Camping is probably among the best ways for families to enjoy each other’s company far from the headaches and pressures of work as well as school. Of course it’s likely to take a lot of careful planning and preparation, but each minute you will spend with the family will be well worth the hard work. If you keep it simple and take with you the basics, you’ll have a lovely time outdoors and also you will not miss any of the modern day conveniences. A good camping trip is going to be remembered throughout the years and will be a part of your family’s history.
Here are a few important tips to help you plan an ideal camping trip:
Determine whether or not you will take a tent or a recreational camper. That will depend on how much you really can afford and just how much room you will need. Take into account how many people that will be going along with you. Modern family dome tents can easily accommodate 3 to 4 people, with bigger ones being able to fit up to 6 inside. Since you just connect a few pieces, dome tents may be very easily setup in just a few minutes. If you would like, you can even get pop-up tents that are self-erecting. For bedding, foam or even airbeds provide much more comfort, and they also tend to be more compact than whatever else you might use. If you do use a tent, though, ensure you spray it with rain-resistant spray to stop leaks. I would suggest adding a tarpaulin for added protection from the sun and rain.
Campers, alternatively, offer a lot more amenities. Although they cost more than tents, of course, you get pull-out beds, a small kitchen having a kitchen sink, oven, drawers for the plates as well as utensils, and a fridge. Campers also have tables and chairs for sitting, eating, etc. You can easily fit six people inside a camper, plus you would have the extra reassurance realizing that your family is safe from leaks if it rains. Be sure to still bring your camping sleeping bags that may function as a blanket inside the camper while still allowing you to sleep outside if preferred.
Pack lightly. A four-day vacation, for example, calls for only about two sets of clothes. You will most likely want just a jacket, a sweater, two shirts, a set of pants and shorts, socks, underwear, and an additional footwear or sandals. Bring along a pair of hiking boots if you plan on hiking, as well as, a lightweight hiking backpack. For laundry, a large basin will be enough, plus a clothesline and several clothes pins.
Prepare your food. Of course you can bring some coolers along with you, but I would recommend bringing foods like nuts, bread, cookies, anything that does not need refrigerating. Do not give the youngsters too much to eat in only one sitting, or if you’ve just arrived, because they will want to go exploring and swimming. Instead, maintain their energy level and avoid stomach aches by giving them small meals. Keep it simplistic. Hamburgers and hotdogs are camping favorites. I also recommend planning a menu beforehand, and let the children pick some of the food they like. Preparing in advance could save you a lot of time when deciding what meals to cook when you’re at the campsite. This will also enable you to determine if the food you’ll be bringing is sufficient.
What about some entertainment? To begin with, forget the TV set. And make sure you bring some books, toys, and games for the youngsters. Some good things to bring are baseball equipment, a football, a frisbee, and even radio-controlled toys, even though you would need to bring additional batteries, too. You can very easily set-up a play area close to the tent or camper. Go for a walk, go swimming, or bring a small boat and go canoeing or fishing. It’s not necessary to stay all day long in the campground, you realize. But remember, never set up a rigid schedule where almost every single moment of the camping vacation is planned. This will create stress and ruin the whole vacation. Let your family members decide whether they want to play or simply laze around.
One last thing: Whether you’re in a tent or a camper, or if you are staying one day or the whole week; keep in mind that you’re there to enjoy yourselves. So relax, have fun, and enjoy camping with the family!
