The best way to take a vacation break is by going to places that one has never been to, as it helps to get away from our routine world, reduce stress levels and recharge our batteries. Camping is more than just a vacation; it gives one the chance to take up challenging adventures that tests one’s potential. For many, Camping might not be your thing, as it involves roughing it out in the outdoors, without the comforts of a five-star hotel.
But for the ones who enjoy walking across the woods in the forests, or who feel the thrill of swimming in a lake or under a waterfall or who are simply amazed at the spectacular scenery that mother Nature has to offer, camping makes it an experience of a lifetime. Moreover these days Camping has several options from simple tents to luxurious amenities like air-conditioned and furnished Swiss tents, room heaters, hot showers, etc.
1. Sahara Dessert, Morocco
Camping in a dessert is an adventure in itself and where better than Morocco which offers an amazing camping experience right in the Sahara desert. A dessert safari on camel-back is also recommended. The camp unit is in the form of a nomadic shelter. What is so special about this place is that one can do some sand trekking with a guide and end the day with a nice dinner prepared at the camp site itself. The sand dunes and the infinite desert scenery incites one to explore dessert life and get to learn all about the lives of people dwellers and their survival techniques in this harsh environment! And if you are an early riser then watching the sunrise over the desert horizon is something a few are privileged to experience.
2. Yellowstone National Park, USA
For the ones who are interested in pursuing outdoor sports and extreme adventure like mountain biking, trekking, mountaineering, rock climbing, etc. then the Yellowstone National Park is the best place to be. America’s number one adventure destination is spread over an area of 9,000 square kms and encompasses a splendid topographical wonder. Campers are sure to find some spectacular natural settings to pitch their tent. In fact they get to experience first-hand, gigantic canyons, lakes on elevated plains, rivers with fishes aplenty and mountain ranges formed from volcanic remains. Plus the park is home to many exotic bird and animal species.
3. New Zealand
New Zealand is without doubt one of the world’s camper-friendly countries. It is so full of scenic camping hot spots, that it is impossible to mention just any one best camping destination. This is one country where one can pitch one’s tent just about anywhere – be it remote beaches, picturesque mountain highlands, or lush forest zones.
The country follows an “Anywhere Camping” system, meaning camping in theory is allowed in most public places provided all the environmental rules and regulations are strictly adhered to. The rules mandate one to have ‘waste disposal provisions’ like camp-toilet etc., if there are no public toilets in the vicinity, plus one must take the responsibility of disposing of the waste as per waste disposal rules. Moreover there are government-managed campsites that span across many national parks having basic amenities even in far flung areas.
4. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Africa is the land of the wild and it is the mecca for wildlife in the world. It is globally famous for its exceptional population of Masai lions, African leopards and Tanzanian cheetahs, and the annual migration of zebra, Thomson’s gazelle, and wildebeest to and from the Serengeti every year from July to October, known as the Great Migration. There are a number of lodges and tented camps for tourists inside the Reserve and the Conservation area borders. Be it staying in a simple tent or enjoying one’s me-time in a luxury tent, one gets to choose any type of camping that gets them closer to the wild side of Africa.
5. Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica
This is the place where Camping offers a true jungle-life experience. Considered one of the world’s most bio-diverse regions, its wildlife includes scarlet macaws, tapirs, jaguars and squirrel monkeys. Hiking trails follow coastal and inland routes through habitats ranging from Pacific beaches and mangrove swamps to lowland and montane rainforests.
One can make day visits into the park from several lodging options on both the north and south entrances to the park, as well as through organized excursions that fly into the park.
