Your Caravan Layout and Fixtures

Your Caravan Layout and Fixtures
The interior caravan layout and fixtures is important. There are a number of things to consider. One is the size of the bed. Double beds in caravans are often smaller than the normal one at home. Sometimes caravan beds are shaped with rounded corners, which means it is extremely difficult to use a fitted sheet. Similar problems can occur with beds in motorhomes. In campervans, beds can be even bigger than king-size so, again, sheets may be a problem.

The choice of single beds versus double beds is personal and is entirely depended on what sleeping arrangements you prefer. Think also about whether you want a fold-up bed, so you can enjoy extra space during the day, and where you want the bed positioned: some travellers prefer an island bed, others are happy for it to be flush against the caravan side. Make sure the caravan layout you choose has good usable storage space both inside and outside. The wardrobe should have sufficient hanging capacity. Most caravans have side door entry just some also have rear door entry. If you go for a rear door, make sure the dust sealing and scupper vent in the roof to pressurise the van is in excellent working order for minimising dust.

Many caravan layouts have built in showers, toilets and hot-water services, but if you are planning on spending most of your nights in caravan parks, you may be paying for unnecessary caravan fixtures. Showers and toilets obviously require regular cleaning and take up valuable space. They usually come as a unit, with the toilet built into the shower cubicle. Larger motorhomes may have separate toilets. A microwave oven is probably an essential feature and if your caravan is not fitted with one, seriously consider adding one - you will use it all the time. Air-conditioning is more a matter of personal choice but it can get extremely hot in the north of Australia and if you intend heading north you will need one. Air-conditioning units are readily available.

Many new caravans are built to order, which means you have the option of customising your caravan layout and fixtures to suit your own taste.

TIP Take a tape measure with you when you go looking at caravans and motorhomes. Then you can work out what fits where. Even if you are of average height you will want to check the headroom as well. If you are taller, this may take on even more significance - you do not want to be hitting your head all the time just because you forget to check this basic caravan layout initially.
This is the sixth page of 23 with related information about making the most of your caravan holiday. Check our website at www.crikey-adventure-tours.com/caravan-holiday.html for the other articles.***

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by Ian Molloy
Ian Molloy is the owner of Crikey Adventure Tours. Visit his website www.crikey-adventure-tours.com for more information about this article and other related topics. His site is full of very helpful travel information including tips on motorcycle travel, driving cross-country, travelling with a caravan and other camping and travel information.
For more information visit: http://www.crikey-adventure-tours.com/
source: http://www.getmyarticles.com/
image: http://www.1800caravan.com.au/

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Understanding Your Caravan and Equipping Your Caravan

Understanding Your Caravan and Equipping Your Caravan
Caravans and camper-trailers have to be registered separately to your vehicle, and serviced regularly. Before you set off on your trip, it is worthwhile spending some time understanding your caravan workings and all its components. Although many features are now standard, particularly in new vans, there will still be some equipping of your caravan to do.

SERVICING
Similarly to your car, caravans need regular servicing also. The wheel bearings and brakes need to be checked every 20,000 km or annually. Your normal mechanic that services your car will be able to service your caravan as well. By understanding your caravan you will be able to take a spare set of wheel bearings with you and replace them yourself. If you are unsure of how to do this, just ask your local mechanic and he will gladly explain how to change them.

Brakes are a little more complex. Again your normal mechanic should be able to check them for wear etc, but sometimes you may have to visit a brake specialist. Most other areas on your caravan are just routing checking like the battery and lights etc. You can either do this yourself with a little bit of knowledge, or wherever you are travelling the garage mechanic will be able to check them for you.

1. Power Supply
Caravans are usually wired to operate on both 12 volt and 240 volt. The 240 volt supply will be a plug-in supply from your powered campsite or from a home power point if you are staying with friends. They require 15 amp plugs, which are not normally fitted in homes so make sure your extension lead caters for 15 amp plugs. Most caravans have a 12 volt battery to operate the electrics in your caravan and this must be charged regularly by either a battery charger or via an Anderson Plug connected to your car when it is running.

Some caravans and motorhomes are also fitted with a switch which charges your caravan battery while the vehicle is plugged into 240 volt power. It is strongly recommended you have this switch connected.

If you have an Anderson plug fitted that uses your vehicle's alternator to charge your caravan battery, make sure you have an isolation devise fitted so the batteries can be separated when the vehicle is not running. The last thing you want is for the caravan to drain your vehicle's battery and not be able to start your car. If you are going bush you may consider carrying a generator with you as well. If you are going to stay in caravan parks you will not need a generator. If you think you just might want one, they are heavy, take up a fair bit of storage room and are noisy to operate.

