I didn’t realise that you couldn’t buy pasta, rice or cous cous in France
We take what is already in the van. Probably some frozen milk and Bacon Sausage and Black pudding. Enough for one full English half way through. Tea bags nope coffee nope, wine ditto nope. We did before the age of the kindle take plenty of s/h books to read. We reckoned these were ballast as we could dump them and replace them with wine for the return journey.
We have coffee tea and some tinned stuff in the van ,only extra for longe Eu trip is some extra clothes,not a lot!
We still have some near empty cupboards!
The suff from the house fridge will go in the van.
Forlonger trips we have a full awning, this goes in the car plus bbq and chairs.
We have a smaller awning for short trips or autumn and spring trips as its easier to dry if necessary.We don't take both.Awning always goes in the car.
We don't want to have to much weight!
------------- DS-There's more to life than football!!!
The longest we have done is 3 weeks so I am no expert on long tours but.....
I always take lots of pairs of shorts (banking on good weather and wearing each pair a maximum of one day between washes). Ditto with t-shirts.
I also ensure I have at least two pairs of swimming shorts. I know some sites insist on budgie-smugglers in their pools so maybe worth taking some of those too?
I try not to wear socks whilst on holiday if I can help it, but tend to take some of those "hidden" socks to wear with my trainers and some more formal socks for when we eat out.
For three weeks I would take two pairs of jeans and some smart/casual long trousers (chinos?). These are likely to be worn the least.
Shoes-wise I would take (at least) one pair of trainers, a pair of leather sandals, crocs and a smart pair of shoes. I have also packed wellies in the past but think that is overkill really.
I take a sun hat and a couple of pairs of sunglasses (one in the car and one to have about me).
I also try to take a cross-body man-bag type thing to carry wallet, cards, phone etc.
I usually take a couple of jumpers, just in case. Even in hotter climes, evenings can be cool so sticking a jumper on when sitting out at night just takes the edge off sometimes.
I always take a few coats....a proper waterproof (in case I *have* to be out in heavy rain), a bomber jacket type thing and I also have a linen jacket I take in case we go somewhere smart.
Like others, we take a variety of payment options. A couple of different credit cards and debit cards.
We always have something in the caravan to make up a hot meal should we need to (usually pasta and sauce but has been tinned pots, veg and stewed steak in the past too).
We take marmite (I don't like it but the rest of the family do), instant coffee, tea bags and condiments (including ketchup and brown sauce). We also take coffee grounds to use in the cafetiere. We usually also pack some beer and spirits just to see us through the first few days until we can get a decent shop under our belts.
There are six of us in our family (4 kids - 17 down to 9) so taking some entertainment is also important. We take books and games and although we don't take a TV, I do load the ipad up with films before we go. Tennis racquets, cricket bat and ball, football and table tennis bats and balls also go with us. When travelling to the Dordogne we also take our semi-pro inflatable dinghy.
I guess the bottom line is don't be afraid to use the washing machine onsite and don't be afraid to travel-light and shop-heavy if you can afford to.
I read on here somewhere about prepaid debit cards from the Post Office and looked into it so thanks whoever suggested it SWMBO and I now have one loaded with Euros.
We have to take both Bovril and Marmite TC, because one is good for gravy but not toast and the other is good for toast but not gravy!
We carry some strange candle things to repel mosquito’s by default.
We weighed the last van fully loaded before travelling and we were over. Moved the cider and dog food to the car from the ‘van to the car and all was solved!
Usually we freeze and portion the excess from meals and carry these in the caravan freezer compartment. So we always have a quick microwaveable meal available. Also the larder in the ‘van is stocked with herbs, spices, rice, pasta, passata and tins various so there is always the means to knock up something edible.
We never leave home without bacon, teabags, bread, eggs and marmalade.
Must remember to avoid arriving in France on a Sunday because you can’t get fuel easily if you do.
Agreed we always pack too many clothes. I tend to think oh what the heck I’ll buy stuff while we’re there but the wife wants to take it all with us hence I’m left with a fraction of the smallest wardrobe and some of a drawer.
Thanks all for your advice it has been really useful. We leave on Tuesday so hopefully we’ll have a good trip.
Quote: Originally posted by thechief on 16/5/2019
david8858 - I just spotted that you are a Teessider too. Please don't tell anyone I take a coat or jumper with me
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: 1st extended tour what to pack
via mobile 14/5/2019 at 10:22am
