Monday 21 March 2011

Checklist for Your Next Camping Trip

Going on a camping trip is an ideal way of getting away from the hassles of modern life. Getting back in touch with nature and spending careless days on the camping site is for many a dream holiday. Before leaving for a camping trip, either long or short, one needs to do some preparations though. The camper has to think thoroughly about the things that he has to take. Here are some tips and tricks to make your camping vacation a success.

When one is thinking about a camping vacation, the first things needed are some good equipment like a tent, sleeping bag, cooking gear or a caravan. Good camping gear is expensive so it is worth spending some time going around to different outdoor shops and checking out what is available on the market. Make out for yourself; decide how much you want to spend, how many times you will use the camping gear, in what kind of weather you will be camping, etc. If you are a camping and nature lover and planning to spend the rest of your life camping, it is wise to invest in durable, good camping equipment that will last you a life-time. If you are just planning to get away for a weekend to have some fun with friends, you might be better of borrowing a sleeping bag from a friend. There are plenty of outdoor shops nowadays that offer a wide range of camping equipment. So, it is wise to think first what you want and what you need, before buying camping gear.

Another important factor that makes or breaks your camping holiday is the camping site. Find out what you might expect at a certain camping ground through internet or by consulting other campers. Again, first of all, make out for yourself; what level of luxury you want and what is important for you and your family or friends. Campgrounds come in different sizes and offer all kind of facilities these days. From swimming pools to indoor sports and from communal showers to water supply are available at every pitch for caravans or mobile homes. Of course, luxury and services come at a price, so decide what is important for your holiday before picking a campground. Some people love wild camping with no luxury at all, others need water and electricity supply in their five-star mobile home. Get yourself informed on the amenities that are offered at the camping and choose your next camping destination accordingly.

Cooking in the outdoors can be fun if you have the right cooking utensils and if you are happy with a simple meal. Check out if you will be able to use a freezer at the camping ground, if there is a communal area that you can use as a kitchen or if there is a barbeque. Cooking can be the perfect way to wind down after an exciting day on the camping site. Again, if you take the effort to do some research and some preparations before departure, it will make your life on the camping easier and more fun. A good way to organize meals at the camping site is to prepare the portions at home in zip lock bags and then label them clearly. If you have electricity available, you can use a little freezer to store food that you have prepared at home and that just has to be heated again. When using a stove, be sure to put it on a flat surface and to protect it from the wind. Keep it at a safe distance from your tent! Leftovers and dishes should be cleared immediately to keep unwanted visitors away. Also, your food-supply should be kept in bags or cases so that animals don’t smell and finish the food before you can do!

When thinking about camping, an image of warm evenings comes to your mind; sitting around the campfire with friends having a drink, laughing and cheering and enjoying life on the whole. Unfortunately, we are not the only creatures that enjoy warm summer-nights. Bugs, mosquitoes, flies and other insects that inhabit the area can turn your stay at a campsite into a nightmare. Take your precautions by using insect repellents, citronella candles or mosquito coils and wear suitable clothing. Take a look around before pitching up your tent or placing your caravan and make sure there are no stagnant pools of water as water is a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects. Also, bigger animals may flock to the campsites: foxes, badgers and in some areas even bears may come uninvited, attracted by the smell of food and leftovers. Keep your food in your inner tent and in closed bags or hang it in a tree when you are camping in a wild environment.

About The Author
Michiel Van Kets writes articles regarding Favourite Campings, a definitive guide to all things about camping. Find valuable tips on what to expect at this site, as well as lots of information on camping in Spain, camping in Holland and many other countries.

http://www.favoritecampings.com/europe/spain/camping-in-spain/

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