Getting organized to go camping
If you’re thinking about spending your next vacation camping alone or with your kids, you probably want to know everything there is to know about camping . The key to a successful stay often lies in its preparation. So, how do you organize yourself to go camping ?
Several steps await you between the day you take your leave and the day of departure. You will have to: choose your campsite and your type of accommodation, plan your budget and buy the necessary equipment. So, before packing your bag, find out how to properly prepare your trip in 9 steps.
How to organize yourself to go camping
1-Put aside your vacation to go camping
For a person in working life, the first step in preparing for vacation is to take time off. For an employee, you must notify your employer in advance so that he or she can adapt the organization of the company. An entrepreneur is freer in his schedule, but he must still inform his clients and collaborators of his absence.
The best time to go camping depends on your wants and needs. The advantage of camping in the low season is that prices can drop by up to 50%! Be sure to find out though: some campsites are not open all year round. You may also decide to take your family camping in Australia in winter. Traveling abroad gives you the opportunity to free yourself from the cycle of the seasons. But in this case, we do not necessarily benefit from a drop in prices.
2 – Choose your camping method
Before thinking about how to organize yourself to go camping, it is important to think about the type of stay you are looking for. If you are going with family or friends, do not hesitate to talk about it together and write a list of your common criteria.
Camping is no longer just about pitching the tent for the children and sleeping in the camper van for the parents. Campsites now offer the rental of a wide variety of accommodation , such as:
Some even offer to spend the night in unusual accommodation , such as a yurt or teepee. The price of the stay will depend on the type of accommodation and its level of comfort.
3-Create your camping route
If you opt for a nomadic camping experience , you will need to create your route. To do this, you can use an application, a GPS or bring a map and a pen.
A practical hiking guide, or the “Advice for travelers” section of the France Diplomatie website are good sources of information.
Whether you’re going on an adventure to Australia, Spain or France, it’s important to plan your trip carefully . This will take the weight off your shoulders and you will be able to fully enjoy your road trip once started!
4 – Reserve a place in a campsite
For those who prefer classic campsites, you will need to reserve a location to pitch the tent or park the caravan. Choosing a camping destination is no easy task. Several factors must be taken into account: the desired geographic area or the activities offered.
5- Make a forecast budget for your vacation
Once you know your destination and the price to pay per night, it’s time to establish a more precise budget . To do this, take into account the consumption of your vehicle or the price of the plane ticket if you are going to another country. Don’t forget the costs of buying and renting businesses.
6 – Buy camping equipment
If you are new to the world of camping, you are probably missing most of the necessary equipment . Make a list of the things you need, and buy them early. If necessary, ask more experienced friends for advice.
If you plan to go hiking or scuba diving, you will need to bring extra gear. Start thinking about where your equipment will take up in your car. You will save time later. If you want to know more, check out Everything You Need to Pack for Camping .
Whether you are an experienced camper or a complete neophyte, it is essential to test your equipment at least a week in advance. In the event of a malfunction, it will always be possible to repurchase or have the item in question repaired. This applies to equipment that is several years old, but also to your most recent purchases. Checking all your stuff can seem like a waste of time. But it can save you from being woken up in the middle of the night because your child’s air mattress is flat.
Take the time to set up each tent in your garden, inflate each mattress, etc. If you plan to drive long distances, consider having your vehicle checkedby a mechanic. Everyone appreciates Mother Nature, but no one likes to break down in the middle of nowhere…
7 – Check the weather
Still in your last week of preparation, remember to check the weather forecast for your vacation period. Knowing the weather forecast will allow you to know what to fill your bags with (e.g. rain gear). You can also reorganize yourself if your activities or those of your children fall through.
