There’s nothing better than a family camping trip to bring everyone together. If you’re planning to take a break in the near future though, thorough planning and preparation is key to truly maximising the experience.
To help get the most from your family camping trek, we’ve compiled seven great tips to improve your time away. Take a look at the following and remember to book up your own family camping holiday with the help of Alan Rogers.
One of the best tips for enjoying a family camping trip is choosing the right location. Therefore, it makes sense to research prospective sites and find the perfect one for you and the kids. Check out the facilities available, the onsite accommodation (if you’re not bringing a caravan/motorhome/campervan) and what’s in the nearby area to see and do. We’ve inspected and selected the very best child-friendly campsites in the UK and Europe, so take a look at these today.
If you have children, one of your main priorities will be ensuring the kids have a great time. The problem is though, you’ll unlikely factor in time to let yourself unwind. Make sure to get that bit of peace and relaxation you deserve too. Check for children’s clubs during the day and get the little ones off to sleep in good time, so you’ve a few hours to chill with a glass of wine.
We’ve all been there. Arriving on location to brilliant sunshine and then within a few hours the rain’s pouring. For that reason, you should fully prepare for any eventuality – even if the forecast is predicting great weather. It doesn’t hurt to pack wellies and rain macs for the whole clan, so make sure you’re not caught short. Make sure to check our full camping checklist, to avoid not leaving anything behind either.
Whether you’re staying in your own caravan, motorhome or in onsite accommodation, don’t expect to be serving up many gourmet dinners. Instead, be sensible and plan quick and easy meals that’ll keep the family full and energised. Dinners such as spag bol and chilli can be cooked up and eaten for lunch the next day too – saving you from spending more time at the stove.
There’ll be times when you need to sort the essentials, whether it’s unpacking, cooking food or even setting-up an awning. The last thing you need are the tears and tantrums of kids spoiling the trip away – So make sure to pack plenty of things that’ll keep your children entertained. From swingball and board games, to the handy iPad… Keeping kids occupied will be essential.
One of the magical parts of family camping is the opportunity to explore the great outdoors. And believe it or not, your kids will love the woods and countryside. If they’re old enough, let them explore the surroundings… Or keep them supervised whilst arranging a scavenger hunt or setting off on a nature trail.
If you want to organise a stress-free time away with the family, why not consider a glamping holiday. These campsites are purposely designed to ensure you don’t lose your home comforts, whilst spending quality time together. You can check our inspected and selected glamping sites, where accommodation includes teepees, pods and yurts.
Do you have any top tips you’d love to share for enjoying the perfect family camping trip? Please comment below with your thoughts and give your insight into your time away with the kids.
Rob Fearn
Editor - Alan Rogers Guides
Rob is the General Manager at Alan Rogers Travel Group, he is responsible for the ongoing development of the Alan Rogers website and publication of the Alan Rogers Guides.
He has been involved in the leisure industry since completing a BTEC in Travel & Tourism in 1993. Previous roles have included the promotion of tourism in Yorkshire and running a motorcycle touring company in the Australian Outback.
