Les Castels, the four and five star organisation of luxury campsites in France, is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year so they ought to know a thing or two about camping by now! Ahead of you taking off on your camping holidays – short break or summer jaunt – perhaps these ten top tips will come in handy?
1. Do take flip flops to wear in the shower blocks – something waterproof is best. You can wear them right into the shower, as long as you don’t mind them getting wet. Also useful for around the pool complex and tip-toeing to the loo in the middle of the night.
2. Even though the sanitary units are lit during the night it is also advisable to take a torch or flashlight of some sort. Don’t forget to pack one of those!
3. A multi – purpose tool is always useful – such as a Swiss Army knife which was invented for campers wasn’t it? A three-in-one tool with hammer, saw and axe is also useful for cutting wood or banging in the tent pegs.
4. Take something comfortable to sit on as you may be sitting around the campfire for a while – and take a radio too as long as you keep the noise to a respectful level – neighbour’s unspoken law!
5. Make sure your tent is big enough to fit you all in and make sure you let the air in the tent when you are out – this keeps it cool. Do take a tarpaulin for the floor of the tent to keep the moisture out of your…..
6. …sleeping bag – you will want one to keep warm at night, however unless you are an avid fan you do not have to invest in something expensive.
7. Do take special travel pillows or camping pillows as ordinary pillows are not coated and tend to absorb humidity from the air.
8. With all that damp you need towels – but use Packtowl towels not ordinary towels, as Packtowls can absorb up to ten times the amount of water as plain old bathroom towels.
9. Take lots of soap and wet wipes as you often feel like freshening up in the great outdoors.
10. Insect repellents are essential as are extra batteries, matches and a cooler for the beer!