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The Independent
4 days ago
- The Independent
From Cornwall to the Outer Hebrides, these are the best campsites in the UK for families
When it comes to summer family getaways, nothing beats the freedom of camping — kids will love roaming wild by day and eating their weight in marshmallows by the campfire before heading off to bed under canvas. But finding the right place to pitch your tent can make all the difference to your holiday. Make sure you end up with happy campers of all ages by choosing a campsite with plenty to do, good facilities and wild spaces on the doorstep. Whether you're after sea views, safari adventures or just some peace in a sunny meadow, the UK has a host of wonderful campsites where you can pitch up and swap screen time for outdoor adventure. From the white-sand shores of the Outer Hebrides to animal encounters in Cornwall and wild swimming in a lost Welsh valley, these handpicked, kid-friendly sites offer something for every kind of clan. 1. Bluebell Lane Glamping, Newry, Northern Ireland Perfect for crafty kids At the foot of Northern Ireland's mountainous Ring of Gullion, in meadows rich with wildflowers and yellow gorse, is Bluebell Glamping. This bucolic site is the brainchild of Pádraig Carragher, who set out to rewild this 20-acre site, now dotted with wooden pods, shepherd's huts and safari tents among yellow gorse bushes and groves of young native trees. Each glamping option has its own bathroom facilities and there's also a communal kitchen. Meander along a nature trail, listen to birdsong or try your hand at vanishing rural arts offered on site, such as willow weaving, lace making or butter making. Pádraig's wonderful woodturning classes are a must for older kids, while little ones will enjoy the on-site playground. Glamping from £90 per night Book now Best for: mountain-mad families How's this for a great day on earth? Wake up in a tent, climb Scafell, England's tallest mountain, cool off with a swim in Wastwater, the country's deepest lake, then have a well-earned drink in the Wasdale Head Inn, one of Britain's most remote pubs. You can do it all from this lovely National Trust campsite, the perfect base for adventurous older kids. There are a hundred pitches across a grassy green valley site at Wasdale, plus hard-standing spots for campervans. Or you could live the life of luxury and book a pod, a tipi or a bell tent. The pods are heated, while the tipis have snug wood burners and proper double beds. The campsite is open year-round, and however you kip here, there are hot showers, a great shop and a drying room. Pitches from £22, glamping from £84 3. Comrie Croft, Perthshire, Scotland Perfect for Highland high-jinks Arriving at Comrie Croft, a 'farm reimagined for you and nature', you may find yourself taking a deep breath – this sprawling site of meadows and woodland on the edge of the Highlands has an instantly relaxing effect. Leave your car and trundle your belongings by wheelbarrow to one of 20 pitches or to a beautiful Nordic kata (a teepee-style shelter) set among birch trees. There's so much on offer at the Croft that you may find yourself staying put. Every pitch has a firepit, and on-site facilities include hot showers, toilets, washing-up areas, a farm shop, a tea garden and miles of walking and cycling trails. But if the wilds are calling, older kids may love putting on hiking boots to bag a Munro or two. Pitches £30, Kata £135 per night Book now 4. Wild Orcadian, Orkney, Scotland Perfect for camping on the wild edge of Britain Want to escape the rat race? You can't get much further from the urban sprawl than the Orkney Islands. Catch a ferry or cross a causeway to reach South Ronaldsay, the most southerly of the archipelago, to find Wild Orcardian. Half campsite, half kitchen garden, these friendly camping fields come complete with big views of sea and sky wherever you pitch up – just peg in your tent or park up a campervan or motorhome on one of 20 pitches. Cooks are well-catered for – there's a covered communal kitchen area and an honesty shop selling organic farm produce grown just metres away, as well as fresh eggs from the farm's cosseted hens. Hot showers, toilets, washing machines and drying lines will keep you warm, clean and dry, and small wildlife lovers will adore walking to the beach to spot seals. Pitches from £25, glamping from £50. Book now 5. Greenhillock, Forfar, Scotland Perfect for an eco escape An eco-friendly site set among rolling meadows of wildflowers, Greenhillock is a family-friendly haven that's all about low impact and high adventure. The car-free site encourages kids to roam wild, build dens, and join nature workshops while parents soak up the peace. Facilities may be green but they're still great quality, including compost loos and hot showers. There are 30 spaces pitches, each with a firepit, or if you fancy a roof over your head, book one of three pretty Hobbit houses kitted out with bunk beds for smaller guests. The wild beach of Lunan Bay and the heather-clad hills of the Angus Glens are nearby for bigger outdoor adventures. Pitches £25, Hobbit houses £105 per night Book now South east 6. The Sunnyfield, Kent Perfect for: car-free calm A site that's sunny by both name and nature. There are just 15 pitches in this balmy, grassy meadow on the Kent Downs, and if you're lucky enough to nab one, you can spend a few days relaxing in total peace and quiet. The North Downs Way and some great quiet cycle routes go right past the site if you fancy getting active, and it doesn't matter if you get back a bit sweaty – the site has smart showers made from converted horseboxes. A clutch of bell tents are beautifully decked out if you want to keep some creature comforts, and elsewhere you'll find long grass for hide-and-seek, fire bowls for evening marshmallows, and simple eco-friendly facilities. The site's car-free policy means children can play freely and safely, and on weekends, food trucks rock up to feed hungry campers. Pitches £38, bell tent £120 per night 7. Woodfire Camping, Sussex Perfect for mini foodies Set your sights on Sussex, where Woodfire Camping run three beautiful back-to-nature campsites. The focus here is on feasts and foodie experiences, so if you fancy something a bit more special than barbequed sausages every night, these culinary-minded campsites are perfect. Chapel Field, at the foot of the South Downs, has 25 pitches and sweeping views — ideal for walkers and families, while Westerlands, a shady spot in ancient woodland near Petworth, offers 30 pitches and real forest magic, plus a sauna and plunge pool. Planning a big gathering? The Round Hill site is bookable for exclusive use for up to 60 people. All sites are car-free, with eco loos and