Camping Holidays For
The Perfect Cheap vacation.

Camping holidays, are they for you? Well you either love or hate camping, there doesn't seem to be much of a middle ground. Many of us first experience camping when we are children, going away with mum and dad or with the local kids club. It was all high jinx; scary stories and waking up in a damp sleeping bag and you may be wondering why as an adult would you want to do that again. Well things have changed over the years and camping holidays are now a little less basic and with a little effort are great fun for the whole family. If you want to get away from it all and your budget is tight, camping holidays could be the perfect solution.

What are the choices for frugal camping holidays?

There are plenty of different places you can now pitch your tent, it all depends on what sort of camping experience you are looking for. For instance there are:

• Get away from it all sites - these can be basic with just a shower block and toilet facilities. But they are great for being in the middle of nowhere where you can truly enjoy the countryside and get away from all of life's hustle and bustle.

• Seaside sites - If you enjoy being by the sea or want to have a family beach holiday then these sites are perfect. They normally also include some sort of onsite family entertainment centre where the kids can play and the adults can have a lively drink or two.

• Trekking - if you really want to see the countryside and are into some serious walking then trekking with your tent on your back and visiting specially allocated small trekking camping sites could be for you. These sites attract the adventurous types and you could find yourself sitting round campfires in the evening swapping stories with other trekkers.

The equipment

Keeping it frugal, simple and light to carry especially if you trekking is often the first consideration when taking camping holidays. However there are some essentials that if you travel without could ruin your entire vacation.

Sleeping comfort

You can either decide to:

• Sleep on just a ground sheet - rather hard on your back and you may end up getting wet.

• Airbed - these are comfortable and only require blowing up. However they can be heavy to carry.

• A sleeping pad - lightweight and easy to carry, these rolls provide a little comfort.

• Camping bed - these are raised off the ground like a hammock are quite comfortable but a little more difficult to carry around.

The sleeping bag you choose will depend on the time of year you are travelling. During the summer only a lightweight bag is required but it is always better to go for something a little warmer, as it is much easier to cool down than to warm up.

Cooking equipment

If you are going for the full camping holidays experience then you will be cooking under the stars. If there are only a couple of you then a single gas stove is all you will need. They are light and easy to carry and are great for single pot cooking. If there are more of you and you are not planning to carry your equipment around with you then there are full outdoor stoves available, these are probably better if you are cooking for a family, as your menu options are greater. However be frugal with just how many pots and pans you really need, after all you don't want to have to carry around with you heavy unecceassry items if you don't have to.

Plan your meals before you go and only take the cooking utensils you will require. To keep costs to a minimum, take your own pots and buy some cheap plastic plates etc from the cheap stores rather than from the camping store. If you are trekking and planning to camp often then it would be advisable to buy the proper camping utensils as they have folding handles and stack together for ease of transportation.

Lighting

You will need a torch to find your way to the toilets during the night. Invest in a wind up one that will reduce the cost of batteries and can also be used forever more at home. A little gas lantern will be needed to light your tent at night. Only have one per tent and use aluminium foil to reflect the light as they can be a little dim for reading with.

Camping holidays with kids and pets

Camping with your children or with pets can be a great family experience; it can also be a complete nightmare if not carefully planned for. Here are a few tips to keep everything running smoothly.

• Make sure small children have secure nighttime water proof pants to wear in their sleeping bags. The last thing you will need is wet bags in the morning with no convenient place to wash them.

• Give children a whistle each to wear around their necks whilst playing outside. Tell them to only use these whistles if they get into difficulty or get lost. Although many will have mobile phones these days they may not always work where you are camping.
• 

• Pack plenty of wet weather clothes.

• Pitch your tent as close to the campsite facilities as possible, especially play grounds and shower blocks.

• Take plenty of things to play with, like board games and balls and bats. Keeping the kids entertained will ensure a happy vacation.

• Make sure you pack a first aid kit. Don't be frugal with this, make sure you have everything that you could possible need when camping outdoor. Consider where you are going and plan for any particular possible dangers in that area.

• Check in advance to make sure pets are allowed at the campsite and what the rules are relating to them. The last thing you want is to be asked to leave because your pet has upset other campers etc.

• Take a long lead to allow your dog to roam without getting lost.

• Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with their id on it.

Top ten camping tips

Camping can be great fun and a very cheap option for a frugal vacation. However to make sure that your camping holidays are enjoyed to the full, here are some top tips for a happy vacation.

1. Pitch your tent away from large noisy tents.
2. Keep valuables safe at all times, never leave them unattended in your tent.
3. Plan your campsites in advance and find out what they have to offer.
4. Pitch your tent on the highest ground to avoid flooding.
5. To avoid mozzies, don't pitch your tent too close to water.
6. Pack a good penknife, it's amazing just what things you forget to bring with you.
7. Pack only what you will use.
8. Keep cooking simple, wholesome and easy. After all you are getting away from it all and that means the kitchen sink too.
9. Plan your daily activities before you go. First rule of the frugal lifestyle.
10. Pack first aid equipment and any medications you need. It is also advisable to keep on your person your personal details and contact numbers etc in case of an emergency, this is especially important if you have a special medical condition.

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