5 tips for camping on a budget
With the current lockdown restrictions affecting many of our travel plans, lots of people are turning to camping as an alternative way to get away from it all. It’s a great way to get out and explore new places, enjoy the fresh air and it doesn’t need to cost a lot of money either. I’ve put together five tips to help you to enjoy a camping break no matter what your budget.
1. Scrimping on camping equipment can be a false economy
If you’re planning to go on lots of camping trips, then it’s important that you get hold of some decent camping equipment. When you’re trying to manage a budget, it can be really tempting to simply look for the cheapest products. But that could easily cost you more money in the long run. Spending a little extra on high quality materials such as these paracords in the UK will mean that your supplies last you year after year.
2. Take food with you
Part of the fun of camping is the cooking! There’s something really special about cooking in the great outdoors and it can be really cheap and easy to do.
Many campsites are in pretty secluded areas without big supermarkets nearby and the on-site shops often hike up their prices to take advantage of that! Make sure you take plenty of supplies with you. If you happen to need a cooler, consider reliable brands like Pelican and Yeti. Tinned products are perfect as they’re easy to store, they don’t need refrigerating and they are quick and easy to cook too.
3. Research things to do before you go
It’s always a good idea to have a few activities in mind before you go camping. There are usually plenty of free or really cheap days out near campsites that are great for the whole family. Parks and nature reserves are great to enjoy and they usually don’t cost much either. Make sure you have a few back up rainy day activities too just in case!
3. Buy cheap reusable crockery
When you’re camping, it’s always a good idea to use plastic cups and plates, don’t be tempted to take your usual plates from your kitchen cupboard! It’s so easy for things to get broken when packing them in and out of the car. You can usually get really cheap plastic alternatives from local discount shops. These can be reused again and again and won’t break too easily.
4. Take a repair kit with you
Tents are notorious for getting rips and holes, especially when they’re used over and over again. Make sure you always have a repair kit with you so that you don’t have to pay over the odds for one in the on-site shop.
5. Borrow if you can
If you’re not sure if camping is something you’ll enjoy, then it’s a good idea to borrow equipment whilst you test it out. If you know anybody who regularly goes camping, then it’s worth asking them if you can borrow their stuff. Camping equipment can be costly, particularly if you plan to buy good quality stuff, so there’s no point paying out if you’re only going to use it once and discover that camping isn’t for you!
*This is a collaborative post.
