What do you need for a camping trip in Europe?

Besides the obvious essentials like a tent, sleeping bags, and chilly bin, esky or cooler box there are a few essentials required to have a successful, enjoyable and comfortable camping trip.

Depending upon the environment and where the camping trip will be, there are other items that will vary according to the terrain, weather, and any flora and fauna that may be encountered.
However the items below I consider are absolutely essential to ensuring an enjoyable vacation.

A first aid kit is at the top of the list and an absolutely essential. This is required no matter the environment or type of trip planned, a
first aid kit can be stored in the car, and hopefully they will stay there. But at least you know its available if required. The intention of a camping trip is to get away from civilization and built up areas. ‘Roughing it’ in central Paris or London may defeat the purpose of camping. Because, you’re more isolated should an injury occur it can me much more serious due to the delay you will have in getting medical help. Also because of the environment your now living in even small cuts can get infected so must be treated and cleaned carefully. This is why it is important to have a first aid kit with you.

Along with your first aid kit you should bring a flashlight (don’t forget to check the batteries before leaving home). Battery powered headlamps are fantastic tools and can make challenging tasks life carrying a bucket of dishes across a dark campsite more manageable. They are also great for reading before bed.

Campfires and BBQ’s are not allowed in a lot of the campgrounds in Europe for the fear of starting a fire, ensure that you have a gas cooker with you just in case your not allowed to use your beloved BBQ. With that in mind a lighter is an obvious and necessary tool. I know that man evolved because of tools, and his ability to create fire by rubbing sticks together, however it’s 21st century and its not a lot of fun to attempt this, especially when you’re hungry.

Be sure to bring a selection of basic tools like screwdrivers, pliers, a hammer (for hammering in tent pegs), and a good sharp knife. A spade is also a valuable tool, in Europe it can rain very hard and small floods are not uncommon. This is especially true if camping near the beach, and on sand. Dig a trench around the outside of your tent; it can make a huge difference to a potentially horrible situation. This has happened to us, a huge thunder and lightning storm and incredibly heavy rain flooded the toilets, filled the pool with sand and did damage to the campsite all in a few hours. We however slept though the whole thing and woke up dry, simply because we thought ahead and dug a drainage ditch around our tent.

Finally, pack a roll of duct tape and cable ties, I don’t know how many times these two items have ‘saved the day’. They are diverse and have so many uses.I’m not going to go into much detail about personal hygiene items but would recommend you don’t forget a toothbrushes and toothpaste. Be sure to pack toilet paper even if staying in a campsite because often they won’t supply you any. They will however charge exorbitant amounts to buy some.

A real necessity is insect repellent and bug candles. Bug candles (when lit) will help keep away the bugs from your campsite in the evening. This is important because insects are attracted to light and given the chance will harass you ALL night.

We recently allowed ourselves two luxury items that have transformed our camping and bought out of the Stone Age and into the luxurious 21st century. A camping table and chairs makes a huge difference to sitting on chilly bins or lying on towels. You can sit, read, eat and play cards it’s also a central point for the campsite and you will one you find once you have these items will find them indispensable.

Finally we have gone high tech, a three way socket for the cigarette lighter in the car has ensured that we can now run an electric cooler to keep our food cold, a portable ipod station and speaker provides us with music and a spare plug ensured that we could charge mobile phones, even torches with ease. Obviously because these operate off the car battery be careful not to drain the car battery, have a pair of jumper leads with you just in case you do.