There’s nothing that comes close to the experience of camping in the great outdoors, and thanks to the activity’s growing popularity, it seems most of America is inclined to agree. CNBC reported in 2018 that at least 77 million American households had at least one camper, with numbers growing yearly. Getting away from the hustle and bustle of city and suburban life certainly has its appeal, but the downside is that lifelong urbanites might balk at making the shift.
Enter RV and trailer camping: the convenience of your home on wheels, but with a mobility and flexibility that a brick-and-mortar residence can’t quite match. According to Statista, there are about 41.8 million Americans who do car, backyard, and RV camping. That’s a pretty solid number, and with outdoor recreation only getting more popular, it’s a steadily rising statistic. If you’re one of the many who have decided to dip their toes into camper trips, here are a few things to help you get started.
Pack Smart
First things first: pack smart. Campers are versatile, but you don’t want to deal with the hassle of carting around all your earthly belongings. Your packing list will be tailored to the amenities you have available in your camper, as well as the location of your vacation site. Will laundry be a problem? How about the weather? Our article on ‘5 Packing Hacks for the Traveler on a Budget’ could be helpful, with tips that include keeping a checklist and using packing cubes.
Don’t Forget Your Groceries
The great thing about taking a trailer with you on your trip is that you don’t need to worry about cooking– if your camper doesn’t already have a stove, then it’s definitely got enough space for a decent portable grill. A reliable place to cook means you’ll have more options for what groceries to bring. The Kitchn has put together a helpful guide on how to pack food for a camper or RV trip, with tips like packing lightweight tableware and shelf-stable food.
Pick the Right Destination
Starting out on a new hobby like a camper trip can be pretty intimidating, so it’s always a good idea to start out small. Reader’s Digest has a list of the best RV parks in every state in the United States, some of which have amenities including high definition digital TV, free Wi-Fi, and even a pool. Once you’ve gotten the knack of taking your camper out, then you can start heading for more adventurous areas. One thing’s for sure, with the right camper and the right prep, you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
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Not sure if a camper trip is for you, but still aching to get out and explore? Check out our article on some of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines and start planning your next trip!
Jane Adamson is a Canadian import who moved to the Philippines three years ago for a change of pace. After working in the corporate world for ten years, she decided one day to pack up her things and head halfway across the world for a taste of living somewhere brand new.
She lived and worked in Bangkok and Ipoh for a few months as an English teacher, before eventually washing up on the shores of the Philippines. While she has a variety of different interests, Jane’s first loves have always been food and fashion, and she’s looking forward to sharing her thoughts on these on Daydreaming in Paradise.
