A First-Timer’s Guide In Camping Abroad
Camping trips are a great way to unwind and take a break from the fast-paced life in the city. It enables you to re-establish a connection with nature and get away from distractions. Imagine the beauty of taking a deep breath in the campsite and just taking in all that fresh air.
You may have camped in nearby places for quite some time now, but you want to enjoy different scenery. If you’re going to a foreign country then you must consider numerous factors such as the rules and regulations in the area concerning the local wildlife, and the use of their facilities.
Here are some guidelines to remember for your first camping trip abroad:
1. Research for Camping Sites
If you’re going to camp in another country, you need to look for camping sites for beginners. Here are some ways to do that:
- Look for optimal locations abroad where you can pitch your tent
- Take note of how much the entrance fees are for each place
- Check if you need to pay an additional amount to use facilities such as the site’s grill or bathing area
- Take note of the directions on how to get to the area so that you won’t get lost even before you start your adventure.
2. Prepare Your Gear
If you already found the ideal place for camping, you should be equipped with the necessary gear. Remember to bring only the necessities especially if you need to board a plane to get to your destination. Invest in dual or multipurpose items so that you don’t need to lug around so many things. These are the must-have items for first-time campers:
- Tent and Sleeping Bag
You need a place to sleep in without subjecting yourself to natural elements. Browse online for great tents for camping and look for one that can be put up with ease. For sleeping bags, you should take note of the weather condition in the area. If you’re going to a tropical country, it’s best to buy one that will protect you from the night air but still breathable so air can pass through.
- Portable Kitchen Gadgets
Travel-sized stove, pots, and pans are necessities for camping. Bring cooking utensils as well so that you can cook your own food without difficulty.
- First Aid Kit
This should include bandages, gauzes, a first aid tape, antiseptic, allergy medications, sunscreen, and bug repellents.
- Water
You may be going to a place near a river, but that water may not be safe enough to drink. Bring enough portable water for the days you’ll be spending in the campsite.
- Flashlights and Matches
Night time at forests can be complete pitch-black, so you need flashlights to illuminate your surroundings. Matches are required for lighting campfires to help warm you up.
- Compass and Map
You won’t have a place to charge your smartphone and other electronic devices so remember to bring a compass and a map with you so you won’t get lost.
3. Make a List
You should list down everything that you need to bring so that you won’t forget it when packing for the trip. This way, you save yourself from the frustration of finding out too late that you forgot to bring your tent poles which you need for a place to stay in. Making a list allows you to savor your adventure without worries. Plus, it also helps you remember the things that you brought along when you head back home. You can divide your list into these categories:
- Campsite gear that includes tents, poles, stakes, canopy, sleeping bags, pillows, blankets, and chairs.
- Kitchen wares that consist of stove, fuel, matches, pans, pots, food containers, trash bags, water, water bottles, plates, forks, spoons, knives, cups, and cutting board.
- Clothes comprised of waterproof outerwear, sleepwear, swimsuits, shoes, slippers, and gloves.
- Toiletries like soap bars, shampoos, toothpaste, toothbrush, and towels.
4. Look Out for Special Rules and Regulations
Different countries have different camping etiquette. Keep yourself informed of customs and traditions that are unique to the place you’re visiting. If you’re going to a conservative country, dress modestly as a sign of respect their culture. Know the gestures that local people consider to be polite or offensive, so you know what to do and not to do, respectively.
Conclusion:
If you’re planning to camp in a foreign country, then you should be ready to comply with their rules and regulations. Remember that their special guidelines are there to preserve the beauty of their campsites. You can enjoy your trip even while obeying the policies that are being implemented in those areas.
Hello Calvin,
Are you allowed to bring camp stoves along with fuel on airplanes? I think that is the most difficult part when attempting to camp while traveling abroad. It would be expensive to buy one there, then what do you do with it after camping?
Much Thanks,
Enkh