
• food storage containers
• bag with holes in for kitchen utensils hanging from the ceiling
• bowls and pots that go into each other
• fold-up boxes that go under the beds

Peace and tranquillity with nature

“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.” —Saint Francis de Sales

Would you love to go caravanning or go off into the horizon with your motorhome? Maybe you do already. Let us know your comments below so others can benefit from your advice.