It’s always nice to escape from the “real world”, but sometimes a holiday can cause more stress than it’s worth. An alternative to this conundrum? Eco camping. Let’s run through some of the main reasons why this green form of camping is a superior option.
Saving money
We all like to try and squeeze every penny we can from life. By choosing to head off on a green camping holiday you give yourself a fantastic chance of saving some cash.
It goes without say that bunking in the wilderness is going to be considerably cheaper than paying extortionate prices for a hotel room every night. As well as this, you’ll also save funds on things like fuel and food – with there being no need to jet about or eat at expensive restaurants.
While nothing in life comes free (you might have to pay some fees for using the land), all expenses will be considerably less when camping in general.
Helping the environment
Arguably the most important factor in eco camping comes in the form of the benefit it does to the environment compared to more traditional methods. With a staggering 15.4 million camping and caravanning holidays taking place in the UK in 2015 alone, the natural landscape is becoming somewhat corrupted. This constant stampede of bodies, not to mention the insane amount of litter being left behind, has resulted in a need to show more diligence and take greater care of the environment.
There are several ways you can do this, with some methods including:
- Picking up every piece of rubbish you drop
- Using eco-friendly toiletries
- Using solar-powered gadgets
- Leaving the campsite as you found it
Watching wildlife
With shocking reports suggesting as much as 15% of all wildlife in the UK is on the brink of extinction, now is as good a time as any to get out into the wilderness and explore the majesty of nature before it disappears.
A continually industrialising world has led to lots of species already dying out. By the time our children’s generation are pensioners, it’s unclear how much wildlife will be left to experience.
Give them a taste of nature before it’s too late by taking them on an adventure this summer, instead of a bog-standard trip to some hotel.
Freedom
We all have that inner turmoil which makes us want to fight “the man” and escape from things for a little while. An eco-camping holiday provides you with the perfect chance to do just that. Whereas even traditional camping excursions still see you rely on commercial products, a greener experience encourages you to really grab the bull by the horns and become solely reliant on yourself.
Even if it just lasts a week, this break from the shackles of consumerism is a healthy reminder of how you are in fact able to live independently of commercial needs.
Thinking time
In the relatively isolated world of camping, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find some much-needed alone time to think and contemplate life.
It’s been proven spending time alone is healthier for you from a psychological perspective, so use your green camping experience to not only make the world a better place, but alsobolster and refresh your own mind.
Liking the idea of eco camping? Give it a go in the future, and discover how much better it is than traditional holiday methods.
Cover image: photo via unpslash