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Driving bigger vehicles can be quite a daunting task. Daunting might even be an understatement; plenty of drivers, seasoned as they are, actively avoid having to drive such unwieldy vehicles.

Although unwieldy, plenty of people just can’t seem to stay away from caravans. They are wonderful after all! It’s like taking a good chunk of your home with you, and it allows you to travel in comfort and luxury.

If you’ve been planning on getting a caravan for yourself, or if you’re about to rent one for your upcoming holiday or vacation, it doesn’t need to be something that you’re going to dread on the day you’re to drive it.

Read on to learn more about how to make driving your caravan safe and enjoyable, even if you’re a complete newcomer to caravanning.

Do your research, prepare accordingly. Where are you going with your caravan, and what kind of caravan will you be bringing? Are you towing the caravan, or is it adjoined to the main vehicle?

Be aware of these prior to driving the vehicle, and prepare accordingly. Of course, don’t bring your caravan to a challenging route with lots of turns- make sure that you’re travelling on a short and easy route on your first outing with your caravan.

Get enough practice

Getting enough practice is important as well- it’s part of your preparation. Look for a wide enough road to practice turning and try to get used to controlling the caravan’s shaking even on straight roads and high speed.

Practice in different situations, days (weeks even) before your trip- do it on empty parking lots, less busy freeways, and different roads with different speed limits just to get a feel for towing or driving a caravan.

This is definitely better than driving a caravan for the first time on the day of your trip. Nothing might happen and you might do just fine, but you certainly wouldn’t want to take your chances with such a large vehicle.

Never rush

Since you’re carrying heavier equipment, don’t rush- drive at a reasonable pace and don’t speed up too much.

Keep a healthy amount of distance from other vehicles as well, and remember to slow down ahead of time. If you’re familiar with defensive driving, this is exactly that, only with more anticipation needed on your part.

Don’t rely solely on your brakes. If you step on the brake after driving quickly, all that energy is moving forward and will need to go somewhere! Abruptly braking (or not giving yourself enough time to brake by slowing down) usually causes the caravan you’re pulling behind your car to tilt to the left or right. You certainly don’t want that happening, so take it as slow as possible.

Remember, you’re a beginner and your first priority is to keep everything safe. This will make the trip more enjoyable and will prevent unnecessary damage to the caravan and the insides/furnishing. Speaking of which…

Lock everything down

We’re referring to anything you’ve placed inside the caravan. Electronics, furnishings, small items; it’s a moving vehicle after all, and you don’t want stuff getting broken just because you made a sharp turn. (it’s not unknown for a newbie caravan owner to find broken stuff inside after a long drive. Although hilarious, wouldn’t you rather be laughing because of how fun the trip is?)

Invest in a reliable reversing camera and monitor combo

Even the vets will agree- you’ll need a reversing camera. And it’s not just because it’s hard to back up in general; it’s just generally more difficult with larger vehicles such as caravan trailers and trucks (in some cases, downright impossible to do safely).

If you own a caravan trailer, no matter if you’re a veteran and especially if you’re a newcomer to caravanning, you definitely need to have a reversing camera. This isn’t just to prevent damage to the caravan; this is also to make sure that you don’t damage property or injure anyone (or any animals) when you’re backing up.

Your best bet would be to hardwire the reversing camera and monitor your vehicle’s battery so that it’ll work without fail. If you can afford it, invest in a wireless system to make it easier.

When making your turns, do it “wider”

Do this especially if you’re towing. Instead of taking the lane nearer to your turn, leave some space for the caravan to move along with your vehicle to make the wider turn. Make sure to signal the driver behind you, and as with turns make sure to slow down ahead of time properly and don’t stab on your breaks- ease into a slower movement to make sure the caravan doesn’t careen off to the side.

And last but not the least, keep a cool head about you

Not everyone is going to be thrilled driving behind or beside a slower, wider vehicle such as a caravan. If you run across any irritated or irate motorists that are less than thrilled to be lagging behind you, be courteous and don’t get upset that they’re upset.

Larger vehicles can be taxing to drive both mentally and physically so try to get some decent rest before the trip so you can keep it cool and courteous out there.

Make sure to signal properly and drive at a reasonable pace and you should be all set!

Have fun out there, and happy caravanning!

Many thanks to our guest blogger

Brisbane Holiday Village would like to thank John Dizon from Elinz for their guest blog on Driving Caravans for Newbies!

