The below tips should set you up for a dreamy camping trip. Of course, it’s important that even if you’re leaving tech behind, you have some way to contact authorities in the event of an emergency. It’s also crucial you let someone know where you’re going.
Camping can be a wonderful, relaxing break away from the rush and stress of the world. It can also be a feast for mosquitos spent shivering under a tarp in the rain. The following will explore some of the things you can do to help ensure you have a smooth and dreamy camping trip.
Location is everything
If you want things to be especially romantic or dreamy, where you choose to go camping can make all the difference. Remember to balance the visuals with the physical experience of being there and pack accordingly. Misty mornings next to a cool lake can be spectacular; they can also result in everything staying damp all day and ending up with that pre-mold smell that isn’t so charming.
The internet is going to be your best friend here. Consider searching campgrounds and parks in the areas you’re considering on Instagram or Pinterest to see what other people’s visual experience of the place was. Don’t forget to look up the weather predictions before you go!
Think about light pollution
Light pollution refers to the lights that humans use, which can, when compounded (like in a bigger city), result in people on the ground being unable to see the stars. The basic rule is, the further away from society you go, the brighter the stars will be. There are also online maps available that show light pollution ranges to help you get a good idea of what you can expect.
There are also viewing parks chosen specifically because of low levels of light pollution. When choosing a spot, keep the stars in mind; you can even pick out one of the best stargazing tents if you want an all-night starry sky extravaganza. If you’re planning on taking photos of the stars and aren’t experienced with night photography, do a little research ahead of time. A few tweaks to the aperture, ISO, and shutter speed can make a big difference when it comes to capturing the magnificence of a sky full of stars.
Agree on the terms ahead of time
Not everyone has the same idea of camping, which means if you’re going with other people, you might want to go over expectations ahead of time. To some people, a cozy, nostalgic camping trip involves leaving all the tech in the car and cuddling under thick blankets while drinking hot chocolate brewed over an open fire. To other people, wandering to the highest peaks and taking photos is what makes a day dreamy.
If everyone’s on the same page before the trip begins, this will keep things calm and smooth during the actual trip. If your group has been known to have wildly different music tastes, this is also an excellent opportunity to figure out a folkish wilderness playlist. While you’re at it, figure out who is bringing what so there’s no confusion or trouble later on. If a camping trip is full of irritation or disagreements, it definitely won’t feel soothing.
Photo by Scott Goodwill on Unsplash
Prepare to actually get some sleep
Being well-rested is a big part of whether a camping trip is calm and rejuvenating or not. Depending on where you’re going, this might require a little bit of preparation. Bugs, moisture, cold, and noise can all keep you awake when you’d rather be sleeping, but all of these things can be mitigated by thinking ahead.
The above tips should set you up for a dreamy camping trip. Of course, it’s important that even if you’re leaving tech behind, you have some way to contact authorities in the event of an emergency. It’s also crucial you let someone know where you’re going.
Main photo by Jongsun Lee on Unsplash
