Caravanning- Tips on keeping expenses to a minimum

No matter what we do in life, there are better ways of doing things to avoid spending those extra few dollars. I have listed a few things that I have learned. Anything you save will leave more money for other more important things.

Vehicle and caravan savings on fuel

• Avoid excessive baggage on roof racks, it will cause more wind resistance and cost more on fuel
• Avoid overloading your vehicle
• Drive at a steady pace, fluctuating speeds increases usage of fuel
• If there is a nice breeze, turn of air conditioner
• If traveling short distances, do not carry extra fuel in containers
• Where possible avoid driving into a head wind, this will reduce fuel usage.
• Check out the prices of fuel, at different service stations, before leaving home

Comfort and protection

• wear suitable clothes
• wear sunscreen and mosquito protection
• wear comfortable shoes- all terrain like crocs

Tips for saving with a Caravan

As you have your own caravan, it still costs you to stay in a caravan park. Powered sites will vary from $20- $70 a night, while unpowered sites are cheaper.  To me $70 is ridiculous to have to pay when you have your own van, this is just for power and a shower.  If I find places charging these exorbitant prices I will not stay they are just rip off merchants.

 While staying in the caravan parks, use their power and gas by using their barbecues, or camp kitchens. Also, use their ablution block for your showers. This will save your gas, for when you need it most. If you have your own hoses, then hook up to their water supply (if it is drinkable). Do not fill your own caravan water tank if you are intending to use the parks water. Towing less weight means less fuel consumption.

Book into a caravan park, and take several day trips, away from the park. This will allow you to cover more territory without dragging the van and saves you fuel. This allows you to go on scenic drives that are not accessible with a caravan, therefore seeing things you would otherwise miss.

Free Parks

Use the free parks when you can as it will save you money. Some will have barbecues, toilets, and showers. Never park in the bush on your own, it is better to camp in safety with others at free campsites. Be considerate to other campers, if you have a generator then park a bit further away from the main campers, as a noisy generator can be annoying if someone is a light sleeper. Free campsites are available in most areas, although some states and councils provide different facilities. Western Australia is the worst for supplying facilities like free camp sites to the tourist.  Yes and I am a Western Australian and ashamed of their tactics.

Tips to avoid unnecessary extra weight

Buy porcelain or plastic dishes instead of china, safer and less likely to break. Purchase your groceries packed in plastic bottles instead of glass. Just because you have heaps of cupboards, do not get carried away, by packing things you will never use or wear. Because the more you can lighten your load, the better, and the more you will save on fuel.

Food Savings

Buy your fresh fruit and food at supermarkets or discount shopping centers; it will be cheaper than small corner stores or roadhouses. Where possible, pack your thermos, and prepare sandwiches for the day and have a picnic lunch under a nice shady tree. This will be a lot cheaper than grabbing a pie and sauce on the way from the roadhouse. Although their toilet facilities may come in handy, if you forgot to pack the shovel.

A small car fridge is ideal on very hot days, it saves on buying ice for the esky, and you can normally plug them into the cigarette lighter. Be careful not to leave it connected for long periods if the Vehicle engine is off, or you will flatten the battery. That will not save you money.

Park Savings

Join Top Tourist Parks in Australia, and save on discounts. It will cost you $25 to join for two years, and offers its members discounts at their parks. They will give you a directory of all their parks, and a member's card when you join. Their Web page is http://toptouristparks.com.au/

You could join other clubs, like Family parks

Also the Big 4, and if you travel often, by joining and paying their membership fees, you will still save.

Most of all - Enjoy your holiday - wherever it is - and be Happy and Laugh