When planning the cost of your family holiday most of us will grimly accept that the bill for all those snacks, drinks and cups of tea might be quite a lot. Though we might cheerfully venture out for supper at a pub or restaurant, the additional bill for breakfast, lunch and all the other snack stops really adds up.
But what’s the alternative? A Campervan or motorhome holiday offers a money saving option: the possibility of preparing and cooking food in the van. Your holiday kitchen on wheels!
All campervans are equipped with a two-burner hob and fridge, whilst our motorhomes have larger fridges and ovens. Make sure you stock up on non-perishables at the beginning, then pick up local delicacies along the way from farm shops and markets. This allows you to enjoy the local produce on offer as you travel. Keep an eye out for home-made loaf cakes, sausages, bread and eggs from farm shops and markets. Instead of queuing for a table in a busy café, park in a scenic location and get the kettle on. The kids can grab a cold drink and an apple and have a run around.
If you are really organised you might have some cans of soup, pasta and sandwich fillings on standby, ready for lunch. And don’t forget, a hot choccy made in the van is a real treat after a bracing walk or a dip in the sea.
With a little forward planning you can produce some great meals your family will enjoy. Pack pasta sauces, herbs, salad dressing and oil. Bring along pasta and Arborio rice. Grate a zip-lock bag of cheese to save time later. Think about what you might create on a two-burner hob…
- Risotto
- Cooked breakfast
- Fried sausages and bacon to fill rolls or croissants
- Mushroom omelette
- Pan-seared fish and new potatoes
- Tuna pasta or a creamy carbonara
The possibilities are endless and you’ll feel ever-so-clever having saved some £s and made the most of the facilities in your van. Don’t be surprised if you get a few envious glances at the beach when you tuck into home-made hot dogs.
And remember: the washing up is a family activity too. So, get the kids involved. Family team-building at its best!