hot showers, and best of all, their seasonal outdoor kitchens serve up hearty, family-friendly meals every night to share around the fire. Pitches £21 per adult, £10 per child South west 8. Macdonald's Farm, Cornwall Perfect for animal fun Afternoon stroll with alpacas, anyone? Animal-mad little ones will be in heaven on Macdonald's Farm, where campers and glampers get to rub shoulders with some special neighbours – the goats, pigs, ponies, alpacas, rabbits and more animal mates who live in the on-site petting zoo. Camping with kids should be as comfy as possible, and if you like a site with all mod cons, this is the place to pitch up – there's a café, play areas and posh loos and showers, or you can get cosy in colder weather in a safari tent or a swish cabin as well as camping on 60 pitches. Beaches and more adventures, such as Camel Creek Family Park and Newquay Zoo, are nearby. Pitch £28, glamping from £110 per night Book now 9. Cornish Tipis, Cornwall Perfect for splashy swimmers Head down a shady country lane near the north Cornwall coast to find the perfect hidden valley. Sleep in a tipi or your own tent, cook freshly caught fish over the fire and mess about on the water of a limpid deep lake. Across 20 off-grid acres are 93 pitches in total. These include the namesake white tipi tents of this very special campsite, dotted about a large meadow or pitched in their own private forest glades, and all encircling a glassy green quarry-turned-swimming lake where there are boats to borrow and life jackets for little water explorers. You can also park campervans and pitch tents in the main field near Cornish Tipis' café-in-a-polytunnel. This is the perfect spot to escape from real life (and from any wifi connection) to sleep under the stars and slow right down. Pitches £50, tipis from £116 per night 10. Little Meadow, Devon Little Meadow near Ilfracombe is well-named – it's home to 50 grassy pitches, each with a sweeping view of the indigo water of Combe Martin Bay. Terraced fields make this site feel small and intimate – it's like having your own wildflower garden to camp in, and you might even spot a bunny or two sharing your space. This adults-and-kid-friendly site is quiet, clean, and ideal for families looking for a calm coastal break. Walk to the seaside, head to the pub or stop for a cream tea in the Storm in a Teacup café. There's also a well-stocked shop and good loos and showers for washing sandy feet. 11. Troytown, Isles of Scilly Perfect for island adventures Troytown is one of the loveliest campsites in Cornwall, and that's saying something. It's a journey to get to the Isles of Scilly, but it's worth hopping on a tiny plane or chugging across the sea on a ferry to get to this dreamy sub-tropical archipelago, where you can explore white sand beaches and kayak along the coastline of car-free islands. Camp at this grassy family-run site on the island of St Agnes with a view out to sea from 34 pitches or book a pre-erected bell tent, then spend your days swimming in the ocean, launching paddleboards from the beach next door or just picking the perfect homemade ice cream flavour from the farm shop (they also sell their own cream, milk and meat). Pitches £12.50 per person, bell tents £63 per night 12. Harry's Field, New Forest Perfect for a forest escape Harry's Field is hidden among ancient woodland in heart of the New Forest National Park ponies and offers the perfect recipe for happy family campers – 40 spacious pitches (and comfy bell tents for glampers), clean facilities, walks in all directions, and fire pits for cosy evenings toasting a marshmallow or two. Children can cycle around the safe, flat site or head into the forest for wild play – you may even spot the free-ranging ponies and donkeys (and their friendly foals) that call the park home. There's an award-winning pub just a stroll away, plus family attractions such as Paultons Park, which is home to (whisper it) Peppa Pig – so you may never get to leave, and the New Forest Wildlife Park is nearby. Pitches £50, bell tents £190 Book now Wales 13. Bert's Kitchen Garden, Llyn Peninsula, Wales Perfect for coastal charm At this perfectly pastoral campsite, sandwiched between the mountains and the sea on the Llyn Peninsula, pitches are mown out of wildflower meadows and campsite life revolves around the site's lovely restaurant, set in the heart of a kitchen garden and serving homegrown produce. Bert's has no electric hook-ups, no wifi and is car-free, so kids can be properly free-range. And with treehouses to make forts in and rope swings to dangle off, you may barely see them once you've pitched your tent. The practical stuff is taken care of by shower blocks stocked with eco-friendly toiletries, composting toilets, BBQs to hire, an on-site sauna and a kitchen with fridges and sinks for washing up – and there's even free hot chocolate on tap. There are also three smart shepherd's huts complete with king-sized beds. 14. Chapel House Farm, Herefordshire Perfect for peace and quiet – and pizza Chapel House Farm is a charming, low-impact campsite that welcomes families with a love of nature to a peaceful corner of the Golden Valley of Herefordshire. With 20 car-free pitches scattered across wildflower meadows and woodland, children have the freedom to roam safely here, and the site also offers fire pits, eco toilets, hot showers and stunning views of the Black Mountains, which bigger explorers will love to tackle on foot. Nearby, you'll also find rivers for paddling, local cider farms and scenic walks to proper pubs. Top tip – camp on a Friday, when the farmhouse serves up freshly cooked pizzas from their wood-fired oven. They also sell local beers and ciders and meat from the farm for slap-up evening feasts. Pitches £30 Book now 15. One Cat Farm, Ceredigion, Wales Perfect for rewilding in Wales Croeso cynnes (that's a warm welcome in Welsh) to One Cat Farm - who knew going off grid could be this wonderful? At One Cat Farm (now actually home to five friendly rescued felines), four cosy and fully kitted-out wooden cabins perch around a wild swimming lake in a remote valley. The land here is being rewilded, and you and your little campers may all that way too as you explore the Cambrian Mountains to the east and the hidden coves of Cardigan Bay to the west of the site - you may even spot dolphins in the deep. Back on the farm, kids can play on rope swings, relax in a hammock spotting red kites above them or row the boat moored up on the lake while you get busy lighting the campfire. Cabins from £131 per night
The Guardian
5 days ago
- The Guardian
‘We ended up in a pay-by-the-hour love motel': travel pros on their holiday disasters (and how to avoid them)