Elinz is an online electronics store based in Australia and offers quality electronics directly to their customers. Their product range includes best-selling items such as reversing camera kits, car DVD players, driving lights, headrest DVD players, roof mount DVD players, inverters, and battery chargers.

Australia is a massive continent with long stretches of road and scenic views making it the perfect place to go road tripping. Whether you are road tripping to Brisbane, or across Australia, you need to prepare your car adequately.

Road trips are a time of fun and relaxation, so the last thing you want is a breakdown. Our guest blogger, Billie McInerney has put together a list of handy tips to ensure you are covered on your next road trip.

1. Car Care is No. 1

Maintain Your Car

Having your car maintained before a road trip is essential to yours and others safety. Without getting your car serviced, driving could be dangerous. A burst tyre or failing brakes could cause a loss of control. If you haven’t been to a mechanic in a while and are planning a road trip, try to get a service done before heading out on your trip.

They will assess and fix parts of your car such as:

• Tyre pressure and tread
• Engine oil
• Brake fluid
• Windshield wipers
• Spark plugs
• Battery

Clean Your Car

Give your car a big clean before packing for your road trip. This will allow you to remove non-essential items and create storage space.

Give your windscreen and mirrors a good clean to ensure you can see clearly while on the road. Make sure you pack some paper towels and rags to give your windscreen regular cleans while on the road.

2. Towing Guidelines Ensure Safe Trips

If you plan on towing your trailer or caravan you need to be aware of your vehicle’s towing guidelines. Next, check your chains, couplings, shackles and lights are all functioning.

3. Security is Key

Another thing to think about is if you have sufficient security for your caravan or trailer before hitting the road.

4. Tool Kits Save Sanity

When you are road tripping off-road or on remote roads, you may not come into contact with other people to help if something goes wrong.

That’s why it’s essential you bring tools that will help you repair your car. Your tool kit should include:

• Tow Rope
• Car Jack
• Spare Tyres
• Vehicle light globes
• Socket & Screwdriver set
• Duct tape
• Jumper Cables

5. Pack the Essentials

Think about what you need to survive first when packing your car. Ensure you pack plenty of food and water. Opt for big jerry cans that hold lots of water and an esky to store all your perishable food. After packing the essentials, start to consider other items that will allow for a more organised and enjoyable road trip.

Remember not to overpack! More weight will decrease your fuel economy.

Ensure that all your luggage is packed safely and securely. If you are storing stuff on your roof rack ensure you have the correct straps and a net to secure it. If your luggage is not properly secured this cause damage and/or injury to other drivers.

6. Get Car Insurance & Roadside Assistance

If you don’t have car insurance and you’re planning a road trip, now’s the time to get it. Anything can happen on a road trip, you could damage your car, somebody else’s car or property. Ensure you have the appropriate car insurance cover and the option of roadside assistance to give you peace of mind on your next road trip.

Many thanks to our guest blogger

Brisbane Holiday Village would like to thank Billie McInerney for their guest blog on How to Prepare Your Car for a Road Trip! You can catch Billie on LinkedIn.

Have you ever felt tired of the day-to-day grind? Is routine killing your joy for life? Yep, been there, done that… That’s why our guest blogger Elanya van Heerden and her family decided to take a year out on a road trip to “get away from it all”.

“I can honestly say it was the best thing we could do for our health, and our mental well-being.”

The Story

Downsizing from a large 4 bedroomed house, with multiple living areas, a big kitchen, outdoor entertainment area and pool didn’t come easy. Trust me when I say we were all well and truly pushed out of our habitual comfort zones.

Squeezing one’s life into a Paramount Duet to hit the road for an almost year-long journey taught us so much though. This greatly needed experience has taught us all not to care so much about material possessions, and we have learned how rewarding travelling is and how it helps us grow as people. In the long run, material goods don’t have anywhere near the same value as memories do.

The Adventure Begins

Not only has our family matured from having to live and travel in a smaller, confined space, but we have also experienced some amazing adventures together. From jet- skiing in Airlie Beach, to reaching the Northernmost tip of our continent, to have a hands-on experience with crocs and reptiles in Darwin, we’ve experienced things that would have otherwise taken us years and years to experience.

These epic adventures have brought us all closer and it’s a relishing notion.

