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Holidaying in a caravan is one of the best experiences for people who love to explore but don’t want to miss out on those all important home comforts like snuggly heated throws, their favourite mugs or a proper cup of coffee.
A caravan lets you have everything you need with you, while still being able to wake up somewhere new. Plus, there’s no rushing for flights and no feeling like you are living out of a bag. A cosy bed with your own mugs and your own routines.
That said, caravans are compact by design and that means you’ll likely want plenty of space saving versions of your favourite gadgets.
Having the right tools to hand can transform your holiday experience and mean that rather than making do, you can actually enjoy your mini home away from home to the full.
We asked a couple who frequently holiday their caravan for their top travel must-haves.
They stated ‘compact is key. We’re always on the lookout for sleek, small versions of your everyday home essentials for the caravan and we’ve found some great gadgets along the way.
Our favourite is the Cadac cooker. We can cook just about anything, from breakfast to dinner without it taking up too much space. It works like a conventional hob, or even a barbeque, depending on what you’re cooking.
We also love our Le Creuset cafetiere. Of course there’s no room for a coffee machine, but we’re not wanting to go back to instant when we’re away. So this cafetiere is just perfect for making smooth coffee that can last us all morning.
We have a set of four camping chairs and table, just from Amazon. They’re cheap but comfortable and fold up flat so we can fit them under the breakfast bench in the caravan. They’re perfect for when the weather is nice and we sit outside to eat. ‘
Deryck Latimer an avid caravan camper with his Cadac cooker.
Here are the gadgets you need for your next caravan getaway.
Cooking gadgets you shouldn’t be without
Cooking in a caravan can be fun but it does take a bit of planning. Space is limited and everything has to earn its place.
If you want to enjoy proper meals on your trip, one of the best additions you can get is a portable induction hob. It gives you plenty of control and heats up quickly, which is a lifesaver when you just want dinner done. On warmer days, you can use it outside under the awning, which keeps smells and steam out of the caravan.
Alternatively, those who miss their air fryers while away should definitely consider the Ninja Crispi, this mini air fryer has been specifically designed with portability in mind and when we tested it, our reviewer was blown away by the results. not only that, it’s also very compact and lightweight, despite the dish being made from glass.
A travel kettle is another essential. It’s not particularly fun but some standard kettles can have trip the electrics when boiling, especially if you happen to be staying on sites with lower amperage. A lower wattage model does the job perfectly and still gives you that all important cup of tea.
Collapsible cookware is another great tip for caravan cooks. Folding saucepans, bowls and colanders take up hardly any space and make cooking proper meals so much easier.
Cleaning bits that don’t take up space
Caravans get messy quickly, especially if you are in and out all day. Having the right cleaning tools for your small space makes things so much easier.
A small handheld vacuum cleaner is one of the most useful things you can own. Sand, crumbs and dirt are probably a familiar sight and being able to do a quick clean without hauling around a full-sized vac is ideal.
Microfibre cloths are another staple. They take up next to no room and can be used for almost everything. I’d also suggest using a refillable spray bottle and dissolvable cleaning tabs, which take up far less space that bulky liquid cleaners.
I would also recommend a small dehumidifier or moisture absorber. British weather and caravans are not always the best mix and this can help keep outside moisture down, as well as helping you deal with cooking smells. Yout bedding and towels will thank you.
Home comforts and nice to haves
Lighting can make a big difference to how homely your caravan feels. Main lights can sometimes feel a little start, so bringing along a couple of battery powered lamps or fairy lights will make your evenings feel more relaxed.
A portable Bluetooth speaker is another must have in my opinion. Whether it’s the listening to the radio first thing in the morning or music while cooking, it brightens up the boring jobs and makes everything feel more normal.
On cooler evenings an electric throw is unbeatable, especially for those winter trips. heated blankets uses very little power and keep you warm without having to rely on other heating sources. Perfect for sitting out the front or watching television in the evening.
Storage solutions are also worth thinking about. Hanging organisers, hooks and under bed boxes help keep clutter under control. In a small space, it makes a huge difference to how calm it feels.
The joy of caravan holidays is the balance between freedom and comfort. The right gadgets won’t clutter but instead make the whole experience more enjoyable.
With a bit of thought and prep, a caravan trip becomes less about making do and more about settling in, putting the kettle on and feeling completely at home wherever you’re parked up.