Another popular source of power these days is solar power. Similarly, to the generator this would only be useful if you are not staying in caravan parks and do not have an Anderson plug fitted to your vehicle to charge your caravan's battery.

2. Refrigeration
What sort of a fridge should you have? For many years the three way fridge has been the preferred choice for caravan owners. These operate on 12 volt (battery), 240 volt (power point) or gas. These fridges work quite well on 240 volt and gas, but struggle a bit when on 12 volt despite using quite a lot of power - some of the newer models perform a bit better. Performance can be slightly improved by installing a ventilator fan behind the fridge to improve airflow. These are available at caravan accessory shops.

3. Gas Supply
Most caravans, campervans and motorhomes have gas-operated stoves, ovens and hot-water services. Gas is efficient, clean and quite safe. Use a two gas bottle system so you can use one gas bottle until it is completely empty and then switch to the other bottle. This will save you trying to guess how much gas is left in a bottle and how long it will last and also enables you to use all the gas and not refill it with gas still left. Always stand gas bottles in a vertical position and make sure a regulator is fitted so it will turn the gas off if a major leak occurs

Check that your gas bottles are not out of date. The date is stamped on the collar of the bottle, and it should indicate that the bottle has been checked within the last 10 years. It is against the law for a reseller to fill out-of-date gas bottles. Most service stations now have exchange gas bottles. This enables you to take your empty gas bottle and just pay exchange it for a full bottle. Check the out of date on the new gas bottle as well, to ensure it will not expire shortly.

4. Lifestyle Extras
By understanding your caravan and equipping your caravan, you will want a few necessary extras. Television, video recorders and DVD's are increasingly popular items to travel with. Most Australian towns have some kind of television reception but for those who want reliable reception, there is the option of installing a satellite dish to your caravan, offering access to a selection of free-to-air and cable channels. If you are off the beaten track, don't forget you DVD's. Television and videos come in 12 volt and 240 volt.

A full annexe, complete with floor, can add thousands of dollars to the cost of a new van. It may seem like a desirable item but, if you are moving around a lot, you may find that it gets used rarely. Awnings tend to be more useful as they are much easier to set up.

You will spend nearly as much time outside under your awning as you will inside your caravan. As such an outdoor table setting is an important addition to your camping equipment. Also desirable are a couple of comfortable chairs to relax in. With these kinds of purchases, you tend to get what you pay for in terms of quality. Another fairly indispensable item is an outdoor stove or barbecue. Cooking outdoors while caravanning is sociable and pleasurable, and it means not having to live and sleep with the smell of cooked meat or fish. Most parks have barbecue areas, but these can be in high demand.

Portable chemical toilets are used by those travelling in smaller campervans or with caravans that do not have a built-in facility. They require regular emptying and the chemicals have to be replenished. They are popular with older travellers who do not relish the idea of navigating a course to the amenity block during the small hours.

5. Blocks and Chocks
You will rarely find your camp site perfectly flat, so you will need to carry levelling blocks to rectify the situation. These come in the form of shaped wedges (or you can use a thick, flat board). They are placed on the ground and your caravan is driven onto them. Some motorhomes have built-in self-levelling supports. (see arrive at campsite). A pair of shaped wheel-chocks is very handy for stabilising your van. Chocks can be bought commercially or easily made at home. They should be placed on the downhill side of the caravan's wheels to prevent the unit rolling.

This is the seventh page of 23 with related information about making the most of your caravan holiday. Check our website at www.crikey-adventure-tours.com/caravan-holiday.html for the other articles.***

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by Ian Molloy
Ian Molloy is the owner of Crikey Adventure Tours. Visit his website www.crikey-adventure-tours.com for more information about this article and other related topics. His site is full of very helpful travel information including tips on motorcycle travel, driving cross-country, travelling with a caravan and other camping and travel information.
For more information visit: http://www.crikey-adventure-tours.com/
source: http://www.getmyarticles.com/
image: http://www.doublecountry.fsnet.co.uk/

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Planning Your Trip: Caravan, Motorcycle, Holiday of Any Sort

Planning Your Trip: Caravan, Motorcycle, Holiday of Any Sort
A tour or any trip does not just happen; you need to spend some time planning your trip. When is the best time to travel; what will the weather be like; are you going during school holidays time; how are you going to find your way; do you need any permits etc?