Trips like these are not all rainbows and jellybeans though and can be quite difficult at times, but the resulting impact is great, especially for the kids. Our kids have become versatile and more resilient and I’m sure that in the long run they will understand how fortunate they are.

Positive Impact of Family Travel

The positive impact that travel has had on our combined health is telling. From having to sit in chairs all day at the office or school, to be able to incorporate a lot more walking on our trip has left our bodies feeling fitter and less stressed.

Unfortunately, our mid-lines have grown a little but that comes down to travelling in remote parts of the country and not being able to find fresh fruit and vegetables. As a qualified chef and Type 1 Diabetic (which isn’t a lifestyle condition like Type 2 Diabetes is, but rather an autoimmune

condition which I was diagnosed with at the age of 8 years old), getting comfortable with more processed foods in our diet was a bit of a challenge for me. The silver lining is that we realised how fortunate we are to truly be eating a diet made up of only the freshest ingredients when back home in Brisbane.

Physical Activity

Travel truly does promote physical activity and we all know that physical movement lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.

According to the World Heart Federation, moderate exercise lowers your risk of heart attack by 30-50%. Studies have found that men who do not take a vacation for a few years are 30% more likely to have a heart attack. So what are you waiting for? Book your cabin or campsite now!

We sometimes walked up to 10 kilometres a day, checking out local attractions and exploring nearby towns. We also did quite a bit of bicycling and kayaking. Getting outdoors has had such a positive effect on, not only our physical health but also our mental health.

Exploring new activities has also led all of us to understand ourselves better by overcoming challenges and at the same time pushing through fears we never even knew we had – specifically me, and “gunning it” on a jet ski! Who knew I am an adrenaline junkie and would love going full throttle so much?!

Stress Reduction

Stress reduction is one of the biggest benefits of travelling. My husband and I found that we let go of stress and started to relax after 1-2 days into our trip. Leisurely activities lower levels of depression and improve psychological functioning.

Vacations can help to manage negative emotions by removing us from sources of stress. Once we started to relax and enjoy our travelling, I saw an increase in creativity in all of us. As Editor In Chief of Health Wisdom Magazine, I can honestly say this boost of mental energy and creativity has done wonders for my magazine career.

New Experiences

All the new environments that I came across and the new experiences that I took on, definitely inspired me to write more, and my husband’s creative initiative came in handy during emergencies – like when we got our Toyota Hilux well and truly stuck in the mud!

Final Thoughts of Family Travel

Travelling as a family has been hugely beneficial and I know that we will all have vivid and happy recollections of this family gap year and that our children will cherish these experiences.

Listen to the call of your soul within! It’s vital to stay in touch with your body and mind, and always encourage yourself to grow. Once we return from our travels, I’m sure that we will be refreshed and much more able to deal with the demands of life.

As our trip is nearing its end by now, we are all ready for routine and the daily grind again, because our souls have been recharged! This trip was truly an investment in our health and wellbeing, and I urge you to consider the same for your health too.

Many thanks to our guest blogger

Brisbane Holiday Village would like to thank Elanya van Heerden for her guest blog on the Positive Impact of Family Travel – A Traveller’s Journey.

A bit about Elanya

My family and I have been doing a half lap around Australia this year, and we started off in Brisbane, as that is our home base. We chose to be digital nomads for a year and to travel to see this beautiful country, while working on our online businesses. Our main businesses, that funded this year, are  Titanium Living, a nutritional supplement company and Health Wisdom Magazine, a digital magazine for women aged 40 and over, which is FREE online.

Keep up-to-date and follow Elanya and her family HERE

If you’re planning a camping or caravan holiday with a young baby, you might be feeling a little apprehensive about how both you and your baby will cope. With a bit of planning, you can look forward to a stress-free holiday which everyone will enjoy.

Our guest blogger, Melissa Riley of BubCarrier has put together seven useful tips to help you (and your baby) prepare for your holiday!

1. Plan ahead

Find a family friendly resort or campsite and ask them what facilities are available for babies and young children. Some will have equipment such as portable cots and highchairs available to borrow or hire. Having access to a pool, shady spots to play and even other mums and dads with young children can also be really helpful!

2. Allow extra time for the journey (& set off at nap time!)

It might be tempting to get the drive over and done with as quickly as possible, but with a baby that doesn’t always work. Plan to set off when your little one is having their daytime sleep and get as much driving done while they are napping. Plan any break times around feeds, nappies and play time. It might take a little bit longer to get to your destination but you’ll arrive feeling happier and less stressed!

