How To Enjoy The Great Outdoors With Your Special Someone
The outdoors provides a great opportunity for couples to bond and spend quality time together. It can be a shared interest that’s fulfilling and entertaining for the couple.
Camping can offer something for a lot of interests. From photography to fishing and bouldering, there are plenty of activities in which to indulge your interests.
Here are a few camping tips for couples to make the most of their outdoor vacation.
1. Start With Shorter Trips
Ready for your first camping date? Hold your horses before you drive off to Yosemite for the weekend. The smarter approach is to start small. For your first camping date, think hours, not days.
There’s always a chance of a long camping vacation turning overwhelming, if your partner is new to camping and hiking. So rather than going for an epic adventure, start with some bite-sized fun.
Choose a trail or campground that’s close to you and is convenient enough for a day trip. Take a few day hikes before you move on to the weekend adventure. When you’re both ready, it’s time for a big excursion. Go for that epic backpacking trip.
3. Accommodate Each Other’s Camping Likes And Dislikes
Camping isn’t just about reaching somewhere, it’s also the activities you do there and how you “live” there. Perhaps your significant other can’t bear the idea of primitive camping. They’d rather use a proper bathroom.
That’s a pretty legitimate demand! Don’t dismiss it simply because you understand that going camping means giving up some luxuries.
Other issues might include not having to backpack or carry things around, dislike for specific areas or campgrounds, and something else. Rather than being dismissive, try to find a location that would be fit for you as a couple.
It’s not only dislikes you have to consider – their interests and likes are as important. See what activities pique the interest of your SO. Maybe it’s fishing or boating – perhaps they’d prefer lazing on the beach. Plenty of campgrounds around the country offer plenty of activities (and amenities).
You likely won’t have to go far looking for a campground that suits both your interests and expectations. Try to be together, or at least present for the activities your partner prefers. The idea is for both of you to do things together, not do your own thing.
4. Cook Food On The Fire
Camping experience isn’t complete until you’ve cooked food on a campfire. And by food, I don’t mean roasting marshmallows. Get to cooking a proper meal. Whatever the reason, food cooked over an open fire often tastes exotic and more delicious.
It’s an offbeat experience by itself and very much worth the effort. Of course, this assumes you know how to cook food. Well, give it a shot even if neither of you has culinary skills. It can be a wonderful and enjoyable experience. And if nothing else works, there’s always instant noodles.
5. Lighten Up – You’re Not On The Clock
Focus on having fun, rather than being absorbed in an itinerary. Rather than making a packed timetable, leave generous portions out for doing fun things together. Soak in the sights and enjoy each other’s company.
You don’t have to rush from point A to point B or hit several spots on a trip. You’re on a vacation, leave room for leisure and fun. Some delays are unavoidable. A tight itinerary will add stress as each waypoint on your map becomes something you’ve got to rush to.
Plan your trip well and thoroughly. But be flexible and leave time for relaxation and fun.
6. Be Generous With Your Packing
Traveling light is the biggest suggestion for hiking or backpacking trips. But, remember to take it easy if your partner is relatively new to these things. Move the focus from the weight you carry to the things you can do. Also, add a touch of generosity to your packing.
Carry more snacks than what you think you’ll need. Always have water at hand and carry an extra pair of clothes as well. Basically, cover (a bit) for your relatively inexperienced partner.
The same idea applies to car camping as well. Always carry more than what you think you’ll need. Be generous with snacks and beverages, you could even bring along a cooler.
As they get more experience, you’ll get a chance to go on big backpacking trips. But, let it happen naturally rather than forcing it.
Joshua Hodge writes for the outdoor website deepbluemountain.com.
Leave a Reply