By planning your trip before you leave you will be able to answer these questions to make sure your holiday is as stress free as possible. Do not necessarily get bogged down in all the finite details though; some decisions, such as where to go next and how long to stay in one place, are sometimes best left for the road. After all you may find a wonderful location that suits you and decide to stay there longer than planned.
1. When to Travel
Your first decision will be when to travel. This will be different for all people. Maybe you only have a week's leave or maybe you are taking 12 months to travel. The weather, the timing of school and public holidays and any local events in the area you intend to visit will all influence your decision. Some travellers also think about how they can visit family and friends or fit special occasions into their schedule.

2. Weather
Australia has extremes in climate and weather. At the same time: in one area of Australia there may be monsoonal rains and cyclones; while a different part of Australia will have balmy perfect weather and another part may even experience snow. Such extremes are not uncommon, but you can start planning your trip according to reasonably predictable weather patterns, making some allowances for occasional variations and anomalies.

The southern States of Australia have four clearly identifiable seasons. Summers are warm to hot, winters cool to cold. Spring and autumn have pleasant days with cold nights. Most rain falls in the winter months but other seasons can have the occasional shower or even heavy downfall. Snow falls on the Australian Alps and the Tasmanian Highlands in winter, early spring and sometimes in late autumn.

Northern Australia has a dry and a wet season. The dry season runs from April to November, give or take a few weeks. Little or no rain falls and countryside turns from lush green to a dusty brown. The wet season, with high temperatures and oppressive humidity, lasts from December to March. Tropical storms regularly dump large volumes of rain, and cyclones are not uncommon. The centre of Australia is arid or semi-arid. Rain can fall throughout the year or not at all. From May to September daytime temperatures are mild but can drop dramatically at night. Summer temperatures can be extremely high.

The best time to travel through Australia's northern and central regions is between April and November. Year-round travel is possible in the south, with spring and autumn offering mild and pleasant conditions. Southerners begin drifting northward in Early May and return south around September. (Just think, travel North in any month without an R in the spelling of it - May to August).

Detailed weather information can be found by contacting services offered by the Bureau of Meteorology.
3. School and Public Holidays
If you do not have children, it may be best to avoid travelling during school holiday - particularly Christmas/New Year and Easter. Most accommodation is very heavily booked at these times plus being the peak periods, the prices are also at their highest.

Australia's mainland States schools each have a four-term year. While the holiday periods from State to State do not necessarily align exactly, they do tend to overlap. The holiday periods generally are:

- Two weeks in April usually coinciding with Easter
- Two weeks in late June or early July
- Two weeks in late September or early October
- Six weeks from mid December until the end of January including Christmas and New Year.

Tasmania has a three-term year with holidays in June, September and from December through to the middle of February.
Long weekends are also a popular time to get away. Different states have different public holidays, check when public holidays fall in the different States to avoid crowds in holiday regions, particularly areas close to the capital cities and beach locations.

4. Local Events
Quite a lot of regional towns now have local cultural and sporting events during the year. Some are minor affairs that may be fun to stumble across. Others are large, well organised, well advertised, crowded but can be very enjoyable. Phone visitor information centres for event guides, and check out the internet for local information.

By planning your trip around holidays and events you can either avoid them or ensure you are there when they are on.

5. Finding Your Way
Once you have a good idea of where you are going, by planning your trip you can like all these places together. You will need some practical tools to do this. This may be as simple as just getting some maps and guides. If you are travelling long distances or for a long period of time, you may look at installing a Global Positioning System, or GPS, good for travelling off main roads.

6. Global Positioning System (GPS)
GPS, a navigation system developed by the American military, is now widely used by professionals and recreational travellers - you will find most taxi drivers have them installed in their cabs and use them all the time.

A GPS receiver determines the user's position, accurate to within 10 metres, by collecting distance and time measurements from satellites. GPS can also be used to determine speed of travel, altitude, and distance (in a straight line) to a proposed destination and estimated time of arrival. Most GPS receivers have the capacity to remember at least several routes, thus enabling return trips to be plotted. The preloaded data may include information or road networks and major geographical features. GPS receivers and antennae range in price from several hundred dollars to a couple of thousand.

A laptop computer, loaded with interactive mapping software downloaded from a CD_ROM and connected to a GPS receiver, offers a hi-tech visual navigational aid.

Hand-help GPS receivers usually operate on replaceable batteries; as the battery life is very short, however, it is necessary to carry a supply of replacement batteries. An alternative is to purchase a power pack, which will allow the receiver to be plugged into your vehicle's power supply.

