Holidaying with my dog

If you're heading off on your first holiday park adventure, you may want to know how to prepare. Fortunately, most parks have the facilities you need for a comfortable stay. However, there are some tools you'll need for an extra-seamless visit.

Dry food supplies

Do you want to go shopping as soon as you hit the park? Having some dry food supplies prevents the need for a shopping trip after a long drive. Bring items such as:

• Tinned vegetables and beans
• Sauces
• Rice and pasta
• Noodles
• Cereal
• UHT milk

After your first couple of meals, you'll have the energy to go shopping.

Your camera

If you go on holiday, you need to create memories. While you don't want to spend the entire trip behind a lens, you can snap special moments. When taking a camera, consider the trip you're going on. For example:

• Take a Go Pro if you're surfing while at the holiday park
• Just your iPhone if you're not a budding photographer
• A DSLR for stunning snaps

If you take an expensive camera, you may want to consider adding holiday insurance to the mix.

Towels and bedding

If the holiday accommodations you're visiting provide bedding, then don't worry about this. However, some holiday parks either don't offer them or they charge for them. One benefit of taking your own towels is that you're confident they're hygienic. In addition, you won't fall short. Finally, you can ensure the bedding and towels meet your standards in terms of comfort.

A portable barbecue

Few experiences are more enjoyable than a barbecue at sunset. If your holiday park has a terrace, why not make the most of it by eating outdoors? Many holiday parks have communal barbecues. Taking your own means no queues and planning. Even better, you can take your barbecue to a beach and enjoy a picnic with hot cuisine. To add to this, bring an insulated coolbox along as well.

Personal activity essentials

Hopefully you have lots of activities lined up for your break. Unless you want to spend lots of money on rentals while you're away, you might want to take some essentials with you. Such items include:

• Frisbees, football nets, and volleyballs for outdoor activities
• Surfboards, kayaks, and canoes for water activities
• Fishing rods and a fishing tent for a relaxing day at the lake

Ask everyone who's going on the holiday what they plan to do. Make a list of the items you need and pack them accordingly.

Once you have everything you need, you can enjoy a relaxing break.