Many people hit the road for Christmas. Whether it’s to visit family or to celebrate the occasion in new surroundings, RV travel in the silly season is proving increasingly popular. For many, the joy of Christmas is heightened by bright decorations, the smell of real pine and the glittering of strategically strung tinsel and lights. But what if you’re on the road? Decorations need to be portable, light and easily packed away.

PLAN AHEAD

Christmas is the busiest time of year for holiday parks and higher rates may apply. Do your research early and secure your booking. If you’re planning on doing tours or taking part in planned events, see if you can book a place as part of your preparation.

Another important part of planning is checking out your RV inventory. Is there anything you could leave out for this trip? Pull out any winter equipment or other cold-weather items that won’t be needed in the hot summer. Space is always at a premium in a RV, but even more so at Christmas, when you have to consider gifts, decorations and food requirements.

Ensure your RV is serviced or at least check it over thoroughly yourself. During the Christmas periods, especially in smaller towns, small businesses may not be open, so your chances of finding a mechanic or RV repairer may be limited.

A bit of Christmas cheer can be easy and innovative

STAY COOL

Christmas time in Australia is synonymous with heat, especially if you are in the north of the country. Make sure your RV is equipped to handle the hotter weather. For those without cooling, fans can provide much-needed air circulation in the  small space a RV offers, and at least offer enough relief to help you sleep on those hot nights.

There’s nothing worse than the heat beating through your windows. Make sure to keep interior blinds and curtains drawn to prevent hot weather from penetrating your RV. Cooking outside is another great way to keep the space cool, and let’s face it, outdoor cooking is part of the fun of the travelling lifestyle.

While choices may be somewhat limited at this time of year, try to ask for tree shade or waterfront options when booking your site. If free camping, try to arrive at your destination early to snag the coolest camping spots.

If travelling each day, try to drive during the hottest hours of the day. Setting up and packing up camp can be done in the early morning and late afternoon, meaning the hottest hours are spent in the air-conditioned comfort of the cabin.

Outdoor cooking and dining is part of the travelling lifestyle

DECORATION CELEBRATION

What would Christmas be without the decorations? Given the limited space and need to travel light, it’s not possible to drag the six-foot fake tree around with you, or to pack every little ornament you’ve gathered over the years. Tinsel is light and can make a huge difference to the festive vibe. Given its wide availability at discount stores such as Kmart and $2 shops, it’s also extremely cheap. Go with a coordinated colour scheme or dare yourself to go multicolour. You can drape it around the inside of your door, around your cabinets, and once parked, on the outside of your RV.

A few Christmas knickknacks are fine if you’re happy to lug them around, but don’t go overboard. Small, glittery trees made of wire and mesh are available at most variety stores and make an excellent table centrepiece or outdoor decoration. Unfortunately, these cannot be folded down, so the smaller, the better.

If you enjoy long walks in the bush or on the beach, collect long sticks or pieces of driftwood that you can place in a jar and decorate with tinsel or lights.

Another tree option is to decorate a shrub or small tree near your RV with LED lights or tinsel. LED lights on a string are low cost and battery-run, meaning you don’t have to worry about power cords. Battery-operated candles placed in paper bags also make a great touch around the RV. If you’re travelling with children, they can decorate the bags for an extra festive feel.

When it comes to Christmas, there’s nothing wrong with changing your traditions

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

If you’re camping in a venue with other travellers, it’s the ideal time to socialise and make new friends. Bond over some Christmas drinks, sitting near decorated shrubs and celebrate Christmas in a different way. Like you, fellow travellers may be away from family and friends, so there’s nothing nicer than enjoying the company of new people.

If you’re the daring type, you could also try carolling in your park or camping venue. You never know who will join in!

Christmas day can be as intimate or as social as you want it to be. Share your Christmas fares with new-found friends and create a combined feast! Learn new cooking skills and enjoy diverse Christmas foods.

A camping spot by the water will be cooler in summer months

THE ALL-IMPORTANT LUNCH

Experienced RVers probably know most of the tricks to cooking a good roast in the Baby Weber or in the camp oven. For those new to the game, keep reading for a camp oven Christmas turkey recipe. Be prepared to get up early if roast meat is part of your dish – it can take a while to cook in a nonconventional oven.