Cat Jones, founder of Byway, flight-free holiday agents This spring, my family and I took the sleeper train from London to Rannoch Moor in the Scottish Highlands for a few nights. It's only accessible by train, is super-remote and there are no roads for 20 miles. One day, we set off to climb a nearby Munro – me, my husband and our six- and nine-year-olds. As we reached the summit, the weather closed in and we realised we might have made an error trekking to a place where no cars could rescue us. We found ourselves in near-whiteout conditions in the snow. To make matters worse, I had recently torn my knee ligament, and while low-impact hiking was good rehab, I was unable to traverse steep terrain, so we had to take the long way round to get back down – all the while the snow was getting deeper and the visibility worse. After several exhausting hours, including miles of carrying the six-year-old and endless shouts of 'Are we nearly there yet?', we finally reached the bottom just as the sun came out. After hours of seeing no human life, we were rewarded by a train full of waving passengers passing along the track through the moor. Never again will I climb a mountain with an injury unless there is a shorter escape route! Do expect unexpected weather for outdoor activities, and pack plenty of layers, a waterproof and food supplies, in case you get caught out. Don't be put off going off-grid with your kids – you'll have experiences you never would if travelling by car. Lydia Swinscoe, travel writer My first long-term backpacking trip was with my ex to South America. We hadn't learned nearly enough Spanish or Portuguese beforehand, which resulted in a series of mini disasters, which were entirely of our own making. After crossing the border from Uruguay into Brazil, we bought bus tickets to Rio Grande, instead of Ilha Grande, near Rio de Janeiro (the two places are 1,200 miles apart). It meant we had to spend the night in the city of Pelotas in order to catch the correct bus the next day. The only place we could find was a pay-by-the-hour love motel with porn on every TV channel, carpeted walls, condoms and lube in the mini bar, and walls that were far too thin! Let's just say we got out of there pretty sharpish the next morning, though we did end up getting to explore the world's longest beach, which happened to be an hour's drive away. Do practise language basics before spending long periods in a country. Google Translate is helpful, but a phrase book will allow you to learn on the go. Don't be too rigid in your plans. Travelling rarely goes without a hitch and is much more enjoyable if you can go with the flow. Tom Cahalan, founder of Dorsia Travel, luxury travel agency My wife and I were staying at a new safari camp in Botswana for a few days as part of a longer tour. On the last day, torrential rain suddenly hit. Our camp was in the vast Okavango Delta, which can be a risk in the rainy season – but this was supposed to be the dry season! Within minutes, water was coming in through the roof of our tent and it started to fill up. The only staff member on hand was a masseuse, who clearly had no experience trying to make a tent water tight. We tried to get hold of someone else by radio – the only mode of communication in most safari camps – but no one came, so we were left rushing around trying to keep our things dry until it finally stopped raining. Thankfully, nothing got too damaged, and we were leaving later that day, so escaped another night in soggy lodgings. Do pay attention to the seasons when going on an adventure holiday. You might be unlucky, but your plans are less likely to be rained off if you opt for the right time of year. Don't forget to check your travel insurance is suited to where you're visiting. If there's a risk of natural disaster or trip disruption due to extreme weather, make sure it's on your policy. Josh Gardener, hotel director at Broadwick Soho When I was head concierge at a famous London hotel, I had a bride flying in from New York ahead of her very elaborate wedding. She arrived in tears. Her luggage had been lost in transit – and it contained her wedding dress! Cue panic, with 48 hours until the ceremony. We called in many favours and had one of London's best bridal stores make space in their schedule for an emergency appointment. Their team worked through the night making adjustments and delivered the dress to the hotel, where our valet team was on standby to steam it. But then, on the morning of the wedding, a man sauntered into the hotel holding her missing suitcase, which contained the original dress. To this day, I have no idea where he came from as we didn't have time to ask. Ultimately, the replacement dress never saw the light of day. Do use AirTags so you have a way to locate lost luggage. Even if it doesn't guarantee you get the bag back in time for your trip, you will be reunited with it eventually. Don't pack any essential or irreplaceable items in your checked luggage, including jewellery and important items of clothing. Sign up to The Traveller Get travel inspiration, featured trips and local tips for your next break, as well as the latest deals from Guardian Holidays after newsletter promotion Madeleine Spencer, beauty and wellness editor As a wellness journalist, I'm a dab hand at detox retreats and always heed the aftercare advice, but on one occasion, after spending 10 days at a clinic in Austria, I headed straight on to review a hotel in Italy. At the clinic, I'd been asked to eliminate sugar and caffeine, and advised to stick to simple-to-digest foods for a while afterwards. But on the first night at my new location, a Michelin-star chef served a succession of dishes full of cream and sugar, while the sommelier brought out a different wine to complement each course. Not only would it have been rude to refuse, but my job necessitated trying them, and so the post-detox rules went out the window, and I dutifully ate every plate of pasta and pudding laid before me. Just 15 minutes after finishing the meal, my strappy shoes started to feel tight. Something was wrong. When I looked down, I saw my feet had ballooned so much that my ankles were no longer visible! Shocked, I messaged a doctor friend, who explained it was a reaction to the rich foods after an abstemious period. Belly laughing while trying to get free from my shoes, I realised it was snowing, so I staggered into a drift to soothe my painful feet, before sleeping with them raised on a mountain of pillows. Needless to say, I've never broken the exit rules of a detox since. Do always stick to the guidelines set by doctors if you're doing a health retreat. In the case of a detox: always introduce new foods slowly afterwards. Don't be afraid to ask hotel staff for assistance if you fall ill. They have a duty of care for guests and some have medical services