It’s fun to imagine a life of travel with your friends, family, and loved ones. Driving from one place to the next, exploring unknown towns, discovering new things together? Talk about living the dream!
But of course, nothing’s ever just all fun and games. Life on the road may be very enjoyable, but don’t ever forget to live in reality! Especially when you’re thinking of going on a camping trip with your family, you should always keep in mind some important things in order to make sure that your trip doesn’t end in disaster.
Here are the most important 4P’s that you have to keep in mind before going on your next family camping trip!
Pick a good camping location
A good camping location is vital when you’re thinking of going on a camping trip. After all, it is a camping trip, isn’t it?
Plus, you have to factor in the ‘family’ aspect of this trip as well. Sure, maybe you’ll enjoy hiking three hours up to the mountain with your spouse, but don’t expect your kids to feel just as thrilled. At the same time, you don’t have to go to a very safe, unexciting area just to cater to your children. You should find a good balance between the two to ensure maximum enjoyment from everyone in the family.
Luckily, there are a lot of campgrounds that cater specifically to families, whether you’re in the US or in the UK. Since their target market is families, that means that their grounds are already prepared for receiving guests of all ages.
Pack all the essentials beforehand
Speaking of prepared, another important thing to remember before going on a family camping trip is to pack all your essentials beforehand. That includes things like beddings, food and beverages, personal necessities, and most importantly, your tent. Right, your actual family tent. You know, the one you bought specifically for this trip?
Even if you pick the best family tent for the trip, it won’t matter how good it is if you just forget it at home. If it’s not out there in open nature, doing its job, then it’s as good as useless.
Some camping grounds do offer small shacks or shops for personal necessities though (since they probably already know about some people’s tendencies to forget things) but it’s still better if you bring your own.
Plan different activities for everyone
This goes hand in hand with your choice of camping location. When planning out activities for your upcoming trip, don’t ever forget the family aspect of it. Make sure to plan different activities for everyone! Again, it’s highly likely that the things that you and your spouse enjoy are not the things that your 13-year-old enjoys, and especially not what your 6-year-old enjoys.
Remember, you may be having the time of your life, but it’s your responsibility to make sure that everybody is having fun. Just don’t forget anyone and you’re pretty much good to go.
Prepare for possible emergencies
One thing that a lot of people tend to forget when they’re having fun is this: taking extra care. You never know what can happen in camping trip, that’s true. You may get bitten by a wild animal, you may suddenly get sick, or you may fall down and skin your knee. Add another thousand items in there to make that a more accurate list.
In addition to this, since you’re out there in the ‘wild’, you’re more prone to natural risks such as flash floods or landslides. Sure, it would be pretty hard to “take care” from sudden flooding or rocks falling from the side of a mountain. But that’s why it’s important to assess risks first, especially if you’re more of the adventurous type and are not going to a usual camping ground.
Outside of natural hazards like the ones mentioned above, make sure to prepare for the most common emergencies that can happen. Bring appropriate medicine in case anyone catches a cold, take a first-aid kit with you for minor cuts and bruises, and give each member of the family emergency items like whistles and flashlights.
Camping trips are a lot of fun, especially if you’re with your family, provided that you know how to prepare ahead of time. And with this guide, you’re all set on your next family adventure!
