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Carry on Camping
6th November 2007
The summer seems all but a distant memory now, but for many college students this holiday season involved packing up and pitching a tent. Whether it be behind the beach, in a field crammed with other festival-goers or even on the continent somewhere, camping is the perfect opportunity to experience the great outdoors and most of all, have fun!
Okay, so I may be sounding a little overly jovial about the whole thing, especially when you take into account the almost constant downpour of rain that we fell victim to during July and August, but I’m sure many of you will agree that camping can beat any foreign holiday in the sun. I must admit though, I am a camping convert.
Not so long ago I readily turned my nose up at the thought spending time under canvas, and the possibility of having nowhere to plug my hair straighteners almost brought on a panic attack. As camping evolves, however, such problems are being overcome, and a new phenomenon called ‘Glamping’ has even been established, incorporating glamour with camping. No more roll mats, ever-deflating blow-up mattresses and back pains from bending over all day, oh no. Luxurious and pleasant surroundings inside the tent, as well as the picturesque view outside, are the main attractions for tourists wanting the best of both worlds. Beds (yes, proper beds) are made up with lavish Egyptian cotton sheets and the squelching mud under ground sheets is replaced by thick oriental rugs. All of this comes at a hefty price, however, and most of us can simply dream on and get back to the reality of pegging out those guy ropes.
Running to the toilet block in the middle of the night and lukewarm showers awaiting you in the morning may not be your idea of a holiday, but trust me; it’s not all sacrificing things that we take for granted every day. The general atmosphere at most campsites is fantastic. Happy campers make the holiday hugely satisfying, and plenty of laughs are guaranteed with new people that you meet and lifelong friends you make.
Learning to improvise and cook food on a camping stove can be quite challenging. Try to vary the choices for dinner, and don’t always resort to baked beans as this doesn’t bode well for the evening ahead. All singing together around the fire and sharing stories well into the night is also a must for an unforgettable trip.
Another advantage that goes with such typically British summer holidays is that campers contribute to a healthy environment. Think about the reduction in carbon emissions that would occur if tourists stopped jetting off around the globe and got ‘back to nature’ in their own beautiful country. And, at a quarter of the price too!
So, roll on next summer (fingers crossed, it’ll be a drier one) and carry on camping, I say.