Category: Travel

1. How to Baby and Toddler-Proof a Caravan: Making Your Home on Wheels Child-Friendly

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 24th Oct 2023

   Caravanning is a fantastic way to explore the world with your family, especially when you have little ones. However, ensuring the safety and comfort of your baby or toddler in a caravan requires some careful planning and modifications. In our latest blog post, we'll discuss how to baby and toddler-proof a caravan and share some tips on making it child-friendly. By taking these steps, you can embark on unforgettable family adventures while keeping your little explorers safe and happy.

   

   Secure the Furniture

   Caravans often come with various pieces of furniture that can pose safety hazards to babies and toddlers. Start by securing any freestanding items such as tables and chairs. You can use furniture straps or brackets to anchor them to the floor or walls, preventing them from tipping over.

   Additionally, consider adding corner protectors to sharp edges and corners of furniture to reduce the risk of injuries. Babies and toddlers are prone to bumps and falls, so taking these precautions is essential.

   Install Safety Gates

   Safety gates are a must when traveling with young children in a caravan. Use them to block off staircases or entryways to areas that are not baby-proofed. It's crucial to select gates that are adjustable and designed for the specific width of your caravan's doorways or openings.

   Childproof the Kitchen

   The kitchen in your caravan can be a potential danger zone for curious toddlers. Here's how to childproof it:

   a. Cabinet Locks: Install cabinet locks or latches to prevent little hands from accessing sharp objects, chemicals, or breakable items.

   b. Oven and Stove Guards: Consider using oven and stove guards to keep your child from accidentally turning on the burners or touching hot surfaces.

   c. Fridge Locks: Use fridge locks to secure the refrigerator door. This prevents your child from opening it and accessing potentially harmful items.

   Secure Windows and Doors

   Caravan windows and doors should be secured to prevent accidents. Ensure that windows have locks or restrictors to prevent them from opening too wide. You can also install door handle covers or locks to keep little ones from wandering outside unsupervised.

   Childproof the Bathroom

   The bathroom is another area that requires special attention. Here's how to make it safer:

   a. Toilet Locks: Install toilet locks to prevent your toddler from playing in the toilet bowl or potentially falling in.

   b. Bathing Safety: Use non-slip bath mats and never leave your child unattended in the bathtub. Keep hot water at a safe temperature using a thermostat.

   c. Medicine Cabinet Locks: If your caravan has a medicine cabinet, secure it with locks or latches to keep medications out of reach.

   Electrical Safety

   Caravans are equipped with electrical outlets, appliances, and cords that can be enticing to curious little ones. Here's how to ensure electrical safety:

   a. Outlet Covers: Cover all electrical outlets with childproof outlet covers.

   b. Cord Management: Use cord organizers or clips to secure cords out of your child's reach, preventing them from pulling on appliances or tripping over cords.

   c. Unplug Appliances: When not in use, unplug small appliances and stow them safely away.

   Sleep Arrangements

   Creating a safe sleeping environment is crucial for your baby or toddler. If your caravan has a crib or bassinet attachment, ensure it meets safety standards and is properly secured. If not, consider using a portable travel crib or pack 'n play. Make sure the sleeping area is free from hazards, including loose bedding and toys.

   Invest in Child-Friendly Gear

   To make your caravan more child-friendly, consider investing in child-specific gear:

   a. High Chair: A portable high chair is a convenient addition to your caravan. It provides a safe and comfortable spot for meals.

   b. Travel Booster Seat: For older toddlers, a travel booster seat can be a great way to keep them secure during mealtime.

   c. Portable Playpen: A portable playpen gives your child a safe space to play indoors or outdoors while you set up or pack up the caravan.

   d. Baby Monitor: A baby monitor allows you to keep an eye on your child while they nap or sleep in the caravan.

   Emergency and First Aid Kit

   Always keep a well-stocked first aid kit in your caravan, including essential items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and medications for common ailments. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the nearest medical facilities and emergency numbers at your destination.

