Planning a Camping trip

by Gemma Ogden
Many things go into planning a camping trip and the plans you make will vary from trip to trip depending on a range of circumstances. Here, however, are a few tips that should apply to most of your camping adventure preparations.

Consider the Weather The first thing you should do is to think about when planning a camping holiday is the climate at the location and the time of year you're heading off camping. Clothing that meets the weather challenges, be they hot or cold, is fundamental to your enjoyment of the trip. Clothes that are not too constricting are usually best and you should bring along enough clothes to last you for the duration of the your camping holiday. It's also worthwhile taking a couple of extra outer warmer layers. You can always get cooler but it's not quite so simple to keep warm.

Consider the Size of Your Party and How You're Getting There If you're off camping on foot as opposed to by car, you're going to be restricted in the amount of camping equipment you can carry on your person but ensure that there are enough tents, sleeping bags, food supplies and other items which you deem essential to accommodate your whole party.

Cooking Simple foods are best for cooking, and you are there to enjoy your camping holiday not spending hours cooking! Try to minimise the amount of fresh produce that you take with you. Whilst things like fresh meat, poultry and dairy produce can be taken, it provides you with the additional burden of keeping it fresh before arriving at your camp site. Also ensure that if you're taking a stove, you have enough gas or fuel supplies to last the whole trip. Campsites Whether you're camping off the beaten track or going to stay on a recreational camp site, make sure you know the level of facilities that are available once you're there as you may need to make extra provisions for example a family camping holiday. Try to find out what kind of access there is to drinking water as it's even more important to have enough water than food. Also, ensure you're familiar with the rules and regulations of the area in which you're camping. Find out in advance if there are any restrictions and/or regulations, especially around issues such as building a fire for cooking or warmth. First Aid kit Accidents do happen so make sure you take your first aid kit with you on your camping holiday and, more importantly, know how to use the things in it and what to do in the event of an accident or emergency.

Emergency A camping holiday often involves adventure and experiences of the great outdoors that you wouldn't normally get from a package holiday. With that, comes some element of risk so be sure you leave a family member or close friend an idea of your itinerary, what camp site you're likely to be located at any given time and, if you're planning on moving around from place to place, let them know when they can expect you back and agree to check in with them now and again. That way, if you fail to get in touch, it may be an indication that you are in difficulty and they can summon help.

Planning a camping holiday needn't be tedious. If all the family get involved, it can be great fun and provide a sense of anticipation and excitement at the trip ahead.
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