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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

When it comes to Holidays, it can sometimes feel like you need a holiday after your holiday!

The truth is, while holidays are a great way to spend quality time with your family and friends, you need to lay the groundwork before you go.

Once you have the details down, the big stuff begins to take care of itself. After all – You deserve a stress free holiday too!

Do you remember the family holidays you went on when you were a kid?

The excitement of packing all your holiday clothes; the car, plane or train ride there; your parents setting up the tent or organising the rooms of your cabin – and then the fun! Totally stress free right?

Well… maybe for you!

Don’t worry. We’ve got some great tips for making your next family holiday as stress free as possible!

Location, Location, Location

There is a holiday for everyone – you just need to find it!

While it seems like an obvious starting point, deciding where to take the family can be half the battle.

Should we go somewhere new? Somewhere that is renown for being family friendly? Sandy beaches or lush mountains?

The old saying is true – Location matters!

To keep the stress free vibes flowing, make sure to consider:

1. The Weather

• Do the kids have any allergies or sensitivities to the sun?
• What about the cold?
• Many families try to holiday in places with similar weather or temperature to where they live – just with a bit more sun (or a bit less)

2. What will the Kids Learn?

• There’s always an opportunity to learn something new when on holidays, and there’s no better place to start then when choosing your destination!
• Think about the things you loved to learn about when you were little
  • Did you like exploring? Maybe pick a place where your kids can explore
  • Enjoy learning new skills? What about a place that offers local attractions or fun facilities?
• Mixing in some new culture, a local language or a new experience, can not only be fun, but while the kids are entertained you don’t need to stress!

3. Are we nearly there yet?

• Travel time can put a huge dent in the idea of ‘stress free’. The last thing you want is to arrive at your holiday destination after a tense car ride of ‘don’t make me turn this car around’.
• This will depend on your children – their ages and temperaments.
• Ask yourself:
  • Will they stay entertained throughout the journey? Or should you look closer to home?

4. Local Amenities

• Consider what you need and what the local or surrounding area can offer you.
  • Do you want the kids to have access to tennis courts, mini golf, pools, or sports fields?
  • Perhaps you want a shopping centre within walking distance of your cabin, caravan or tent?
  • Maybe you’re after a free-range fun vibe.
• Consider a Holiday Park
  • Holiday parks and resorts (like Brisbane Holiday Village) offer great accommodation options (if we do say so ourselves) and are often more affordable than hotels.
  • Offering:
    • Holiday Cabins (from 3 star cabins to 5 star penthouses)
    • Powered and unpowered camp, campervan and caravan sites
    • Caravan with luxury ensuites
    • XL sites
• Whatever you and your family are after on your holiday experience – make sure it’s on offer before you book!

Check that off the list

The last thing you want to do is panic halfway down the driveway, thinking that you have forgotten something!

To keep things stress free, we recommend making a list of all essential items required for your holiday.

Ever decided to simply pack the car and head to your favourite holiday cabin in Brisbane for a quick time-out? Or maybe a a desire to head out to some faraway place, find a caravan park or campground and relax for the weekend?

Studies show that at nearly 15% of Aussies have planned a last-minute trip just one week prior to their departure. Stress at work, the need for a break, and wanting to spend time with family often drives our decisions to get away from it all – and FAST!

Look for Deals and Best Rates

Before you pack your bags and fly out the door, jump online and check for last-minute deals.

Quite often caravan parks and holiday villages will have discounts available – which you can take advantage of and save some money to spend on your quick getaway.

If you prefer to book online, always compare rates quoted on 3rd party sites and booking apps to those on the hotel’s own site. There are some amazing deals out there, but by checking a hotel’s website it’s often cheeper to simply book direct!

For example: Brisbane Holiday Village offers the best rates of all 3rd party bookings sites that list our accommodation – with 10% off daily rates for booking direct!

Bang for your Buck

While you’re checking out the best rates, high and low seasons, and generally stalking the internet for the best deal, make sure you don’t forget about what it is you’re actually getting.

