Tip #1 - Packing
Scott and I aren’t beginners...but we aren’t experts either. I’m sure we’ll miss a few things, however, we’ve learned plenty these first couple of years of owning our Georgie Boy Swinger, so we thought we’d share. We’re starting our series with packing...
CLOTHES. You will NEVER wear all the clothes you pack! I don’t care if you’re going for a quick weekend or a month on the road, you will ultimately wear that same pair of comfy shorts a LOT of the time. And pajamas? Oh, you think it’ll be fun and cute to wear that nightgown that has been hanging on the back of your closet door for years...but you won’t. You’ll wear your underwear and a t-shirt...or even half the clothes you wore that day...so keep it simple! Scott insists on packing like three pairs of jeans, several pairs of sweats/sweatshorts, long sleeves, short sleeves, SO many socks...he doesn’t wear HALF of them (so I sneak some out before we leave). The point to all of this is, if you have a specific event you’re travelling to, then you have to pack what you need for that. If you’re on a hubby/wife adventure, pack light except when it comes to underwear. Bring enough of those! Also, DO bring a flannel (I came back to this section to add that). There’s nothing like sitting by a campfire wearing your flannel :) And comfy shoes are a must!
BATHROOM STUFFS. You MAY need two towels each if you’re going to be gone for a long spell or if you’re going to be at the beach. If not, one each will do. You’ll hang it up after each use and it’ll be fine...trust me. Other items? I pack a shower caddie to hold everything, as we use the campground showers rather than the RV...it’s just easier. DO include flip flops for the shower...otherwise, that’s just gross. Shampoo, conditioner, soap, razors, toothbrushes and paste & a couple of rolls of TP...that’s all you need. Well, bring some lotion or whatever, but keep it simple. Keep your fancy stuff at home. I DO however pack a body spray and perfume to go with the deo for the BO...ya gotta smell good. Fancy makeup though? Nope. Rule of thumb...keep it simple! OH, and bring a laundry basket. All dirties go straight in!
BEDROOM STUFFS. If you don’t have everything already in place, make your bed as comfortable as you can. We have a super pillow top mattress for comfort and I always toss in our down comforter...just 'cuz it’s SO snuggly. And BRING your favorite pillows...you won’t be vacation happy if you wake up with a crick in your neck. Add a small fan in there for temperature comfort, and you might even download a sleep app like WhiteNoise to keep those outside noises OUT.
ENTERTAINMENT. We travel with an Xbox in the front cabin and a DVD player in the bedroom. Hubby brings along his games (since I tend to go to sleep WAY earlier than he does) and I tote along a plethora of new & old movies….gotta love Disney’s Miracle! The RV also has cable (thanks for adding it babe) & we are finding that more and more campgrounds offer this amenity. If not though, you should have your backup. We also have coloring books, crayons, board games and puzzles for if we have littles with us. I also pack my yarn & cross-stitch & a good book for each of us & Scott usually brings his guitar...so if you have a hobby you enjoy, bring it along.
KITCHEN FOODS. You do NOT need to go all gourmet on your trip, but you can pack smart and still eat really well. We almost NEVER stop for food. Pack your favorite spices, along with olive oil and other cooking oils. Fill your pantry with easy cooking foods like canned soups, baked beans, cereal, etc. I make sandwiches on the road and buy pita bread so that Scott can drive and eat without making a huge mess. Snacks are great to fill in between meals and then fill your freezer and fridge with the things you like. There are SO many sites online to give you ideas for food...search Google or Pinterest for more ideas. A good idea though is to make a list of meals. I don’t go crazy with lists, but I do try to plan at least a few specific meals and pack what I need around those. The idea is to use up what you bring and not over do it. Trust me...you’ll over do it.
KITCHEN STUFFS. If your RV kitchen isn’t ready to go, think small and convenient. Smaller pans...we stock all of our old ones so we don’t care if they get ruined, utensils to cook inside as well as on a grill or an open fire. Aluminum pans are quick and mess free. I use them in a pinch, but otherwise use the old staple and wash them to save the planet. Pack plenty of aluminum foil and baggies/tupperware to store your leftovers. And don’t forget an oven mitt and dishwashing supplies. There’s nothing like washing stuff with plain soap & a paper towel because you forgot the Dawn & the sponge! Also, think of those tupperware containers as dual purpose to save space...they’re bowls after all. Use them for breakfast cereals or mixing something for dinner. Also, have a small coffee pot if that’s your thing. You’ll be SO happy to have it along for the ride! Add the silverware, plastic dishware, a few serving utensils & a couple of good knives...OH, and a cute table cloth for the picnic table and you’re set.
MISCELLANEOUS.
An umbrella...you never know what weather you’re going to get!
Books on CD...Scott loves these to help pass the time on long, boring roads. You can get them free at your local library!
Chargers! You need them for everything nowadays! Think of your laptop, your phone, your ipad…& bring spares.
Pet leashes, toys, beds, food/treats, doggy poo bags. We travel with two dogs, they deserve to be as comfortable as we are!
Tools. We keep a bunch of permanent tools stored in the Swinger, but Scott always tosses in an electrical cord, drill, his whole tool box (he’s an electrician which is SUPER handy), duct tape, oil, you get the idea. Look up some other sites for detailed lists. Bring enough, but again, do NOT go overboard. You don’t need to add all of that weight to your camper!
Lighting and decorations. If you’re going to be at a site for a while, it’s nice to have your home away from home all dressed up and snazzy….so have fun with it!
Bug candles. You’ll no doubt be spending some time outside...so this is a no-brainer.
Fire starters. Newspaper, dryer lint and even some kindling if you’ve cleaned up your yard is great, but DO NOT bring your own wood. It’s tempting...WE KNOW! But it messes up your storage compartments, can make your RV off balance, & costs too much because of the weight to haul it. WE HATE paying high prices for wood, but you’ll often find that you either don’t use it or you’ll find some that a neighbor left at a site or well...just buy it when you get there! TRUST US!
Throw blankets. Good to have when watching a movie, sitting by the fire, or going on a late-night walk.
Lawn chairs. Have extras for the friends you have and the friends you meet along your journey.
RV levelers. These are SO handy. We bought a set after seeing our cousin Neil with his. SO much easier than planks of wood!
An axe or maul. Ya never know...if you get the chance to chop the wood, chop the wood.
A flashlight. Good to have on those late night walks.
Medications. If you need ‘em, make sure you bring ‘em! Include aspirin, antacids & bandaids.
Portable cooler. Good to have if you’re going to sit at the beach all day...the ideal way to spend a day on vacation!!!
The list is long, but ultimately it’s WAY smaller than what you COULD pack. Just keep it simple and remember why you’re travelling down the road...it’s about the adventure & NOT the stuff.
Until next time...safe travels!
Scott & Natalie