   Child-Friendly Entertainment

   Long journeys in a caravan can be challenging for kids. Pack plenty of entertainment options to keep them occupied, such as books, toys, games, and electronic devices. Consider setting up a designated play area in the caravan to encourage creative play and keep them engaged during rest stops.

   Caravan Insurance: Protecting Your Family and Investment

   One often overlooked aspect of caravanning with children is having appropriate caravan insurance. Caravan insurance is crucial for safeguarding your family and your investment in the event of accidents, theft, or damage. Here are some key considerations:

   a. Comprehensive Cover: Ensure your caravan insurance policy offers comprehensive coverage, including protection against accidents, theft, fire, and damage.

   b. Liability Coverage: Liability coverage is essential, as it protects you in case of accidents that cause injury or property damage to others while you're on the road.

   c. Contents Insurance: If you carry valuable items or personal belongings in your caravan, consider contents insurance to protect them in case of theft or damage.

   d. Emergency Assistance: Look for a policy that includes emergency assistance coverage, which can be a lifesaver in case of breakdowns or accidents, especially when traveling with young children.

   e. Review the Policy: Carefully review your insurance policy to understand its terms, coverage limits, deductibles, and any exclusions. Ensure it aligns with your specific needs as a family caravanner.

   Traveling in a caravan with a baby or toddler can be a rewarding experience, allowing your family to bond and explore new places together. By taking the time to baby and toddler-proof your caravan and making it kid-friendly, you'll ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure for everyone. Remember that the key to successful caravanning with young children is preparation, vigilance, and flexibility, so you can relax and savor the moments spent on the road with your little ones.

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2. Otherworldly Destinations to explore

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 1st Feb 2022

   After the past couple of years, you could be forgiven for dreaming of a holiday, so while we are dreaming, have you thought where would go if you won the lottery? If suddenly, you had all the time and money to explore anywhere you could think of, where would you begin? We live in an amazing world! Annually, the world spends billions looking at the planets that make up our solar system to discover the unique and unusual formations that created their surfaces. In reality, many of us do not know about the unique anomalies that create the surface of our own planet. 

   You do not have to wait for civilian space travel to see these sites. With modern technology, we can travel around the world. We can literally cross the world within hours, and there are wonderful otherworldly sites all over the world.

   Hallerbos Forest, Belgium

   In the tiny country of Belgium, you will find the Hallerbos Forest. Each year in April, the forest bed blooms with a carpet of bluebells. In full bloom, it looks more like a painting than a real forest, and people travel to see it because it is said to look and feel magical. Deer and other animals are often seen in the forest and seem to have little fear of people as long as they stay on the provided paths. It is as if they know they are safe at that time, even from humans.

   

   Gough’s Cave, Cheddar Gorge

   Here, you'll find lovely reflective pools. There are also unique formations of stalagmites and stalactites. The beauty of the rock formations and the sounds of the cave give it a mystical atmosphere. The cave is less than an hour's drive away from Bristol.

   

                                                                          

   Faroe Islands                                                         

   Halfway between the UK and Iceland are 18 volcanic islands known as the Faroe Islands. These islands have been settled at least since the Viking’s days. They look as though they would belong to Scotland, but the Faroe Islands are actually the property of Denmark. Canoeing and hiking are just two of the favorite things to do on these beautiful islands of mountains, valleys, and the sea.

   List of other leading attractions to the “Weird but Wonderful”

   18th- century Painshill Park Grotto in Surrey

   Just a short train ride from London, this 18th-century gardens park is a fairy-tail grotto covered in hundreds of thousands of crystals! This is truly a unique site. Where else would it be seen anywhere in the world?

   Fingal’s Cave, Island of Staffa, Scotland

   Located on the uninhabited island of Staffa is Fingal’s Cave. It is made of hexagonal columns of basaltic rock. It is a strange but beautiful sight. The quiet of the empty island and the beauty of the cave is eerie. If the sea is mild you can pass it by boat but it is not impossible to reach the cave on foot.

