The pandemic has had a huge impact on the majority of our lives. From how we work to how we spend our free time, we’ve all had to make adjustments to keep in line with government regulations regarding lockdowns, social distancing and periods of social isolation.
This has been important to slow and reduce the spread of coronavirus and Covid-19 around the world, but one thing many of us have really missed during this time is travel. Many of us look forward to annual or bi-annual trips and haven’t been able to get away over the past 24 months due to controls on travel, changes to border regulations controls and more. But the good news is that hospitalisations and deaths are reducing, more people are getting vaccinated and a return to life as normal does seem to be on the horizon.
As we grow used to looser restrictions and more freedom to do as we please, many people will be reluctant to jump straight on a flight to another country. But it’s important to know that this isn’t the only option. Sure, a relaxing beach holiday might sound appealing, but why not consider camping as something to plan instead? When you camp in your home country, you don’t have to worry about tests to cross borders, quarantine hotels, vaccine passports or other admin around your getaway.
It also provides you with a way to get away from home without having to be around too many strangers or people from different households either. If this sounds good to you, here are some areas of focus that should help you to make this trip a success!
Is Camping for You?
The first question you need to ask yourself is whether camping is for you. It’s generally a less popular type of holiday than staying in a hotel and there are various reasons around this. Put simply, camping isn’t necessarily the easiest or most comfortable and luxurious of options.
At the end of the day, you will be spending a lot of time outdoors, in nature, in temporary accommodation that can be easily put up and packed back away. This means that you need to be ready to spend time outdoors, in the elements and without a bed to sleep on. While it’s generally true that camping will be less comfortable or convenient than simply checking into a hotel, it is important to remember that there are so many different types of camping.
You don’t necessarily have to find yourself lying under the stars. If it takes your fancy, you can go into the wilderness and cut off from society for a week or so, but the majority of people opt for campsites that offer a few home comforts - hot showers, toilets, electric ports, on-site shops, entertainment and more. Campsites can also help you to feel safe, as you will be near to other people and many sites are monitored by security staff and cameras around the clock. There’s even the option of “glamping”, which tends to be more luxurious camping with beds and toilets.
Preparing for Your Trip
Chances are, you’re going to have to invest in a few things to make your trip a success if this is your first trip. The good news is that, as long as you enjoy camping, these items can be used year after year, making each getaway cheaper than the last, as you’ll have fewer things to invest in each time. Some items to consider picking up before heading away include:
A good quality tent - you can’t camp without a tent. Of course, not all tents are made equal, so take some time in choosing yours. Come up with a budget to determine how much you have available to spend. Next, consider how big the tent needs to be. A tent for a lone camper or a couple isn’t going to need to be as spacious as a tent accommodating a family of five. Whatever type of tent you choose, you need to make sure that it’s waterproof and sturdy.
Tent accessories - remember your tent accessories. Some tents come with them, some require you to purchase them separately. Examples include guide ropes and tent pegs.
Sleeping bags - the majority of people will sleep in a sleeping bag when camping. Again, different sleeping bags are different quality. Make sure to invest in something that’s sufficiently warm for the time of year that you’re heading away and the anticipated temperature.
Air mattress - some people are fine camping and sleeping on the floor in their sleeping bag. Others prefer a little more comfort. If you’re in the second category, you should consider good quality air mattresses. Make sure to invest in a foot pump or a pump that can be plugged into your car.
A cooler - if you plan to take drinks and food with you on your trip, you’re going to need a cooler. There are countless different options available on the market - large and small, heavy and light. Check how long each option keeps what’s inside cool.
A gas stove - some people simply eat out at nearby cafes and restaurants while camping. But if you’re staying further away from places like this, you may want to take along a gas stove to cook your own meals on. Make sure to read the instructions carefully when using this.
A backpack - you’re likely to need some sort of backpack if you’re camping, especially if you’re camping further into the wild. This will help you to carry your belongings, such as spare clothes and a first aid kit, around.
A tactical belt - a black tactical belt can come in endlessly useful on your trip. You never know when you might need one!
Build Your Basic Knowledge
Camping isn’t just about having the right kit. It’s about having the right knowledge too. Here are a few areas to look into to help you along the way!
First Aid - all campers should carry a first aid kit and you should also have some basic first aid knowledge. This is particularly important if you’re heading out in the wilderness.
Flares - it’s a good idea to have, and to know how to operate, a flare. Just in case of emergencies.
Spare Light Sources - having torches is a good idea. This will help you to navigate your way around in the dark, whether that’s looking for something inside your tent at night or making your way to the toilet early in the morning.
Campfire Safety - if you’re camping somewhere that permits campfires, make sure you know how to safely create and put one out.
Hopefully, some of this advice will help you to have the best camping trip possible this summer!
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