Whether you’re preparing for a few months on the road, a lap around the country, or just heading off to visit family interstate, good planning makes all the difference.
At Providence Lifestyle Resorts, many homeowners take advantage of the freedom this lifestyle offers – travelling for weeks or even months at a time, knowing their home is safe and secure behind the gates of a like-minded, caring community.
Here’s a helpful guide to planning your next extended trip with ease – including what to consider and when to tick it off.
Start with the Essentials
Before you begin mapping out your route or making bookings, think about the bigger picture:
- Your time frame and budget – How long will you be away, and what are your estimated expenses?
- Where your RV or rig can go – Is it set up for off-road or free camping, or suited to gazetted roads only?
- Your physical comfort and limitations – Choose destinations and activities that suit your energy levels.
- Key destinations – List the places you don’t want to miss and shape your route around them.
The Pre-Trip Countdown
Here’s a practical timeline to help you prepare in stages:
6-12 Months Out
- Research your route and ideal destinations, keeping seasonal weather in mind.
- Consider how you’ll fund your trip including renting, selling, or securing house-sitters if needed (though for many at Providence, leaving your home behind is worry-free).
- Decide on your travel setup: motorhome, caravan and tow vehicle, camper trailer, or RV. If you’re buying new, allow plenty of time for delivery.
- Set a tentative departure date to guide your planning.
3-6 Months Out
- Set up bill payments to run automatically while you’re away.
- Begin clearing out your home and deciding what can stay or go.
- Organise storage for any belongings not travelling with you.
- Finalise your trip budget.
- Identify your must-see stops and sketch out a loose itinerary.
1-3 Months Out
- Book in any servicing or repairs for your van and tow vehicle.
- Check that your rig meets compliance for all the states or territories on your route.
- Join caravan park membership groups to access discounts.
- Apply for National Park permits or passes.
- Shop for any gear you still need -think grey water containers, storage tubs, extra hoses.
- Make bookings for popular or high-season sites.
- Research free and low-cost camps to mix into your route.
- Review legal matters -wills, power of attorney, and guardianship if relevant.
1-4 Weeks Out
- Create a checklist and begin packing your rig – paying attention to correct weight distribution.
- Lock in bookings for the first leg of your trip so you can ease into travel confidently.
- Let your neighbours and resort management know you’ll be away. One of the many perks of resort living is the sense of security that comes with gated access and a close-knit community – you can hit the road knowing your home is in safe hands.
- Throw a little farewell party or happy hour – then it’s time to go!
Enjoy the Journey!
With the right planning and a little preparation, you can head off on your next big adventure feeling calm, capable, and completely ready.
Whether it’s a few weeks or a few months, the road ahead is yours to explore and your resort community will be right here when you return.
Information in this article is true and correct as of October 1, 2025.