   The Brimham Rocks, North Yorkshire

   Created several hundreds of years ago, these stacked rock formations seem to defy gravity. Each formation has its own name such as The Eagle and The Dancing Bear.

   “Dinosaur Egg Beach”, Porth Naven

   The landscape of this beach has become very popular due to the unusual deposits of boulder deposits there. The rocks look like smooth eggs that range from the size of a hen’s egg to three feet or more in length. They form a stunning scene that looks very much like you would expect a dinosaur nest to resemble. The area has become so popular that the stones are now legally protected by the National Trust.

   The Isle of Lewis, Callanish prehistoric stone circle

   This mysterious stone circle is said to be over 5,000 years old. There are many legends that surround them. Some folks believe they were used as an astronomical calendar. Others believe folklore that they were petrified giants that were turned to stone when they refused to turn to Christianity. They are a sight to behold.

    When you think about the vast UK, the differences in climate, customs, and histories of people, it is easy to understand why exploring the UK would be like exploring otherworldly places.  When you discover the treasures hidden in the earth, sun-baked soils, rain-soaked forests, and the sea, you can understand why one culture has nothing in common with its sister country. Yet, we are one planet. We are one world. We must fix all of the illnesses of the planet, or we all fail.

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3. How to camp at home

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 25th Jun 2020

   If you are an avid camper, the restrictions of movement because of the pandemic must be a real pain. You miss the sun, the wild abandon of fellow campers, the fresh breeze in the forests, the excitement of taking a road trip, and the anticipation of the beautiful sceneries that await you.

   

   That does not mean you cannot have some fun in your home. With just a little imagination, you can camp at home, in your living room or your backyard, and re-live some of your camping experiences.

   Gather your gear

   What kind of gear would you normally have with you if you went camping in the wild?

   Prepare cooking gear, entertainment kits, and other survival kits. The best way to integrate some important parts of the house (such as toilet) into the camping adventure would be to ward off areas that you do not need. You can use strings or ropes to create some sort of a perimeter around your camping 'site'.

   No tent? No problem!

   You would need a tent when you go camping in the wild but you can improvise if you are camping at home. Your bed sheets or blankets can work just fine here. You do not even need poles or pegs to prop them up. Just tie the ends to bits of furniture for support and create your fort within minutes. Then start decorating to give it a personal touch.

   Go electronic free

   To make it seem more realistic, you will need to switch off your devices. The idea here is to mimic normal camping in the wild. For entertainment, focus on creative stuff such as board games or card games. This would also be a great time to bond with your kids over good stories.

   Encourage them to be creative and innovative in their entertainment options. A good book would also come in handy depending on how long you want to spend camping. Bring a lantern with you and switch off electric power inside the room.

   Pack on the snacks

   A camping escapade would not be complete without good food and snacks, especially if you are doing it with your kids. Use a gas stove to roast marshmallows outside your 'tent'. Download good camping recipes and try them out.

   An excuse to try out new gear

   If you are a beginner camper, it's advisable to try out your new gear at home first. This could save you a lot of time and stress at the actual camping ground. If you have a large backyard, this would be the best place to set up camp.

   No campfire? No problem!

   Due to safety reasons, you might not be able to make a campfire in your living room. You can improvise though. There are many ways to do it, depending on what is available to you. If you have a chimney, you can run a fire directly on the wood stove using dry wood. Coal, charcoal, and briquette can also work great. And you can roast some marshmallows right on top of them!

   

    

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4. How To Train Your Dog To Relax On Long Car Journeys

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 11th Jun 2020

   My youngest daughter is desperate for us to have a dog, although I am not sure that the cat would be so happy about it. She takes every opportunity to walk her friends dogs or "train" our neighbours dog and I am quite sure that she would actually take great care of a new canine friend but there is more to consider than daily walks and holding a paw.

