It’s camping season. This year, millions of men will lead their families into the wilderness (or maybe just a local park) to set up a tent or a camper, and enjoy the great outdoors. The benefits of camping are numerous; you’ll get a chance to explore new surroundings, you’ll be away from work and distractions so you can focus on family time, and you’ll have the opportunity to get lots of physical exercise. Unfortunately, there are also a lot of things that can go wrong, and potentially ruin an otherwise great family outing.
How to Make the Most of Your Trip
If you’re the one planning the camping trip, you’ll need to follow these tips to be successful:
- Make a plan ahead of time. Before leaving for your trip, do some research. Figure out exactly where you want to stay and what accommodations the campsite is going to provide. You should know how far you are from home, the time it takes to set up your tent or RV, and how you’ll need to check in when you get to your destination. The last thing you want is to arrive at your prospective campsite, only to find out it closed last summer or doesn’t accept check-ins past a certain time.
- Know the rules. You’ll also want to research the rules of the campsite you’re visiting. There are some general rules that apply everywhere; for example, don’t litter, and try to leave the campsite in better condition than you found it. However, different campsites may have different regulations when it comes to things like building fires, quiet hours, fishing, pets, and alcoholic beverages. Be proactive and learn these rules before you leave.
- Have a backup plan. There’s always a chance that things won’t go as you expect. Your reservation may fall through. A devastating weather event may make it impossible to camp. No matter what, you should be prepared with a backup plan; research hotels in the area that may be able to accommodate you, or alternate campsites a significant yet reasonable distance away.
- Come ready with technology. One of the most important benefits of camping in the modern era is taking a break from technology. However, technology is still an important tool, and you’ll want to have some gadgets on standby in case you have an emergency. For example, you’ll want to bring your smartphone and a mobile hotspot to ensure you can navigate your way out of a confusing stretch of woods or contact an emergency response vehicle if someone is injured.
- Bring more than you think you need. Minimalistic camping trips are fun. If you have experience, you may be able to live off the land. But if you’re going to bring the family, you’ll want to make sure you bring a little more than you think you need. That means bringing extra supplies, including goods like toilet paper, food, and bottled water. There will likely be a store in the nearby area to stock up in a worst-case scenario, but why run the risk of running out of something essential if you can prevent it?
- Recognize the needs of individual family members. You may be excited for a specific type of camping experience, but you aren’t the only person who’s going to be on this trip. You’ll want to take a step back and recognize the needs of the individual members of your family as well. If you have small children, that might mean taking more frequent bathroom breaks, skipping some of the harsher elements of the camping experience, and making changes to your schedule mid-trip.
- Protect yourself with sunscreen and repellent. It’s a stereotype that men don’t protect themselves when venturing into the outdoors—but it’s also a frequently true one. Don’t let your masculinity interfere with your health and comfort; if you’re going to be hiking in the sun or swimming, make sure you wear sunscreen. At night, use insect repellent to keep mosquitos and other creatures away. Obviously, this goes for your other family members too—but you’re the one setting the example for your children.
Balancing Structure and Improvisation
The secret to a great vacation, especially camping, is finding the balance between structure and lack of structure. If your vacation is too structured, you won’t have a good time; it will become a job, or a chore that needs to be accomplished rather than an opportunity to relax. If it’s too unstructured, you could forget essential items or end up stranded with no place to stay. This fall, when camping with your family, do it right with the preceding tips.
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