The warm weather of the holiday season lends itself well to adventures in the great outdoors as schools break between semesters. It doesn’t matter if you’re heading to Booderee National Park or Bribie Island; the preparations you make ahead of time will help to make your holiday camping trip a smashing success. A checklist of essentials is sure to include firestarters, non-perishable food items, sleeping bags, tents, heavy-duty tarps, and even portable generators. Holiday camping trips, however, should also include decor for spreading seasonal cheer, gifts for exchanging, and festive fun to enjoy as a family.
Do – Plan Ahead of Time
Leaving preparation to the last minute can lead to chaos. Making a plan ahead of time can save you a great deal of stress when you finally get the ball rolling on your holiday camping trip. Initially, you should consider the amount of time you want to spend camping, the destination to which you wish to venture, and how long it will take you to get there. These details will help keep you on track as you begin putting together a more tactile plan.
Don’t – Be Afraid to Learn Something New
Whether you’re traveling to the beach or venturing into the bush, it’s prudent that you arm yourself with the knowledge that will best inform your journey. However unpredictable summer weather may be, you still have the guiding force of meteorology to best anticipate what lies ahead in the forecast. Research the weather in the area you’re visiting along with local ecologies and wildlife. This information will help you to decide what to put on your holiday camping to-do list.
Do – Make a List and Check it Twice
Some people are pros at thinking up plans on the spot while the rest of us are wise to put it in writing. To-Do lists are your best mate when entering the second phase of planning. Writing out everything you need alongside the items you want gets a methodical process started in your brain, allowing you to pack efficiently without leaving anything behind.
Don’t – Worry About a Thing
As your holiday camping trip draws near, the time will come for you to put arrangements together for the humble abode you’re leaving behind. The holiday season is prime time for vagabonds looking to make a quick buck with your prized possessions, which means the security of your home should be a top priority in your planning.
Do – Pack the Essentials
Camping requires very little gear to happily get on for a weekend away. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a homey base camp that is comfortable and full of convenience. Any list of camping essentials is sure to include:
- A tent to provide shelter from inclement weather and protect against pesky bugs and insects.
- Sleeping bags provide warmth in the event of unseasonably cold weather and comfort for sleeping on the ground.
- Water is a no brainer for camping. A necessity for drinking, cooking, and bathing.
- Firestarters are particularly useful for igniting a crackling campfire.
- In the event of an emergency, first aid kits can provide essential care until you are able to seek medical assistance.
- A pocket knife is a multifaceted utility when camping. A good pocket knife can be used for trimming rope, cutting fishing line, and taking care of particularly stubborn vines standing in the way of your family’s good time.
- A GPS is the modern-day equivalent of a map and compass, all packed into one. The last thing you want is to get lost in the wilderness.
- Flashlights are useful when night falls, providing illumination in a vast sea of unplugged darkness.
- Toilet paper. Must we explain why this is an essential?
- Custom tarps provide a myriad of use in the great outdoors. Heavy duty tarps can be used for an added layer of protective shelter. Simply pitch your outdoor tarp over your tent using an industrial-grade rope. This catches falling debris, divert rainwater, and even provide shade from harmful UV rays.
Don’t – Forget the Holiday Cheer
Now that you’ve got the custom tarps and tents out of the way, it’s time to focus on celebrating the real reason for the season. What would a holiday camping trip be without a little bit of seasonal cheer?
Traditional holiday gift exchanges can be turned on their head when camping. Surprise members of your family with presents wrapped in colorful biodegradable paper. Hide them away in the secret compartments of your car and sneak them out before the sun rises to take your loved ones by surprise. Want to take it one step further? Create a holiday-themed scavenger hunt that leads to a hidden treasure of gifts.
While not necessarily essential, bringing along a portable generator can help to brighten up the drab outdoors with holiday lights decked across your campsite. This is an especially fun idea for those with Winnebagos. Finish the celebratory decor with protective outdoor pillow and cushion covers personalized with custom holiday graphics.
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