on-call. Lucy Halfhead, travel editor Dreaming of white sands and turquoise water, I thought St Lucia would be the perfect place to relax as new parents. In my excitement, what I failed to factor in was a punchy five-hour time difference. Night one: we get the baby down early and toast our expert parenting with a piña colada. At 3.17am we're woken by the strains of Baa, Baa, Black Sheep and rhythmic clapping. My daughter thinks it's morning. Because according to her body clock, it is morning. And so began our daily routine: waking up before the crickets had even clocked off their night shift, tiptoeing around a silent resort with a wildly energetic toddler and watching the sunrise in a fog of sleep deprivation and insect repellent. On the final day, just as her body clock had adjusted, it was time to fly home – where she then, of course, stayed on St Lucia time for a week. Do ease into time zone changes, shifting your child's naps and bedtimes by 15 to 30 minutes a day in the run-up to your trip. Alternatively, consider far-flung locations that are in the same or a similar time zone, such as Morocco or South Africa if you live in the UK. Don't be put off travelling with kids. It can be hard work sometimes, but you'll create precious memories. Isabella Quinn, account manager at Fox Communications PR I had just wrapped a dreamy press trip in Bali. Everything went to plan – until the final hour. Just as our group was about to board the flight to Doha to catch a connecting flight to London, we got a call from security over the tannoy. One of the journalists' smart suitcases had triggered a full-scale panic: it had a built-in charger pack – a serious no-go at Bali airport, where even devices in checked-in luggage must be switched off and their batteries removed. Cue a mad dash through security and passport control – running, sweating, clutching boarding passes – to locate the suitcase and somehow eject the battery from inside, which was quite a scramble considering the person in question had never removed it before. Not quite the farewell I'd envisioned, but we made the flight, just. Do know the specs on any smart tech you take on holiday, and how to eject and switch on/off any battery packs. Don't forget to check that your luggage complies with local airline regulations on every leg of your flight. These can differ from airport to airport and country to country.
Fox News
5 days ago
- Fox News
We've created your complete camping packing list, from tents to cooking gear
Camping means getting back in touch with nature. It means delicious food cooked over the open fire, relaxing afternoons out on the trails or in the water and nights under the stars. A well-stocked car or hiking backpack means an enjoyable camping experience with as many luxuries as you want. Whether you're a die-hard camper or someone who prefers a glamping experience, we've rounded up a list of everything you might need while connecting with nature. We've got tents for every size family and budget, sleeping bags that really keep you comfortable, cooking gear that can help you prepare a feast and camping chairs to help you relax. Plus, we've lined up a list of top-tier coolers that'll keep your food and drinks ice-cold and pet gear for anyone bringing their furry friend on the adventure. To top it all off, we have lighting solutions to brighten your campsite at night and emergency essentials. A good tent can make a huge difference when you're camping. Just because you are tent camping doesn't mean you can't be comfortable. We've listed options for large families, couples and those who prefer a more luxurious experience. Original price: $139.95 The Slumberjack Aspen Grove tent fits up to eight people in sleeping bags or two queen-sized air mattresses. There's a unique gear loft that attaches to the top of the tent that makes it easy to get your family's gear up and off the ground, creating even more space. A room divider is included for families who want separate sleeping areas for the kids and parents. A mud mat also comes attached so you can make sure your kiddos wipe their feet before climbing in. If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can get most of these tents straight to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today. Original price: $179.98 You can sleep up to eight people in this Campros tent. The long design gives optimal space to fit the whole family, and you can put up the included room divider for added privacy. This tent is designed for frequent use and has a high-tech coating and sealed seams to make it more durable and waterproof. An Amazon Basics dome camping tent is about as basic as it gets, which is why it's so easy to put up. A removable rainfly is included to keep your tent dry and the air ports keep the tent well-ventilated in hot summer months. You can fit up to eight people in sleeping bags in the Amazon Basics tent. Acadia tent is made for eight people to sleep comfortably in. The tall ceiling makes it an especially roomy tent, and it has a self-closing door that is designed with magnets to keep out bugs. The Acadia tent is made from a thick polyester material and coated in a waterproof sealer, so you never have to worry about rain or snow. Long-term campers want a tent that feels like home, and the Portal family camping tent is a great fit. It can fit four queen-sized air mattresses or 10 people in sleeping bags. It also has a unique front porch design with a canopy, giving you the space to set up a few chairs or a table. You can divide the tent into two sections with the room divider curtain, and the two large doors make it easier to get in and out of the tent. When you're going camping with the whole family, fit everyone comfortably in the Ozark Trail 16-person tent. It has three separate offshoots that can be divided into three different rooms that each have their own entrances. The tent's mesh roof provides excellent ventilation and the ability to star gaze at night. Original price: $249.99 If you're looking for an option in-between a tent and a camper, this SUV tent easily attaches to the back of most SUVs and pops up into a tent, giving you the ability to use both your trunk and the tent space. This tent fits five people comfortably. You can find more SUV tents and canopies at Walmart. Get a good night of sleep with a comfortable sleeping bag. There are options for warm and cold-weather camping, plus there are all-season options for campers who like camping all year. Original price: $29.99 A MalloMe sleeping bag is ideal for camping in warm summer weather. Weighing in at just over three pounds, this is a good backpacking option. The waterproof protective shell keeps you warm on cool summer nights, without trapping heat and making you sweat. It's also easy to spot clean with a