A whole week in nature—that's the dream for many campers. It's enough time to truly discover a region, completely switch off, and fully enjoy the camping lifestyle. Good planning is crucial for success here.
For a week-long stay, it's worth choosing a campsite with good infrastructure. Look for clean sanitary facilities, washing machines, a small shop, and maybe even a pool or playground. This will be your home for a week.
A 7-day forecast gives a good trend, but the details can change. Plan your week roughly (e.g., a big hike on the sunniest predicted day), but stay flexible to react to current forecasts.
Pack enough clothes for 4-5 days and plan to do laundry once. This saves an enormous amount of space. Also, think about "luxury" items like a comfortable pillow, a hammock, or solar-powered lights for a cozy atmosphere.
Plan a mix of quick meals and more elaborate cooking. A combination of grilling, cooking on the gas stove, and perhaps a restaurant visit in a nearby village provides culinary variety.
A good rhythm for a week is: Arrival/Setup, Activity, Rest, Activity, Rest, Preparation/Small Activity, Departure. This avoids exhaustion and gives you time to process the experiences.
A week is perfect for getting to know a region. Plan 2-3 day trips. These could be a hike, a visit to a castle, a canoe tour, or a stroll through a nearby town.
After a stormy day, check the pegs and guy lines of your tent. Air out sleeping bags and the tent on sunny days to avoid moisture. Clean and dry gear significantly increases comfort.
On a longer stay, you often get to know your neighbors. A friendly "hello" can lead to nice conversations, shared evenings by the campfire, or valuable tips for the area.
Even on vacation, small tasks arise. Plan time for washing clothes, replenishing supplies, and charging devices. If you integrate this calmly into your daily routine, it won't feel like work.
Plan your return so that you have one more day at home before work starts again. Use this day to unpack, do laundry, and reflect on your experiences. This extends the vacation feeling.