| ng is probably one of the best ways for families | | | | probably need only a jacket, a sweater, two |
| to enjoy each other’s company away | | | | shirts, a pair of pants and shorts, socks, |
| from the hassles and pressures of work and | | | | underwear, and an extra pair of shoes or sandals. |
| school. Of course it’s going to take a lot | | | | Bring along a pair of hiking boots if you plan on |
| of careful planning and preparation, but every | | | | hiking, though. For laundry, a large basin will suffice, |
| minute you’ll spend with your family will | | | | plus a clothesline and some clothes pins. |
| be worth the hard work. If you keep it simple | | | | Prepare your food. Of course you can bring some |
| and bring along the essentials, you’ll have | | | | coolers with you, but I recommend bringing foods |
| a lovely time outdoors and you won’t | | | | like nuts, bread, cookies, anything that |
| miss any of the modern conveniences. A good | | | | doesn’t need refrigerating. Don’t |
| camping trip will be remembered throughout the | | | | give the children too much to eat in just one |
| years and will be a part of your family’s | | | | sitting, or if you’ve just arrived, because |
| history. | | | | they will want to go exploring and swimming. |
| Here are some important tips to help you plan the | | | | Instead, keep up their energy level and avoid |
| perfect camping trip: | | | | stomach aches by giving them small meals. Keep |
| Decide whether you’ll bring a tent or a | | | | it simple. Hamburgers and hotdogs are camping |
| camper. This will depend on how much you can | | | | favorites. I also suggest planning a menu |
| afford and how much space you will need. | | | | beforehand, and let the kids pick some of the |
| Consider the number of people that will be going | | | | food they like. Planning ahead will save you a lot |
| with you. Modern dome-style tents can easily | | | | of time when deciding what meals to cook when |
| accommodate 3 to 4 persons, with larger ones | | | | you’re at the campsite. This will also help |
| being able to fit up to 6 inside. Because you only | | | | you determine if the food you’ll be |
| have to connect a few pieces, dome tents can | | | | bringing is enough. |
| be easily set up in just a few minutes. If you | | | | How about some entertainment? First of all, |
| want, you can even get pop-up tents that are | | | | forget the TV set. And make sure you bring |
| self-erecting. For bedding, foam or air mattresses | | | | some books, toys, and games for the kids. Some |
| offer more comfort, plus they are more compact | | | | good things to bring are baseball equipment, a |
| than anything else you might use. If you do use a | | | | football, a frisbee, or even radio-controlled toys, |
| tent, though, make sure you spray it with some | | | | although you’d need to bring extra |
| rain-resistant spray to prevent leaks. I suggest | | | | batteries, too. You can easily set-up a play area |
| adding a tarpaulin for extra protection against the | | | | near the tent or camper. Take a walk, go |
| sun and rain. | | | | swimming, or bring a small boat and go canoeing |
| Campers, on the other hand, offer much more | | | | or fishing. You don’t have to stay all day |
| amenities. Although they are more expensive than | | | | at the campsite, you know. But remember, never |
| tents, of course, you get pull-out beds, a small | | | | set up a rigid schedule where almost every single |
| kitchen with a sink, stove, drawers for your | | | | minute of your camping trip is planned. This will |
| plates and utensils, and a refrigerator. Campers | | | | create stress and ruin the whole trip. Let your |
| also have tables and chairs for sitting, eating, etc. | | | | family members decide whether they want to |
| You can easily fit six people inside a camper, plus | | | | play or just laze around. |
| you’d have the added peace of mind | | | | One last thing: No matter if you’re in a |
| knowing that your family is safe from leaks if | | | | tent or a camper, or if you’re staying 1 |
| ever it rains. | | | | day or the whole week; just remember that you |
| Pack lightly. A four-day trip, for example, requires | | | | are there to enjoy yourselves. So relax, have fun, |
| only about two sets of clothes. You’ll | | | | and enjoy camping with the family! |