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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to shut down the idea of a camping holiday?

92 replies

SayNoToCamping · 03/08/2023 14:38

A friend wants to go away with me on a U.K break. I'm more than happy to go alone but I don't mind going as a pair. The trouble is that she'll only ever sleep under canvas on holiday and I'd sooner be flayed alive. She's already looking at camping grounds and I said I'll be in a hotel/BnB but She still keeps sending me details of camping grounds. AIBU to say that I won't be going at all if it involves camping.

I've no intention of stopping her from camping, we could meet up but I camped once and despised it and have vowed never again so I'm certainly not doing it for a second time.

AIBU to suggest that we just meet up during the day or go our separate ways?

OP posts:
Qwerty21 · 03/08/2023 14:41

You are so far from being unreasonable! Imo camping isn't a holiday. You're not stopping her from camping. You do you and let her crack on

CalistoNoSolo · 03/08/2023 14:41

Not in the slightest bit unreasonable. How bizarre that she only does camping holidays though.

Sigmama · 03/08/2023 14:42

How about glamping, you can sleep in a real bed in a yurt or something

Doingtheboxerbeat · 03/08/2023 14:43

That's a good compromise, although it might be awkward if it raining hard and you watch them toodle off to a drenched field while you go to your warm dry hotel room 😁.

Original poster
SayNoToCamping · 03/08/2023 14:43

Good idea but I don't do glamping either I'm afraid.

OP posts:
BarrelOfOtters · 03/08/2023 14:45

Doingtheboxerbeat · 03/08/2023 14:43

That's a good compromise, although it might be awkward if it raining hard and you watch them toodle off to a drenched field while you go to your warm dry hotel room 😁.

not that akward surely, she's made her (very hard, wet, possibly flooded) bed and should lie on it. You can retreat to your resident's only lounge.

Book somewhere nice for yourself that's near a campsite and send her a link.

NorthFaceofthelaundrypile · 03/08/2023 14:45

Look at the Ready Camps at Camping and caravanning sites.
They are the only way I’ll agree to camp.
But otherwise crack on with the B&B!

SummerHouse · 03/08/2023 14:45

Has she not got much money. Camping might be her only option? If it's not for you just be kind and clear now that you won't do it. YANBU though.

Sigmama · 03/08/2023 14:46

If you have never done glamping how do you know you'll hate it, how about a cabin type thing, look for some compromise.

MoonLion · 03/08/2023 14:47

YANBU at all. Camping isn't for everyone!

Original poster
SayNoToCamping · 03/08/2023 14:48

If you have never done glamping how do you know you'll hate it, how about a cabin type thing, look for some compromise.

Because it's still too close to camping for comfort and you're paying even more money for a shit experience. I insist upon solid walls and a real roof.

OP posts:
Doingtheboxerbeat · 03/08/2023 14:49

SummerHouse · 03/08/2023 14:45

Has she not got much money. Camping might be her only option? If it's not for you just be kind and clear now that you won't do it. YANBU though.

I thought this too, hence my comment about the discomfort of her going to a wet campsite if it's torrential rain.

KohlaParasaurus · 03/08/2023 14:49

You are absolutely not being unreasonable. If your friend wants to go with you on a trip that you'd be happy to go on alone, she has no business trying to push you into accepting a form of accommodation that you've stated clearly is not acceptable to you.

Original poster
SayNoToCamping · 03/08/2023 14:50

No she's quite comfortable financially. She's just a camping evangelist.

OP posts:
Sigmama · 03/08/2023 14:51

Some cabins are very luxurious

Nothingbuttheglory · 03/08/2023 14:51

I like camping, and I still think YANBU. Better to be clear early on!

Seasideanticscanleadtosandybuckets · 03/08/2023 14:53

What don't you like about camping? The right gear can make a big difference!

Original poster
SayNoToCamping · 03/08/2023 14:55

What don't you like about camping? The right gear can make a big difference!

Oh god. You sound just like her.

Everything. I hate absolutely everything about it. It's a form of torture in the guise of leisure imo.

OP posts:
Verv · 03/08/2023 15:01

You could hire a nice cabin with tv wifi power shower and appliances and she can pitch her tent in the grounds!
Thats what id do.

Cryingbutstilltrying · 03/08/2023 15:13

Just say no, very clearly, and that it is not up for negotiation.
I will never again go camping, glamping, caravanning or any trip where the accommodation is worse than I have at home.
You may need to be very blunt if she keeps on, but say a clear no every time it comes up.

NatMoz · 03/08/2023 15:16

SayNoToCamping · 03/08/2023 14:55

What don't you like about camping? The right gear can make a big difference!

Oh god. You sound just like her.

Everything. I hate absolutely everything about it. It's a form of torture in the guise of leisure imo.

I honestly laughed out loud at your comment to this🤣

From a lover of camping🙋

BHRK · 03/08/2023 15:18

Totally agree with you, camping is horrible! Just say to her straight “you want to clap and that’s fine but I’ll be in a hotel nearby. Really looking forward to it, what activities did you fancy during the day?”

whumpthereitis · 03/08/2023 15:21

You don’t actually have to do something to know you’ll hate it. I’ve never shot myself in the face, but I can reasonably assume that I’m not going to find it an enjoyable leisure activity.

YANBU OP, fuck that.

mistermagpie · 03/08/2023 15:22

Just say no. My husband is a camping fanatic, he's got a billion tents in our loft, he's a scout leader - you get it. We have never been camping, not once! It's just not for me, and never will be, I can't imagine anything worse and would frankly rather go to work than have that sort of holiday.

It's alright to go to a restaurant or a movie you're not that interested in, just to be nice, but not a holiday. Try and compromise (a caravan?) but I wouldn't agree to camp.

Coffeaddict · 03/08/2023 15:24

YANBU I love camping but have friends who think the whole idea is insanity. I booked a glamping site for my wedding but made sure there are nearby hotels for those not into it.

I wouldn't push it if someone didn't want to and would happily go for an air bnb or something