alittlebitsocial2 Travel isn’t just about getting away; it’s often about creating space to breathe, reset, and reconnect. With a bit of thoughtful planning, a self-catering caravan holiday can be less stressful and far more enjoyable. Taking a little time to prepare ensures you have the essentials while also creating calm, mindful experiences.
If you’re neurodivergent, anxious, or juggling family life, planning ahead can make trips feel lighter. Over fifteen years of family caravan trips, we’ve learned that packing with intention makes a huge difference. It’s not about bringing everything; it’s about choosing what truly matters so your caravan feels like a home away from home and your holiday feels like a restorative escape.
Essential Self-catering caravan checklist
This guide is focused on static caravans – the cosy, stationary ones you find at holiday parks (they only move if they’re on the back of a lorry!). Many of the tips here also apply to touring caravans, but there are no strict rules; every trip is a little different.
As a family, we’ve been enjoying self-catering caravan holidays for nearly fifteen years. They’re far from bare, and over time we’ve moved from basic caravans to premium ones (yes, even with a dishwasher!), but the essentials remain the same. Through the years, we’ve learned what really works, what to leave behind, and to double-check before leaving — a lesson we learned the hard way when Bear Bear (RIP) accidentally ended up in the rubbish bag instead of the bedding bag! A caravan truly becomes a home-from-home, and a little mindful preparation makes it feel effortless.
Home Comforts
Most static caravans come with the basics – pots, pans, mugs, glasses, a kettle, and bedding, but a few familiar touches help the space feel peaceful and inviting:
- Soft bath towels and a bath mat
- Oven gloves and tea towels
- Bedding or favourite pillows for a little extra comfort
- Child-friendly crockery and cups for little ones
Travel should feel freeing, not overwhelming. Packing with intention helps create that ease.
Outdoor Relaxation
Part of the charm of a caravan holiday is the chance to spend slow, mindful hours outside. Pack only what will enhance your experience:
- A comfortable camping chair or blanket for reading in the sun
- A small folding table for morning coffee or family meals
- A windbreak or lightweight shelter if the breeze picks up
- Optional: a small portable BBQ for an evening under the stars
Quiet Entertainment
Even if your caravan has a TV, some gentle activities help the mind slow down:
- A few books or magazines
- Kindles or e-readers
- Travel games or a deck of cards
- A journal for writing or sketching
These small, intentional moments allow space for reflection and calm.
Mindful Meals
No one goes on holiday to spend their time stressing over meals. A self-catering trip is meant to be a break, a chance to relax and enjoy the pace of life. That said, a little thoughtful preparation makes everything feel lighter. Will you eat out most nights, or enjoy a picnic on the beach? Will the kids have enough snacks to keep them content?
We like to bring a few essentials in a large storage container, just the things that keep us ticking over without overthinking every meal. A calm holiday doesn’t need gourmet planning; a few simple staples are enough:
- Condiments you love (ketchup, mayo, olive oil)
- Tea, coffee, sugar
- Bread or easy snacks for the beach or park
- Optional: squash, biscuits, or treats for slow, relaxed afternoons
We usually skip milk; it doesn’t travel well, even in an electric cool box. It’s also worth checking what cafés, restaurants, or small shops are available on-site, and whether the park allows supermarket deliveries. A little preparation like this keeps packing light and ensures your holiday stays calm and stress-free.
Simple Cleaning & Hygiene
Even on holiday, the little comforts make a big difference. Bringing a few thoughtful supplies can keep life feeling effortless, so you can focus on relaxing rather than scrambling for basics:
- Toilet roll & kitchen roll – it’s always handy to have a little extra on hand, especially for unexpected spills or messes.
- Hand wash or sanitiser – a simple way to keep hands clean without hunting for soap, especially after outdoor adventures.
- A small cloth and washing-up liquid – perfect for quick tidying after meals or wiping down surfaces, keeping your space feeling fresh with minimal effort.
For the Little Ones (including those with disabilities)
The most significant factor will be the age of your kids. Travelling with babies and toddlers often feels like travelling with the kitchen sink, but sometimes you need those must-have items, and it’s the same when travelling with a disabled child. So much more needs to be prepared for or anticipated.
- Travel cot – Not everyone is happy hiring a travel cot from the hire shop, so consider where your little one will sleep. We opted to take our own in the early days, as it was more convenient, but the rooms can be pretty small, so it was a bit of a squeeze.
- Nappies, wipes, nappy bags – We still have a disabled child in pads, so it’s the norm to consider his essentials. However, there are now many more options, including space-saving cots.
- Stroller – We use a wheelchair now, but highly recommend getting a lightweight stroller; we had a Silver Cross Zest Stroller, and it was excellent and faired well; if you are looking for something for younger ones or one that is aeroplane approved, then consider the Joie Tourist lightweight pushchair, which only weighs 6kg and can support a carrycot or a car seat.
- High chair, travel potty, stair gates, blackout blinds, fridge locks, and toddler cutlery if your kids are on the younger side.
Gentle Days Out
If the sun shines, make the most of it without overpacking:
- Beach towels & foldable bucket & spades
- Suncream & a hat
- Comfortable shoes & a bag for essentials
- Lightweight raincoat, just in case
Even rainy days can feel easy with minimal preparation.
Summary
A caravan holiday is a chance to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with nature, family, or yourself. Pack lightly, focus on what matters, and let the rest unfold naturally. If you love travel because it gives you space to breathe, reflect, and reset, you might also enjoy my posts about navigating change, finding calm in busy seasons, and building a life that feels more intentional.
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This has made me want to go on a self-catering holiday! Thanks for sharing these great tips — so useful!
You are welcome Molly.
Great list! This is so helpful – you’ve really covered all bases here! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you. I am glad you found it useful.
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