There’s nothing wrong with changing Christmas traditions. Instead of a full roast meal, consider a grazing platter full of local fares. If you’re camping near a winery, buy yourself a local wine to try. You’re out and about at Christmas time, so make the most of the local seasonal produce.

When planning your Christmas day meal, remember that fridge space is often limited. Take only what you need. If travelling in a group, allocate certain foods to travellers so there are no unnecessary double ups. There  are almost always leftovers, so planning wisely will minimise the space required in your fridge.

Christmas crackers are a nice and traditional touch on the festive table, so stock up before you go, or buy locally (but be prepared to pay more). Some people choose to use Christmasthemed disposable plates for the special day, but if you are free camping (not in a holiday park), remember that you have to take away all of your own rubbish, so this may not be the best option. Travelling light is the key to a great trip, so consider all that you take very carefully.

Christmas Australian Style

LOCAL CELEBRATIONS

If you’re camping in or near a town, check out what the region offers at Christmas time. Carols by Candlelight may be an option, or even a tour of Christmas lights. Thinking of dining out on the day? Do your research and book ahead of time. Venues book out quickly in the Christmas period and it would be a shame to miss out. If you’re staying at a holiday park, ring ahead and ask the hosts about Christmas lunch options.

GIFTING TIPS

This is the time to be picky about what you gift others for Christmas. Avoid large or heavy items and opt instead for vouchers, books or other small items. Some Christmas travellers implement a theme, such as buying from the local op shop once you’ve arrived, while others opt to exchange gifts before they leave home.

Another great idea is to buy a gift for the RV in place of a gift to each other. Is there some new bit of kit that you’ve been pining for? Now’s your chance to buy it guiltfree. Experiences make great gifts, so why not book into a local attraction for a special tour or activity?

Items that you forage from your campsite can make great decorations

THE PACK UP

Packing up is always no fun, even when you’re at home. When travelling, it can be somewhat easier given that you’re (hopefully) travelling light. Remember that if you are not at a holiday park, you must take home any rubbish that you produce, so remain mindful of this during celebrations and planning.

Don’t want to take your decorations home? Consider donating them to a local op shop, where they will be greatly appreciated. Nature makes terrific decorations, so this is another way to minimise your Christmas inventory. What you take from nature, you can simply give back before you leave.

STAY SAFE

Christmas and New Years is a busy time on the roads. The trucking industry doesn’t stop, and many people are out and  about with RVs, caravans, campers and tents. Be patient if dealing with heavy traffic and don’t take risks. Police are particularly active during this period so make sure that you’re carrying the appropriate weight in your RV and sticking to the speed limit. Don’t break the Christmas budget with a fine.

A CB radio is a great way to communicate with truck drivers and fellow RVers. Channel 18 is used for chatting to caravan and camper drivers, while Channel 40 is the nationwide road safety channel.

Personal safety is also important. Pack a first aid kit, insect repellent and appropriate sun protection. The heat means that sunburn is a real possibility, and the summer brings out all the creepy crawlies.

Enjoy the fare offered by local wineries and farm gates

CAMP OVEN CHRISTMAS TURKEY

TOTAL TIME: 90 minutes (depending on how hot the fire is!)

SERVES: 10

INGREDIENTS

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 5 sprigs fresh rosemary

• 1.5kg boneless free-range turkey roast (prerolled at butcher or supermarket)

• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

• Salt and pepper

METHOD

Make sure camp oven is hot over the campfire.

Add 2 tbsp of olive oil and lay sprigs of rosemary at the bottom. Make around 10 inserts into the turkey roll and stick garlic slices into each one, drizzle the rest of the olive oil onto skin and rub salt and pepper in. Place the turkey roll on top of the rosemary.

Cook for 90 minutes with the lid on (or until done). Let rest for 10 minutes, serve.

Category: Features
Written: Thu 01 Dec 2022
Printed: December, 2022
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