3. Stick to the same sleep times & routine

Your baby will be sleeping in a different place when you are away from home and that could unsettle them a little. However, if you stick to the same sleep routine and times you’ll find that your baby will quickly adapt to their new surroundings and you can enjoy some much-deserved relaxation time while your little one sleeps!

Remember to bring their favourite toys, books and soothers to help them feel relaxed and comfortable in their new, temporary home!

4. Get your baby used to sleeping in a portable cot before you leave

If you get a chance, setup a portable cot at home for a few days before you leave for your holiday. This will get your baby used to their new cot in their comfortable and familiar surroundings. It also gives you a chance to make sure you know how to put it up and make sure everything works before you set off!

5. Use a baby carrier

Baby carriers are great on holiday because they allow you to carry your little one and keep your arms free to setup the tent or hold a cold drink! They are really calming and soothing for most babies, and they will often fall asleep in a baby carrier or wrap when all else fails! It’s important to follow the T.I.C.K.S guidelines for safe babywearing, and purchase a carrier from a reputable brand.

6. Stay Calm & Relaxed!

Babies are highly intuitive. If they pick up on your stress they are more likely to be unsettled – which will probably stress you out even more! Try to relax and enjoy your holiday and you’ll find that your baby will be more likely to relax too (we realise this is sometimes easier said than done!).

7. Bring everything you need for baby

To help you relax and make sure you don’t have to worry about shopping for baby supplies while on holiday, it’s worth making sure you have everything you need for your baby before you set off. Make a checklist and go through it before you leave.

Things to think about include:

• Nappy bag with a portable change pad
• Baby wipes and lotion
• Enough nappies for the trip
• Extra clothes so you don’t have to worry about washing
• Baby bottles (and if you are formula feeding be sure to ask the staff for a fridge).
• Anything else you would take along with your baby if you were to go on a day outing.
• Favourite toys, soothers & comforters
• Any medications or pain relief you might want
• Baby food or formula
• Sunhat
• Plastic utensils, bowl etc

With a little planning it really is possible to have a fun and relaxing holiday with a young baby!

Many thanks to our guest blogger

Brisbane Holiday Village would like to thank Melissa Riley of BubCarrier one of Australia’s leading baby carrier, sling and wrap retailers, for their guest blog! Melissa is passionate about helping people throughout Australia experience the benefits of babywearing. Melissa loves the outdoors and regularly goes on camping trips with her two young boys.

With Christmas around the corner, it’s the time of year when we start to set our sights on exploring the great outdoors. If you’re planning a trip around Queensland with your caravan, it’s best to start preparing early.

On your adventures, you are bound to wander away from your caravan. Imagine you’re out in the lush Australian bush, soaking up our amazing nature, a while later you return to your campsite, and find that your caravan is empty, or worse, nowhere to be seen. Your holiday can quickly become a nightmare!

The good news is there are plenty of ways to secure your caravan and avoid this.

Secure Your Doors and Windows 

Just like you would at home, when you leave your caravan remember to lock your doors and windows. The issue with many caravans is that they are typically fitted with flimsy screen doors. It wouldn’t take much to pry it open. To decrease the chance of a break-in, it’s essential to fit a high-quality security door lock. A good quality door lock will discourage thieves and keep your caravan secure.

If a thief cannot enter through the door, the next place they will try is the windows. Most caravans are fitted with plastic windows. The flexibility of acrylic windows and plastic latches makes it easy for a thief to pry them open and crawl through. Installing high-quality window locks is a must. In the case that thieves do break in and steal your valuables, it’s a good idea to check if your insurance policy covers theft.

Secure Your Valuables  

In the instance that somebody breaks in despite your efforts to secure your windows and doors, it’s important to store your most valuable items in a safe place. Safes are a great option for storing items such as money, mobiles, GoPro, keys, original documents, insurance papers and jewellery.

Lockdown Your Entire Caravan  

When you think of caravan theft your first thought is somebody breaking in and stealing your valuables, but what people forget, is that some thieves will try to take off with your whole caravan. To prevent this, you can invest in the following security products:

Wheel Clamp:

Fitting a wheel clamp to your caravan is a great deterrent for thieves. While wheel clamps aren’t impenetrable, they are highly visible, which makes it difficult for thieves to remove it without drawing attention to themselves.

