I come from a camping family. My early holiday memories consist mainly of arriving at the campsite, picking a spot among the trees for our huge tent, and looking longingly at the swimming lake because we children had to hold a tent pole for centuries so my father could set up the “Camel”.

The name says it all.

A tent with two humps, too many poles and a lot of canvas with no beginning and no end

Camping was a big thing back then. It took hours before that tent was finally erected. A large chest came with it that contained the kitchen. When it rained, we had to dig a trench around the tent or the water would run in. We loved the Camel but not during the setup.

My father had served in the army and spent part of his life cutting his way through the jungle. So, it had to be a bit adventurous!

Camping can still be very adventurous, but in 2021 you have a lot more options. To begin with, there are many more campsites than in the 1960s. And they are a lot more luxurious (and cleaner – especially now!)

In 2021 you can go glamping, champing, bamping, wamping or road trippin’

When it comes to road trips, there’s always a photo of a beautifully restored VW van. We won’t spoil the fun – they are gorgeous indeed – here it is:

There are many possibilities. Starting with: back to the basics, back to real camping. Not with a “Camel” but a (simple) tent, a beautiful place, good company and enjoying nature. That is now called Bamping.

Champing is more about the place – the “ch” stands for charming. I know that, because the Termas is a charming campsite (according to this enormous dutch organisation ANWB); you can come champing and bamping here. We don’t do glamping, but slick VW vans are welcome!

After 2020 in solitary confinement, a cycling camping holiday is clearly on the rise

Done with hanging at home! I bet no one will opt for a staycation in 2021. Go outside, bring a tent, a route planner, and cycle. Being completely self-sufficient, independent and free. (So: framping?)

And that’s exactly the next hip option!

(… there you have that VW van again … ) you put your tent in it, everything else you need, a good seat is nice, your BBQ, tablet and e-reader, and there you go! No worries about whether everything is clean enough , whether you don’t get infected, or get another infected – no Covid sh*t on your mind for a while, just enjoy where you are.

Now there is a group of people who have become kind of addicted to mixing private and work (or they are entrepreneurs like me, with a never ending to-do-list), who want to check “just” “something”, even when they are on vacation. Don’t worry, everything is allowed in 2021, we just call that Wamping. Working and camping at the same time; no need to kick off cold turkey.

Finally, and I suspect this is going to be big, is Thamping

Camping with a theme. You go camping in a place where you can paint or learn to make mosaics, or where they offer yoga or Tai Chi every day, or where you learn to refine your cooking. Or maybe you camp on or near the festival site, and thus create a total experience.

Camping is incredibly versatile, and it is not without reason that it is so popular now!

It has all kinds of advantages: you’re outside, you can easily stay at a distance, you have your own things with you, and you enjoy the outdoors and nature to the fullest. After being locked up for so long, it is the best experience of all!

If you are not quite sure before you buy a tent and accessories, you can try it out at some campsites. See if it is something for you. Just google it. You can of course also borrow your sister’s camper or caravan. Or score one via a sharing platform.

Plenty of choice!