Camping outside in the woods or forest with your family, friends, and loved ones can be a very enjoyable experience. Whether sitting around the campfire and telling stories or bird watching and exploring nature, being outdoors can leave you with unforgettable memories.
Now what memories you will leave with depends on how well you are prepared. If a camper is not knowledgeable about his surroundings, nature can give some pretty nasty surprises. Below are some advice and tips that will help you avoid certain situations that can dampen your trip.
BUGS...DON'T LET THEM BUG YOU!
Bugs are always a very annoying problem for campers. These critters keep flying around your food and buzzing in your ears. Also let's not forget about more serious problems from some insects, like mosquitoes and bees, which love to bite and give you stings and itchy bumps. Then there are lice and ticks which can pass on diseases.
Here are some tips to help keep the bugs away.
1. Try not to use fragrant lotions or products. Sweet smells attract insects.
2. Try to stay cool. Bugs are attracted to sweat.
3. Bring bug repellant sunscreen. Just don't use too much.
4. Avoid eating bananas...this fruit secretes an odor through your pores which attracts mosquitoes.
5. Use coconut oil...this repels mosquitoes.
BEWARE OF TICKS
Ticks can be a problem due to the fact they can spread diseases. Ways to prevent yourself from exposure to ticks is to a) avoid grassy areas, b) wear a hat, and c) do not wear shorts when you are on a trail.
You should check for ticks, and if you detect one, remove it as early as possible. If you find a tick attached to your skin, use tweezers close to your skin as possible and pull off the tick, but do not squeeze its body. You should have the doctor check the bite as soon as possible. Ticks can spread diseases such as Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis to humans, which is fatal if not treated.
GENERAL ADVICE
Here is some useful advice that is good to know on every camping trip, outdoor trip or vacation:
1. Bring and keep a picture of the travelers with you, in case anyone gets lost.
2. When hiking, remember to bring plenty of water, food, a flashlight and bandages.
3. Never hike by yourself.
The advice in this article is very important in helping to keep your outdoors experience an enjoyable one.
Be prepared, stay safe!
Artie Jameson
Gearproz Staff Writer
Comments