   

   Any experienced dog owner can tell you that, while there are few joys in life as great as taking your dog out for an adventure in the great outdoors, not every dog enjoys the car journey needed to get there. Some dogs can’t even make it to the vet without kicking up a fuss.

   Below are some simple tips for training your dog to relax more on long car journeys.

   Prepare Them For The Experience

   Before you begin training your dog in any regard, you first need to make sure that both you and they are prepared for the experience. Training your dog to stay calm and relaxed on long car journeys will inevitably require you to put your pet in the car at some point. No matter how careful or skilled you are as a driver, having your pet in the vehicle with you exposes them to the risk of injury[1].

   Because of this, it is vital that you have dog insurance in place before you take your dog on any car journeys. You can use a service like Everypaw to compare dog insurance quotes online. Everypaw lets you compare different types of cover, including Lifetime Pet Insurance and Maximum Benefit, to find the right cover for your dog.

   You can begin acclimating your dog to car journeys by having them enter and exit your vehicle while it is stationary. This lets them get used to climbing in and out of the car and will make the space feel more familiar to them. This will also give you the opportunity to ensure that you have a suitable space for your dig while the vehicle is in motion.

   Begin With Shorter Trips

   There are a number of reasons that dogs might become anxious on a car journey, taking shorter trips will help you to assess how your dog responds to being in the car while you are driving. For example, some dogs, like people, suffer from motion sickness, which can turn into a source of anxiety for them during a journey. Signs of a nauseous dog include excessive drooling, yawning, or whining. If your dog actually vomits during the journey, motion sickness is likely a problem for them[2].

   Taking shorter trips before you try to put your dog through the stress of longer journeys enables them to acclimatise to conditions in the car, while also providing you with the opportunity to observe their behaviour and make a plan for transporting them accordingly.

   

   Keep Your Dog Under Control

   When you’re driving with your dog, it is essential that you keep them under control, either in a crate in the boot or using a harness.

   The law in the UK[3] requires drivers to secure their dog, so that it does not distract the driver. As such, you need to find a harness or crate that your dog will feel comfortable in and then get them used to spending time in it.

   Foster A Positive Association

   Not every dog will naturally take to car rides; some dogs really don’t want to get in the car and go anywhere. However, you can change your dog’s conditioning and turn a negative response into a positive one with the right training. The trick here is positive reinforcement - you can use rewards to encourage your dog to form a positive association with your car and to view getting in it as a rewarding act.

   As you begin to take your dog on longer and longer car rides, make sure that you are constantly providing them with positive reinforcement. Speak to them in a cheerful tone as you drive along and make sure that they have access to their favourite toys and treats - these will help them to relax and develop a positive association with being in your car.

   Keep The Temperature Cool

   Every dog owner understands the importance of ensuring that their pet is never left alone in a hot vehicle. This can easily lead to the death of a dog if they are alone for too long[4]. While the majority of dog owners are good at following this simple rule, many are much less alert to the dangers of a dog overheating during a long car journey.

   Remember, dogs are not people and they will react differently to the same circumstances. Just because you and your family feel fine in a hot vehicle, it doesn't necessarily mean that your dog is going to be ok with the same conditions. You should always have the air conditioning running whenever possible, and you should ideally keep windows open as well when your dog is travelling with you but avoid opening them all the way. It is also essential that you keep water in your car, use a special water bowl to enable your dog to drink while the car is in motion.

   With the right approach to training and a little patience, you can teach your dog to at least tolerate a long journey in your car. Having a stressed-out dog in the back seat is enough to stress any driver, it is worth taking the time to properly prepare and train your dog beforehand.

   

   This is a collaborative post

   [1] https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/ask-trainers-get-dog-ride-car/

   [2] https://wagwalking.com/behavior/why-do-dogs-get-anxious-in-cars

   [3] https://www.clenthillsvets.co.uk/did-you-know-it-is-a-legal-requirement-to-restrain-your-dog-in-the-car/

   [4] https://www.vets-now.com/2017/01/dogs-travelling-in-cars-seven-dos-donts/

    

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