Coupling Lock:

A coupling lock fits over the top of your coupling. A coupling lock works by preventing the coupling latch from being lifted.  When your caravan is attached to your vehicle the lock effectively secures the trailer to the vehicle. This makes it impossible for a thief to detach it without a key.

 Alarmed Trailer Lock:

Another security measure is to install an alarmed trailer lock. When a thief attempts to tamper with your trailer, the alarm will be set off. The high pitch sound is very likely to send thieves running. Note that the alarm only works if your caravan is attached to your vehicle.

Install Curtains 

Simple, but effective.

Installing curtains is an inexpensive way to add an extra layer of security to your caravan. If people cannot see the valuables inside your caravan, it makes breaking in less tempting. Whether you buy or make your own remember to choose dark and thick fabrics.

Be Mindful

Be mindful of the locations you choose to camp at. Choose locations that are busy and secure. The most high-risk destinations are isolated and remote. If you are determined on travelling to remote destinations be sure to not venture too far away from your caravan.

While on holiday we begin to relax and become care-free. While it may be an effort, remember to store equipment like your esky, chairs, tables and bikes away before leaving your campsite. Pack the essentials so you have less valuables to worry about.

Securing your caravan might take some preparation, but the peace of mind is worth it. Do some research on the best security products brands to fit your caravan type and budget.

Many thanks to our guest blogger

Brisbane Holiday Village would like to thank Billie McInerney of Central Screens and Locksfor their guest blog on 5 Ways to Increase the Security of Your Caravan! You can catch Billie on LinkedIn.

Central Screens and Locksare specialists in security products and installs. They have over 20 years’ experience providing quality security solutions to the Western Australian Community.

There are lots of good reasons to make Brisbane your next holiday destination: the nearby beaches, thriving foodie scene, museums and galleries, warm weather and abundance of day trips – but how do you get from place to place once you arrive? Guest Blogger: Sam from Car Next Door, has some great advice on how to find your way around Brisbane!

Exploring Brisbane and surrounds is easy, with plenty of public transport, bike hire and car sharing options to get you wherever you want to go.

Getting to Brisbane is easy, with a full schedule of domestic and international flights in and out of Brisbane Airport. Once you arrive, the Airtrain takes you straight into the city centre in just 20 minutes, or you can use a rideshare service like Uber, Ola, Didi or Shebah to take you straight to your accommodation.

Getting into central Brisbane

If you’re staying a little way out of the city, the best way to get into central Brisbane is by public transport. Trains and buses run regularly from the suburbs into Brisbane city. There is a bus stop right in front of Brisbane Holiday Village! This bus stop will take you to Garden City (Upper Mount Gravatt) and the City. Buy a pre-paid go card to travel on all public transport in Brisbane. A go card can be used on all trains, buses and ferries, and you can buy and top up online, at train stations, or at most 7-Elevens, newsagencies and convenience stores.

Getting around Brisbane

Once you’re in central Brisbane, getting around is really easy thanks to its systemic and compact layout.

Walking

One of the best ways to explore any new city is on foot. Not only will you get a long way towards your 10,000 steps for the day, but you’ll also have the chance to take in the sights along the way. You can walk from one side of central Brisbane to the other in just 40 minutes, and with Queensland’s year-round warm weather (even in winter the average daytime temperature doesn’t drop below 20 degrees Celsius) you’re almost guaranteed a sunny day for your stroll.

Bike

If you’d like to get to your destination a little faster, or just fancy a ride along the Brisbane River, you can borrow a bike from the CityCycle bike share scheme. You can buy a casual 24 hour pass for just $2, and the first 30 minutes of your ride are free. Return the bike to one of the 150 docking stations across central Brisbane within half an hour and pick up a new one to keep riding for free, or pay a few dollars to extend your ride. It’s a good idea to bring your own helmet, as there may not be one available when you pick up a bike and it’s illegal to ride a bike without a helmet in Queensland.

Free buses and ferries

The free transport,  City Loop and Spring Hill Loop bus routes circle the city every 10 minutes on weekdays, and pick up and drop off passengers at various destinations. Look for the red buses and bus stops for the City Loop and yellow buses and bus stops for the Spring Hill Loop. The free transport, CityHopper ferry runs every 30 minutes, between 6am and midnight, seven days a week. Hop on and off at various points along the river, or stay on for the whole ride to take in the city from the water.

