What do you need to know before you go camping?

Going camping for the first time? This isn’t something to plunge into without a fair degree of planning and thought. Do your research first and your trip should be a pleasant relaxing experience, not a test of human resilience!
Obviously you are going to need the basics, such as a tent, mallet, sleeping bags, pillows, air mattresses, pump, old duvet or sleeping bag to put under you, lanterns & torches (with spare batteries). Camp chairs, table or picnic mat , and matches.
Your camping kitchen will need a stove, pots and pans, cooking utensils, including fish slice, strainer, serving spoon and wooden spoon. Don't forget the can opener, corkscrew, peeler, sharp knives, kitchen scissors, chopping mats, measuring jug, mixing bowl, saucepans, frying pan, kettle. Cool box to store food away from the flies. Water containers and the correct amount of crockery/cutlery for each person. Washing up bowls, towels and T towels. (Yes, you are on holiday)!
On the personal front it’s wise to have a first aid kit, sunscreen, mozzy/bug repellent. Plenty of warm clothing, toiletries to keep you sweet! (I’ve heard vodka is a good mouthwash)??
Pack simple outdoor games for the children; don’t forget their swimming cosies and wellies either.
If you are taking a dog, they will need a bed, food and bowl, and their lead.
With all this to pack a trailer is a good idea if you’ve got a tow bar, if not a roof box can handle an amazing amount of the lighter luggage.
Before you go it is always best to practise putting up your tent in the back garden, if the weather is dry. This will give it a chance to air through as well. Aim to reach your chosen campsite in the daylight, it’ll make setting up camp so much easier! Walk around the site before you decide where to pitch. Do you want to be near children the same age as yours so they can play together? Or away from action for some peace and quiet., Do you need to be near to the facilities in case someone has to get up to the toilet during the night? Select as level as pitch as possible and on higher ground. Clear any loose debris, such as newly cut grass, stones or twigs, away before you pitch or they will be a real pain later!
Good tip :- If you have a tent with a sleeping annex, pitch it so that the annex points in a westward direction, towards the setting sun. Zip up the annex at least two hours before you lose the warmth of the sun each day, and you will find that the annex will keep warmer for longer. On summer mornings, you will also be able to spend extra time in bed, unlike any of your neighbours who started to get hot and sweaty as the rising sun warming their sleeping annex!
All sounds like a bit of a mission? It needn’t be, check out AdTrader for loads of new and pre-used tents and other equipment, or sell your unwanted kit. Whilst you are away make a list of the things that you wished that you had packed and when you are home note the things that you took and never used, that way you will soon have it down to a fine art.