Planning key to camping enjoyment

Press, 10 December 1981, Page 27

Planning key to camping enjoyment

Camping is still one of the cheapest ways to have a holiday. However, to make sure that everybody gets full enjoyment out of a camping holiday there needs to be adequate preparation. Choose a camping ground which has facilities to suit your needs. If it is simply for an overnight or week-end stay,

basic facilities usually suffice, but for anything longer most people require a fewmore home comforts. During holiday week-ends and through the Christmas period it is advisable to book sites, especially for resort areas such as Queenstown, where booking is almost essential. When choosing a camping ground take into considera-

tion the distance of the nearest town.

If relying on public transport choose a camping ground close to town because those further away will have a less frequent service.

The most important thing for the inexperienced camper is to arrive during daylight. Setting up camp at night can be a bad start to a holiday. As well as being a difficult job for those unfamiliar with camping, it may be annoying to fellow campers trying to sleep. On arrival become familiar with the lay-out of the grounds. The proprietor should inform you on the general running of the grounds, such as when rubbish is collected and the use of facilities. The tents available on today’s market, with sewn-in floors and easy assembly, are a far cry from their

heavy canvas predecessors. Bad weather is the bane of campers. This is when the stamina of the camper is really put to the test. Puzzles, games and reading material relieve the boredom.

Most people who go camping do so to meet other people and rainy days are a good opportunity to further friendships.