7. Maps and Guides
If you are travelling in remote areas, particularly off the beaten track, you will need more detailed maps - a selection of these will be available at better map shops, visitor information centres or your local motoring organisation.

If you are just travelling on the main highways or major roads, you will get by with a good road atlas. If you are travelling with children, get them there own road map. Then when they say "where are we"; "how long til we get there"? they will be able to look it up for themselves. A good road map will have not only the major roads, but broad coverage region by region and details maps of cities and towns. Maps can last a long time, but it may be best to replace them ever five years or so.

Visitor information centres are a good source of local maps, generally reproduced in free brochures or leaflets. These maps tend to be quite detailed and useful in exploring the local area. Specialised books and guides covering localities and holiday activities fill the shelves of bookshops including map shops, national park shops and specialist environmental stores. Good all-round publications include Explore Australia and, for the outback adventurer, Explore Australia by Four-wheel Drive.
8. Visitor Information Centres
Many Australian towns have a visitor information centre. They not only have maps and guides, but the staff offer information on local accommodation, caravan parks, businesses and tourist attractions. They will also often have a booking service for your accommodation or local tours/attractions available in the region

PERMITS, PARKS AND PRIVATE LAND

There are many areas of Australia where access is prohibited, restricted or subject to particular requirements.

1. Aboriginal Land
Aboriginal communities own large tracts of land in areas such as Central Australia, the Kimberley's and Cape York. Travellers wishing to visit areas of Aboriginal-owned land must first apply to the relevant authority for a permit. Always ring first, as some areas of Aboriginal land may be completely out of bounds for tourists and permits therefore are not an option.

The permit-processing period can be quite long and by planning your trip you should apply well before you leave home. Visitor information centres in the area that you are heading off to will offer advice on which lands are covered by what traffic - permits can be purchased or obtained on the spot, although this tends to be the exception rather than the rule.

Permits are not usually required for travel along the public roads in Australia that traverse Aboriginal land, though notable exceptions include the Great Central Road that links Yulara in the Northern Territory with Warburton in Western Australia. Respect should be of utmost importance when travelling through Aboriginal lands, whether a permit is required or not.

2. National Parks
Australia's 500 or so national parks protect the continent's unique flora, fauna, famous landscapes and natural icons. Each State and Territory administers its own parks. The federal body, Parks Australia, oversees the management of a small number of parks, including Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta, and Booderee at Jervis Bay.

In some States, permits are required to visit national parks. These can be purchased in advance by contacting the central authority, or on the day within the park. If you intend to camp in National Parks, it is best to obtain a permit and book a site before hand. Most National Parks only have basic camping facilities and you should contact the relevant authority to make sure camping is permitted and, what facilities are available and book a site. In some parks, sites are heavily booked well in advance, particularly during peak periods.

To make sure you know what you are getting, phone ahead and ask the following questions:

-. Are the camping grounds likely to be open?
- Are the sites suitable for vans?
- What are the facilities like?
- Are there fire restrictions?
- Is there a ranger station in the area?
- Is it necessary to pre-book a site?

NATIONAL PARK OFFICES

Most park organisations have a location in the relevant capital city where travellers can purchase passes and collect brochures, maps and other information. Many of the larger and more popular parks have information centres on site.

1. Private Land
There are tracts of private land, particularly in the remote northern half of Australia, where owners allow travellers to camp and sometimes fish. Most of these places are rural stations located off the beaten track and are generally known about by word-of-mouth. Always get permission to camp on private land. The nearest visitor information centre can, in some instances, provide you with details of the land-holder, or try local directories or businesses. Failing that, it may be a matter of stopping in at the homestead once you are on the road. If you do travel through Private Land make sure you leave it as you find it and if you have to open a gate to go through it.

This is the eigth page of 23 with related information about making the most of your caravan holiday. Check our website at www.crikey-adventure-tours.com/caravan-holiday.html for the other articles.***

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by Ian Molloy
Ian Molloy is the owner of Crikey Adventure Tours. Visit his website www.crikey-adventure-tours.com for more information about this article and other related topics. His site is full of very helpful travel information including tips on motorcycle travel, driving cross-country, travelling with a caravan and other camping and travel information.
For more information visit: http://www.crikey-adventure-tours.com/
source: http://www.getmyarticles.com/
image: http://www.hartline.org/

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Your Money Matters (issues) for a Caravan Holiday

Your Money Matters (issues) for a Caravan Holiday
Before you start your holiday, work out a budget. This is especially important if you are going to be away for a long trip. Try to plan your cash flow and make arrangements of how you are going to continue paying your normal bills at home as well.

