PREPARE Be prepared in all areas where possible. Check before you leave as to what the weather & road conditions are like and what amenities are available as these can change. Don't assume everything will be the same if you have been their before.
If you are traveling in remote areas be prepared with plenty of water & food incase of breakdown, always carry mobile phone, satellite phone or some other source of communication.
RUBBISH It is not a good idea to litter - all rubbish should be packed in a bag and dropped into the nearest bin.
If possible pick any rubbish left by others.
TRAVEL SICKNESS If your passengers are prone to travel sickness carry the travel sickness tablets and a bag or container.
RESPECT Be courteous to fellow travelers and campers.
Respect all wild animals & creatures when you are in there natural habitat, some are dangerous, others are great to watch and take a photo of then let them go on there way.
NIGHT TIME Learn about the stars at night you may even see a shooting star.
Use torches or lamps at night, there is a huge range of lighting available including.
Gas lanterns, battery torches, lights, LED lamps some are rechargeable, headlamps are a convenient way to light your way with hands free.
SAFETY Keep tents zipped up at all times to prevent anything crawling into your sleeping bag.
To save people tripping over your tents guy lines, attach colorful ribbon or rope.
Take a pair of gloves for protection when collecting firewood, removing hot utensils from the campfire, changing wheels and using winches etc.
TENT STORAGE If your tent or other equipment gets wet; dry them out before storing, even if you have to put your tent up again when you get home. Tents can get mildew and be damaged.
WARMTH To keep warmer wear a hat - 80% of heat is loss occurs through your head.
FOOD Do not leave food out in the open as the flies and insects will soon be visiting.
BE ORGANISED Before leaving home tell your family, neighbors etc. of your plans and when you expect to return.
Arrange for someone to pick up your mail & papers.
Arrange for your pets to be looked after.
VEHICLE It is important that drivers understand their own vehicles capabilities prior to embarking on journey into remote and inhospitable areas, or even into the local hills for the weekend away, especially when four wheel driving.
Prepare your vehicle before departure, get it serviced and a complete check, carry emergency spare parts like a fan belt, spare tubes etc. check your jack works and spare wheel is in good condition.
A spare ignition key could be located on the outside of the car or swap spare keys with another camper traveling with you in a separate vehicle
CAMPFIRE Beware of fire restrictions in the area that you are camping, check with the local authorities. Clear a large area around your campfire to avoid the fire spreading accidentally.
FIRST AID Always carry a First Aid kit and book, the contents should be checked each time you are packing in case an item needs replacing.
FOOD When packing your food stack the containers close together to prevent the contents tipping over and bottles breaking, plastic bottles can be used where possible to prevent breakage.
Use containers with well fitting lids to prevent the lids coming off in transit.
Fresh meat can be vacuum sealed it will then keep refrigerated for at least a month. Restock along the way where you can.
Keep some dry and packaged food for emergencies.
FUEL On long trips fuel will be needed to be purchased, work out in advance where you can buy it.
Use a Fuel /distance calculators to work out much your car will use.
GENERATORS Are wonderful devices, but their use in a crowded area can lead to disagreement as they can interfere with the peace and tranquility.
GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEMS - GPS are readily available, they have the facility to plan your destinations before you leave and pinpoint exactly where you are at any time by satellite.
GPS would be invaluable in the case of emergency.
PACKING When packing your car only stack light luggage on the roof rack to keep the centre of gravity as low as you can.
Cargo barriers are an excellent idea in station wagons so that luggage cannot enter into passenger area.
When preparing to pack do a trial run to make sure it all fits in or on your vehicle or trailer, its easy to pack too much.
TIME ZONES Travelers should be aware that different times zones exist within some countries and states, you may need to adjust your watch occasionally when you cross state borders.
CHECKLIST Keep a checklist it is very easy to forget something. Usually it is something you can do with out or you can buy or borrow from other campers, but it could be something important like medication.
DETERGENT Be careful not to dispose of dishwater near rivers and creeks. The chemicals can contaminate the water supply for the fish and plant life.
WATER Take plenty of drinking water with you, fresh water may not be easily available.
NOISE Respect other campers, in the evening keep the noise level down, hopefully other campers will do the same.
TENT Take a door mat, carpet mat or hessian bag for the front door. This will help prevent dirt, leaves or sand being dragged into the tent. Leave your shoes, boots outside.
Take a rake to clear an area to set up the tent, remove any sticks and rocks to prevent holes in the floor of tent and a lumpy bed.
Before setting up the tent check where the shade will be, setup for shade in the afternoon and check for any over hanging branches and avoid setting up under them.
SUNSCREEN Use sunscreen to prevent getting burnt especially when swimming or in a boat.
WEATHER When a planning a trip, take the time to understand the seasonal weather conditions of the areas you plan to visit.
CLOTHING Take a variety of clothing, mornings and evenings can be cool and warm in the afternoon, avoid white or light colors they show up the dirt the most. Layers of clothes work the best. Take spares clothes especially for kids and old shoes, bright clothes can be seen easily.
Set aside a clean set of clothes, in case you go on an outing for a meal or for going home in on your last day.
DISHWASHING Take a kettle to heat the water and a large wash up bowl. Mix the hot & cold water, add detergent, and remember the tea towel and sponge. I use paper plates over solid plastic plates, the paper plates are easily disposed of and the cleaning up is much easier, especially with the main meal.
MEALS Can be kept simple for a start, before you leave home work out the menu for the first few days and buy the groceries required. Always take spare food with a long shelf life like packet, tin food, long life milk or juice. etc.
WATER & FACILITIES Some campgrounds like National Parks may provide flushable toilets, showers. It is usually best to take your own toilet paper it can be on short supply at some parks.
FEES & PERMITS If you wish to fish or hunt take your license or permit with you. Some National parks charge a fee per night. Generally the Ranger will come around once a day and collect the fees. If you have any queries about the area ask the ranger while he is visiting. Some parks will supply firewood.
SPECIAL OCCASIONS Remember any birthdays or special occasions that may occur during your holiday, take any required presents etc.
MAPS & GUIDEBOOKS Make sure you have clear directions to find your campsite, have a map and details sent to you before you leave home if you can.
If you intend to go on nature walks follow a map, usually these walks are well marked by signs. Always take water, for longer walks take some safety precautions like a mobile/cell phone, compass etc.
Tell a responsible person when you expect to return.