Travelling with a camper - advice welcome

[Mimi]

Hi all,

for this year's summer holidays Rachel and I rented a camper for the very first time. We've been dreaming of this for so many years.
After a really stressful year (or better three years) at school with so many musts and to dos every day we will be really lucky to escape from everything for three weeks and to live outdoors, to enjoy nature, freedom and independance.

But as it is the very first time we do this we sure will forget some important things to take with us when we leave.

So: If there are any experienced people around, please share your experiences, there can't be too much advice!

MIMI

[KarenSews2]

Definitely graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate! What's camping without S'mores!?!?!?

Of course, don't forget:
rain gear
bug spray
flashlights
extra blankets (for the cold!)
fix the heater (getting old) but I digress...

If you can find a cast iron pot on legs called a Dutch Oven, you can make all sorts of delicious food in it!

Have loads of fun!

[Dee]

Enjoy your well-deserved vacation, Mimi and Rachel.

(And don't forget the camera so we can see more of those excellent photos that you take.)

[Mimi]

No need to worry about the pics, Dee. Just bought a new camera last Monday... it's fun!

Mimi

[Eva]

Of course, don't forget:
rain gear
bug spray
flashlights
extra blankets (for the cold!)
fix the heater (getting old) but I digress...!
Raingear and bugspray are very, very important.
Take some stuff to calm your stomache and to prevent dhiarhea if you are travelling abroad.
First aid kit
Extra batteries for whatever
Travelling with a camper is a bit like camping. So I guess you'll need most of the things like when you are camping in a tent. There are possibilities to cook though in a camper. Try salads and stews. That doesn't take up too much burners.
And don't forget your bicycle! :)

Eva

[DaveM]

Duct tape, a Swiss Army knife, antibiotics, lots of band-aids, Imodium AD, twice as many batteries as you think you will need, safety pins, good boots, hats, a small radio that gets weather alerts (you can buy models with built-in generators for $10 or so), your own pillow, ziploc bags.

If you will be backpacking, load your pack with what you feel you can comfortably carry, then get rid of half of it.

COFFEE.

An LED lantern will run for 75 or more hours on a set of batteries, requires no fuel, and will light up the camp site just as well as the classic Coleman. For that matter, there are models with built-in generators, though they are not very bright. They do, however, save on propane or battery power from the camper. "Night Star" flashlights are self-charging (don't get one of the cheaper imitations as some are fakes), are as durable and bright as a MagLite, and cost almost exactly the same. You'll never need batteries and they never wear out.

100 feet of clothesline. In three weeks, you'll find a use for it.

[Rowy]

First thing is to get Janis to personally sign your campervan! We did this at our living room concert in 2006. Then remember to take all your Janis CDs - what else would you need?

Where are you going with your campervan Mimi?

[Eva]

100 feet of clothesline. In three weeks, you'll find a use for it.
Yes! A piece of rope always comes in handy. And clothespins. and duct tape and a knife and... are you travelling my way? :o

Eva

[DaveM]

A can of Inflate 'N Seal or similar--having a flat tire on a camper and having to jack it is a nightmare.

Are you towing a trailer or taking a single unit camper? If the latter, a bicycle or a scooter come in mighty handy.

[Mimi]

First thing is to get Janis to personally sign your campervan! We did this at our living room concert in 2006. Then remember to take all your Janis CDs - what else would you need?

Oh, I love this idea! Having it signed by Janis would be fantastic. So let me have a look which show in June or July has to be cancelled because Janis has to fly over. - If Janis won't do it, hmmmmm, we could maybe ask Chris While & Julie Matthews... would that be OK for a Rudie? They love Janis and here music and are fantastic musicians, singers and songwriters themselves.


Where are you going with your campervan Mimi?

After some weeks of thinking it through we decided to go to UK, mostly the Southern part of it. Any special UK related tips?

Mimi


It's a campervan, Dave, and our bikes will be on board! - How could a bike geek like me leave without it...? That would cause serious withdrawal symptoms...

... and Rowy: Do not worry about the Janis cds... we won't leave without Janis either...

[Bat]

A foot wiping mat or rug comes in handy, too.
Have a wonderful time...I love southern England and have always wanted to visit That big island in the Irish Sea, also Wales. You might run into Ellen MacArthur if you go to the Island (Wight?).

[Rowy]

After some weeks of thinking it through we decided to go to UK, mostly the Southern part of it. Any special UK related tips?


We can give you lots of UK related tips - best to do this by email or we'll bore everyone to death.

Have you planned your route yet?
We live near Lewes, East Sussex, which is 12 km from Brighton. We would love to meet up with you. Send me a private message and we'll see if it's possible.

Tomorrow we are going away for 2 days in 'Janis' our camper but will be home Thursday.

Rowy

[KarenSews2]

Oh yeah -- get a child's toy broom. It's great to keep the floor clean, and doesn't take up much room.