Planning for an enjoyable camping trip naturally seems like an extensive undertaking. For most, the only viable camping trip is one that takes weeks to plan for, and involves at least a few nights under the stars.
But what if there was a way to cram all of this enjoyment into a single night? Is it really possible to take a midweek micro-adventure, and still turn up at work on time the next day?
The short answer is yes, it is. But as is the case with most things, getting it right lies in careful planning and preparation.
If camping is your passion and the working week is getting you down, a quick escape out into the great outdoors can be the ultimate mood-booster. All your cares quickly disappear, and you realise that good times are not confined exclusively to the weekend.
It may all sound too good to be true, but taking a midweek micro-adventure can be surprisingly simple – if you go about it the right way.
Here’s how to make it happen:
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Choose a sensible location
First up, you need to choose a spot for your trip that is as easy to access as possible. Bear in mind you will probably be heading to and from your chosen camp site in rush hour traffic (in both directions). It, therefore, makes no sense to pick somewhere too far away, or that will take hours to reach. The faster you get there, the sooner you can start enjoying yourself.
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Pack Light and Simple
Arm yourself with a small lightweight waterproof bag and pack only what you need to survive the night. A few basic provisions, a small tent to shelter you from the elements, and some kind of torch – everything else is essentially superfluous. That said, an emergency whistle and/or multitool of some kind is also worth taking, just in case something goes wrong along the way.
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Take Ready-to-Eat Food
Unless it is something you take great pleasure in, try not to waste too much time preparing and cooking food. You literally only have a few hours to yourself, so consider taking ready-to-eat food along for the ride. Even if it’s not the most creative way to enjoy the great outdoors, packing a few basic sandwiches will at least give you time to spend soaking up your surroundings.
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Leave Early and Arrive Late
If possible, see if you can persuade your boss to let you finish a couple of hours early, and start a little later than normal the next day. This will give you ample time to avoid the chaos of rush hour, translating to a more relaxing and enjoyable overnight adventure.
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Watch the Weather
A midweek mini-escape is really only worth bothering with if the weather is on your side. If there’s any indication you will be contending with rain, wind or unpleasantly cold temperatures, rethink your plans and postpone for some other time. Even if you have the kind of camping gear that’s up to the job, chances are it will still end up feeling more like a chore than a pleasure.
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Don’t Forget the Hygiene Essentials
Last up, chances are you will not have the luxury of being able to take a long hot shower before heading to the office in the morning. All you will have is the kit you take long for the ride, which needs to be enough to have you ship-shape and ready for work as normal. Toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, heavy-duty wet wipes – all your best friends when heading out and about on a midweek micro-adventure.
