The sun is shining and the blue skies are really making me start to think that maybe, just maybe, we might get some nice summer weather during the school holidays. Yes, I know the school holidays are still a couple of weeks away and a lot can change between now and then, but it is that time of year when my husband and I start to have to camping debate.
It happens every year around this time and has done so for the last few years. My husband is a big fan of camping and thinks that it is the answer to our holiday problems. With him being a teacher, we are always relegated to the ‘expensive holidays’ as we have to take our holidays during the school holidays. Added to that, there are six of us to accommodate and that doesn’t come cheap at any time of the year. I am always increasingly shocked by the price of holidays and often wonder how so many people can afford to go each year as holidays have become a real luxury for us over recent years.
So my husband once again suggested the ‘C’ word and I have to say that this year I am considering it. I have to say that I have camped a few times but I don’t think that I am really a camping person. I hate being cold, I have a huge aversion to anything insect like and quite frankly I like my home comforts. Over the years, people have tried to convince me of the merits of outdoor living and how good it is for quality family time and getting back to basics.
I do think camping would be great for the children. Just the thought of them having a few days off their small screens would be beneficial and the fresh air and exercise would do them wonders.
So what are my real issues with camping? Well firstly, the good old British weather is not the most reliable is it? Camping sounds like great fun until it rains and everything gets soggy. That is not fun. Secondly, we are not exactly what you would describe as ‘practical’ people. We would have to buy the adult equivalent of a child’s pop up tent in order for us to have any chance of successful tent building. Finally, there is the cost to consider. There is no doubt that camping is a cheaper option, but you do still need to invest in all the gear to begin with which can be expensive if you get carried away.
However, the positives definitely outweigh the negatives, so I am considering a compromise. I have suggested that we buy a basic tent that doesn’t cost too much money and then go away for a few short breaks over the summer holidays to see how we get on and if we survive and more to the point, enjoy the whole experience, we can invest in better camping gear next year. My worry is that we will spend a fortune on all of the stuff and then not use it.
So this weekend will be spent looking at tents and camp sites and hopefully I will survive a few days in a tent, but I will have to make sure that wherever we stay has some sort Internet access so that I can let you know how we get on.
Wish me luck!
Good luck! Our children are a bit little, but I see camping holidays in our future. My husband and I bought a pop up tent and it’s brilliant (although there’s a bit of a knack to taking it down). We only used it once properly though before I got pregnant and didn’t fancy it again! It’s been used in the garden a couple of times. My problem is that the campsites book up well in advance and so you can’t wait until the last minute to check that you’ll have decent weather.
I love camping, my OH does not. He is so bad at it I have refused to ever share a tent again as cannot bear the whining!! Kids LOVE it. I think short breaks with a cheap tent are a great idea, dip your toe in the water, and then invest in bigger, nicer tent if you think it will get used. Or better still, see if any friends have big nice tents they fancy lending ou for a weekend, then they can help you have a practice run in the garden first!M
I am a non camper, but the kids love it, tough choice 🙂
I never used to like camping but my hubby has converted me. We went last minute camping in Dorset last weekend and it was bliss! Beautiful sunshine throughout, totally chilled- just wandered to the beach and back, (or the pub for lunch.) Plus, 24 hour a day fresh air meant the kids slept brilliantly- we got lie-ins in the morning. Check out free-cycle- you might be able to pick up some unwanted camping gear for nothing if you ask nicely!
Good luck! You are a braver woman than me! I am still resisting even though husband and kids like it. The boys do Cubs and Scouts for camping, as far as I’m concerned!
Whoo have fun 🙂 I keep saying every tear we need to go, just not got the things together yet!!
I like camping when all the gear’s in place in warm places like France & Spain but even then it still means a lot of manual work for us Mums of many trying to bring teeny bucket to get enough water to wash up all the plates. At least guaranteed warmth means it doesn’t matter when you soak yourself and can do it outside where it’s not a disaster if it splashes the ground.
England is usually just not the same put up a tent in the garden or send the hubby to do the camping with the boys 😉 xx
ohh yes I hope you go and have a really lovely time camping is fab