Hi we have probs spent around £800 still wanting trailer and other bits to add to our collection.Were a family of 4 2 boys 9 and 13 for us to go abroad now would cost around £2500 we stopped going abroad a couple of years ago just wont pay the crazy prices.Once youv got your kit thats when you start to get your money back.We weekend camp in summer have aweek in May and 2 weeks in August going to France next year with tent.Cant see the point of having a tent and going off on a aeroplane holiday crazy to me but thats just my opionion. HAPPY CAMPING
We did most of our 'tent set up' outlay last year; though we have bought a few odds and ends this year, there is a definite sense that these are just to complete things. We have also had generous family members contributing things they don't use any more, so there is a nice feeling looking round the tent to see all the 'heirlooms' in use - especially from my grandparents.
To second Ali, our house is in a slightly exposed spot and prone to power cuts in windy weather, so we have a box of camping gear we keep handy in case we need to cook meals etc (house is all electric!). Also used several camping items last week in the garden when having a family BBQ.
we are in exactly the same postion, started camping last year and have gone seriously overboard in the last week on buying stuff for our camping trip next week, let us know what site you were at as we are just down the road from you in antrim.
------------- i used to be so confused but now im not so sure
I have spend a lot of money over the years on camping gear but it is still cheap - We are going to florida for nearly 3 weeks this year and that will end up costing over £4500 for the four of us and little one. That is just one holiday. I have probably spend half of that on camping gear in 20 years and had loads of holidays.
I've never bought loads of kit at once, because I've been camping for nearly 40 years and started off backpacking. Even now, the only bit that's cost much is the tent, the rest of it's been bought really on the cheap. Our pans are the old ones from home, cutlery is kitchen spares, our plates came from charity shops, blankets from Ikea, I'm only on my third sleeping bag in all that time.
We don't glamp, we don't use EHU, and the only things I can think of atm that cost more than £20 each are our tent, stove, sleeping bags and airbed. Even our gas bottle came buckshee - a non-camping friend found it left in the shed of a house he bought!
All this talk of money kind of misses the point for me. The reason we took up camping again is because each trip is a mini adventure. I mean, just packing a few bags and driving or flying to a hotel somewhere, well it's just a bit predictable isn't it?
Camping on the other hand, usually means a different outlook and experience each time you go. Even if you go to the same place.
The fact that it can be as cheap as chips or as (relatively) expensive as you like, only adds to the fun for me. But in the final analysis, it's a bit of a challenge (albeit a small one) and that's what makes life worth living, isn't it?
It's true that there is something you need no matter how well equipped you think you are!
Enjoy!
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
Just back - had really good fun with all my new toys. Best buy- extension, worst buy - Tesco's lantern (gave off very little light. Even managed to fit in a shopping trip for extra blankets(it was cold), bed pump (forgot to bring one) and new kettle (because it was better than the one I have). As you can see I will always be able to justify the shopping. Though I must agree with you, Tisburyboy, its not about the money, it is all about the adventure.
Jaygo9 - We went to the Sperrin Mountains Caravan And Campsite - brilliant site - I am new to camping but this is the first site in NI that I have seen that they had made an effort with the tent pitches as opposed to there's a patch of ground that will do the tents. I will post a review for you.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: "camping`s cheap" myth
