Camping Holidays

Camping holidays have been popular for more than a century. The practice first started towards the end of the 19th century and has been a popular holiday choice ever since. Camping holidays are popular because they offer a low cost way to get away from it all or just for a short break. Camping still remains very popular today amongst all age groups , though modern camping is a far cry from its early days.

In the old days all you needed was a tent, a log fire and a can of beans or something equally easy to cook. Scores of Scouts and Guides have camped using these very principles. But these days many campers want a more luxurious experience, and campsites have been quick to offer additional amenities. Now that you can enjoy the outdoors and still have home comforts, camping has become cool again. Last year the BBC reported a 10 per cent increase in membership of the Camping and Caravanning Club.

A key part of preparing for camping is choosing your tent. Before deciding on the type of tent think about how many people will be sleeping in it and whether they need separate sleeping areas. Another consideration is whether you plan to carry the tent in a rucksack or in a car. If you have to lug it about, then the weight of the tent will be important.


         


Lightweight tents are perhaps the most suitable for carrying. They are made of synthetic material and have fibreglass poles, so they don't weigh much and can be erected very quickly.. Dome tents are also light and were originally made to be carried in rucksacks. They are simple to put up, with a couple of lightweight poles which pass through the centre of the roof.

Frame tents cater for the modern desire for comfort, as they are quite spacious. In fact, they are more like houses than tents, with kitchens, bathrooms and several bedrooms available depending on the size and configuration that you buy. The frame is made of tubular steel poles.

Ridge tents are the tents that were traditionally associated with camping. They are triangular, with a horizontal and two vertical poles. The sides need to be tied down with ropes so the tent doesn't blow away in the wind.

In addition to tents, campers need to think about cooking. After all, camping holidays are self catering, and all that fresh air can make you hungry. All you need is a camping stove which runs on a disposable gas cylinder and you're in business. In fact, you'll soon be burning sausages with the best of them. Just remember to keep the cooker away from the tent, unless it's got a specific cooking area.

Of course, some people don't even want the hassle of erecting a tent, let alone lugging camping equipment around. Luckily, there are holiday camps that also cater for those people. These camps have luxurious tents on site, with all the facilities that anyone could want. It's a great way to have a self catering camping holiday without fuss and you can camp side by side with those who prefer the traditional approach.