Complete Newbies looking for tips

Hello and welcome to CT and to our great hobby.  Best to ask questions as you think of them or as they arrive.

For your first trip take the towing slowly, stay close to home, you can nip back for forgotten items 😉. Think about what you do during yoir day and pack accordingly e.g. bedding, cutlery, crockery etc. Don't go buying anything that looks nice and could be handy - we all have a stash of those 😂😂 that don't see the light of day. Make lists. Check carefully before you head off on the trip and when you're ready to leave the site.

As bakers2 said...don't go to far away you are sure to have forgotten something...make a list of what you have to do setting up on site and packing up when leaving...just as you pull the caravan off the pitch get someone to check that you haven't left anything behind...I have been carravanning for a long time and . I still forget things...the main thing is enjoy yourself and welcome and keep us updated on your travels ..ask questions don't think it's stupid because the only stupid question is the one you don't ask

Orla

Enjoy your first trip away. Take things slowly and check everything before you leave. (Windows & roof vents shut etc). Make lists a week before and keep adding to them as you think of things. Buy some nice food and wine and relax once you get there. The magic of going away in the caravan will never leave you. 

Orla

We started caravanning two years ago for the same reason as you, and as we are now both retired, and we have loved every minute! All the above is good and sound advice, and my experience is that CMC members are very helpful, as are the CMC staff. However, it is also my experience that it is a rare trip that passes off without something going a bit pear shaped, usually, it has to be said, because of user error! I have now come to see these trifles as part of the quirkiness of caravanning. Hope you enjoy your touring!

The user and all related content has been Deleted User

Just make sure the dogs are comfy and have the best seats in the caravan? We also like to go off cycling, so take our dog with us.

Welcome orlafer - I am another one with a caravan because of the dogs. 

One tip I suggest is reading the Rules about camping with dogs - I am sure you know how to behave re cleaning up after them etc.  but if you have read the rules its easier.  Because of some irresponsible owners we have all come in for a bit of flack from time to time!  I was on a site once and a dog owner wandered off to chat to his neighbour leaving the dog frantically barking and straining at his tether - it was quite early Sunday morning - he was just laughing at the dog while just about the whole campsite was disturbed by the racket.  I was sitting outside with my dogs getting crosser and crosser!  20 minutes later he returned to the dog and it shut up!  No wonder dog owners get a bad name!  Grrrr! 

Depending on where in the NE you are there are a few excellent sites near to towns which are excellent places to start as you will be able to pop to the shops for all the little items you have forgotten (sites like Forfar, Stonehaven, Banchory). As above, just take it steady and after checking everything, check it all again👍

Thank you all for your responses, I can see a theme running through them all!!! Lists, lists, lists and more lists....

We are staying very close to home first trip (less than hours away) so hopefully all will be fine

Will update post trip!

@ChrisRogers lovely pics, I can see who's boss in your caravan!!

One tip that I would give is make sure that the caravan has been fully serviced or get it fully serviced before you set off. Get evidence of previous services and don't just take someone's word for it.