| Economic woes needn't spoil the holiday season | | | | holiday. You don't want the first time you pitch it |
| with long faces moping at home. Camping still | | | | to be in twilight or possible rain when you arrive, |
| offers affordable holiday options for holiday | | | | and everyone is tetchy from the drive anyway. |
| makers, and caters to a number of holiday needs. | | | | Choose your spot carefully. You want to set up |
| Small children love the fun and excitement | | | | camp on a spot that is reasonably level so that if |
| associated with outdoor adventures and older | | | | it does rain, you don't end up in the middle of a |
| children may appreciate getting back to nature, | | | | small lake. Try to be near a tree because in the |
| but anticipate some argument when they realise | | | | great outdoors shade is golden. You also need a |
| that there may not be any cell phone reception. | | | | decent spot to build your fire. When building a fire, |
| Fathers love the whole macho aspect of camping, | | | | don't take short cuts with petrol or other |
| while mothers can appreciate getting away from | | | | dangerous flammable materials. Be patient, and |
| the drudgery of household chores and urban life. | | | | always make sure that the fire is extinguished |
| With the evolution of tents and camping/outdoor | | | | properly before you leave camp for the day. |
| equipment, camping needn't be the entirely rugged | | | | Do not forget to pack a first aid kit, sunscreen |
| experience that it used to be. Those who like | | | | and insect repellents. Citronelle candles are great |
| their modcons and comfort can relax in large | | | | for warding off mosquitoes and flies and for |
| cabin tents, portable showers, and luxury camping | | | | adding to the camping atmosphere. Matches are |
| chairs and even advanced cooler bags and ice | | | | very important, otherwise it doesn't matter what |
| packs that keep produce fresher for longer. | | | | you use to build a fire you'll never get it going. A |
| Die-hard campers can still revel in the satisfaction | | | | torch or two and extra batteries are equally |
| of building fires from scratch and keeping their | | | | important, as are a hammer, extra tent pegs, an |
| beers cool in nearby streams. | | | | umbrella and a small fire extinguisher. |
| Home Handyman magazine published a list of tips | | | | Follow the basic rules that you would at home. |
| for campers to ensure that their camping holiday | | | | Don't leave things lying around, don't leave fires |
| remains an enjoyable experience and doesn't turn | | | | unattended, don't leave sharp dangerous objects |
| into a damp, insect-ridden nightmare. Your choice | | | | within reach of children and, something that you |
| of tent it very important; small two-man tents | | | | probably wouldn't do at home, check for snakes. |
| are ok for short trips, and perhaps father and son | | | | Check your shoes and sleeping bags and watch |
| bonding experiences. But cabin tents are preferred | | | | where you walk. Don't kill them just because |
| for longer trips, and probably any trip that | | | | they're there, you're in their home remember. |
| involves women. Always check the tent in the | | | | The most important thing about camping is to be |
| store before you buy it; you need to be sure | | | | prepared for anything; that means any weather, |
| that all the zips work, there are no tears in the | | | | any accidents and injuries and any health scares. |
| fabric and that it is capable of withstanding any | | | | With a little bit of planning and foresight, camping |
| crisis or problem that may arise. And practice | | | | can be everything that you want it to be. |
| pitching the tent before you leave for your | | | | Reference:travel.iafrica.com/searchsa/952149. |