You book your accommodation, plan your itinerary, and count down the days for the ultimate getaway. You can’t wait to escape the hustle and bustle, relax, unwind, explore, and spend quality time with loved ones.

However, it can also be a stressful time trying to figure out what to pack, who is going to look after the family dog, and who is going to take the bins out while you’re away. Well, stress no longer, we have put together a pre-holiday checklist to make life a little easier for you. The only thing you need to worry about is how are you going to fit all your luggage in the car.

Before you book your holiday

First things first, before you book your holiday you need to make sure you can have time off work. If you have kids, it’s also a good idea to check their schedule to make sure they aren’t missing out on anything like school, exams, sporting events, concerts, and things of that nature.

Once your leave is approved, let the planning begin. Have a chat with your friends and family to see if someone can take care of the family pets or plants whilst you are away.

If you have a dog, check out some of Tasman’s pet-friendly caravan parks. You may want to bring them along to enjoy the fun. After all, dogs deserve a break once in a while too.  

• Leave approved
• Kids schedule is free
• Organise someone to look after pets and or plants
• Book in holiday                 

After you book your holiday

Your leave is approved, you have someone organised to look after the cat and succulents, now it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty of your holiday.

It’s a good idea to book the car in with a mechanic to make sure it’s firing on all cylinders for your road trip. There’s no better way to put a dampener on your holiday than being stuck on the side of the road with a broken-down car.

It’s also a good idea to make sure you have car insurance and roadside assistance just in case – better to be safe than sorry.

Who doesn’t love a good list? Write down a packing list at least one month before your trip. If you are planning a camping trip, check out our camping essentials checklist.

Next, create a to-do list with all the things you need to arrange before your trip. Whilst you have the pen and paper out, write down your itinerary and where you’re staying and give that to a family member in case of an emergency.

• Book car in with mechanic
• Write packing list
• Write to-do list
• Give your itinerary and accommodation details to a family member

One week before your holiday

Ooooh, you must be excited now. This is the time to get all those last-minute things organised and start packing your bags. Tell your neighbours you will be away and ask if they can collect your mail and take the bins out.

A few days before you set off, do a spring clean of the house. There is nothing better than coming back from a holiday to a nice clean house. Make sure you clean out the fridge, remove any fresh flowers in vases, and empty all your household bins. You don’t want to return home to any nasty smells.

If someone is looking after your pets and or plants, write a detailed list of everything they need to care for them. Make sure you give the pet or plant sitter anything they need like food, lead, food and water bowls, and bed.

• Pack your luggage
• Tell neighbours you will be away
• Clean house
• Clean fridge
• Remove fresh flowers
• Empty bins
• Leave list and items to look after pets and/or plants

The day you leave for your holiday

Finally, the day has arrived for your holiday. Wash up any last-minute dishes, do a final tidy up and pack any last-minute bits and pieces.

Once the car is packed and you’re ready to jet, do one last walk through the house to make sure everything is tidy, doors and windows are secured, and the alarm is set. Now for the fun part, jump in the car, and off you go. Your holiday destination awaits you.

• Wash dishes
• Final tidy up
• Pack last-minute items
• Check everything is locked
• Set alarm (if you have one)
• Relax and enjoy!

Ahh, you have now arrived at your Tasman Holiday Park. Feel life slow down, put your feet up and relax or get the sand between your toes and explore. That’s the beauty of staying at a Tasman Holiday Park, it’s full of possibilities and planned with the convenience and ease to eat, play and stay in comfort. Enjoy!