Everyone wonders how best to prepare camping holidays. Before leaving it is essential to plan what you need to take. To make sure you don’t forget anything, we suggest you make a list. To help you Blulidays has compiled its own top 10 tips for a trouble-free holiday!
Make a list !
Tip 1 :
Clearly define your requirements
Before starting to look for campsites and in order to avoid long and futile searches, establish beforehand exactly what you need. Choose an area, activities and type of accommodation which match your requirements. From there, you just need to look at specialised sites which will guide you in your search.
Tip 2 :
Campsites abroad
Before going to a foreign country, don’t forget to check that your passports or identity cards are valid. And don’t ignore the classification of your future campsite as it may vary depending on the country.
Tip 3 :
Sleeping under canvas
Before pitching your tent, we recommend you choose a flat surface as otherwise the night could quickly become uncomfortable. To ensure maximum comfort, check that you have chosen a plot ideally positioned in relation to the sun. When the sun is beating down a tent soon feels like a sauna!
For maximum safety, never cook inside you tent and avoid heat sources (lamp, stove, cigarettes, etc.).
Tip 4 :
Useful extras
Household linen can take up valuable space in your cases so be aware that some campsites have sheets and towels for hire.
What’s more, if you don’t want to worry about cleaning your accommodation, some campsites offer a cleaning service in return for payment. The housework needn’t become a holiday chore.
Tip 5 :
Clothes
Depending on the length of your stay, pack a sufficient number of light clothes (sun hats, shorts, t-shorts, sandals, and of course, swimming costumes) and warmer clothes for the cooler evenings.
Ladies, we recommend you don’t try to take your whole wardrobe with you, or your husband may get a little annoyed !
Tip 6 :
Meal times
To help make meal-times easier we suggest you opt for a selection of easy-to-prepare meals. Remember that a good mixed salad or a hearty sandwich can be a balanced meal and is easy to prepare for the whole family. You could also prepare and freeze meals at home. However, don’t forget to look after the environment by placing your rubbish in the bins provided. If everybody contributes to protecting nature, life on the campsite can only be better !
We also recommended waiting for two hours after a meal before swimming.
Tip 7 :
Don’t forget the first aid kit
Little bumps and bruises on holiday are only to be expected so don’t forget a first aid kit including plasters, disinfectants, bandages, compresses, scissors and tweezers.
Campers’ favourite parasites are of course mosquitoes so be armed with insect repellent and citronella candles. One less thing to worry about !
Tip 8 :
Les effets du soleil
If holidays in the sun are synonymous with relaxation and idleness, spending too long on the beach can have dramatic consequences. Be careful and follow this advice :
- Apply a sun cream with a factor corresponding to your skin type and reapply every two hours. No cream can protect you completely from the sun’s rays
- Wear light clothes (hat, cap, t-shirt) even on the beach.
- Try to go the beach before 11 am and after 4pm
- Wear glasses with filtered lenses
- Make sure little ones drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
These few precautions will enable you to have fun in the sun !
Tip 9 :
The unexpected
Take washing powder in case of stains, tissues, cord to use as a washing line (if the campsite allows it) as well as clothes pegs. Don’t forget a torch, matches and a tool box in case of small, unforeseeable problems. Just these few items can prevent a number of camping holiday minor disasters !
Tip 10 :
Activities
If you are going with young children, don’t forget to take rubber rings or arm bands if they want to swim in the pool. Of course, hats are essential for children wanting to enjoy the campsite outdoor play areas. To avoid any disappointments, check beforehand that the chosen campsite has facilities for children and the nature and date of events. Some campsites offer their own entertainment and it would be a shame not to make the most of it ! If you have children, packing board games or cards could prove to be useful if the weather is bad.
Finally, if your pet is a member of the holiday party make sure that the chosen campsite accepts them.
We hope that these few tips help you to prepare excellent camping holidays. Above all, don’t forget that life on a campsite is not always easy but will leave you with unforgettable and exceptional memories.
