Over the last couple of years, thanks to the pandemic and travel restrictions, caravan travelling has seen a boom in India. And if you’re yet to embark on such a sojourn, check out our guide, filled with pro-tips, for first-timers to be able to plan their first caravan trip. By Upasana Sarangi
Caravan trips have been grabbing a lot of eyeballs in the post-pandemic world. Today in India, many state tourism boards have developed caravan itineraries for discerning travellers, the latest being the Odisha government. The board is set to revamp tourism with plans to promote caravan tourism at the beaches of Pentha, Ramchandi and hill stations such as the Daringibadi and Deomali hills, among other places.
Madhya Pradesh was the first to introduce caravan tourism in 2020, and now, several other states offer the same, including Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Rajasthan, allowing people to explore the state on their ‘home on wheels’. However, while taking a caravan trip can be adventurous, you need to prepare well in advance for a smooth experience and a memorable trip.
In case you’re not sure where to start, our guide to planning the perfect caravan trip will help you chalk out the perfect route and be prepared for all situations.
How to plan a caravan trip
Pick your desired route
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It is fundamental to decide the route in advance. Verifying that the course is well connected and is wide enough to allow smooth sailing of the caravan is crucial. If it is your first caravan trip, opting for a shorter route is advised. It is equally important to understand if you are comfortable with the trip.
Choose and book your caravan
Once you have a rough idea of the trail, you can book a trailer from an agency specialising in that region. Agencies provide information about itineraries traced by previous travellers, which can help you plan a better trip.
The kind of caravan you should choose depends a lot on your requirements. Some important factors include the number of people on the trip and the nature of the roads in your trail. There are additional facilities such as equipped kitchen, Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, DJ and bar, and etc. Discuss all your needs in detail before booking the caravan.
Keep your pre-travel bookings in check
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Once you have the caravan, you can design a detailed itinerary. Don’t forget to include all the stops that you wish to make, and the places you would like to visit on the way. Since there may be many sought-after tourist points on your way, pre-booking the entry tickets can save a lot of time. The same goes for entry in amusement parks, palaces, light and sound shows, or any other activities that you would like to witness. If you wish to dine at a particular restaurant on the way, make sure you enquire about their timings and even book a table in advance, if possible.
Carry your necessities
The most important part of planning a caravan trip is packing right. One of the advantages of travelling in a caravan is that these can accommodate the maximum amount of luggage and hence, you can easily carry all your essentials without having to worry about excess baggage charges! The first thing is stocking your little kitchen with all the food items of your choice. You can throw in one or two versatile cooking vessels along with frozen or ready-to-eat food packets for easy preparation.
Do not forget to carry your toiletries and bedding items. Ensure sufficient water storage, and stock your fridge with beverages and pre-cooked meals. A long trip would be incomplete without some entertainment, so carry your board games, speakers, books and etc.
Taking safety measures
Before hitting the road, check the tyres, engine, petrol, and all other parts to rule out any risk factor. Take the caravan for a test run before actually beginning the journey. Carry necessary pieces of equipment such as torches, power-banks and maps. Be in touch with your family members to seek help in case of an emergency. It is also advisable to have some local contacts at your disposal.
Related: #StepAhead: Explore Madhya Pradesh In A Luxurious Caravan Post Lockdown
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