1. Budgets
Working out a budget will give you an idea of how much your planned trip might cost. Money matters items to include will be:

- Fuel costs - make allowances for the increase price of fuel in remote areas (it goes up quite significantly), also make allowances for the increased fuel consumption for towing a caravan
- Make allowances for servicing of your vehicle
- Campsite costs
- Food, including both groceries and dining out (You will also probably invite some fellow travellers for snacks or meals along the way)
- Entry fees and other costs associated with tours and activities
- Gifts and souvenirs

If you are planning a long trip of several months, budget in smaller blocks. One month at a time is manageable and easier to work out. If after the first month your money matters budget does not reflect actual spending, use the trends to modify the budget. Be prepared for the range of small emergencies that can occur on the road. Most are vehicle-related expenses: tyres, windscreens and mechanical repairs. Consider also the possibility of expenses arising through injury or illness. To ensure that you can continue in comfort and without anxiety, set aside a small reserve of easily accessed money.

2. Sample Budget
- Fuel:
Distance: 3000km
Consumption: 15 litres per 100km
Fuel cost (average): $1.40 per litre
Calculation: 3000 x (15/100) x $1.40
Total Fuel: $630

- Service for car:
No service required
Total service: $0

- Camping fees:
12 days @ $25 - 2 days free
Total camping: $300

- Food:
Groceries: $300
Dining out/take away 3 nights @ $40 for 2 per night: $120
Total food: $420

- Entertainment:
One day fishing on charter boat for @ $175 each: $350
Movies 2 nights for 2 @ $13 per person: $52
Total entertainment: $402

- Gifts:
Gifts for children: $50
Total gifts: $50

- Miscellaneous:
Total miscellaneous: $200
TOTAL BUDGET: $2002 Banking and Bills

Before you go, think about what bank you are with, what services they provide any how easy are they to access in remote areas. Consider one of the larger banks because they have branches and ATM's across a wide range of locations. Australia Post, through its Bank@Post service, offers a range of banking services for a range of banks and credit unions. These services include cheque deposits, cash withdrawals and transfers.

Phone and internet banking can be a great alternative, taking away the hassle of having to find bank branches or post offices. Both services allow travellers to gain access to account information, transfer funds, make credit card and mortgage payments and pay bills. Make sure you have registered with your bank before you leave for your trip. If you are going away for an extended holiday, you will need to make arrangements to pay your normal bills. Most major companies have direct-debit facilities where your monthly, quarterly or yearly payments can be deducted from your account.

If you want to pay your bills as you go, arrange to have your bills posted to you along with other mail. Payments can then be made in the following ways:

- Use a mobile phone or payphone and a credit card or a billpay service. The latter, which draws on your savings or cheque account for the amount of the bill, can be transacted through your bank or Australia Post.
- Use the internet by logging on to your bank site, the site of the creditor or a specialised bill-paying site. Many caravan parks around Australia now provide an internet service or you can take your own laptop computer with internet access.
- Pay in person at an Australia Post outlet. A wide range of bills can be paid at Australia Post.

Cheques are still a useful way of paying bills. You will, however, rarely come across a retail outlet prepared to accept a personal cheque. If you have a strong preference for paying by cheque, contact the business first.

3. Using Credit and EFTPOS

When travelling it is a good idea to use a credit card linked to your bank account. This allows you to use an ATM, bank or EFTPOS transaction to replenish cash, pay for purchases using credit or EFTPOS, obtain a summary of transactions each month and pay bills using a mobile phone.

Just make sure you keep an eye on your credit account and either ensure you have sufficient money in the account or repay what you use otherwise you will incur heavy penalty fees from the bank. Many outlets impose a minimum amount on card transactions of between $10 and $25. Major outlets will accept most kinds of credit cards but many smaller businesses only accept MasterCard, Visa and Bankcard.

4. Cash
Cash is still an important when money matters: especially when you are travelling and spending small amounts of money at different places. Many small businesses - markets, takeaway food outlets and cafes among others - do not have card facilities and many more will not accept cards for small amounts. Paying cash for incidental items, such as chocolates, lollies, ice-creams, refreshments, magazines and entertainment admissions, is easier than having to worry about checking off a large number of small amounts against credit-card statements. If your bank charges ATM withdrawal fees, you may want to get out an amount sufficient to last you a week or so.