damp cloth. Adventure 50 sleeping bag is designed for summer use. It's lightest sleeping bag, and it can be converted from a sleeping bag to a blanket. Packed down, the sleeping bag is about the size of a one-liter water bottle. For especially hot nights, an cabin fleece blanket can keep you comfortable. Unzip the whole thing, and you have a large, lightweight blanket, or zipper yourself in and use it as a classic sleeping bag. It can also double as a sleeping bag liner for cold-weather camping. Rumpl, well known for their durable, colorful blankets, also make Wrap Sack sleeping bags. They give you three ways to wrap up, all of which help you sleep comfortably at different temperatures. Just choose how many layers you want over you and relax in the oversized sleeping bag. Original price: $49.99 The Redcamp flannel sleeping bag is an oversized sleeping bag that's perfect for fall weather. The cotton flannel lining keeps you warm, but won't leave you overheated. You get a stack sack that makes it easy to pack the sleeping bag away. Winter campers need tough equipment, and the Teton Sports sleeping bag is a strong choice. Made from rugged canvas, the shell will last a lifetime. The fiber fill and double-layer construction will keep you warm in zero-degree temperatures. The half-circle mummy hood traps heat, keeping you warm. Originally $55.99 Sleeping on the ground isn't always the most comfortable, so consider adding a sleeping pad to your tent. This sleeping pad easily inflates and is designed to comfortably fit two people. It even has built-in pillows to help you sleep better. Coleman also has blow-up sleeping pads. Having a dry place to rest at night will help you sleep comfortably. A waterproof camping pad can lift you off the ground and help you stay warm. Get a memory foam pad from Amazon that has a waterproof cover or choose an inflatable pad from Walmart that has a built-in pillow and is lightweight and easy to pack. Original price: $36.99 For an easily packable pillow, opt for a Wise Owl camping pillow. It's made from four inches of memory foam and is machine-washable. Walmart also offers Wise Owl camping pillows. Keeping your food and drinks cold is a must when you're camping. You can find budget coolers and high-end options for campers who plan to spend longer periods of time in the woods. Original price: $179.99 Lifetime coolers are American-made and designed to be bear-resistant when locked. You get a whopping eight days of ice retention, which exceeds premium brands like Yeti. There are two built-in bottle openers and two holes for locks, which add to the cooler's security when you're camping. A Cordova Outdoors Basecamp cooler stands up to the elements. They're shock-absorbing, eco-foam-filled coolers that can last for generations. Not only do they have a unique design, but they'll hold ice for days and are UV-resistant, so you don't need to worry about fading. Ninja's high-end FrostVault cooler is designed to keep food and drinks at refrigerator temperature for days. The large 65-quart capacity holds up to 54 cans with ice or 97 cans without ice. It also has all-terrain wheels, making it possible to pull the FrostVault almost anywhere. Looking for a small cooler that's easy to move around? This Coleman wheeled cooler gives you the ability to roll your ice box wherever you need to go. It retains ice for five days and the lid provides cupholders and a place to sit if you need one, as it can hold up to 250 pounds. The 25-quart Bison cooler is made in the U.S. and features a two-inch-thick lid and insulated walls to ensure ice retention. Engineered for extreme use, it has rubber latches and anti-skid rubber feet, as well as ergonomic grab rails that make it easy to drag or lift the cooler. You can find more colors and sizes on the Bison site. This ultra-lightweight RTIC cooler can easily be carried by one person and is an affordable alternative to a Yeti cooler of the same size. It has three inches of insulation, so your drinks will stay cold for days while you're on your adventures. If you want a classic cooler, the Yeti Tundra 45 is your model. The three inches of PermaFrost insulation paired with the extra-thick cooler wall can keep up to 26 cans colder than many other coolers. This durable cooler is also designed to be bear resistant for campers that venture deep into the woods. Buy it on Amazon or head to Yeti's site for more options. If you're looking for a larger-sized option, the Igloo Gray Polar is a 120-quart cooler that can keep drinks and food cold for a few days. Just be prepared to keep lots of ice on hand. The cooler has a threaded drain plug to easily release water when you're done. Igloo also sells 120+-quart coolers directly from their site. Part of camping is cooking delicious meals over the fire or on your grill. We've lined up some must-have cooking gear that'll make it easy to prepare meals you won't soon forget. Original price: $129.99 No matter what time of year you're camping, you'll want a propane camping stove to cook all your meals. Coleman has a foldable two-burner camp stove that runs off propane. Amazon has a similar model, except it comes with a wind barrier and cover for easier storage. Original price: $194.06 The Jetboil MiniMo is a single-burner cooking system that folds up, which is great for backpackers and campers traveling light. It reaches a boil in just two minutes using small propane cannisters. Cook directly with the included cooking up, which can double as a bowl when your food is ready. Original price: $40.99 This 15-piece camping cookware kit comes with everything you need to make a meal while camping. You get a pot, frying pan, tea kettle, two stainless steel cups, two stainless steel plates, dinner cutlery, a cleaning cloth and a carrying bag to store it all in. Walmart also offers camping cookware kits. Original price: $69.99 If you need an area to prep all your food, this camping folding table easily folds out and includes an attachable storage bin underneath. If you prefer to cook over the fire, make it a little easier with this folding campfire grill. Put the grate over your fire and cook steak, potatoes and anything else your heart desires directly on the grate. GSI Outdoors also sells metal and cast-iron campfire grills. Original price: $55.99 Cooking over the fire is a staple when you're camping. A cooking tripod sets up nicely over any fire pit. Amazon has a tripod with a grate that provides a large cooking area. Cabela's has a Lodge cast iron tripod with a chain you can hang a cast iron pot on for cooking. Many camping spots require you to bring in your own water, so make sure you have enough water on hand with this BPA-free jug. It has a convenient spigot to easily pour water into your cup or water bottle. There are two