Camping News

18/06/2009 - Summer Deals

With the credit crunch still playing on everyone’s minds, there seems to be a general belief that this summer will be a hard one. The news teams are continually spouting doom and gloom about economic downturn, and it can seem like there are few things to be grateful for. However, there’s no need to think negatively about this summer: one thing that has emerged from the credit crunch is that there are now money saving deals around everywhere for you to take advantage of. If you are wise, you can grab some great deals and make this summer even better than the last.

If you feel like saving money on travel this summer and staying in the UK, you could be onto a great idea. With weathermen predicting an ‘Indian summer’ it seems that the UK could be the place to be, and there are many deals around that can save you even more money. Have a look online for cheap deals on quality UK holiday properties, or look out for deals like Alton Towers’ 20% off Theme Park tickets when you book them with a hotel stay. There are many ways to save money on UK trips if you keep an eye out for them.

If, however, you still fancy going abroad this year, there are plenty of deals around to save you money. For discounted rates on flights and accommodation try online price comparison sites, or hop on the Eurostar and make your way over to Paris, Lille, Brussels, or even Disneyland Paris for a family break. And to make your holiday even more affordable, look out for great money saving deals like Vodafone’s abolition of roaming charges this summer. With their Passport service, you can make calls, send texts and send picture messages to the UK for the same price as you would back home, between the 1^st June and the 31^st August. Take a look at their site for more info and to browse their selection of phones.

So whilst the credit crunch is still not a happy subject, you can still find light at the end of the tunnel by taking advantage of some great summer deals. Search out the silver lining in the cloud and you could find yourself having a fantastic, affordable summer holiday!

Rates and products quoted are correct at the time of writing (06.09) and may be changed subject to the discretion of the provider.

18/06/2009 - Leap-frog around Europe

Summertime is here, exams are over and the idea of getting a job is about as enticing as jumping into a shark-infested pool of ice water. So, what a good idea it is to go travelling around Europe for a few months!

This summer looks like it will be a corker. The long-term weather forecast looks promising with above average numbers of sunny days spread across the European continent.

So despite your lack of funds you are determined to dust off that old backpack, brush up on your foreign language, or speaking English ve-ry slow-ly skills and head off into the Mediterranean sunset.

Leap-frogging around Europe has never been easier. You can travel by bus, plane, boat and train for a lot less than you used to. But there are a few things you should bear in mind if you want to cut costs.

Firstly, if you are going to be flying with Ryanair on more than just the odd occasion, get yourself a Visa Electron card. With these nifty little cards you will be exempt from paying the standard £10 online booking charge for using a credit or debit card. So after a few flights with these, you can honestly say you have earned yourself a ‘free’ flight, not just a ‘pay-taxes-only’ flight.

Another tip is to get yourself an ISIC card before you graduate from uni. These international student cards mean discounts all over the place including transport and hostel and camping accommodation. Plus, when you leave university you will really miss your student I.D. and all the discounts that are associated with it, so this is a good replacement.

This summer is also good for your phone if you are a Vodafone customer. It has abolished its 75p roaming charge in over 35 European countries meaning you can use your phone abroad as you would at home. This means it won’t cost you money to receive that call from mum checking up on you and you can message your friends until they’re green with envy about just exactly what it is you have been getting up to.

To take advantage of this offer you’ll need to be on the Vodafone network, so take a look at their website for mobile phone deals.

The Post Office is your best bet for foreign currency. It doesn’t charge commission when you buy or sell back you money and they will even deliver your money to your door. If you will be using more than just the Euro you might want to consider their Travel Money Card. You can put money on it in the UK and then make withdrawals or use it to buy goods and services when you’re away. Genius!

18/06/2009 - Backpacking: things not to forget

You’ve packed your bag; the bag, tent, cooking equipment is then crammed in the car and you’re almost ready to hit the road. You are spending the summer road tripping around Europe and you can’t wait to get going. However, there are a few things that you mustn’t forget to take.

Other than the obvious, passport, European Insurance card and some currency, here are a few handy little things that will save you money and hassle.

Firstly, get an ISIC student card whilst you still can. These international student cards give you 40,000 discounts in 120 countries if you are in full time education or have a guaranteed place at university. If you have graduated but are under 26, you can get yourself a Youth Travel card.

These cards cost around £7 but are worth their weight in gold, giving you discounts on travel, attractions and hostel accommodation.

To bypass the standard 2.75% transaction fee for withdrawing cash in Europe, get yourself a Nationwide Flex account. These Visa debit cards mean you won’t pay to use your card in Europe. You can withdraw cash from ATMs as well as buy goods and services without paying for the privilege.

Remember to take your mobile phone. A few years ago this would have been a silly idea. The risk of loss or theft was pretty high and the call charges even higher and with internet cafes all over the place there wasn’t really much point taking it, other than to mildly diminish your mothers worrying. However, things have changed since the dark ages of 2008. 2009 brings new hope, well to Vodafone customers at least.

From 1 June to 31 August, Vodafone has abolished its 75p roaming charge. This means that instead of getting charged 75p to make and receive calls, on top of your normal call rate, you will now be able to rid yourself of this annoying connection charge and you’ll be free to use your phone as you would if you’d never left England.

What makes this even more attractive is they have extended the deal to text and picture messages so you can make your friends jealous with photographic evidence as well as clever wordsmithery.

If you’re not already a Vodafone customer then you can take advantage of this offer by getting a pay as you go or sim only deal from Vodafone. If you opt for a contract, these calls and messages will also come out of your monthly allowance instead of being charged on top of it.

19/04/2007 - Tips for setting up camp

Tips for setting up camp – Lower areas attract rain water and hold cold air so when setting up your tent try and find a higher area, although try to ensure you’re protected from the wind as you are more open to gusts when you are higher up. Remember to keep your senses about you and think about lightning in a worst case scenario – don’t go camping under the tallest tree or in the middle of an open field.

19/04/2007 - Which kind of tent do i need?

There are several different types of tents – in fact you may even say there is one for every occasion. Whether it be camping with the family or on an expedition then choosing the right tent is essential. If you’re carrying your tent you want a more lightweight, yet dependable type, however if you’re travelling by car you can afford to go for the more robust ones. It all depends on your particular motivation and what it is that you’re looking for. Frame tents are the ideal kind if you are travelling by car – they have a considerable amount of space but do tend to be quite bulky and cumbersome. Dome tents tend to be the tent of choice nowadays – they are light, easy to erect and also easy to pack away, perhaps the choice for those on the go, tunnel tents are also similar. Tipis and similar tents such as canvas bell tents are also becoming quite popular due to the amount of room inside and the ease with which they are erected. If you are going to be camping in quite extreme weather conditions, be it wind or snow then Geodesic tents are ideal as they are strengthened, also good for all weather conditions are ridge tents although there is not much space inside.

19/04/2007 - Gelert Quick Pitch Festival Tent

If you’re planning on heading to any of the festivals this year, be it Reading, Leeds, Glastonbury or even T In The Park, then we all know the only way to do it is to camp the weekend away. Whether camping for one night or the whole weekend you should invest in a sturdy tent and a decent sleeping bag. From regular dome tents, to your more specialized ones you can choose your favourite way to camp out under the stars with the sound of live music ringing in your ears. Take a look at the Gelert Quick Pitch Festival Tent created for these particular excursions and you’re on your way to a great summer.

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