THE SOUND OF THE RAIN ON YOUR TENT, STAR GAZING AND THE SMELL OF BACON IN THE MORNING – BRITS ARE A NATION OF HAPPY CAMPERS, ACCORDING TO NEW RESEARCH
Whether it’s the sound of the rain gently falling on the tent, or the stone that gets wedged into your back as you snuggle down into your sleeping bag – UK camping has a charm of its own.
Yet a new, nationwide survey has proved once and for all that Brits are a nation of KEEN campers, with a resounding 82 percent claiming they either “like” or “love” it, while the rest (18 percent) are happy to admit they hate it.
And with pricey overseas trips out of the picture for many this year, 44 percent said they had chosen camping in the UK this summer, in a bid to save cash.
The survey revealed a definitive list of 20 things Britons love about tent holidays, with simply getting a bit of peace and quiet coming top (44 percent).
Star gazing (34 percent), morning birdsong (27 percent), the sound of the rain on your tent (26 percent) and the smell of bacon frying on a camping stove (26 percent) were voted some of the greatest things.
One in ten (ten percent) love telling ghost stories, while 20 percent said you can’t beat the sound of the zip on the tent, according to the poll of 2,000 by car manufacturer, Dacia.
Saving cash on a hotel (21 percent), going back to basics (22 percent), having a digital detox (13 percent) and bringing your pup along (17 percent) are also aspects of camping that appeal to the British public.
We’ve all felt the downsides though; like the 40 percent of people that admit being bitten by bugs is just about the worst part of the adventure – and 20 percent saying that sharing a tent with a snorer is the pits.
Other “camping icks” include bugs coming into the tent (37 percent) and going to the loo in the middle of the night (37 percent).
However, according to camping fans, 36 percent feel more optimistic or satisfied with their lifen when surrounded by nature.
For Brits with a sense of adventure and for those who want a more comfortable camping experience this summer, Dacia, the best value for money car brand, offers a Sleep Pack for its Dacia Jogger model. The clever solution turns the Jogger’s spacious interior into a bedroom for two in a matter of minutes.
Luke Broad, Dacia Brand Director for the UK said:
“We want to encourage Brits to make the most of spending time outdoors with their loved ones during these summer holidays.
“With the research highlighting the positive impact of being outdoors, we hope it encourages more Brits to go on alternative holidays, such as camping, due to it being an affordable and enjoyable way to spend quality time with friends and family.”
A patriotic 23 percent stated that the UK is the best place in the world to go camping, with the Lake District coming out on top as a favourite destination for it.
It’s no great surprise that 32 percent of tech-mad Brits say going al fresco is the only real way to get away from their electronic gadgets.
20 THINGS BRITS LOVE ABOUT CAMPING
1. Peace and quiet – (44 percent)
2. Being in the great outdoors (38 percent)
3. Star gazing (34 percent)
4. Exploring new places (27 percent)
5. Morning birdsong (27 percent)
6. The sound of the rain falling on your tent (26 percent)
7. The smell of bacon on a camping stove (24 percent)
8. Campfires (23 percent)
9. Sleeping bags (22 percent)
10. Going back to basics (22 percent)
11. Saving cash on a hotel (21 percent)
12. The sound of the tent zip (20 percent)
13. Toasting marshmallows (20 percent)
14. Feeling good about your carbon footprint (19 percent)
15. Taking your dog (17 percent)
16. The smell of wet grass (16 percent)
17. Making campsite friends (16 percent)
18. Having a digital detox (13 percent)
19. Trying to find your tent in the dark (11 percent)
20. Ghost stories (10 percent)
*Dacia’s Sleep Pack turns its car, the Jogger, into a bedroom for two in a matter of minutes, making camping possible across the whole of the UK.
*For more information about the Dacia Jogger and the other range of vehicles designed to inspire epic journeys, please visit www.dacia.co.uk.
