Follow these five tips to ensure a smooth journey
More and more Americans are experiencing camping in the great outdoors. Camping provides an opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and to relax in mother nature’s wilderness. Not only are these trips great for families who love spending time outdoors, but it’s also a peaceful and tranquil way to have a small group holiday. If you’re planning a camping trip in the near future, below are some tips to ensure you get the most out of your trip.
1) Plan for Comfort
Just because you’re leaving behind the modern comforts of home doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be comfortable on a camping trip. This includes everything from what you’ll be sleeping in (whether it’s a tent, motorhome, or caravan) to what you’ll be wearing and eating.
When planning your camping trip, don’t scrimp on essentials. If you’ve got a vehicle, then make use of it and pack as many things as you can to avoid feeling without. You may even want to change the way you camp if you’re after ultimate comfort. Rather than opt for a tent, for example, you could rent a camping trailer instead.
2) Pick Exciting Camping Destinations
Planning a camping destination is just as important as planning a beach holiday. If you’re new to camping, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve chosen a campsite that excites you and offers plenty of activities for you and your family. The last thing you want is to land somewhere only to find out that there isn’t much to see and do. Depending on what type of camping holiday you’re after, do your research and be sure it’s in line with your family’s interests.
3) Organize Your Gear
The importance of the gear cannot be underestimated. This includes a decent sleeping mat, sleeping bag, tent, pillow, backpack, footwear, stove, etc. Even if you’re in a motorhome or camping trailer, you’ll want to make sure that you have all the gear that you need for hiking, sports, swimming, or sitting by a campfire. It’s a good idea to organize your gear well ahead of your trip so that you don’t forget anything.
4) Plan Meals in Advance
It may be tempting to just wing the food when you get there, but the problem with not planning meals in advance is you may not have everything you need. The risk of running out of food is also greater because you haven’t thought about what you should bring ahead of time. Therefore, planning meals in advance is a great way to ensure you not only have all the key ingredients but that you’re taken care of.
5) Bring This List of Extra Equipment
Like any holiday, it can be easy to forget something or to run out of an essential item halfway through the trip. However, the difference with camping is that you’re usually far away from stores, so you’ll want to be as self-sufficient as possible. Some of the extras you should consider bringing are:
- Fuel (for the camp stove)
- Utensils (in case you lose any)
- Socks and clothing (in case they get wet)
- Food bags and storage containers
- Matches and lighters (because you can never have too many)
- Snacks (so you never run out of food)
- Contingency rain gear (in case you’re faced with constant downpours)
- First-aid items like bandages
- Tools (so that you’re prepared for accidents, repairs, or contingencies)
