I’m a camping expert – the simple pitching trick that stops you from ruining your holiday
A CAMPING expert has revealed how holidaymakers can get their camping holiday off to a flying start.
Simon McGrath works for The Camping and Caravanning Club - an organisation involved with all aspects of camping.
But he's also the author of Camping with Kids, and he was the editor of Camping & Caravanning magazine for nearly 10 years, so it's safe to say Simon knows how to make a camping trip run smoothly.
One of his tips is all about making sure tents are pitched in a certain direction.
Simon told Sun Online Travel: "If you have got your smartphone with you, most people will have a compass app on their smartphone.
"If you can work out where east is, obviously the sun rises in the east, you can point your tent east.
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"Then, when the sun comes up in the mornings, it starts to warm your tent from the front door."
In addition to having a warm tent in the morning, campers will also be in the right direction to watch the sunrise.
Simon added: "Actually, what you're doing is poking your head out onto a nice sunny day, rather than being in the shade. It's just a lovely way to start the day."
As well as being able to watch the sunrise in the sky, holidaymakers will also be able to hear the dawn chorus.
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The dawn chorus is an outbreak of birdsong at the start of a new day.
Simon said: "The dawn chorus is a lovely way to wake up."
While some campers might be inclined to bury themselves back into their sleeping bags, Simon encouraged holidaymakers to enjoy the early morning.
The camping expert explained: "I say embrace it because it's the best part of the day. Get yourself up and have a little stretch outside the tent.
"Don't put your shoes on. If the grass is nice and dewy, feel the grass between your toes because it's a really good way to connect to nature, be in the moment and it's really good for mindfulness."
Simon also suggested baking a "breakfast picnic" to make the most of the early start.
He added: "Given you're going to wake up nice and early with the dawn call, have your breakfast picnic already packed.
"Then, quietly unzip the tent, tiptoe off the site with the kids, and go and find some lovely spot in the countryside."
Once out in the countryside, Simon recommended listening to the different type of birdsong that accompanies the start of a new day.
There are several birdsong apps smartphone users can download like ChirpOMatic, Warblr, BirdUp and many more.
The Camping and Caravanning Club are exhibiting at the Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Show which takes place at Manchester Central from 11-14 January 2024. For more information visit .
Simon isn't the only camping expert who has shared his advice in recent years.
David Scotland owns camping equipment retailer and revealed the biggest camping mistakes Brits make on their camping holidays.
Before heading on any trip, David recommends putting your tent up a couple of weeks before you're due to travel to give you enough time to repair or replace any damaged parts.
He told Sun Online Travel: “You’d be surprised how many people turn up with broken tents."
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Meanwhile, these camping etiquette mistakes will make other campers hate you.
And these are the best campsites to visit in the UK.
