Camping abroad had always been on my bucket list. The idea of pitching a tent under a foreign sky, waking up to the sounds of unfamiliar birds, and cooking meals on a tiny stove while surrounded by nature—it sounded like a dream. So when I finally booked a camping trip through [insert destination], I was equal parts excited and nervous. I had some experience camping locally, but doing it in a new country was a whole different adventure.
Here’s what went right—and what definitely didn’t—on my first time camping abroad.
? What Went Right
1. Choosing the Right Campsite
After hours of research, I booked a spot at a well-reviewed campground in a national park known for its natural beauty. It was clean, well-maintained, and had helpful staff who spoke enough English to get me settled in. Choosing a managed site for my first camping trip abroad was one of my best decisions—it gave me structure without sacrificing the experience.
2. Packing Smart
I was surprisingly well-prepared with gear. A compact tent, a reliable sleeping bag, a lightweight stove, and a solar-powered charger made the trip much smoother. I even brought along a laminated card with translations for camping-related terms in the local language, which turned out to be incredibly useful when asking for help.
3. Embracing the Unfamiliar
One of the joys of camping abroad is experiencing the local environment up close. Whether it was listening to night sounds I didn’t recognize, spotting wildlife I’d only ever seen in books, or waking up to a sunrise over landscapes totally different from home—it was unforgettable. It reminded me that travel is often about surrendering to new experiences, not trying to recreate what you already know.
4. Meeting Other Travelers
Campgrounds tend to attract like-minded adventurers, and I met fellow campers from around the world. Sharing stories by the campfire, exchanging travel tips, and even cooking meals together added a social dimension I didn’t expect. It made me feel less alone and more connected to the global community of travelers.
? What Went Wrong
1. Underestimating the Weather
Despite checking the forecast, I didn’t anticipate how rapidly the weather could change in the mountains. What started as a mild evening turned into a windy, freezing night. My sleeping bag was rated for 10°C, but temperatures dipped close to 0°C. I spent a restless night layering every piece of clothing I had. Lesson learned: over-prepare for the weather, especially in unfamiliar climates.
2. Not Understanding Local Wildlife Risks
I didn’t fully research the wildlife situation at my campsite. Turns out, the area had an issue with small foxes rummaging through tents for food. I left a snack in my backpack overnight, and sure enough, my tent was visited. Thankfully, the damage was minimal, but it reminded me to always follow local food storage rules—something I’ll never forget again.
3. Language Barrier Challenges
While I had a phrasebook and a translation app, I underestimated how hard it would be to ask specific questions about trail closures, fire rules, or bus schedules in a rural area. Some things got lost in translation, and I missed out on a nearby guided hike because I misunderstood the meeting point. More prep and offline language tools would’ve helped.
4. Transportation Hiccups
Getting to the campsite wasn’t as straightforward as I thought. A missed bus connection and confusing signage made the journey stressful. I relied too heavily on online maps, which didn’t account for rural transit schedules. Next time, I’ll have a printed map, emergency contacts, and a more detailed transit plan in advance.
Final Thoughts
Camping abroad is a beautiful, challenging, and eye-opening experience. While I made a few rookie mistakes, none of them were dealbreakers. If anything, they made the trip more memorable and taught me lessons I couldn’t have learned otherwise.
For anyone considering their first camping trip abroad, my advice is this: do your homework, over-prepare (especially for weather and wildlife), and embrace the unpredictable. You’ll come back with stories, skills, and a deeper connection to both nature and yourself.
