As we gear up for the holiday season, have you thought about the whole picture? Safety, and not just the fun?

An incorrectly loaded caravan can lead to snaking, swaying or loss of control of your caravan and vehicle.

Caravan popularity is high, with over 901,000 registered in Australia as of January 2024, a 27 per cent increase since 2019. Caravan and camping trips account for a significant portion of domestic travel, making up 56 per cent of trips, 62 per cent of nights, and 70 per cent of spending in this sector.

While families and the "grey nomad" demographic remain strong, the 30-54 age group is now the dominant segment, representing 46 per cent of trips and 42 per cent of nights in 2024. 

When loading your caravan, make sure that the heaviest items are packed low and centred over the caravan’s wheel axles and the lightest items are packed up high and distributed across the vehicle.

It's an easy and safe way to prevent sway!

Do you know the rules about digital screens in vehicles? Sometimes in our excitement and pressure to pack and head off, we can forget things.

If you have a full licence, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can only be used while driving to make or receive calls, play audio or as a driver’s aid (e.g. navigation). All other functions including texting, emailing, social media and web browsing aren't allowed as per the regular mobile phone road rules.

What about L, P1 and P2 drivers? Well, restricted licence holders aren't permitted to use their mobile phones at all while driving, whether it's connected to a screen or not. The best place for your phone if you're a restricted licence holder is on silent and in your bag!

For a quick Australian holiday,

prioritize sun protection, be prepared for vast distances by flying or planning travel time, and pack accordingly, as southern states are cooler in winter and northern areas are hot year-round. Always swim between the flags and be aware of the emergency number for your location. 

Here are a few extra tips to make your holiday seamless and enjoyable, with a just a little extra thinking involved.

• Pack for the climate and conditions where you are heading.
• The UV index is high; use high-SPF sunscreen, wear a hat, and seek shade, even on cloudy days.
• Pack comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots for exploring cities, national parks, and beaches.
• Beach safety: Always swim between the red and yellow flags to be in a patrolled area.
• Health: Get a health check and any recommended vaccinations before you go, and ensure you have enough prescribed medication, along with a doctor's letter and copy of the prescription. 
• Plan for distances: get that podcast playlist sorted, charge up the kids screens, pack travel board games, and double check you all have the little creature comforts you like to make travel as bearable as possible.
• Driving: If driving, be aware that distances between towns can be very large, with no services in between. Take breaks every couple of hours.
• Cook your own meals: Eating out can be expensive, so try self-catering or buy alcohol from bottle shops instead of bars.
• Free wildlife spotting: Visit national parks to see native animals like kangaroos and koalas in the wild, instead of paying for sanctuaries.
• Look for deals: Use websites like Klook, Viator, or GetYourGuide to compare prices on activities, or Bookme for last-minute deals.
• Work or volunteer: If child free, consider opportunities like WWOOFing or working in a hostel for accommodation to save money