3 Things to Keep in Mind When Camping

1. Never ever go when it's a public holiday, the weekend...
...and PEAK SEASON at well known places

The number one rule I follow when going on any type of outing is that it should not be on a public/regular holiday and NEVER the peak season (unless you don't want to relax and just want to party). We did that on a trip to a beach camping site at Nagsasa, Zambalez and the cherry on top? The following day was also a weekend. So it was close to a 12-13 hr drive from Manila just to the docks excluding the boat trip to the actual campsite.


2. Pick a good spot
Ideally somewhere with good ventilation, where the surrounding perimeter of your tent has moving air/breeze. Usually that's the spot right near the entrance of the camp site, sometimes it's at the very end.

x We were placed on the inner parts of the camp spot (where it was cramped and near the bathrooms and wash area) and were surrounded by breeze deterrents like tents, shacks and kubos. Needless to say we woke up drenched in sweat on top of already existing sweat dripping down our sticky bodies.

3. Find the beauty and enjoy yourself
Despite things not going to plan and wishing things differently, my last and most important rule to live by is still have fun. Let go of the things that already happened and find ways to actually turn things around to your pleasure.

Long ass drive because of unimaginable bumper to bumper snail's pace traffic? - Take pictures. Have conversations about anything. Take naps. Literally anything to take your mind off the traffic because there's no use getting mad.
Cramped area? -You'll be forced to walk around and explore the place.
Sweating profusely?- You'll get the toxins out of your body (just make sure to hydrate and drink a lot of water)


While this wasn't the ideal first-time beach camping I've envisioned I quite enjoyed myself because first of all, it was a place I haven't been before. Secondly, this trip was arranged together by a loved one as a late birthday gift to me and thirdly I knew for a fact that the 'negative' aspects of the outing wasn't the end all be all of the whole experience. The trip was so much more than bad locations, small tents and sweaty clothes. In the end I'm honest-to-goodness glad I experienced it because it made the trip that much more memorable. (yeah bold, italicized and underlined for extra emphasis)




That isn't to say I will go out and willingly book escapades during peak season, weekends and/or public holidays at well-known tourist spots but if I do for god knows whatever reason, I'd just have to be smarter about it. :)

Have you experienced hiccups during your trip/s?

xx,
CJ

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