Are you a camping virgin? Or, have you been before and hated it? Camping can be a fantastic way to experience a new place. A vacation is all about escaping the everyday, and there’s no better way than getting lost in nature! Many of us avoid camping because of ideas, or experiences, that put us off. Done right, there’s nothing better. The whole family can enjoy the escape, and take some much needed time to get in touch with wilderness! It doesn’t take much effort to get the most from your camping experience. Here’s a list of some things that are sure to set your trip on fire!
CHOOSE THE RIGHT CAMPSITE
It’s important when planning a camping getaway, to pick a campsite that suits your needs. There are many sites available, so it’s worth looking at what’s available. Too often, people settle for the first site they come across. You wouldn’t settle for the first hotel, would you? Well, then, don’t do it with your campsite! The first thing to consider is the location you would like. Just having a country in mind isn’t enough when it comes to camping. Think, too, about what setting you would like to camp in. Would a field be as wild as you can go, or are you after a forest setting? Many campsites also specialize in particular areas. You could book a campsite that offers sports activities, or has a swimming pool and plenty for the kids to do. If it’s a romantic getaway you’re after, why not book into an adult-only site? With all these options, it would be foolish not to shop around. Wouldn’t it?
GET THE BEST ACCESSORIES
To ensure your camping trip goes as well as possible, you need to stock up on some essentials. It's up to you how well stocked you are. Though you don’t want to be lugging around a huge bag of supplies, ensure you have everything you need, especially a quality tent. The more you take, the more comfortable your stay will be! Write a list of everything you need, and cross off the items as you get them. Think about a tent and sleeping bags above everything. Stock up too, on cooking supplies. Cast iron Dutch oven accessories will make your cooking experience much easier! It may also be worth stocking up on some fire making supplies to ensure you’re not caught short once you get there. Of course, you won’t be in the middle of nowhere. Most campsites are within driving or walking distance from local shops. Even so, some camping equipment could be hard to find under pressure! Don’t worry too much about food supplies, because you can get those when you’re there. Focus, instead, on the camping bits. Think, too, about packing enough clothes to last you! Fresh clothes can make you feel a lot better after a night in front of a smoky fire!
GET TO KNOW THE AREAS AROUND
Once you’ve booked your site, it’s worth taking a look at the places around. Day trips are sure to keep you amused during your holiday. There’s nothing wrong with a few days around the campsite but plan some activities too. This is especially important if you have children to amuse! A dull camping experience will leave them reluctant to try again! Find the closest towns and research what there is to do. If there’s something specific that you would like to see, travel further afield. It’s your holiday, so what’s stopping you? You’ve got all the time in the world! Or, at least, all the time of your vacation!
TAKE TIME IN NATURE
Camping is all about getting close to nature, right? It makes sense that you take the chance to get at one with nature while you’re away. There’s no excuse not to explore when you’re staying out in the open! Take plenty of time to go for walks. Your campsite is likely in a location that offers plenty of opportunities for exploration. Walking is therapeutic, and is perfect if you’re trying to escape from everyday life. Buy a map of your chosen location, and map out some walks you would like to do. You could even take along some bikes, or hire some during your stay. That way, you can see even more of your holiday destination! Take time, too, to enjoy the wildlife all around you. Camping is a sure way to see a side of nature you never normally get the chance to witness. If your kids are with you, it’s a great opportunity for them to see animals in their natural environment! Take time, too, to teach them about the trees and plants all around them!
LEARN
A camping trip gives you an excellent opportunity to learn. There are so many skills you can gain while camping that you wouldn’t usually learn. Putting up a tent is an achievement in itself. You never know when that skill will come in handy! You’ll also learn how to build and cook on a campfire. Not to forget the things you stand to learn about the world around you and the stars in the night sky! Use your camping trip as an excuse to open your eyes to the world around you. Reignite your excitement for learning while you’re away!
TAKE TIME TO RELAX
All those experiences aside, it’s important to remember that you’re on vacation. Ensure you make time to relax, too! Set aside days where you can sit and enjoy the beauty around you. Get stuck into that reading list you’ve been meaning to get to for so long. You don’t have to be on the go all the time. If you take the time to sit back, you’ll realize how tranquil an experience camping can be. You might not get the experience of sitting on the beach day in day out, but camping can be just as relaxing. If you’ve chosen a site with a swimming pool, you could sit by that if you wanted to!