handles for easy carrying and a cleaning brush is included. Always make sure you have a water bottle with you so you can stay hydrated while you're in the wilderness. Stainless steel bottles are a good option. They're easy to clean and keep water ice-cold for hours. The Stanley IceFlow is a large water bottle that sports an easy-carry handle. There are also Yeti water bottles that are durable and well-known for keeping drinks cold. Relaxing while you're camping involves having the right chair. There are hundreds of options, but we found four of the top choices, including a rocker, a few basic options and a few more supportive options. Original price: $90 Fully relax with a GCI Outdoor Comfort Pro rocker camping chair. It folds out like any other camping chair but slightly rocks back and forth like a rocking chair. The sturdy steel frame holds up to 250 pounds. Set up this simple and lightweight Amazon Basics camping chair and start relaxing right away. It includes a handy beverage cooler pocket that holds up to four 12-ounce cans. Don't give up comfort just because you're camping. This Bass Pro Shops XL padded club chair is great for taller individuals or anyone who wants an oversized feel to their camping chair. The water-resistant fabric is ideal for rainy camping, and the steel frame can hold more weight than your average camping chair. Backpackers and deep woods campers will love the Helinox Savanna chair. The camo design is perfect for camping enthusiasts, and the tall back provides ample support for your neck and shoulders. There are cupholders on either side while the headrest flap provides storage for books, jackets and other belongings. The chair holds up to 320 pounds, but packs down into a case, weighing just four pounds. Camping at night can be intimidating, so make sure you're prepared with bright, packable lights. Original price: $28.99 It gets dark early in the winter, so you'll need proper lighting to cook and safely move around your campsite. Amazon sells water-resistant lanterns that offer up to 200 hours of light on the low setting. This four-pack of camping lanterns turns into flashlights with a folding handle for easy carrying. They're heat-resistant and water-resistant, and each has 25 hours of battery life. Original price: $44.99 For a simple, bright light that runs for hours, Coleman's deluxe propane lantern gets the job done. Just screw in a can of propane and light with a match or lighter for up to 7.5 hours of light. Original price: $31.59 Camping in the woods poses more dangers than camping at a well-manicured campground, so it pays to be prepared. This emergency radio is a weather radio with a built-in battery that powers a light and three charger cables. Original price: $12.99 Don't rely on just your phone for a flashlight. The Lighting EVER flashlight is bright and can be adjusted depending on how much light you need. It's compact and has a wrist lanyard, making it easy to carry. Original price: $24.99 When you're searching for your gear at night, you'll be thankful you have a two-pack of headlamps. These headlamps are super bright and rechargeable. They're also waterproof and have eight different lighting modes. Original price: $499 A Jackery solar generator ensures you always have power on hand, even if there's no electricity at the campground you're staying at. The fold-out solar panel quickly charges the Jackery battery in just a few hours. The 300 watts of power is plenty to run a TV, small fridge and charge your electronics. You can also get a 1,000-watt Jackery setup for a little more money. Original price: $299 Charge all your devices no matter where you are with an Anker SOLIX C300 power station. This mini power station has multiple USB ports, a car socket and multiple regular household plugs. Designed to be travel-friendly, you can attach a strap (sold separately) or just carry the lightweight station from place to place. You can charge your Anker power station using a compatible 100-watt Anker solar panel. Should you choose to recharge with a wall outlet, you get 80% battery in just 50 minutes. You can also charge the power station using a car port. Designed to last, this Anker power station can last for a decade or 3,000 cycles. Are you planning to take your dog camping? Be prepared for anything with the right pet camping gear. Original price: $35.99 One of the easiest ways to protect your car's interior from muddy paws and sharp claws is a dog car hammock. These hammocks fit over your entire back seat and easily clip to the front and passenger seats to create a hammock with extra space for your furry friend. Amazon sells an affordable dog hammock with plenty of protection. Regular water and food dishes won't work as well when you're traveling, so make sure you have travel dishes. Amazon has a water jug that turns into a dog dish, so you can have plenty of water on hand. Or get collapsible bowls from Kurgo that are perfect for hiking or camping and are easy to clean. Original price: $32.99 Keep everything you need for your dog in one place with their own travel bag. Ruffwear has a durable, waterproof bag that has pockets for just about everything. Amazon also has a doggy backpack with separate food storage bags. When you're out camping just hanging out, you need a safe place for your dog. A camping hitch system like this one from Ruffwear can easily be set up between two trees to create a run for your dog. You can get another version of a tie-out on Amazon that only takes a few minutes to set up. Original price: $44.99 Just like you want a comfortable place to sleep in when you're traveling, so does your dog. A travel bed is easily packed and made of durable materials. Amazon has a waterproof dog bed that can be packed away as easily as a sleeping bag. Ruffwear also has a funky dog bed that's waterproof and lightweight. From time-to-time, you'll encounter emergency situations while camping. It's best to be prepared when you encounter these emergencies, so make sure you have items like first-aid kits, extra blankets and rain cover. A five-pack of LifeStraws ensures you can always get clean water. The straws remove 99.9% of waterborne bacteria and parasites, making water safer to drink. Microplastics found in the environment are also filtered out when you use the straw. The Coleman mini first-aid kit gets you what you need to deal with any minor injuries while you're camping. Included in the kit are latex-free bandages, antibiotic ointment and antiseptic wipes. The small tin is easy to pack in any camping or hiking gear. For more Deals, visit Emergency blankets are a necessity when you're camping, especially during colder months. This four-pack of emergency thermal blankets are folded up in compact packs, so you can stash them in your camping gear.