Getting out of Brisbane

One of the best things about visiting Brisbane is the wealth things to see and do in and out of the city. Not only does Brisbane itself have plenty of attractions to keep all ages entertained for days, but there are lots of places worth exploring outside the city too. It’s just a short drive to the beautiful beaches of the Gold Coast, the cute town of Tamborine, Lockyer Valley’s great wineries, and stunning national parks at Girraween, Kondalilla and Noosa.

If you didn’t drive your car to Brisbane, you can still head out on a day trip by hiring a car for the day. There are several car rental companies with depots throughout the city, but the cheapest and most convenient way to hire a car in Brisbane is by using a car sharing service like Car Next Door.

Many thanks to our guest blogger

Brisbane Holiday Village would like to thank Sam from Car Next Door for their guest blog on Getting Around in Brisbane!

With Car Next Door you can hire cars by the hour or the day, and prices start at just $5 an hour or $25 a day plus distance charges. The cars are owned by real people (think of it as the Airbnb for cars), so there’s a huge range to choose from: small cars, SUVs, people movers and even convertibles. It’s free and fast to join, and once you’re a member you can book and drive cars instantly (no paperwork or waiting in lines!).

Our Guest Blogger Ceyda from Mozo, takes a look at why families are flocking to Holiday Parks as their go-to family accommodation choice!

Holiday parks have come a long way in recent years, and unlike hotels or some AirBnBs, Holiday Parks are designed with families in mind and are packed with value from the facilities to things to do.

There’s no better feeling than seeing a smile on your child’s face while on holiday. And if you’re in the planning stages for treating your children to a trip they’ll always remember, don’t be of the mindset that you’ll have to cough up big bucks on accommodation and activities.

So if you’re looking for a fun, budget friendly and most of all, memory-making holiday, read on for some of the reasons why more families are ditching AirBnBs and flocking to holiday parks around Australia.

Flexible Accommodation

One of the best things about holiday parks is that you’ll be able to tailor your experience to your budget. Most parks will have a range of accommodation options for families. From getting cozy in a cabin to bringing your own caravan or campervan, or even camping under the stars.

The other benefit of choosing a holiday park over Airbnb can be the location. If you are travelling at peak holiday season, AirBnBs that are in central locations can be super expensive, so if you are after something more affordable you can find yourself in an area far from the action. Holiday parks by comparison have easy access to everything from cafes, parks, playgrounds, swimming pools and because all the facilities are onsite you can also ditch the driving from place to place.

Maximum Holiday Time

Long check-in queues, flight delays and expensive food, having to deal with an airport during any holiday is time wasted, which could be spent on family time by the pool.

Holidaying domestically also means that you don’t have to worry about costly foreign exchange, visas and excess luggage fees which can really add up.

Endless Fun

One of the many struggles that come with taking your children on holiday is making sure they always have something to do. For many parents, that means forking out cash on activities left, right and centre! Most of the time, AirBnBs or hotels don’t come with many on-site activities for children or are only limited to a spa or pool – however, holiday parks like Brisbane Holiday Village are jam-packed with free things to do from table tennis to bird feeding and the best part is, it’s all in the one place! Having these options at your fingertips means more time getting the blood pumping and less time glued to a screen.

And if your kids prefer to get out and about, most holiday parks are at the centre of nature, so they’ll be able to ride down bike tracks, go for bushwalks and even visit local attractions.

Cheap Eats

If there’s one thing that’ll put even the tightest travel budget to the test, it’s paying for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Staying in a hotel typically means you’re limited to room service or hitting up local restaurants for every meal, which really adds up if you’re travelling as a family and resorting to a credit card to fund the expenses.

Thanks to the in-built kitchen or nearby BBQ amenities that are standard at holiday parks you can pick and choose the meals to dine in for.

One great way to get your groceries organised is to buy certain items in bulk. Things like packaged snacks won’t perish as quickly as fruits and vegetables and can help you save a few bucks along the way. Having your own food on hand is also win for parents with fussy eaters, because you’ll be able to cook your child’s favourite meal without the dramas!

Many thanks to our guest blogger

Brisbane Holiday Village would like to thank Ceyda from Mozo for her guest blog on Why Money-Savvy Families are Flocking to Holiday Parks!

