If you're thinking about trying a caravanning holiday for the first time, here's a quick guide to what you'll need to pack, and what you'll need to look out for on the road.

One of the most important things you'll need for your journey is a good map or atlas. SatNav can be very useful, but never rely on SatNav alone as these systems can break down and get details wrong. Specialist caravanning maps are available of the UK and Europe, which have details of places to stop and sleep for the night already printed on to them.

Laws within Europe have tightened recently with regard to sleeping in lay-by's and roadside areas, so using your map to plot out the various official caravan parks and campsites that you will be able to use will help your trip immensely. Also worthy of noting on your map are petrol stations. This information can be invaluable while you're travelling, helping you to plan how many miles you can realistically travel each day with each tank of gas. When you're on the road, miles from civilisation, you'll be glad you jotted down these details at home before your trip, and it can help make the journey seem less daunting.

Experts warn that before heading out on any prolonged caravan holiday you should make sure that your vehicle has been fully-serviced. If your car's not up to the task, you could try renting a car, or perhaps borrowing a friend or relative's vehicle. Insuring your trip is a good idea, especially if you're taking a particularly long trip, as breakdowns can happen. You'll want comprehensive car or vehicle insurance, and travel insurance too to cover any medical expenses that you may incur while away.

While driving in a foreign country, you have to remember to switch sides of the road! European countries drive on the right so don't get caught out, as this ca be extremely hazardous for you and other road users . You should also do a bit of research into the petrol and diesel requirements of your vehicle, especially if you'll be driving a motorhome, as your vehicle may take petrol or oil that is not available in other countries, which could lead to a travel nightmare.

Compiling a list is a great way to help you remember to pack everything you need. Remember all the relevant travel documents and identification that you will need, as well as emergency telephone numbers like the number of your bank, and car and travel insurance companies. Packing some travel games, books and magazines will help pass the time on the road too.