The Guardian
5 days ago
- The Guardian
‘We ended up in a pay-by-the-hour love motel': travel pros on their holiday disasters (and how to avoid them)
Cat Jones, founder of Byway, flight-free holiday agents This spring, my family and I took the sleeper train from London to Rannoch Moor in the Scottish Highlands for a few nights. It's only accessible by train, is super-remote and there are no roads for 20 miles. One day, we set off to climb a nearby Munro – me, my husband and our six- and nine-year-olds. As we reached the summit, the weather closed in and we realised we might have made an error trekking to a place where no cars could rescue us. We found ourselves in near-whiteout conditions in the snow. To make matters worse, I had recently torn my knee ligament, and while low-impact hiking was good rehab, I was unable to traverse steep terrain, so we had to take the long way round to get back down – all the while the snow was getting deeper and the visibility worse. After several exhausting hours, including miles of carrying the six-year-old and endless shouts of 'Are we nearly there yet?', we finally reached the bottom just as the sun came out. After hours of seeing no human life, we were rewarded by a train full of waving passengers passing along the track through the moor. Never again will I climb a mountain with an injury unless there is a shorter escape route! Do expect unexpected weather for outdoor activities, and pack plenty of layers, a waterproof and food supplies, in case you get caught out. Don't be put off going off-grid with your kids – you'll have experiences you never would if travelling by car. Lydia Swinscoe, travel writer My first long-term backpacking trip was with my ex to South America. We hadn't learned nearly enough Spanish or Portuguese beforehand, which resulted in a series of mini disasters, which were entirely of our own making. After crossing the border from Uruguay into Brazil, we bought bus tickets to Rio Grande, instead of Ilha Grande, near Rio de Janeiro (the two places are 1,200 miles apart). It meant we had to spend the night in the city of Pelotas in order to catch the correct bus the next day. The only place we could find was a pay-by-the-hour love motel with porn on every TV channel, carpeted walls, condoms and lube in the mini bar, and walls that were far too thin! Let's just say we got out of there pretty sharpish the next morning, though we did end up getting to explore the world's longest beach, which happened to be an hour's drive away. Do practise language basics before spending long periods in a country. Google Translate is helpful, but a phrase book will allow you to learn on the go. Don't be too rigid in your plans. Travelling rarely goes without a hitch and is much more enjoyable if you can go with the flow. Tom Cahalan, founder of Dorsia Travel, luxury travel agency My wife and I were staying at a new safari camp in Botswana for a few days as part of a longer tour. On the last day, torrential rain suddenly hit. Our camp was in the vast Okavango Delta, which can be a risk in the rainy season – but this was supposed to be the dry season! Within minutes, water was coming in through the roof of our tent and it started to fill up. The only staff member on hand was a masseuse, who clearly had no experience trying to make a tent water tight. We tried to get hold of someone else by radio – the only mode of communication in most safari camps – but no one came, so we were left rushing around trying to keep our things dry until it finally stopped raining. Thankfully, nothing got too damaged, and we were leaving later that day, so escaped another night in soggy lodgings. Do pay attention to the seasons when going on an adventure holiday. You might be unlucky, but your plans are less likely to be rained off if you opt for the right time of year. Don't forget to check your travel insurance is suited to where you're visiting. If there's a risk of natural disaster or trip disruption due to extreme weather, make sure it's on your policy. Josh Gardener, hotel director at Broadwick Soho When I was head concierge at a famous London hotel, I had a bride flying in from New York ahead of her very elaborate wedding. She arrived in tears. Her luggage had been lost in transit – and it contained her wedding dress! Cue panic, with 48 hours until the ceremony. We called in many favours and had one of London's best bridal stores make space in their schedule for an emergency appointment. Their team worked through the night making adjustments and delivered the dress to the hotel, where our valet team was on standby to steam it. But then, on the morning of the wedding, a man sauntered into the hotel holding her missing suitcase, which contained the original dress. To this day, I have no idea where he came from as we didn't have time to ask. Ultimately, the replacement dress never saw the light of day. Do use AirTags so you have a way to locate lost luggage. Even if it doesn't guarantee you get the bag back in time for your trip, you will be reunited with it eventually. Don't pack any essential or irreplaceable items in your checked luggage, including jewellery and important items of clothing. Sign up to The Traveller Get travel inspiration, featured trips and local tips for your next break, as well as the latest deals from Guardian Holidays after newsletter promotion Madeleine Spencer, beauty and wellness editor As a wellness journalist, I'm a dab hand at detox retreats and always heed the aftercare advice, but on one occasion, after spending 10 days at a clinic in Austria, I headed straight on to review a hotel in Italy. At the clinic, I'd been asked to eliminate sugar and caffeine, and advised to stick to simple-to-digest foods for a while afterwards. But on the first night at my new