There comes a point while planning family holidays when you realise what kids want from a trip away from home is very simple. Young children just want to play, get wet, get dry then get wet again, and eat basic food. Plus they love tents and I’m still struggling to understand why.
In 2013 my parents treated the family to a trip-of-a-lifetime travelling from Memphis to New Orleans. Our youngest daughter was 19 months old at the time and while we did our best to plan around her needs, me and my husband could only enjoy a limited amount of the major attractions which included the French Quarter Festival. While it was still an amazing experience, if it came to spending our own money on a such a trip, we would probably hesitate while the kids are so young.
When I first became a mum, I was determined not to change a thing about my travel agenda. And for a while that was the case. We took my eldest to New York, which we were delighted to discover is super child-friendly and she managed long-haul flights admirably. But throw a second child in the mix and it gets vastly more complicated (and expensive!). Managing the needs of two small children needs close attention, flawless teamwork and meticulous detail when putting together an itinerary and packing. Even a two week stay in a villa with a pool in Portugal, with an extremely light programme of activities wasn’t as enjoyable as it could have been. With a freak heatwave of tempratures around 30 degrees and a pool that was too cold for our youngest to enjoy, one of us had to stay with her, in the shade or indoors. We didn’t really spend quality time together as a family.
Whether it was bad planning on my part or just plain stuborness to accept that kids need something different while on holiday, it was clear my expectations needed adjusting. How can I devise a holiday which ticks all the boxes for me, my husband and the kids? My husband and I crave some history, culture and good food (wine and beer) and the kids want a body of water, a beach or a field. How can we find places to stay where I’m not constantly fussing about meal-times, keeping eyes on the kids, pool safety or making too much noise? And fed-up with spending money of holidays which ended up stressful, what’s a risk-free investment for the same return in overall enjoyment? Camping of course. It was worth a try. Or for those who prefer guaranteed creature comforts there’s glamping or caravans.
I tried out our first camping experience over a weekend camping in the New Forest with friends. I had fond memories of camping as a kid, in the West Country and in France and was a proficient festival camper, so wasn’t averse to the idea. I wasn’t sure if I was tough enough to manage it with kids in tow. I don’t mind admitting I’m not typically outdoorsy.
Our friends had a large tent which we could bunk in, so I didn’t need to think about that aspect. I bought a low-level start-up kit, beds, sleeping bags and a folding table. In just three days my eyes were opened. I was gobsmacked by how much the kids LOVED being in a tent, in a field, with space to run around, make friends with other kids and eat al fresco morning, noon and night. They were happy. Of course the weather was pretty good, which made it easier.
This year, because my husband recently learned to drive and passed his test, we planned to stay in the UK, so he could share the driving. We bought a somewhat excessive in size, 8 man tent from a friend, who threw in all the trimmings; add-on canope, chemical toilet and seperate tent and a field kitchen. we felt like expert campers. We had a trial run trip at Scotts Farm in the Witterings during May half-term, which went swimmingly.
I am now sitting in a tent after three days of relentless rain. Toys were thrown out of prams while putting up a tent in the rain, yes. Have I slept a solid 8 hours since arriving? No. But after a superb sunny day on the beach in picturesque Portmeirieon, discovering hidden histories in Welsh castles and a steam train ride through the Snowdonia National Park our soggy campsite is bearable. The kids have made friends and rush outside whenever the rain stops to play in a field with balls and frisbees. I’m content sitting wth a coffee and no mobile phone signal and limited WiFi bandwidth. My middle class holiday grumbles have a little perspective.
I’m not saying camping is for everyone and the perfect family holiday. But with a 4 and 7 year old the timing is right for us. Only next year, it will be the warmer climes of France’s west coast.
