If you’re feeling adventurous and a little fed up of spending Valentine’s Day indoors, you might want to move in a different direction (literally). Camping is a great way to add a scenic charm to the day of love, and what’s more romantic than snuggling in a tent with your significant other.
You might need a little help deciding what to take along or what you should keep an eye out for when you embark on your next adventure. Here are 10 ways to make your experience more comfortable:
Foam floor tiles
Say goodbye to those aches and niggles! Foam floor tiles can offer a softer, more comfortable tent floor as opposed to sleeping directly on the ground. This becomes an inexpensive option to add a little comfort to your camping experience while providing some insulation during those cold, winter months.
Familiarise yourself with your surroundings
Do some research before embarking on your journey, and familiarise yourself with what you might expect when it comes to poisonous plants, insects or animals.
Bring along a mini first aid kit
Even though it’s important to carry along a fully stocked first ait kit, you can always throw in a few essentials to keep on standby (in case a fellow camper needs it). Plasters, headache tablets, topical creams, and disinfectants are all essentials to pack in.
Sage or rosemary works wonders
Mosquitoes can become a nuisance while you’re trying to enjoy your camping trip. Carry along a few bundles of sage or rosemary and throw some in your campfire to repel mosquitoes. This can help to prevent those pesky little buggers from buzzing around you.
Plan your meals
Pack smart on your next trip and have a plan of what you’d like to cook and eat. If you’re planning a sweet Valentine’s Day feast, make sure to prepare in advance. Consider the duration of your stay and which food items you can pack in bulk.
Don’t forget the Doritos
Did you know that Doritos and corn chips makes a great kindling if you’re struggling to find small sticks? It just so happens that all of the starches, oils and flavours makes this snack a great tool for igniting a fire.
Invest in a good sleeping bag
Don’t underestimate the power of a great sleeping bag. This can often determine the level of comfortability and warmth expected for your stay. You might not end up having a great experience if you find yourself shivering and uncomfortable during the night and early hours of the morning.
Pack in the duct tape
Duct tape is a handy item to carry along – perfect for patching holes, blister care, fixing broken items, keeping your tablecloth in place on a windy day and repairing water bottles.
Light up your life with a lamp
There are so many energy saving lamps and torches on the market now that we are all too familiar with (thanks loadshedding). It can be quite scary to when the wind howls late at night, but a lamp can do the trick to provide some light if you need it, and can set a romantic atmosphere.
Watch out for ticks
Ticks are part of the common critters that lurks in the great outdoors so try to wear light-coloured clothing in order to spot them more easily, and do frequent checks on your kids, pets, and hiking gear. Pay specific attention to shoes, socks, and pants.
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Picture: Unsplash