Camping experts' tips to make your holiday feel five-star from food to lighting
Swapping baked beans for halloumi and dousing yourself in ambient lighting are two of the ways to turn a threadbare camping trip into a glamping experience.
Over the coronavirus lockdowns the popularity of camping boomed in the UK, as travel restrictions made getting out of the country difficult.
By April 2022 one in five British adults had been on a camping or caravan holiday since the start of the pandemic, with a 80% rise in national spending on the trips to £2.7nb in 2021 alone, according to market researchers Mintel.
While more people may now be accustomed to the idea of sleeping in a canvas shelter in the middle of a field, that doesn't mean everyone is comfortable with the idea of roughing it.
The outdoor experts at GO Outdoors have put together their eight top tips to turn a camping experience into something that feels like a five star glamping retreat.
Over half of Brits want to try adventurous activities on holiday - like hiking
Book off-peak
Booking in the off season can secure more privacy (Getty Images/Hero Images)Booking during less busy periods is a great idea if you prefer a bit more privacy and more room to yourself.
The UK camping season usually runs throughout the warmer months from April - September/October, so if you’d prefer your stay to be more secluded, opt for an adventure outside these months.
You can also snap up some great deals on campsites as the demand is lower.
Check the reviews of your campsite
It is easy to find reviews of campsites online, many with helpful insights and photos of the facilities.
A wise idea is to check the cleanliness ratings of the shower blocks, toilets and pot-washing facilities prior to booking, as well as ratings on amenities, location, staff service and beyond.
It is easy to get fixated on price, but the smaller touches can play a big part in how successful your holiday is.
Explore beyond tent-camping
The UK has undergone a camping boon since 2020 (Getty Images)If you’re longing for something with a touch more luxury than camping in a tent, there are campsites that offer bell tents, yurts, shepherds huts and caravans which can completely change the experience.
Bell tents and yurts generally afford campers much more room to walk around, cook in and sleep, as well as playing cards if the weather isn't so good.
Sleeping in a shepherds hut or caravan may not be considered camping by the purists, but they are good ways to get out into the great outdoors while retaining a little comfort.
Eat like royalty
Location is key (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Unless you've gone for an ultra-high end glamping experience, opting to camp will save you money.
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It therefore may make sense to use any extra cash on delicious food.
Leave the tinned beans at home and substitute for high-end, quality means that are also affordable.
With so many different cooking equipment options, from BBQs to portable wood burners, you can make amazing recipes from the convenience of your pitch, such as loaded campfire nachos, smokey BBQ ribs, grilled halloumi with honey and breakfast skillets.
If you don't have the means to keep food items cold, then try checking out some higher-end canned food brands.
Set up ambient lighting
It is very easy to elevate the ambience of your camping set up with beautiful twinkling fairy lights.
Opt for battery or solar powered lights to illuminate your night time family campfire, making it extra cosy as you tuck into your toasted marshmallows,
Bathing the campsite in a warm glow is also likely to make any pictures you take look particularly pleasant.
Comfort is key
Ambience is also key (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Make sure you bring camping furniture to put your feet up after a full day of adventures.
Swap out your standard camping chair and opt for a more luxurious option such as a deck chair or inflatable sofa, and be sure to bring some cushions and cosy blankets for when the cool of the evening draws in.
It may seem like a bit of an ordeal to pack it all up before heading to the campsite, but you certainly won't regret it once you're reclining comfily around the fireside.
Choose the right tent
Choosing the right tent to protect you from the weather conditions, whether that's blazing sunshine in the morning or heavy rain throughout the night, is important to this end.
As well as this, make sure the space in your tent is convenient for you in terms of privacy, storage and ventilation.
A comfortable bed is also important (Getty Images)You will need something comfortable and supportive to sleep on during your camping trip, such as an air mattress or a thick roll mat - both of which allow for optimum storage space in the car.
If you’re camping in colder climates, a mummy sleeping bag may be the best option, as they are tapered towards the feet to reduce the amount of air circulation, to help keep you warmer.
There are also down sleeping bags that are insulated to ensure you stay toasty warm.
Or, if you don’t like to feel too constricted, try a square sleeping bag or a sleeping pod that offers more width.
Nothing beats home comforts, so bringing pillows from home is a convenient option to rest your head on.
Or, if you’re struggling for room in your vehicle, you can also bring an inflatable camping pillow that you can deflate after use, making for a space optimised option.
Keep your camping area clean
Keep your camping space clean and tidy by tying bin bags to your tent for easy access.
This makes it very easy to take all your rubbish away with you, leaving the space pleasant for the next campers.
Make sure you remember to bring bug repellents with you including oils, sprays or incense candles to avoid being nibbled at as you soak up the natural world.
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