So the novelty of being back at school (or work) is beginning to wear off. The new stationary has been broken in, the weather is in a strange meanwhile and the reality of actually having a fair amount of work to complete is settling in. Cue thoughts of October half term, autumn getaways and escapes to the sun.
International travel, however, is still an unpredictable venture with ever-changing Covid regulations. Even with local lockdowns and restrictions on groups meeting on the horizon, a staycation or Britain-based getaway could be a risky choice with the hospitality sectors facing potential further closures. Nevertheless, Air BnBs do remain an option, as does camping.
If you’re like me, being at one with nature, sleeping on the ground and cooking on an open fire all sounds romantic and adventurous, but the thought of being a 5 minute walk from the nearest toilet, being harassed by flies and tracking mud into the tent tended to trump any of the former more dreamy preconceptions. Even so, towards the end of August, with no other holidays on the horizon, I was convinced to give camping a go. Not least because it didn’t break the bank, and if it suddenly faced cancellation, we would not be too much out of pocket.
While the toilets were a short walk away, the nights particularly cold and hearing children getting told off early in the morning were not ideal, the days exploring, the evenings sat around the fire and the flame-cooked food were surprisingly fun. So if you’re venturing into the world of active holidays, outdoor getaways or covid-cations – here are my top-tips from one first-time camper to another.
1 – Bring Layers. Thermals, too. Even if it’s looking to be warm – the nights can be very chilly.
2 – Air beds are not essential, a thick exercise mat would work – anything to keep you off of the ground would suffice.
3 – It’s not a bad idea to bring your own toilet roll. Even if your campsite has good facilities, sometimes you just can’t trust other people’s hygiene.
4. Flip flops are a shower essential. Who knows whose stood in the shower before you, and if it’s been raining, they’re likely to be muddy. Also try to shower in the day so as not to go to bed with wet, cold hair.
5 – Be prepared for what your cooking situation is going to be like. Know how to work your portable stove. Have an idea of how to create a fire. Look up some local pubs that serve food.
6 – Bring non-perishable snacks: juice cartons, breakfast bars, crackers, bananas, marshmallows….
7 – Be ready for the early nights and early mornings: it gets cold and dark quickly, and it gets light bright and early.
8 – Know how to put up your tent before you arrive. It could be raining and/or dark when you arrive – struggling with a tent would not be ideal.
9 – Keep clothes/extraneous items in your car. If space is tight in the tent, or if you’re worried about dampness getting to your clothes, keeping them in your car/off the ground could be a good option.
10 – Be prepared to let go of the little things. All your clothes will smell like smoke, you’ll feel slightly dirty 24/7, there will be children screaming, you’ll wake up feeling slightly stiff, but at the end of the day it’s all worth it to be able to get away, disconnect, spend time with friends and family and to try something new.
All pictures are my own unless otherwise credited. Permission must be obtained before any reproduction and credit must be issued in any reproduction.
Under The Cypress Tree 