Do a cash budget by working out how you plan to pay for the items you will need on your holiday. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Cash is rarely insurable and certainly not replaceable, and large amounts will only cause you worry. This is the tenth page of 23 with related information about making the most of your caravan holiday.
Check our website at www.crikey-adventure-tours.com/caravan-holiday.html for the other articles.

-------------------------------------------------
by Ian Molloy
Ian Molloy is the owner of Crikey Adventure Tours. Visit his website www.crikey-adventure-tours.com for more information about this article and other related topics. His site is full of very helpful travel information including tips on motorcycle travel, driving cross-country, travelling with a caravan and other camping and travel information.
source: http://www.getmyarticles.com/
For more information visit: http://www.crikey-adventure-tours.com/
image: http://www.humberside-pa.org.uk/

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Communications on Your Caravan Holiday

Communications on Your Caravan Holiday
Whether you are on a short holiday or an extended trip, being able to communicate with family and friends and also be contacted by them may be important, even crucial, particularly if you are traveling through remote areas.

1. E-mail
E-mail is fast becoming a major communications carrier. There are also an increasing number of internet cafes around the country where you can send and receive messages from. If you already use e-mail at home, contact your service provider and find out how to send and receive e-mail from remote destinations, using your own address. If you wish you can set up a portable Hotmail or Yahoo! address that you can use as you travel.
There are also a number of mobile phones available now that can send and e-mail messages. If you are really serious you can carry your laptop and mobile phone set up for internet and email access. Perhaps have GPS loaded as well?

2. Post
Even if you are going away for a few days, you will need to make alternative arrangements for your mail before you go away. Your local post office will hold your mail for you for a pre-arranged period of time. You can also arrange with them to forward the mail on to where you are staying. Be sure to make enquiries well in advance of travelling. Ask a friend or neighbour to check that the service is operating as intended.

An alternative to the post office service is to have a reliable friend collect your mail and forward it on using a pre-paid envelope. Alternatively, you can have your mail sent to a post office in the area you are next visiting. Ask the sender to mark the envelope "post restante" and take identification when you go to pick up your mail. If you do not want to impose on friends or neighbours, or you have sold up and are without an address, contact Landbase Australia. They will receive your mail and then forward it on you. Landbase Australia was set up to provide an address for yachtsmen sailing the world and is now available to all travellers.

3. Mobile Phones
Mobile phones are used widely throughout Australia and the world and there are now many carriers in the marketplace. You can use your mobile for not only incoming and outgoing calls, but also text messages. Most can also be linked to your computer for internet and e-mail access.

One disadvantage of relying on a mobile phone in Australia is the vastness and remoteness of Australia where your phone will be out of range. Telstra probably still has the best digital network coverage in the rural areas of Australia for your communications purpose. Remember, in Australia not only is it illegal to use a mobile phone when driving, but also dangerous, unless it has a hands-free attachment.

To enhance the performance and slightly extend the range of your mobile phone, install an "in-car kit", which includes a cradle, a power supply and an external antenna. That way, you will be able to use your mobile in most places.

4. Public Phones
If you don't have or don't want a mobile phone, public phones can be an inexpensive alternative. There are around 30,000 payphones dotted around Australia and, contrary to popular perceptions; most of them work most of the time. Whether you have a mobile or intend to use public phones or a combination of both a phone card is a must. If you are in a remote location and your mobile is out of range, there will probably be a public phone at the roadhouse.

Quite often the coin slots in payphones often malfunction as a result of coin jams and vandalism, but this is not normally the case with card slots. The Telstra Phonecard, prepaid in amounts of $5, $10, $20 and $50, can be purchased at newsagents, post offices and general stores almost everywhere. Alternatively, you can use a Telstra Telecard, which allows you to make calls from public or private phones using a card number and pin number. The cost is then charged back to your home or office account. Ring Telstra at least a couple of weeks before you intend to travel to arrange for a Telecard.
5. Satellite Phones
If it is vital for your communications to have access wherever you are, Satellite phones are now available. They have been operating in Australia since 1994. The Satellite network covers every inch of Australia now matter how remote the area - including a reasonable range out to sea. Units are available to buy or to hire but in both instances they are very expensive. Call costs are also significantly higher than normal mobile phone costs. If you are serious about a Sat phone, please see "satellite equipment and services" in the Yellow Pages for details of suppliers and service providers.
A word of warning: while the satellite network is generally very reliable, a clear reception cannot be guaranteed 100 per cent of the time. Calling from within a thickly wooded area or a deep valley, or beneath a very cloudy sky, may reduce a phone's effectiveness and disappoint you if you have paid a lot of money for it.

