Growing up I was never a camper.
In fact my dad pretty much put me off the idea of 'having to faff about' putting the tent up, being cold, not having a home away from home.
Just the thought of camping in my adult years sent a shiver of dread down my spine because of the imagery that had been drilled in to my brain.
So, when I decided I wanted to get away more and explore the UK it wasn't at the top of my list.
After a chance finding of a tent in the house and a few other things I actually started to think more about camping BUT then I faced the dilemma of who to go with.
Now due to various friends lives/family/jobs it's not as simple as making a decision to go camping, packing up the car and going.
To be honest the thought of organising it made going away feel claustrophobic to me.
But as with most things, this didn't go out of my head and I went back to the idea for a few months until I logged on line and did research.
That was when I realised that brave people actually went camping alone, survived and offered encouragement to others.
After a quick natter online with a few people I actually booked my first site, ordered essentials and waited patiently for the time to arrive.
I was scared to hell though.
As I'm preparing for camping in 2018 I thought I'd write a post on how camping has benefited me so far, even still as a newbie. I also want to offer words of encouragement if you're thinking of doing the same, and what I have planned to do in the upcoming year.
1. Don't let anyone talk you out of it.
The first person who tried to do this was my dad. I'll admit I'm his little girl so he worries about me no end and because of that i make sure I call him daily when I'm away.
When I first told him I was going camping, as I unpacked my delivery from GoOutdoors he was adamant I wasn't going.
Even now when I tell other people I'm going camping on my own they ask, "Why?" and give me the look you'd give someone if they had two heads.
Under no circumstances do you let anyone talk you out of it or make you feel like you're weird for camping alone. 1. I'm as safe camping as I am in my own home in my opinion and 2. There's nothing wrong with being content with your own company. Sorry I/You don't need to rely on other people.
2. Start off small and work your way up.
I had a 3 man dome tent initially that I couldn't stand in and it held the bed and the basics. I also didn't have electric and I'll admit that I was bored to some degree.
That being said I hated the idea of going back to reality.
Camping was actually okay, it was the entertainment that I needed to work on and also the fact I needed an essentials camping kit so I didn't forget anything in future... Like bed socks, and pillows .
3. Let the site know you're going solo.
This was something I do every time regardless of how many times I've been and plan to go. I always ask the site to stick me somewhere close to them (just in case) but a little out the way so I've got my own privacy. It actually gives my dad some reassurance when I go too.
4. Get out before you chill out.
The first camping trip I took and loved completely was my trip to
Kings Lynn because I got up, had breakfast, went out, came home and wrote.
Writing is such a huge part of what I love doing but I hardly have the time or energy to go it when I'm home from work. But on that weekend I actually went out and explored, went back, got the wine out and the netbook out and wrote so much more in one night than I had the whole month during Camp NaNoWriMo. My head was clear and I'd not wasted a single moment of my time away.
5. The outdoors brings out my creative side.
I want to capture everything and see all the beautiful wonders of the UK through photography. I've invested (sorry bank account) in a better camera and will be starting a course soon to help me use it... so that I can take better pictures. I love photography and scrapbooking too so it'll help me capture so many more memories than I did before.
For each trip I'm making a travellers notebook to write about this, that and the other as I go about my days too.
6. Adventure time.
Before each trip I grab previously mentioned notebook and make a list of the places I want to see. Then I google the locations and see if I can make a plan for that day and jot it all down so when I get there I'm not stuck or wondering where to go and what to do. Google can become your BFF during this time because you'll discover places you've never heard of.
If anyone can think of any hidden gems to discover in the UK let me know in the comment section. I would love to learn and explore them!