Hey Reader

Planning the destinations to visit can be one of the most exciting parts of the trip! Where do you go, what do you see, for how long?

Luckily, there are many ways to plan your adventure, whether it's for infinite travel or a long weekend.

Here are a few ways we select our destinations. We prefer the off-grid locations, and have our camper set up to be self sufficient. For those new here, many campsites require campers to be self sufficient, which means you need your own toilet and ways to collect any water run-off.

If you don't have your own caravan, or would like to test the waters before buying a caravan, we highly recommend StarRV, or for the more budget option, Jucy Campers.

1. What maps are best to use?

We use a mixture of Google maps (make sure you download the map in your area, as phone coverage isn't always there) and Hema maps as they're way more detailed.

I start by looking in the area we want to visit, and then work out a rough time frame. If it's a quick get-away, then I always plan something closer than you think you need, especially with kids who don't like long car trips!

If you can explore for a long period of time, then you'll need to work out how to segment your trip into destinations. Most people follow the weather, but I find that just outside the 'peak' season is best. Fewer people and more camp sites are free. Stay tuned for an email in the coming weeks about ideas to plan the big lap!

2. Find tuning

Once we have a rough idea of where we're going to explore, I then start searching around the area to find all the cool things. I use websites similar to ours, margieandtim.com.au, for local knowledge from people who have been there before.

Facebook groups are also a great place for information. Either broader camping groups, or join local groups. I find so much great info in the local community groups, especially if you're staying for more than a few days. We've found some awesome community events and kids' playgroups this way.

The other cool trick is to use Instagram. In the search bar, type the destination you're going to visit, then on reels. Keep in mind there's a reason why people say 'Instagram perfect', but it gives you some excellent starting points.

3. When you get there

When you arrive at the destination, stop in at the visitor centre. Ask the locals what is best to see depending on the season. There might be some community events you could join.

Stop for a beer at the pub. Chat with the locals about the cool spots that don't appear on the map.

We've even stayed extra nights at towns after we found out there was the local speedway on! Which turned into a follow the speedway season around north of Western Australia! Which brings me to the next point...

4. Plan more time than you think you need.

We've never been anywhere and thought 'we stayed here too long'. Our tip is to stay extra days wherever possible. Plan a shorter distance but longer stays. Then you can really get to see the area you pass through.

And, if you see something that is cool and you want to visit (like speedway, lol!) be prepared for plans to change.

5. But, don't you need to book campsites?

This is where it gets interesting. We spend days/months/years at a time on the road, and have only ever pre booked a caravan park when we're catching up with family.

Otherwise, we book the day before (or just rock up!) This works if you plan to visit in off-peak season, and don't have a particular campsite in mind.

For us, we like the flexibility. Not rushing to get to the next spot. This is for two reasons. First, our kids come first, and sometimes they don't want to sit in the car longer than a few minutes, so we don't go far. (both AuDHD), but also, what if we want more time to explore?

If you only have the weekend free, then it is a different story. Sometimes you do need to book or choose the not-so popular locations. I'll chat about how we find campsites in the next few weeks.

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BTW, if you haven't already, make sure this email finds your normal inbox, so you don't miss the next one. You can usually do that by clicking and dragging the email into your general inbox. Usually I'll send some info each fortnight-3 weeks, but sometimes I'll do a quick email if I see something really awesome that I think will help you :)

Did you receive this email from a friend, and would like to see more informative emails all about caravanning and adventure? ​Click here​ to 'officially' join our community, we can't wait to say hi :)

As the weather gets colder, Denmark WA is the place to visit!

Have a wonderful week, safe travels and remember

to say yes to adventure!
​

Margie and Tim :)

Feel free to forward this email to your mates, we want to share the caravanning adventure spirit!

P.S. Before you go, tick off your adventure prep with these handy tools:

✔️ Our secret to finding the most awesome adventures using viator.com​
✔️ Find the best deals on stays with www.tripadvisor.com​
✔️ Locate super cool campsites with Camps Australia Wide​

Looking for gifts for adventurers?

✔️ Check out our Etsy store Gifts for Adventurers for all those hard-to-buy people!

✔️Grab yourself the budget planner specially designed for planning your big (or small) laps!

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