6. CB Radio
Citizen Band (CB) radio is a useful communications device for people travelling in convoys of two or more vehicles. CB radios should not be relied upon for life-saving communication as interference regularly causes problems with transmission. Sets start at around $100. Ultra High Frequency (UHF) CB radios are more expensive than the simple CB sets but have clearer transmission. A network of repeater stations across the country ensures that UHF units usually have a good range as well.

7. HF Radio
High Frequency (HF) radio is a reliable form of outback communications. HF radios have traditionally been known as "Flying Doctor" radios. These sets have been around for many years and were favoured by remote operators and pastoralists in the outback who often had no other method of communications. The radios are mostly used for long-distance communications.
They have the ability to be interconnected with the phone system to make phone calls via technology known as Radphone: you make a radio call and an operator connects you to the phone number you require. Despite the advent of satellite technology, HF radio is still used by many organisations and individuals, including the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).

There is little privacy on HF radio transmissions and sets are reasonably expensive, although good quality second-hand units can be purchased for between $1000 and $1500. Hiring is also an option. The RFDS once provided a range of HF services but these have recently been scaled back. Contacting other travellers through RFDS frequencies is still possible provided, first, that it does not interfere with a control station's operations and, second, you have purchased an outpost licence from the Australian Communication Authority.
RFDS remains an important contact for travellers who find themselves in emergency situations. HF radio users should contact the RFDS for a list of their control stations and relevant frequencies. Many travellers using HF subscribe to VKS-737, the Australian National 4WD Radio Network. The service, operated by volunteer enthusiasts, offers five dedicated frequencies; weather and road updates; a point of contact for emergencies and links to relevant emergency services; and limited Radphone facilities. Travellers wishing to use Radphone regularly should hook up with a specialist service provider: VKS-737 recommends the Newcastle-based Radtech.

8. Emergency Positon Indicator Radio Beacon
Emergency Position Indicator Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) are used to locate vessels, planes, vehicles and individuals in distress. The user can activate an emergency call signal that sends a series of radio beeps to the headquarters of Australian Search and Rescue (AusSAR). This organisation then contacts the relevant State-based or maritime rescue bodies. Beacons are used only to track location - not for voice communications.

The availability of inexpensive, personal beacons (406 MHz units) has made the technology available to recreational users including bushwalkers, outback travellers and anglers. The units cost a couple of hundred dollars and can be purchased in electronics stores. A beacon should only be activated in extreme life-threatening situations. Wrongful use may attract large fines. If the unit is inadvertently activated, the user should attempt to contact AusSAR as soon as possible.

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by Ian Molloy
Ian Molloy is the owner of Crikey Adventure Tours. Visit his website www.crikey-adventure-tours.com for more information about this article and other related topics. His site is full of very helpful travel information including tips on motorcycle travel, driving cross-country, travelling with a caravan and other camping and travel information.
This is the eleventh page of 23 with related information about making the most of your caravan holiday. Check our website at www.crikey-adventure-tours.com/caravan-holiday.html for the other articles.
source: http://www.getmyarticles.com/
For more information visit: http://www.crikey-adventure-tours.com/
image: http://www.circad.co.uk/

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What to Pack for Your Caravan Holiday

What to Pack for Your Caravan Holiday
Deciding what to pack and what not to pack, no matter what sort of a holiday you have, is a fine art. This can be compounded if you are planning several months on the road. Spend some time thinking about what you must have and what you only think you must have. Make lists and ask family and friends who have undertaken similar trips. The old saying "less is better" is generally useful advice for travellers. Having said that, you should not deprive yourself of something that is going to make your trip more enjoyable.

1. Food
It is often difficult working out what to pack for food. This can actually be fairly simple, just aim for a balanced diet like you would have at home. After all, your food likes and dislikes will not change. If you always have the following non-perishable items, you will always have the makings of a meal or a snack on hand:
- Tea
- Coffee
- Legumes
- Condiments
- Rice
- Pasta
- Cereals
- Salt and pepper
- Oil and vinegar
- Dried herbs
- A small range of canned goods

Remember, you will be meeting other people on the road and will probably invite them to your caravan for a meal, snack or at least a cuppa and biscuit - make sure you have something on hand for them.

