“And at the end of the day, your feet should be dirty, your hair messy, and your eyes sparkling” -Shanti.
To anyone who has experienced camping, it is an excursion unlike any other. Unfortunately, camping may seem like a rather ridiculous idea to those who have never experienced it.
After all, why should you feel compelled to leave the comforts of your home and forgo most modern conveniences for a few days just to sleep on the ground? Indeed, it may be an unorthodox way to relax to some, but it does have its merits.
While it is not exactly the most luxurious vacation, it allows you to unplug, rejuvenate, and refresh your mind. In more ways than one, it is an opportunity for you to get back to the basics. As a result, you develop a better appreciation for the everyday things you may have taken for granted. However, sleeping under the stars and roughing it out in the wilderness is not as simple and straightforward as people mistakenly think it to be. Looking for a good beach camping spot in the Philippines or sifting through pages in a Campsite Directory in the Philippines may seem easy enough. Still, there are other things that come into play. In fact, a lot of planning should go into your outdoor adventures, such as selecting the right camping gear and campgrounds. So, before you pack up and get ready for your next adventure, below are some of the basic do’s and don’ts of camping excursions:
Do check out campsite reviews before booking them.
While searching for camping sites in Rizal or campsites in Tanay, or simply campsites near Manila, read up on reviews to ensure you know what to prepare for. Most campsites have a shower and toilet area, but some do not. To ensure that you are adequately prepared (and avoid any unnecessary surprises), check the reviews of a particular campsite you are eyeing prior to making a decision.
Don’t forget camping essentials.
Before leaving for camp, you should already have an assortment of camping and outdoor equipment to make your experience safer, smoother, and more comfortable. These items include a compass, a map, a first aid kit, emergency equipment, and the like. It may seem like these items are essential camping items that you should always bring with you, but it bears emphasizing as some campers tend to overlook their importance.
Do check out gear reviews.
If you are relatively new to camping, there may be a few camping tools and equipment you want to pick up. However, avoid any impulse purchases by checking out gear reviews online. Do you wish to stock up on camping gear from Biolite Philippines? Read up on reviews first to be better informed about your prospective purchase.
Don’t forget to confirm the campground’s pet policy.
Outdoor excursions and camping adventures are seemingly more fun with our furry friends. However, before you bring your four-legged friends with you, it is best to ask the campsite you have booked about their policy first. Keep in mind that campsite policies vary, and while there are campgrounds that will welcome your pet, there are also those that are strict about their no-pets policies.
Do arrive before nightfall.
It is recommended to set up camp while the sun is still out. Setting up your tent can be quite difficult—even for seasoned campers. That said, get an early start to ensure you can set up early and survey your campsite’s immediate surroundings. Arriving at camp early also gives you more time to build a campfire for food and warmth.
Do follow the safety protocol
To ensure your safety and the safety of other campers, following the campsite’s safety protocols is a must. Before leaving for camp, be sure to furnish yourself with the campsite’s rules and regulations. Everyone coming to camp with you should have a copy of these rules or at least know what they are.
Do your part to minimize eco-footprint
Indeed, nothing is more rewarding than being in touch with nature and immersing yourself in it. However, you need to be ecologically mindful. One of the things you should bear in mind is to leave with everything you came with. Pack your trash and dispose of them wisely and responsibly. Go the extra mile by bringing along an extra trash bag so that you can collect any pieces of refuse that have been strewn around by less-responsible campers.
