1. Choose the right campsite for your holiday
The first thing to consider when choosing a campsite is what facilities you need?
If you are looking for a back-to-basics wildcamping experience then a lack of toilet and shower facilities may not bother you. But for newer campers and families with young children these facilities make the holiday much easier, so it’s good to scout around for a site which has what you need.
Another good one to double check is if they’ve got Electric hookups for campervans.
Location is also important to think about, depending on how remote you want to be. Plus, It’s a good idea to check the campsites’ rules to make sure they are a good fit for you.
2. Make a checklist
Keeping track of all the equipment, clothes and other items you need to take with you on a camping holiday can be tricky and unnecessarily stressful. Or even lead to things getting forgotten or even lost!
Making a checklist of everything you need to take can save you the worry of leaving something important at home and make your departure quicker and easier. Keep it with you and check it again when you’re packing up to go back home to make sure you don’t accidentally leave something behind!
3. Practice how to put the tent up!
Putting up the tent is one of those things which we all think will be easy… then we find out otherwise on the day.
Have a practice run a few days before the holiday to figure out how it fits together without time pressure of the day itself. Once you know how to put it up, the next time around will be much quicker, easier and will help alleviate some on-the-day stress.
4. Research the local area
Whether you’re visiting an area for a particular reason, like a big festival, or if you’ve just picked a new point on the map and decided to go, a bit of extra local knowledge can enhance your trip massively.
From interesting places to visit on day trips and the best local restaurants to local cycle hire and walking trails, having an idea of what you want to do will help you get the most out of each day.
It will also save you from the disappointment of being turned away from a big attraction for not having an advanced booking or an underwhelming meal at a pub with a bad tripadvisor score.
5. Turn off that Phone!
In the modern world we have a habit of letting work and home life follow us around wherever we go, and that little screen in your pocket is responsible!
Camping is all about disconnecting with technology and reconnecting with nature, so try turn your phone off, or keep it on only for emergencies. You’ll have a much nicer time without it!
If keeping up with work is an absolute must, then try limiting yourself to a short and specific time each day. An hour first thing in the morning or before dinner in the evening perhaps?