You may secure a room for a week at a cool hotel for $450.. But, your room may also be right above the restaurant that hosts open-mic karaoke from 6 – 10 every night, charges $25 for 5 minutes of dial-up internet and requires a VIP swipe card in order to use any of the facilities – which conveniently (or inconveniently), wasn’t part of your package.

The point is: Check the facilities on offer!

At Brisbane Holiday Village, we have a huge range of facilities and nearly all of them are FREE!

• 18-hole Mini Golf (small fee to hire putter)
• BBQ Area
• Tennis Court (small fee to hire tennis racket and balls, but you can use your own for free if you have them)
• On-Site Restaurant – Lagoona Resort Restaurant
• Resort-style Pool
• Kid’s Splash Pool
• Multi-purpose Sports Field
• Playgrounds
• Instant PhotoBooth
• Table Tennis (small fee to hire paddles and balls, but you can use your own for free if you have them)
• Bike Track
• Bird Feeding
• Amenity Blocks
• Laundries (coin operated machines)
• Welcome Lounge

Check Social Media and Sign-up for Newsletters

Social Media has everything these days. It can often be a bit of a hassle for a hotel or resort to update their whole website for just a few spare rooms – So check the Socials! Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc, can be a haven of last-minute trip deals. You don’t have to see their posts all the time – but they’ll be there when you need them!

Another good idea is to sign up to a few online newsletters (like ours)– there may be a last-minute trip with your name on it! Most holiday parks aren’t spammy with their emails (we’re not) – once a month you’ll receive deals, specials, prizes, tips and tricks for all your holiday needs!

Check the Bank Balance

This one seems fairly obvious.. but you don’t want to plan a last-minute trip without ensuring that you do, in fact, have enough money to get you there and back!

Make sure that your everyday transaction account has enough money in it to get you to through your trip.

• Remember that not everywhere accepts cards (and some places even levy a surcharge).
• Have a back-up plan: it might be worth transferring some money across from your savings just to make sure that you’re covered.

The best way to ensure that your last-minute trip is budget friendly, is to ensure that it does fit in your budget!

Don’t Forget the Essentials

Again with the obviousness.. but once you’ve booked your trip – don’t run out the door just yet!

While it can be tempting to rush and pack quickly, this can lead to inconvenience when you arrive and find that all your underwear (or that very important medication) was left back at home, sitting on the kitchen bench.

Save yourself the hassle of being without your essentials, and the spending needless money to replace them, and double check to make sure that you’ve packed your toiletries, medications and other things that you just can’t live without.

If you do happen to forget things (because you’ll, of course, be staying with us #shameless), Brisbane Holiday Village has its very own convenience store that’s chock full of essential toiletries and food!

Fuel in the Tank?

There’s nothing worse than a getaway car that breaks down before your house leaves your review mirror..

That’s not to say ‘get a full service done’ before you leave.

Simply stop at a servo on the way, fill the tank, check your oil, water and coolant levels and make sure that your ride has the best chance of leaving your worries in the dust!

Think of the money you’ll save if you take 3 minutes to fill the coolant up or top up the water. Better spending 3 minutes and $6 on coolant, than a 4 hour walk, a new radiator hose and getting heatstroke whilst waiting for a truck to tow your car!

Get travelling!

Go forth and book your last-minute trip!

– The BHV Team

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Think OUTside the box!

Winter is OUT, Summer is IN and we have some awesome tips for your next camping trip!

There are lots of different holiday styles. You can hop on a plane to another country, stay in a holiday cabin a few hours from your home, head to a resort or jump in your car and go camping –  we are very fortunate in this country to have a plethora of amazing holiday choices. However, the limiting factor for most people is balancing the cost of the holiday and where you go/what you do. Unless you’ve found a tree in your backyard that sprouts dollar bills (please hook me up if you have!), you’ll have to do the finance dance like the rest of us.

OR… you could go camping.

Camping – The poor man’s holiday?

What?? No Way!

Exempting your die-hard, best-of-everything campers with waayyyy too much money to spend on completely ridiculous gear (portable solar-powered oven anyone?), camping is fairly inexpensive on the finance front. However, in terms of actual holiday experiences, camping ranks pretty high on the awesome scale.

So what’s great about camping?

