How to budget when caravanning
Getting Started
When it comes to caravanning, most people know how much it’s going to cost when planning a trip, whether it’s around Australia or within Australia. Depending on the length of your trip, if you’re travelling for long or extended periods, this can take up a lot of fuel in the tank. If however you're one of those caravanners who enjoys soaking up the scenery and exploring different locations for extended periods of time, this can help to not burn your fuel. In the end, it’s all about planning your trip around your budget and looking at the best way to manage your funds so that you don’t burn a hole in your pocket.
Through searching online, you can find many sites that offer bush camping for over $50 per night if you choose caravan parks in popular areas or during peak season. If you're looking for more low key sites, do some further research when planning your next trip so you can budget accordingly.
When it comes to food and drink, it all depends on whatever you’re plans are but it is worthwhile to pack what you need and cook it yourself. The cost of food and drink can vary from place to place.
We have outlined for you below some ideas that may will help you in your quest to planning your next trip.
Caravanning on a budget
If you’re a seasoned traveller, no doubt you would be getting some great savings from your membership at one of the main parks. If you're not part of one, you can certainly find a number of caravan parks and groups that you can contact. If you plan to join one, make sure that it’s in the town that you’re visiting. Research this carefully when reviewing over your travel plans.
Here is a couple of Caravan Park Groups:
You don’t have to pay for a membership if you don’t want to. You can opt to go to caravan parks in rural towns or choose low-cost alternatives which are usually not part of a chain of parks or groups.
To get you started, here are some low-cost caravan parks located in Victoria.
Swan Reach Holiday Park
Swan Reach, Victoria, Gippsland Victoria
Starting from $30
- Powered sites have sewerage connected
- Sites suitable for caravans or tents
- Sites are heavily grassed and shaded
- Some concrete slabs available
- Great free BBQ facilities available
- Large camp kitchen close by
- Guest Laundry
- Pool
- Oval and Playing Fields
- Playground
- Excellent amenities block close to all sites
- Public Telephone
- Kiosk
Mallacoota Foreshore Holiday Park
Mallacoota, Victoria, Gippsland Victoria
Starting from $23
Camp Park Jetties (13 available)
Camp Moorings (57 poles)
The Mallacoota Foreshore Holiday Park is a traditional camping holiday with modern park services. This park is located between Melbourne and Sydney, only three hours drive from Canberra.
Travellers Rest Caravan Park
Charlton, Victoria, Greater Melbourne
Starting from $18
- BBQ/Picnic area
- Childrens Playground
- Central Dump Point
- Individual Sullage
- Drive thru Sites
- TV Cables
- Next door to the hotel with great meals and beer!
Blackwood Mineral Springs Caravan Park
Blackwood, Victoria, Greater Melbourne
Starting from $35
- A family friendly environment
- A variety of Powered & Unpowered Camping Sites
- Suitable for Caravans, Tents, 4WD's, Camper Vans, Buses & Motor Homes
- 2 Onsite Rental Caravans
- Communal BBQ's & a playground
- A communal Camp Kitchen
Some caravan parks offer Senior or Pensioner Concessions.
What to eat - Food and Drink
If you’re on a tight budget it would be better to prepare and take your own food and drinks. It doesn’t mean that you can’t eat simple and nutritious meals when travelling. We all know that when we buy food from home, it can costs a bit more because we can buy it in bulk, store it or freeze it for longer periods. If you’re planning to go out to eat, you may be tempted to buy lunch or go to a cafeteria on the way. Prices may vary so the suggestion would be to do is sparingly so that you do not break your budget. When it comes to buying drinks such as alcohol this can also vary and if you’re travelling with others or in a group, you can always share the costs or find out from other locals where the best buys are for both food and drink.
If you happen to be travelling with family or with kids, it’s always a good idea to shop for items like you would at home but on a smaller scale. This means finding the best buys and economically being efficient in the choice of foods you make. There are a number combinations you can make which will allow you to be creative in your cooking and also making it enjoyable for both yourself and the family.
Here are just some quick, fast and easy options for meals and alternatives when your travelling on the road:
Omelettes with ham and tomato:
- Beat two eggs in a bowl with half a cup of milk
- Dice up ham or for another alternative, you can add tomato or just have tomato
- Grab a zip lock bag and pour this all in
- Place the zip lock bag in the saucepan of water until it’s cooked (around 5 mins)
- Slide it onto a plate and eat it with your favourite beverage
Damper
There are three main ingredients:
Flour
Milk or Water
Salt
Mix info a soft light dough by adding the liquid slowly and constantly mixing. Knead for 5 minutes and then divide it up depending on how many people you’re making it for.
If you’re going to cook it over an open fire on the stick (best way to do it), cook it over the embers. Turn the stick regularly so that way you cook it on all sides. Wait until it’s a nice golden brown and it has doubled in its size. Add your favourite spread: butter and jam, butter and honey or whatever your preference is and enjoy it hot.
Spaghetti Bolognese and Shepherds Pie:
You can make these before you go on your trip and freeze them flat so that way you can store them in your freezer. You can easily warm them up, serve and eat from wherever you are.
Slow Cooker:
Another alternative is to take your slow cooker. This gives you so many options to cook your favourite dish. You can make a nice chicken, your choice of vegetables, chicken stock and herbs. This is a great way for those stopovers where you’re not travelling.
There are endless options to make in a slow cooker. No doubt it will bring nice homey smell to your caravan.
Other things to consider...
It’s a great idea to start thinking about what you will buy and store, being more efficient without compromising on flavour and what you enjoy. By organising this, you will not only save but you will have money for other things such fuel, entrance fees, attractions and other things you might have planned on your trip to go and see. If you’re looking for fibre rich foods and healthy options, find areas that are growing fresh fruit and vegetables. You can find roadside stalls and weekend markets which grow fresh produce, allowing you to get some good buying whilst still getting your vitamins.
Depending on where you’re travelling and located, sometimes you may not find fresh fruit or vegetables so if this happens, you can also buy and store dried, frozen (you need a freezer) or canned fruit and vegetables which can be your best value options. If you’re wanting more carbs you can also opt to make meals like pasta or rice instantly with a tomato based sauce, canned tuna for protein, steamed veggies along with powered potato which can be made with hot water.
For that nice cup of coffee or tea in the morning or during the day, getting fresh milk can sometimes be expensive depending on the locations you’re going to. UHT milk is a great and very affordable which you can store and use for your tea, coffee or breakfast cereal. There are other alternatives such as low-fat milk powders but it all depends on your preference and taste.
Another way to conserve your food is vacuum sealing your food such as meat, sauces etc. This is a great way to save on cost and it last longer in the fridge (up to 5 times longer than other preservation methods.) You can use the vacuum sealer to keep your food fresher in your fridge, freezer or for storing in the cupboard when it comes to dry foods. There are a number of domestic vacuum sealers on the market that are reasonably cheap starting from $100 and up. Some offer 1-year to 5-year guarantees depending on the model and brand you purchase.
If you, however, have a good freezer, vacuum sealing may not be necessary but you may want to use it for your other perishables.
Well that's a wrap for now. We hope that this article has given you some things to consider.
Happy caravanning!
