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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to pull out from this nightmare camping trip?

389 replies

SparkleSoiree · 31/05/2016 15:56

So, camping is not, has never been and, now I can say, will never be my thing.

People love it, I get that. Kids and husbands I think mostly...I DONT GET IT.

We are booked to go camping with DH's cousin and his family in August. I'm more of a city break, lovely hotel person myself but DH and DD were really keen to go relive his scouting days and not wanting to be a party pooper I decided to throw myself in there too to show willing and that basically I can do anything I put my mind to. Turns out I'm more of a panderedto woman than superwoman!

We did a trial on the weekend in the garden with the new tent and kit DH bought. Seriously, it was like watching him unwrap his presents on christmas morning. His face was constantly smiling, sharing his joy with DD who loved it just as much. I offered some help occasionally but could not get into the spirit of it at all. He even put up little fairy lights around the rope thingies to add a little bit of glam for me Biscuit .

It was a disaster for me, I got the total of 1hr 5 mins kip between 11pm and 8am, was in a seriously bad mood in the morning and did not see the fun side of it at all. Seven nights I've booked myself in for and if I had to spend 7 consecutive nights with minimal sleep I'd be driving myself home by the end of day 2! I cannot function without my sleep, I get really grumpy and moody and a desire to be on my own. I certainly couldn't think about a day trip out after spending 10 mins trying to get up off a bloody airbed and that's before I've even thought about getting dressed!

I'm considering options, one of which is not going at all and allowing DH to spend the week with his family and DD. Upside is that I would get a week to myself as my other DD is away abroad at the same time.

Another is to check into a hotel close by and swing in by each morning with some lovely breakfast items for them all and spend the day with them. Upside is there will be a lovely bathroom in the hotel, just for me, a cosy bed, a bar under cover and I won't have to make my bed in the morning because some lovely person will do it for me. More my idea of relaxation.

Other option is to borrow our friend's caravan (she has offered it in my hour of need!) and add a caravan pitch to our booking. That way we have a tent and a caravan. I could cope with a caravan - I think.

Out of those I think I prefer the first one, so AIBU to pull out and spend a week on my own doing my own thing and forgetting I'm a 44yr old mum of 3, wife to 1 and taxi driver to all?

OP posts:
BoffinMum · 31/05/2016 17:26

I fucking hate camping. It makes me have a better understanding of how terrible life is for refugees.

storybrooke · 31/05/2016 17:26

Sorry but I'd be planning all the things I could do in a week on my own Grin I'd clean every inch of the house one day, buy myself flowers and chocs and spend the week in my beautiful, clean home watching all the things I never get time to and sitting in the garden with a wine in the evening. Maybe a little music on and possibly a book. I'd sleep more than 6 hour nights and leisurely put on a facemask in the bath, oh god imagine how many baths you could have in that time!

mum to two toddlers and have no life of my own, clearly.

AlpacaLypse · 31/05/2016 17:29

Having said, DP isn't a camping fan, the new beds are purely for going to a couple of festivals.

I enjoy camping and used to take the children without DP. In fact I spent nine weeks traipsing round France, Germany and Italy with a good tent, a stalwart car, and two small children, with adult company for only three weeks altogether (various friends and family flew out and joined me for a week at a time).

I know plenty of families who do 'daddy camping' where they go off with their children and some beer.

As a pp said, so long as you're not subconciously telling your dd that liking camping is ungirly, you do what works best for you and your family.

MiffleTheIntrovert · 31/05/2016 17:30

Alpaca that bed looks fab! Can I ask (I couldn't see it on the site) roughly how tall it is? I have to have a "high up" camp bed so it would need to be above knee height if possible. If you have used it please could you let me know?

lalalalyra · 31/05/2016 17:30

I think if they really, really want you to go then maybe go, give it two nights and if you hate it at that point check into a local hotel. Tell DH that's what you are doing and that way you get the "she didn't really want to do it, but she tried it for us" kudos, you get to be part of the trip, but get the escape to a nice comfy hotel if you need it.

The first night of camping is always the worst and camping in your own garden is, imo, the worst camping ever because you know your nice, comfy bed is just over there...

Hulababy · 31/05/2016 17:36

Only way I can sleep when camping is with a camp bed, with a decent blanket underneath me and decent covers on top too, in full PJs. And I need the tent to have a bedroom area that can be zipped up so enclosed.

I get cold otherwise. I hate air beds in any form, and our original camp beds were too narrow. We bought better, wider ones which made a big difference. Now, I only go camping about once a year for 1-2 nights at most - but they are my rules re sleeping in a tent.

I wouldn't want to be home alone personally, but I know some people like the idea of a week to themselves.

I would seriously consider the caravan though. Or a hotel near by.

Janecc · 31/05/2016 17:37

I'm not a princess. I'm chronically ill. Camping would send me over the edge. Many people can't hack camping as they get older especially when they have children. Not everyone has stamina and bags of energy. I'm Hmm at the ignorance of some people who think others should ruin their health to go camping.

