Many years ago, when I was a young lad holidaying with my parents, camping was a cost effective way to enjoy a family holiday in what was then deemed as an exotic location. As the cost of flights and hotels started to drop, the attraction of the family campsite lost its lustre. Well, not anymore. The camping bug is back and its popularity is reaching dizzying new heights. The range of camping equipment available to the modern, outdoors adventurer means there is neither a season nor a terrain that cannot be enjoyed. Even camping in winter, that can be challenging, is an option made available by modern camping gear.
If you are looking to take a walk on the wild side, get a little bit off the beaten track and try something different with your next holiday, camping could be just the ticket.
Is Camping Really For Me?
Simple answer, yes. Camping is for everyone. It is a hobby that can appeal to people who like the idea of getting back to nature and at the other end of the scale, there are more luxurious options for those of us who still want to enjoy some of those creature comforts. Camping options include:
Wild Camping
Campsite Camping
Glamping
Festival Camping
Wild camping is a great way to experience some of the world’s most beautiful national parks and woodland areas. You just load your backpack with only those things that you can carry and head out. If you are planning a wild camping trip, make sure that the woodland or park area that you plan to go camping, legally allows you to do so. Make sure you follow the campers’ code and don’t leave anything behind.
Campsite camping will provide certain modern amenities to cater for a more comfortable stay. There will be washroom facilities available, other holidaymakers, to mix with and you are far more likely to be within walking distance of shops and restaurants. Campsite camping is still a popular way to visit many parts of the world, particularly if you are travelling on a budget.
Glamping is a term conjured up by the camping community to categorise those campers who bring along with them all the electronic mod cons. While the camping purists may argue that the glampers are missing out on an important part of the camping experience, that is certainly not the case. They are simply enjoying the more luxurious end of camping holidays.
Festival camping is a phrase that will probably bring up images of three-day rock concerts being celebrated by a young, rebellious audience wearing silly hats. On the contrary, there are festivals around the world that can appeal to the whole spectrum of society. For most festivalgoers, their tent is just a place to rest up before the next round of fun. With this in mind, think small with something easily erected and collapsed.
When you go to look for camping equipment, consider what type of camping interests you most and choose your tent based on your needs.
