Planning a longer trip is always so much fun, but there is sometimes a lot to consider. When planning a longer trip we suggest that you think about where you would like to go and how long it will take you to reach your destination. It can sometimes be hard to wrap your head around the vast distances between towns here in Australia.
PLANNING A TRIP
With the advent of the internet planning a longer trip is now much easier. However, don’t discount the usefulness of paper maps. It can be useful to be able to see a whole area, without having to flip between pages or navigate around on a computer screen. We think Hema Maps are some of the best ones around.
Also don’t think that if you make a plan that you have to stick to it. If we find something that interests us we will stop along the way or make a detour. When you are on a trip, chatting with other travellers is a great way to find out about other places you can visit.
RESEARCH
If you can, get hold of some tourist guides on the areas that you want to visit. These can have great ideas in them on what there is to see and do in each town and along the way as well.
We also love the Camps Australia Wide books. Now up to version 11, it has over 5000 campsites in it. It features fantastic maps and shows camping and rest areas and the facilities available in those areas, such as toilets, BBQs, day or night use etc.
We also love the newly released Big Lap Bible. Unlike other travel guides, this one is written by travellers for travellers. Each state is broken down into sections with all the best things to see and do listed. Plus it has a heap of planning tools in the back of it.
PREPARATION
If it has been a while since you have been on a trip, it’s always a good idea to give your travelling home the once over. To make sure you are prepared for the trip you can:-
- Make sure it is clean and aired out.
- Make the bed with clean sheets and quilt covers.
- Check that you have all necessary kitchen equipment
- Make a food shopping list
I usually only take enough food for the first few days. This will save a bit of storage. Unless you are travelling into a remote area there will be plenty of opportunities to re-stock. A great tip is to try and spend a few dollars in the smaller towns that you may stop in. Many of these outback towns are doing it tough after several years of drought and the tourist dollar is a well-appreciated boost to the local economy.
You may find our downloadable list of CAMPER ESSENTIALS useful when planning your trip.
MAINTENANCE
You should also check that your car and trailer or van are mechanically sound. Some things to do before you leave:-
- Have your vehicle mechanically serviced
- Check all tyre pressures, including any spare tyres and make sure that spares are in good condition
- Check wheel bearings and brakes on the trailer
- Put together a basic tool kit that could be used to effect any emergency roadside repairs
Leaving your itinerary with a family member just so someone else knows where you are travelling to is also a good idea. When travelling into outback areas of Australia remember that distances between fuel stops can sometimes be several hundred kilometres. So take note of ‘Last Fuel’ signs and make sure that you fill your vehicle before heading to your next destination. For trips further inland you may need to consider carrying extra fuel and water as well.
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Listen in to their podcast episode https://allaroundoz.com.au/podcasts/travelling-and-working-around-australia/
Wishing you safe travels.
Hope you have a fantastic trip, it all sounds great.
Enjoy.