How to Take Your Camping Experience to the Next Level
- By Jason Sims, Marketing Executive at Just Kampers and Just Kampers Insurance.
Camping in the UK is more popular than ever due to the ever-changing international restrictions caused by COVID-19. Whether you have a tent, a campervan, or choose to hire either of these, there are all kinds of ways you can improve your camping experience by bringing along a few helpful and comforting accessories. Find out how to take your camping experience to the next level with our list of hacks and camping gear.
Camping in a motorhome or campervan
Anyone who owns a campervan or motorhome can enjoy a reconnection to nature without losing out on almost any home-comforts, thanks to aspects like air-conditioning, a cosy couch, and a fully functioning kitchen. But, in addition to the items that are permanently fit in your campervan, there are a few things worth bringing along to help improve your camping experience even more.
Kitchen accessories
Make sure you don’t have to miss out on delicious meals and hot drinks by packing the equipment you need to prepare these.
· Slow cooker – a slow cooker is ideal for camping in a motorhome because you can easily prepare a hearty onepot recipe in the morning, and leave it cooking to enjoy after an adventure out and about all day.
· Hot drink options – if you hate the thought of starting the day without your favourite punchy coffee, or a green tea with honey and lemon, be sure to pack all the items you need to make these. The beauty of a campervan is that you’ll have access to kitchen equipment to store and prepare the ingredients for your favourite hot drinks. Don’t forget to pack hot chocolate powder too, to warm up after a cool, brisk walk.
· Coffee maker – coffee lovers should consider bringing along a coffee maker, so that they have quick and easy access to coffee whenever they need it.
Home comforts
A great way to enhance your camping experience is to bring along a few comfort items from home that you know you’ll appreciate.
· Your normal pillows and duvet – the end of your day will be vastly improved if you can get into bed and use your normal pillows and duvet, rather than a sleeping bag or subpar duvet!
· Fairy lights and lamps – create a warm and comfortable space in the evenings by decorating your campervan with fairy lights and lamps that provide soft lighting. These will help you relax after a long day of activities.
· (TV) and favourite films – your camper is probably already fitted with a TV, but don’t forget to think about what you might want to watch. Whether you use DVDs, a streaming service, or a USB stick, it’s a good idea to pre-plan some films so you can snuggle up and watch them whenever you’re ready.
Practical equipment
As well as taking care of comfort, be sure to pack the practical equipment you need to make the most of your camping trip. · Driveaway awning – if you don’t already have one, consider investing in a driveaway awning. These provide extra space when you need it and have the added benefit of being standalone structures that don’t need packing away every time you want to use your camper to drive somewhere.
· Walking boots – whether or not you plan on going out for long walks, a trusty pair of walking boots can be the difference between a fun day of exploring and an uncomfortable day out looking forward to returning to your camper!
Camping in a tent
Those who don’t have the luxury of a campervan or motorhome can still have an epic camping trip filled with comfort. To achieve a next-level camping trip, all you need to do is bring along a few snuggly items, some helpful equipment, and a few entertainment options.
Home comforts
Bring a little bit of home with you with some items that will provide you with cosiness and warmth.
· Over-sized woolly jumpers – even in warm weather, a big woolly jumper is a great addition to your luggage that you’ll be grateful for in the middle of the night when you need to run to the facilities!
· Plenty of blankets – whether you get a bit chilly in the night, or you want to wrap yourself in a blanket during breakfast, pack plenty of throws or even a onesie to keep warm and toasty.
Practical equipment
To make life a little easier when camping in a tent, there are a few things worth remembering to bring.
· Outdoor table and chairs – if you have space in the car, consider bringing a foldaway table and chairs that can be used outside, or even inside if room allows. You might think sitting on a blanket will be fine, but you’ll be grateful for the added comfort of a table at dinner time or on games night, especially if you’ve made some friends on your trip who will join you.
· Battery-operated candles/lanterns – as well as being practical for lighting, battery-operated candles and lanterns provide a warm and cosy atmosphere without the hazards associated with a naked flame.
Entertainment items
If bad weather sets in, or you’re looking for things to do after a long day out, you’ll want to be prepared with some options to keep you entertained.
· Games/notepad and pens – bring with you some board games or at least a notepad and pens for fun activities like Pictionary and hangman, etc.
· Tablet computer & charger – it can be a good idea to bring a tablet to use to read, stream films or programmes, and play games. Not to mention practical things like checking the news and weather.
While a camping holiday is often the go-to option for those looking to spend time outdoors, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy a little luxury by bringing along some comfort items. In fact, these could end up being the saving grace of your trip if you happen to be met with wet weather or other limitations on your activities. Whether you’ll be in a tent, campervan, or motorhome, take your camping trip to the next level with a few helpful additions to your luggage.