Ceyda Erem is a personal finance writer at financial comparison site mozo.com.au where she spends her time helping Australians make more informed money decisions and finding ways to stretch her dollars further.

Travelling is stressful.  Travelling with kids under 5 is even more stressful.  I should know I’ve got twin boys and I’ve taken countless flights with them and several solo flights.
Along the way, I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t.

Before Your Trip

Preparation is key.  Gone are the days when you could shove some clothes in a bag the night before.  Now, you need at least a few days to be organised.

Flights

Booking – Book flights for nap time or in the morning.  Little kids are always much happier after a big night’s sleep.  If you book for nap time the take-off will help them to fall asleep.  All that lovely motion and rumbling noise is a winner.

Seats – Pick seats at the back of the plane near the toilets.  Easy for kids potty training or quick nappy changes.  Or, Pick seats at the front with more legroom.  They cost a bit more, but give lots of space for your kids to sprawl out and play a bit.

Avoid – Night flights and late afternoon flights.  Evening flights and night flights always seem to end up with babies who haven’t slept well and cry through most of the flight.  Stressful for you and everyone else on the plane.

Carry-On Packing

Clothes – Pack two changes of clothes in your carry-on luggage.  Accidents of all nature are bound to happen.

Snacks – Hungry kids are cranky kids.  Always have plenty of healthy snacks packed (snacks help to fill up tummies and ease boredom). Pack as many snacks as you can fit.  Too many is better than not enough.

Pack some treats – Bring some little chocolates or lollies that your kids don’t normally have – it might just stop a potential tantrum in its tracks!

Laptop/Tablet/Phone – Download your kids favourite shows from YouTube – this way you still have some entertainment on hand even if you have no wifi.  If you have more than one kid, buy a headphone splitter.  This way both kids can watch the same show with headphones.

Toys and Fun – Don’t take too many toys, just one or two is enough.  I have found it is best to avoid drawing as well.  In a split second your child goes from drawing on the paper to drawing on the plane.

Passports/Money/Itinerary – Goes without saying.

I have found that it great to invest in a small carry on luggage for your child.  My boys love to pull their Spiderman bags and it stops them running off.  This way they can carry their snacks and toys too.

The Flight

Timing – Allow for way too much time. It always takes so much longer to get through all the lines with your kids.

Queues – Look for priority and family lines. Queuing up with kids is horrendous.

The Pram – Ask for a gate ticket for your pram. This way you can keep your pram right up to the gate.  You can also ask for your pram to be delivered to the gate on the other end.  This way you can use your pram as soon as you get off the plane.

The Holiday

Rest Day – On the first day, RELAX. Everyone will be a bit grump and tried.  You may not have slept well with time differences.  Aim for a day by the pool, or enjoying your hotel facilities.  Just take it easy.

Activities – Little kids get tired quickly. Plan for one activity a day.  This can help avoid potential overtired tantrums. Plan activities around naps as much as possible.

Go with the Flow – Be prepared to leave your routine at home. Keep to a good bedtime as much as possible but relax the routine for a holiday.  There might be naps on the go and a few lates nights.

Most of all…have a great time, but, be as prepared as possible.

– Faith Thoms 

Many thanks to our guest blogger

Brisbane Holiday Village would like to thank the amazing Faith Thoms for her guest blog on Travelling with Kids under 5!

Scooter riding, Bali living mum of twin boys who loves sleep, but enjoys early morning, can’t live without coffee, reading, and endless cuddles from her two little boys and husband. Faith spends her days working with lovely parents, wiping noses and bottoms, and always looking to organise her family’s next travel adventure!

Faith owns a website called The Parenting Co.

When you’ve been planning a family holiday for months, the last thing you want is for you or your little ones to get sick.

Guest Blogger: House Call Doctor has some tips on how you and your family can stay healthy on your holiday.

Slip Slop Slap!

While it may sound basic, it is important to protect yourself and your family from the sun, regardless of the season. Don’t forget to:

Slip on sun protective clothing

Slop on some sunscreen, and

Slap on a protective hat to avoid sunburn and heat exhaustion, even in the winter months.

Avoid food poisoning

If you’re on a camping holiday and have limited access to facilities, or if you’re simply enjoying a cheese platter over a matter of hours, it is important to be cautious of contracting food poisoning.

Assistant Clinical Director Dr Ryan Harvey at House Call Doctor recommends you keep food at regulated temperatures to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.

