New Year camping resolutions

It may be mid January, but it’s by no means too late to start making some New Year’s resolutions. Perhaps you haven’t thought of any yet and need a helping hand? We’ve come up with a few camping resolutions you could try to make your 2014 a year to remember.

Get out of your comfort zone 

Have you been visiting the same site in the same location for the past few years? Or perhaps you always stick to a tried and tested campsite group, or always visit the same country. If you’ve got yourself stuck into a camping rut, make this the year to step outside of your comfort zone. Head to a camping and caravanning show (the Caravan and Camping Show at Birmingham NEC coming up in just a few weeks!) and pick up some brochures. You’ll discover new destinations and holiday ideas to reawaken your sense of adventure. Keep an open mind and let the road take you somewhere new.

Go stargazing

A clear night on a camping trip is the perfect opportunity to settle down under a blanket and discover the beauty of the night sky. You might learn as much as the kids do, and it doesn’t have to involve poring over a book under an inefficient flashlight – apps like Google Sky Map will instantly tell you which constellations you’re looking at, as well as where you can see a few of the planets.

If you find yourself getting into it you can look for the International Space Station using apps such as ISS Finder. They tell you where it’ll be at a specific date and time, as well as giving weather data so you’ll know if it’ll be visible.

You don’t even need to travel far. Northumberland National Park and Kielder Water and Forest Park has been made Europe's largest Dark Sky Park, so it’s the perfect place for a sport of amateur stargazing close to home.

Get back to nature

If nothing else, take some time this year to rediscover the joys of the great outdoors. Grab a net and go rockpooling, climb trees, go looking for local wildlife and run around bare foot. They’re simple pleasures but they reawaken your inner child, reminding you to take joy in the little things. What’s not to love about forgetting the stresses of everyday life and playing outside with the kids?

Get new equipment

If your camping gear is looking a little worse for wear, now is the time to replace it. Invest in new walking boots, a bigger tent, or treat yourself to that one piece of gear you’ve had your eye on for ages. You’ll thank yourself for it in no time once you get out and about.

Images courtesy of iStock