location, a Michelin-star chef served a succession of dishes full of cream and sugar, while the sommelier brought out a different wine to complement each course. Not only would it have been rude to refuse, but my job necessitated trying them, and so the post-detox rules went out the window, and I dutifully ate every plate of pasta and pudding laid before me. Just 15 minutes after finishing the meal, my strappy shoes started to feel tight. Something was wrong. When I looked down, I saw my feet had ballooned so much that my ankles were no longer visible! Shocked, I messaged a doctor friend, who explained it was a reaction to the rich foods after an abstemious period. Belly laughing while trying to get free from my shoes, I realised it was snowing, so I staggered into a drift to soothe my painful feet, before sleeping with them raised on a mountain of pillows. Needless to say, I've never broken the exit rules of a detox since. Do always stick to the guidelines set by doctors if you're doing a health retreat. In the case of a detox: always introduce new foods slowly afterwards. Don't be afraid to ask hotel staff for assistance if you fall ill. They have a duty of care for guests and some have medical services on-call. Lucy Halfhead, travel editor Dreaming of white sands and turquoise water, I thought St Lucia would be the perfect place to relax as new parents. In my excitement, what I failed to factor in was a punchy five-hour time difference. Night one: we get the baby down early and toast our expert parenting with a piña colada. At 3.17am we're woken by the strains of Baa, Baa, Black Sheep and rhythmic clapping. My daughter thinks it's morning. Because according to her body clock, it is morning. And so began our daily routine: waking up before the crickets had even clocked off their night shift, tiptoeing around a silent resort with a wildly energetic toddler and watching the sunrise in a fog of sleep deprivation and insect repellent. On the final day, just as her body clock had adjusted, it was time to fly home – where she then, of course, stayed on St Lucia time for a week. Do ease into time zone changes, shifting your child's naps and bedtimes by 15 to 30 minutes a day in the run-up to your trip. Alternatively, consider far-flung locations that are in the same or a similar time zone, such as Morocco or South Africa if you live in the UK. Don't be put off travelling with kids. It can be hard work sometimes, but you'll create precious memories. Isabella Quinn, account manager at Fox Communications PR I had just wrapped a dreamy press trip in Bali. Everything went to plan – until the final hour. Just as our group was about to board the flight to Doha to catch a connecting flight to London, we got a call from security over the tannoy. One of the journalists' smart suitcases had triggered a full-scale panic: it had a built-in charger pack – a serious no-go at Bali airport, where even devices in checked-in luggage must be switched off and their batteries removed. Cue a mad dash through security and passport control – running, sweating, clutching boarding passes – to locate the suitcase and somehow eject the battery from inside, which was quite a scramble considering the person in question had never removed it before. Not quite the farewell I'd envisioned, but we made the flight, just. Do know the specs on any smart tech you take on holiday, and how to eject and switch on/off any battery packs. Don't forget to check that your luggage complies with local airline regulations on every leg of your flight. These can differ from airport to airport and country to country.
BBC News
7 days ago
- BBC News
Mountain biker completes epic bid to ride down all 282 Munros
A mountain biker has completed an epic challenge to ride his bike down Scotland's 282 Green, 36, from Angus, believes he is only the second person in history to have taken a bike to the summit of all the mountains measuring 3,000ft (914m) and quest, which ended in Glencoe on Saturday, took the semi-professional cyclist around eight-and-a-half all Munro baggers, Sean climbed to the summit of but with the added weight of a bike on his back. During the descent the scaffolder cycled down the narrow told BBC Radio Scotland's Drivetime programme the challenge combined his love for the outdoors and mountain said: "I've always been in and around the mountains growing up and, whenever I was walking them, and there was a good bit of trail in front of me I'd just wish I had my bike."Eventually I just decided I'll start taking my bike up them." Sean said he enjoyed putting himself "in the pain cave" and just focused on putting one foot in front of the father-of-two said the hardest part of his mission was the logistics and the toll it took on family added: "I could be up and down a Munro in sub-four hours, but even then there was likely to be a three-hour drive before and a three-hour drive after."So even the shortest days were still 12,14 or 16 hours."Sean was supported during one of the climbs by Paul Tattersall, who was the first man to complete the challenge in just 81 said he had a few more adventures on his radar but had been warned by his wife not to take on anything as extreme. The phenomenon known as Munro bagging was inspired by Sir Hugh whose family were Scottish landowners, was born in London in 1856 and brought up at Lindertis, near Kirriemuir in studying in Germany, he climbed in the Alps and continued his interest in climbing when he settled at the family estate in Hugh was a founder and president of the Scottish Mountaineering Club which set him the task of listing all the country's hills of 3,000ft (914m) or is estimated that around 8,000 people have officially scaled all 282 peaks - but only two men are thought to have completed it on two wheels.
