We’ve put together a list of all the essentials for your next camping trip so you can relax and enjoy your time in the great outdoors without forgetting anything.
Whether you’re camping in a tent or a luxury mobile home, good preparation will make your trip all the more enjoyable.
The secrets to comfortable camping
What camping equipment will you need?
Whether you’re camping in the mountains or by the sea the right camping equipment is key.
If you’re staying in a tent the basics you’ll need are: navigation tools, a sleeping bag and sleeping bag liners, warm clothes (the nights can get chilly, even in the warmest parts of the Mediterranean), cooking equipment, a torch and lantern, a camping table and camping chair or a picnic table, water source, food and drink.
What extra items should you take camping?
Once you’ve got together the essentials you can add the extras to your camping checklist to make sure you’re prepared. You’ll need toiletries, towels, rubbish bags, kitchen equipment, toilet paper, a waterproof jacket (just in case it rains) and of course your beach gear if you’re camping near the sea. If you’re staying in a tent you should also take a tent repair kit for any unexpected rips or damage.
Add in a few luxuries for that home-from-home feeling
Whether you’re a glamping fan or want to ‘rough it’, taking a few luxuries makes a camping trip that little bit more enjoyable. There’s nothing like your own pillow, or a comfort blanket or a favourite soft toy for the kids to promote a good night’s sleep.
You might want to throw in a few luxury toiletries such as hand or face cream to combat the outdoor weather and keep your skin soft. While a squirt of perfume might seem a treat on a camping trip a bottle of insect repellent will be far more useful.
Fun and entertainment on your camping holiday
Things to do on those warm summer evenings
Part of the fun of camping is spending the evenings outdoors with friends or family and enjoying the simple way of life. Take a pack of cards, games and books to read and forget the lure of technology for a while. This is a time to chill and get back to nature without the everyday distractions of modern life.
Make your own entertainment
Whilst you can watch the campsite entertainment, when you stay at a Sunêlia 4 or 5-star campsite, why not set up your own musical evening in your camping area or on the beach. If anyone in your group plays the guitar this is the ideal opportunity to have a singsong under the stars.
Don´t forget your outdoor fun equipment
If you’re camping by the sea with the kids, buckets and spades and beach balls are essential for your camping checklist. You may also want to take any water sports equipment you have such as a surfboard if you’re camping near the French Atlantic. Lakeside camping offers plenty of water activities too, and it’s probably easier to hire a canoe or kayak rather than taking your own.
Other things to remember for your best camping trip ever
First aid – just in case
You’ll need a well-stocked first aid kit when camping. Hopefully, you won´t need it, but if there are any small accidents, you’ll be glad you brought it. You can buy ready-prepared first aid kits containing all the essentials you may need or put together your own.
As a minimum, you should take plasters, antiseptic wipes and cream, antihistamines, pain medicine, tweezers, anti-diarrhoea tablets and hand sanitiser. Don’t forget after sun lotion but avoid sunburn you should have a strong sunscreen and put it on even if it’s cloudy.
Taking dogs camping
Most Sunêlia campsites accept dogs so taking your four-legged friend with you is a great way to spend time camping in nature with them. They’ll need bedding, toys, their usual food (avoid changes in diet), poo bags and plenty of water to drink.
You should also take a pet first-aid kit, just in case your dog cuts a paw or is unwell. A dog tracking device is also a good idea for when you’re camping, just in case your pet wanders off.
Sunêlia camping – the best of both worlds
Sunêlia has so many campsites to choose from throughout Europe, whether you’re looking for beach, mountain or countryside camping. If you’re staying on a Sunêlia campsite, whether 4-star or 5-star, you’ll be able to use all the facilities, such as the pools and restaurants, even if you’re staying in a tent.
This gives you flexibility as you can choose to use your camping kitchen some days and when you don´t want to cook you can eat at the campsite bar or restaurant. Take a look at the vast range of campsites available and book your next camping trip today.