camping questions

[BigBlack]

The thing I used to like about camping the most was escaping from everything, including the set times that dictate work life, home life etc...

You get up when its light..... you goto sleep when its dark.... inbetween you do whatever takes your fancy - eat, sleep, laze in a chair, sight see....

Some of the best holidays have been spent just sitting outside a tent, doing NOTHING watching the world go by without a care....

One tip - If the kids get filthy dont matter.... although I would dress them in shorts no matter what the weather... skin is easier to clean then 10 pairs of jeans!! :augie

Ive gotta caravan now.... but would deff rather camp :clap

 

[zippy]

Most campsites elec will have 10-16 amps - just check with the site first and they will tell you. When we went camping the only thing elec that was a must was a 2Kw blow heater - I still have it as a back up for the caravan.

Invest in good quality sleeping bags and hot water bottles for the kids. They are more likely to enjoy it if they are warm throughout and it can get cold even in the summer.

I never used an elec kettle but if you do, dont use it at the same time as a blow heater as you might trip the elec (only a prob if it has to be reset by the campsite warden).

If you want to take TV, for the kids, then rather than faffing about with aerials and satellite dishes, just take a playstation - games for the kids and DVD's for the family at night to watch. However, any time we have camped we have never taken away a TV and no one has ever missed it.

I hope they (and you) enjoy the experience, it really is the best possible holiday if the weather is good.

REgards
Lee

 

[ssteve]

ssteve,

We were very happy campers for many years before buying our first caravan last year. Sleeping under canvas can be a really great experience as long as you are properly prepared and have the right gear, which need not always be expensive.

Don't take any notice of the light humoured remarks about camping having to be an exercise in roughing, to quote the old army saying "any fool can be uncomfortable". We always took an electric hook-up, electric light and depending on the time of year fan heater. We never took a telly, but with young children I can see the sense. If its pouring with rain the beach is not an option and you can spend a lot of money visiting museums and attractions, but you might want a few board games as well.

We always took a table and chairs, that were comfortable enough for a proper sit down. A cheap toaster is always handy as I found doing toast on a gas stove a tiresome chore, it's also better to use their electric rather than your gas.

Gas lights are really great and produce a nice ambience, but they get really hot and arguably are dangerous if used where children or dogs are.

Also take a bit of time to read reviews of sites, their facilities and the surrounding areas. Theres a wealth of info online.

Above all chill out when arriving and setting up. We used rush to get everything done and get hot and bothered doing so, which often led to some crossed words. Take your time... if its nice put the kettle on as soon as you get there. If someone offers you a hand and you need it - accept it!

Whatever choices you make - I hope you enjoy it.

Regards

Alan

done tent done caravan ,good advice from alan

ssteve