“Make sure meats aren’t left out to defrost, cold foods (including eggs) are kept in the fridge, and meats are cooked through before you eat them,” he said.

“Don’t leave snacks like cheeses or dips out for too long in the heat either.”

Exercise!

Staying fit and active is one of the best ways to boost your immune system and avoid getting sick. While holidaying in Queensland, you could have a swim in South Bank, or go for a riverside jog, or even hike Mount Coot-tha. With all the sightseeing and exploring awaiting you on your holiday, this should be easy!

According to Dr Harvey, “Children who are active every day will demonstrate lower blood pressure, stronger muscles and bones and a decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.” So while staying healthy on your holiday, you can also set good habits for the health and wellbeing of little ones in your family.

Be aware of travel sickness

If you’re driving for lengthy periods, some family members may get car sick.

• Keep windows slightly open to let in a breeze
• Pack some healthy snacks in the car to help reduce nausea.

If you are heading off on a cruise and feel seasick, we recommend you:

• Keep your eyes on a fixed point or look out to the horizon.
• Avoid foods that are rich in fats or spicy, as they have been known to worsen symptoms of motion sickness.

Many thanks to our guest blogger

Brisbane Holiday Village would like to thank the House Call Doctor for their guest blog on Keeping your Family Healthy on Holiday!

House Call Doctor sends a home doctor to you and your family when your regular GP is closed at night and on weekends and public holidays.

To book a house call home doctor, patients should call: 13 55 66. You can also book online or via the House Call Doctor App.

Looking for a winter getaway? Brisbane City is the perfect place to take the family!

When the winter chill sets in the beaches of the great South East become an icy exclusion zone for holiday makers. So why not take the family and enjoy a city escape minus the crowds (and the peak holiday season tariffs)?

Brisbane holds a treasure trove of things to do, see and eat, places to stay and offers activities for the whole family!

Winter in Brisbane

Firstly, let’s talk about the weather. Brisbane’s subtropical climate offers a dry and mild winter weather compared to summer’s hot and sweaty days dotted with unpredictable storms and torrential downpours. This means your family has more opportunity to enjoy time outdoors without constantly reaching for the bug spray! The natural beauty of Queensland’s national parks are arguably at their peak in the middle of the year – despite the ‘winter’ label. You’ll also rarely see the overnight temperature in Brisbane drop below 10 degrees in the winter months – so whether you’re camping, caravanning, staying in a hotel, motel or resort, your comfort level won’t be too far removed from summer months.

To make your planning easier, we have pulled together a list of must-dos for the kids!

There are so many great kid friendly things to do in Brisbane including:  bowling, ice skating and Sky Zone trampolining. The Museum of Brisbane, Queensland Museum, Sciencentre and Queensland Rail Museum all offer fun-filled days of learning and activities, offering interactive exhibits on natural history, science, art and more. If the kids are into animals, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Paradise Country and Australia Zoo are all located nearby. Brisbane also has a number of parks and public gardens around including the lush Botanical Gardens  in the City and  Mt Coot-Tha – so why not pack a picnic and have some quality time in the great outdoors with your family?

Speaking of outdoors, why not take the kids to Mt Coot-tha and enjoy a walk to JC Slaughter Falls? You can see art work by local Aboriginal artists along the way.  You can also head up to the lookout for one of the most amazing views of Brisbane city.

Brisbane also offers a number of exciting markets. Located at South Bank, Riverside, Fortitude Valley, New Farm Park and West End – there are plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained and you might be able to pick up some local treasures as well.

South Bank is a must see while in Brisbane, offering playgrounds, plenty of food and shopping options for you and the kids.

Of course, if your kids want even more excitement, theme parks are one of the best places to take the kids whilst on holidays and Brisbane is conveniently located near some of the best. Movieworld, Dreamworld, Seaworld, Aussie World and Underwater World and all located within 30 minutes from the Brisbane City centre.

The options for a fun-filled winter escape are endless – so come and explore Brisbane with the family!

Article by Brisbane Holiday Village, a family owned and run holiday park specialising in holiday cabins, camp sites and caravan site accommodation options and offering a huge range of resort-style facilities for the whole family. Our website is: www.brisbaneholidayvillage.com.au

For all enquiries, please contact our friendly reception desk on 07 3341 6133, or email sales@brisbaneholidayvillage.com.au