Well: It’s outdoors. It’s a novelty. And it offers perfect family time. As someone who relished the family road trips and even slept out in a homemade tent in the backyard, I’m shocked to hear that some camping is often pushed into too-hard basket when it comes to families.

There’s something amazing about camping – it’s an adventure in itself. You don’t need to pay for entertainment – the world is your entertainment! Setting tents up, sleeping under the stars, sitting around and telling ghost stories, daytime fishing, exploring the surrounding area and appreciating the wildlife is what makes camping such a great experience!

While camping and preparation sounds like lots of work is required, it can be surprisingly easy (assuming you don’t try to go professional on your first time out). Remember: you must learn to walk before you run!

Check out our Top Tips for summer camping trips:

1.   Safety First

• Prepare for all climates
  Bring wet weather gear no matter what, including raincoats and a weatherproof fly for the tent. A warm jumper is a good idea too.
• Pack a repair kit
  Some gaffer/duct tape, extra rope, a sewing kit and even spare poles will seem like dead weight in the boot of your car until you need them. Then, one day, they suddenly become your saviour.
  The last thing you want to deal with is that cheap tent you skimped out on (see – 2. Equipment) snapping a tent-pole and the rain you thought you avoided, unloads 2 weeks worth of water onto your campsite while you and the taller of your children take turns holding the tent up as your wife watches sullenly and rather wetly from the family car. Heavy-duty tape would have been a much quicker fix.
• Prioritise First Aid
  Check your First Aid kit is fully stocked and replenished before leaving as it will come in handy for emergencies big and small.

2.   Equipment:

• Check all your equipment before you go
  Make sure all the bits and pieces are there before you take off to avoid nasty surprises upon arrival. If equipment is new, give it a trial run at home – specially tents and stoves
• Borrow equipment
  This is a good one for first-timers. If you’re not sure how much you’ll love your first camping adventure, borrow gear from your friends and family (or rent it). This way you won’t skip on buying a cheap tent and end up sleeping in your car while your tent slowly fills with water, hating the experience.
• Choose the right equipment
  When it does come time to buy, think carefully about what your family needs. Choose a tent that is big enough and easy enough to put up and pack away. Buy good quality gear, once. And don’t compromise on quality. Research the products before you buy them, get good value for money and a quality product and you’ll have it for years to come.

3.   Accommodation:

• Choose the right spot
  First-time campers: If you’ve never camped before, consider opting for a Holiday Park where you have access to electricity, shower blocks, camp kitchens, laundries and convenience stores. Holiday Parks (such as Brisbane Holiday Village) also offer a range of facilities and activities for the whole family and are a great way to ease kids into the idea of ‘roughing it’.
  Camping should be simple and straightforward, and the cost of camping reflects this. Take the time to find economical campgrounds or plan to travel outside of school holidays and public holidays, as this will save you a substantial amount of money in caravan park fees as many campsites will have a peak and off-peak season with different pricing.

• Arrive at your campsite in daylight
  This makes setting up much easier and allows you to get your bearings. Locate the toilets if there are any and set out bedding before dark.

4.   Food

• Pack extra food and plenty of water
  A spare day’s food and drinking water is important in an emergency, especially on overnight hikes or in remote areas.
• Keep meals simple but yummy
  Pre-made meals are easy to heat up on a stove, and sausages and veggies or bacon and eggs are easily cooked on a barbie. Aim for few ingredients and short preparation time. Don’t forget tea and coffee and definitely don’t forget the chocolate.

5.   General

• Keep your campsite tidy
  Store your food in a dry bag or sealed container, and keep rubbish away from where you sleep. Avoid attracting unwanted insect or animal guests.
• Pack some creature comforts
  After a few weekend trips, you will build up your list of essentials. Some of them may seem like luxuries but they will make the experience ten times easier.
  Bring:
  • a hammer or small mallet to push tent pegs in and a doormat for the tent entrance;
  • a dustpan and broom to sweep away sand and dirt;
  • a ground sheet to lay under your tent;
  • a pump for airbeds;
  • individual torches for everyone including kids (we recommend head torches to keep your hands free for board games)

Happy Camping!
– The Brisbane Holiday Village Team