Pipbin · 31/05/2016 17:39

If wanting to sleep in a real bed, indoors, with hot water, space to stand up, the ability to get dry and not having to shit in a bucket makes you a princes, then I must the the fucking queen.

Buttercupsandaisies · 31/05/2016 17:41

I love camping for couple of nights but DH doesn't. We go aboard in summer to s hotel but regularly have camping weekends as part of a large group. He does it now for me and the kids but initially he was a pain moaning and did annoy others in the group with his attitude! I'd go with idea of getting b&b after a few days if you don't like it.

Wine and very late nights help (we sit out round fire and usually go to bed about 3am)

Don't go and moan tho as its so annoying!

EweAreHere · 31/05/2016 17:45

Borrow the caravan or stay home and enjoy some peace.

That's what I would do. A tent would just not work for me, especially for a week! I wouldn't be able to move without pain after one night trying to sleep in a tent.

twilightcafe · 31/05/2016 17:49

I'm in a caravan right now. It's raining outside and doesn't look like it will stop soon. The shower and toilet block here is grim. I want to go home to my lovely bed and en-suite.

glueandstick · 31/05/2016 17:52

Staying in a hotel is camping in my books. Therefore you'll all get to go camping Grin

eddielizzard · 31/05/2016 17:53

only because your dh has booked the caribbean holiday i would compromise.

how about going part time? first 3 nights, then next 4 in hotel?

but tbh i'd prefer to stay at home all on my own.. that sounds like heaven to me!

depends on whether your dh would resent the caribbean trip if you didn't go on this camping trip.

you have my sympathies. i think camping is just awful. i can manage glamping but don't really enjoy it.

AnotherGreenDot · 31/05/2016 17:56

Give it a go.
Proper pillow
Warm & waterproof clothes
Ear plugs
Wine
Positive attitude
Sorted Smile

ClashCityRocker · 31/05/2016 18:04

Seven days is waaaay too long for camping. I don't hate camping, but any enjoyment and novelty has worn off after three nights and it just becomes a chore rather than a holiday.

Id maybe go three nights and then come home. Camping if you're not enjoying it is fucking grim.

Headofthehive55 · 31/05/2016 18:05

Isn't a holiday about who you are with not where you are sleeping?

Costacoffeeplease · 31/05/2016 18:05

Don't go - stay at home with hot water and indoor plumbing FFS

I don't think I have ever camped in my whole 50 years, it's grim beyond belief

WriteforFun1 · 31/05/2016 18:06

Depending on what you hated, the caravan is possible but I feel boxed in in those.

I've camped in hot countries, no air bed etc but wouldn't dream of camping in the uk but I hate the cold.

I can see it's the kind of thing that would ruin a holiday, if you get no sleep and feel rubbish, what's the point? Could be camping be something just for them? I went to the cinema with just my dad loads because mum never wants to see films. Everyone doesn't have to do everything. Dad never did galleries or museums, just mum came for those.

Sparklingbrook · 31/05/2016 18:07

Isn't a holiday about who you are with not where you are sleeping?

No not as far as camping goes. Even if Rob Lowe asked me to go camping with him i would have to decline. Sad

ghostyslovesheep · 31/05/2016 18:08

I love camping - just came back from a weekend with friends but not a 'DH' in sight - all women - so I do reject your claim that's it's mainly a male pass time

That said if you hate it you hate it - I camp with electric, toilet, kettle, toaster, heater, double duvet, etc I don't do basic at all! If you wont enjoy it better to stay at home than sit with a puss on all week

Headofthehive55 · 31/05/2016 18:08

Ive been camping in a tent with just a field for the loo! Fab holiday...it's your attitude to it that makes all the difference.

1horatio · 31/05/2016 18:10

I love camping and have a very, very deep sleep, so I honestly can't relate to your problem.

However, what about just going for 3-4 days? After that you could go home and relax. Or is there a hotel nearby? (Who cares if it's princessy. As long as you 2 are happy. My ex wouldn't go shooting with me, so we simply compromised... And no, the relationship didn't end because of her not wanting to go shooting.)

As for the Caribbean trip. Well, he does something nice for you, you do something nice in return...? However, if you just end up being really grouchy that would probably ruin the camping trip as well.

TondelayaDellaVentamiglia · 31/05/2016 18:11

I don't go to three star hotels, there is not a chance in hell you'd get me in a tent

now that's princessy!

happypoobum · 31/05/2016 18:13

God no! All my childhood holidays were spent camping, and even as a child I absolutely bloody hated it.

No way on earth would I go of my own free will.

Either let them go without you or book the hotel or caravan if you feel really guilty about not going.

Windsofwinter · 31/05/2016 18:14

Just booked a little weekend away camping after reading this! Love camping, will be first time for the DCs though

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