Camping is a popular and fun way to spend a holiday. Although it may not suit everyone’s tastes, camping has increased in popularity over the years as the facilities, equipment and amazing locations continue to improve, allowing you to have a great holiday and experience. It is a brilliant way to see the outdoors, visit a different part of the country and appreciate nature.
In this guide, we discuss why you should go camping and how to plan a camping trip if you haven’t been on one before. With glamping and other amazing and unique accommodation choices, camping has never been this fun or luxurious.
Why should you go camping?
There are so many reasons why a camping holiday can be fun for all the family. Here are just a few reasons why:
It’s affordable
Although this is not always the case, as there are plenty of campsites where they offer glamping which is relatively expensive, camping can definitely be done on any budget. This is a great option if you have children as you can avoid the high prices of travelling abroad during school holidays. Campsites can start from less than £10 a night and although you will be investing in all the camping gear if this is your first time, you will use these hopefully time and time again, making the overall cost of the holiday extremely low. You also have control of how much you spend during the day. Choosing free activities such as going to the beach or visiting free museums and cooking for yourself instead of eating out are also great ways to keep the cost to a minimum. You can also bring a lot of the stuff you need from home. If you have your car nearby you can bring duvets, pillows and blankets from home as you don’t have to worry about carrying it far.
It’s great for the whole family
A big bonus of camping is that the whole family can enjoy it. No matter what age your kids are, there is a campsite that will be suitable for you. In addition to this, you will also be able to bring your dog with you to many campsites which allows them to be part of your family holiday as well as saving you money on kennels. Camping is not only fun for kids (they can spend the whole day playing and running around outdoors), it is also educational. Camping can teach kids many important skills, such as putting up a tent and cooking.
It’s fun
If you embrace all that camping has to offer, then it is a really fun holiday. It allows you to escape from your daily life and routine and get away from things. Stripping back to the mere basics with no TV and other distractions can be really rewarding. Trying to cook amazing meals with limited resources is a fun challenge. You can sleep under the stars, and there is a ton of activities you can do so that you will never be bored. Playing games, reading, playing sports or visiting local attractions are just some of the things that can fill your days quickly. Choosing a campsite that has a range of facilities is a great option, or you can go for a campsite that is walking distance to entertainment, restaurants etc.
You get to see the beautiful UK
Camping allows you to visit places in the UK you have never visited before. When you go on holiday abroad regularly, it is sometimes nice to remember how many beautiful locations we have in the UK which we may not have seen yet. Whether you fancy a mountainscape, beaches, rolling hills, valleys or lakes, you will find a campsite with these spectacular views.
How to plan a camping trip
Here is a step by step guide on how to plan your first camping trip
1. Decide what trip you want to take (what would you like to see and do. Choose a location from there). Try somewhere relatively local and easy to get home in the car if you have not camped before. This means you can go home if you have forgotten anything important.
2. What accommodation would you like? (Tent, Glamping or Static Caravan) Decide what facilities you ideally would like the campsite to have.
3. When do you want to go? Aim for warmer months for your first trip
4. How are you going to get there? If you are travelling on train or bus you need to be careful about how much you are able to carry. If its by car, you can bring more things from home.
5. Who’s going? This will determine what type of campsite you choose and also what activities you want to do. Make sure if you are bringing children and pets that the campsite allows this as some do not allow pets whilst others are adults only.
6. What’s your budget? Campsites, although not expensive, vary in price so check beforehand. Also, book online in advance if possible. Although some campsites allow you to pay at the door when you arrive, you don’t want to risk the campsite being full once you get there.
List of camping essentials
Although you can bring as much as you or your car can carry, there are a few things which you should not leave home without
- Tent (practice putting the tent up in your garden first before you go camping)
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping mat
- Torch (one for the tent and one for you to carry with you)
- Cool box for food and drink storage
- Water bottle for you to refill
- Food (amount will vary on how much you are planning to eat out)
- Utensils, cutlery and plates
- Pillow
- Blanket (Have one for inside the tent and one for outside the tent to create a relaxing area outside)
- Camping chairs and table (unless you are happy to sit on the floor)
- Camping Stove (BBQ but check if they are allowed at your campsite)
- Solar panel charger for emergency
- Clothes for all weathers (its surprising how cold your tent will get even on the hottest summer’s day)
- Wash kit
- First Aid Kit
Let us know if you have any top camping tips by connecting with us on social media @TimeForYouGroup