One big tip:
Do not attempt to carry enough food to last your whole trip unless you are only going for a very short time - shop as you go. Supermarkets right around Australia carry the same basic grocery items, although certain gourmet items now standard in metropolitan stores may be hard to get in some country areas.

Prices are also reasonably stable across the country except for fresh fruit and vegetables. The unavailability, particularly in remote areas, can force the prices of fresh produce to vary significantly. One way around this is to look out for the regional in-season produce offered at roadside stalls. In many coastal towns fresh fish can be bought off the wharf or from a beachside kiosk.

Other produce is available in some regions so keep your eye out for producers selling olives, oil, honey, cheeses, fruit & vegetables, game and prepared meats and, of course, local wines. Note: Wether you are packing most food items or shopping as you travel, avoid items with flimsy packaging. Lightweight plastic bottles of cooking oil are notorious for splitting and leaking. Choose glass or metal containers, and store in a plastic tub for extra protection.

There are restrictions on the movement of fruit, vegetables and some foodstuffs, such as honey, across some State borders, so check this out.

2. Cooking Equipment
Most caravans and motorhomes have your normal stove and also a microwave oven so a limited selection of plastic cooking bowls is a good investment in what to pack for your microwave. They usually pack inside each other, do not rattle or break and are not expensive. Your normal pots and pans and oven dish are obviously required for your normal stove cooking. A kettle and a toaster are essential, as is a frying pan.

A good idea for a frying pan is to have a cast-iron one; this can then be used on an open fire if you wish. Then it depends on your meals, you may wish to include a wok which is extremely handy for cooking a range of things. Kitchen utensils should include tongs, an egg lifter, a cutting board, bottle and can openers, one or two good quality knives, a wooden spoon, measuring jug and an ovenproof holder. An all-purpose barbecue tool is essential for outside cooking.

Don't forget your crockery and cutlery. Try to avoid travelling with fragile, easily breakable pieces. Unbreakable crockery and drinking vessels are readily available. Inexpensive plastic storage containers with secure lids will come in handy for storing biscuits and loose food. Again remember the saying "less is best" if you are unsure about what to pack if you need a particular item, leave it at home.

3. Clothing
Depending on where you are going and how long for will obviously dictate what to pack for clothing. Travellers heading north will need lightweight clothing and something warm for those cold nights. Travellers heading south will need a range of warm and cool weather items. If you are travelling to the snow or very cold areas, thermal underwear is worth considering. If you are planning to do any bushwalking, check out the extremely light but very warm clothes made from high-tech synthetic fabrics available at specialist camping stores.

Regardless of where you are going, always pack something lightweight with long sleeves to wear around dusk when the mosquitoes arrive. I will include your camera here; it must be kept handy at all times. You can not predict when that magical shot will appear - perhaps a wedge-tailed eagle sitting on the side of the road eating the dead road-kill - kangaroo? Sunhats and sunglasses are essential. I also strongly recommend you carry a rain-jacket and even an umbrella. You may have to set up your caravan in the rain and walk (run?) to the toilet.

What to pack for footwear is important. You should include a pair of lightweight casual shoes or sandals for general daily wear; a sturdier pair of shoes for walking, for when it rains or for cold weather; and a pair of rubber thongs or plastic sandals for wearing to public shower blocks. Make sure you have a very comfortable pair of shoes for when you are driving. Note: Credit cards can be lost or stolen so always carry a second credit card issued by another bank. Keep this second credit card in a safe place - not with your other cards - and use it only in emergencies - that is Emergencies Only!

4. Seniors Discounts
Many businesses across Australia offer discounts to senior citizens and old-age pensioners. Make a point of asking, as these discounts may not be advertised. Many shows and sightseeing/tours also offer senior discounts. Each State and Territory government issues a card to eligible seniors entitling them to discounts on a range of products and services - including some government services. Seniors cards are not means tested and most are accepted Australia wide.

This is the twelfth page of 23 with related information about making the most of your caravan holiday. Check our website at www.crikey-adventure-tours.com/caravan-holiday.html for the other articles. ***

-------------------------------------------
by Ian Molloy
Ian Molloy is the owner of Crikey Adventure Tours. Visit his website www.crikey-adventure-tours.com for more information about this article and other related topics. His site is full of very helpful travel information including tips on motorcycle travel, driving cross-country, travelling with a caravan and other camping and travel information.
source: http://www.getmyarticles.com/
For more information visit: http://www.crikey-adventure-tours.com/
image: http://www.moatfarm-cp.co.uk/

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