| The Perfect Campsite | | | | get a double-skin tent, which means that there is |
| The first thing to consider when planning your | | | | an extra layer between you and the outdoors. |
| perfect camping trip for two, is what kind of | | | | Nothing dampens romance like a cold, wet tent. |
| campsite you want to visit. Ideally you want to | | | | The Alternatives |
| find a site which does not cater for kids – any | | | | Don't fancy roughing it? Tents are no longer the |
| large campsite with facilities such as water slides | | | | only option when it comes to camping. More and |
| and children's activity clubs is unlikely to offer a | | | | more frequently now campsites are offering |
| quiet romantic retreat. Uncommercial campsites | | | | glamorous (and more comfortable) alternatives. |
| with only a small number of pitches are your best | | | | Why not stay in a Mongolian Yurt? Or a teepee? |
| chance for peace. Location is also important; try | | | | Often these come beautifully furnished with |
| and find somewhere which offers opportunities | | | | colourful fabrics, and have real wood-burning |
| for activities you like to do – for example | | | | stoves to keep you warm. |
| walking, cycling, climbing, or just chilling out (there | | | | When you get there |
| are some excellent coastal campsites if you like | | | | Camping is about teamwork, and it can be very |
| beaches). Also check out the campsite's policy on | | | | rewarding to set up camp with your partner to |
| real fires – forest campsites will not usually | | | | make a comfortable spot. If you are coming by |
| allow fire pits for obvious reasons, but others do | | | | car, consider bringing blankets and quilts instead of |
| and a real fire can be very romantic. | | | | sleeping bags, so that you can snuggle up |
| The Perfect Tent | | | | together in the tent. Find a sheltered spot, build |
| Next, we come to accommodation. If you decide | | | | your campfire and light the gas stove; with |
| to opt for a traditional tent, here are some tips: | | | | practise you can make some truly gourmet |
| Firstly, allow for the fact that the 'people count' | | | | dinners in just one or two pans. Even if you only |
| on most tents does not include realistic amounts | | | | manage beans on toast, everything tastes better |
| of luggage. Therefore two people sharing a tent | | | | outdoors under the stars! |
| really require at least a three-person tent. To | | | | ...And Finally |
| avoid arguments before you even get started on | | | | Whilst dinner is cooking, sit around the campfire, |
| your holiday, opt for a tent that is easy to put up | | | | open a bottle of wine and relax... you've got |
| - a dome or 'pop-up' tent is a good choice. If | | | | nowhere else you need to be. |
| you are expecting rain on your trip, make sure to | | | | |