On days off, many people choose to go on picnics to relieve stress and fatigue. So, what do these picnics require?
1. Essentials for a Picnic
Preparing for a trip is crucial, and the same goes for a picnic. Having all the necessary items will ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Camping Gear
Tent and Ground Mat: A tent is essential for camping, so choose one that suits the number of people going on the trip. Opt for something compact, lightweight, durable, and easy to transport, with a secure lock. If you don’t plan on staying overnight, a ground mat can provide shade during breaks.
Tent and Ground Mat
Sleeping Bag: To combat the chilly nights, bring a sleeping bag that is thick, waterproof, and provides ample warmth.
Sleeping Bag
Picnic Mat: Bring a mat that is just the right size for your group to sit on while eating and resting, and it can also double as a prop for some fun photos.
Picnic Mat
Camping Lamp: Besides providing light inside the tent, a camping lamp can also serve as a decorative piece, making your tent stand out.
Camping Lamp
Foldable Table and Chairs: If you prefer not to sit on the mat, bring foldable tables and chairs to save space during transportation.
Foldable Table and Chairs
Cooking Equipment
Camping Stove: Opt for a compact camping stove to easily carry and prepare delicious meals during your picnic. There are various options like alcohol or wood-burning stoves.
Camping Stove
Camping Cookware: Choose small to medium-sized cookware that is easy to pack and use for cooking during your trip.
Camping Cookware
Grill: No camping trip is complete without grilled food, so bring a grill to cook up some delicious treats.
Grill
Crockery and Cutlery: Invest in a compact set of plates, bowls, spoons, and chopsticks that are easy to carry and store.
Crockery and Cutlery
Knives: Bring knives for food preparation and other tasks like setting up the tent. Remember to wrap them securely to prevent injuries during transportation and setup.
Knives
Other Essentials
First Aid Kit and Ointments: Camping sites often have insects, and minor scrapes can occur during activities, so bring a first aid kit and ointments for timely treatment.
First Aid Kit and Ointments
Outdoor Clothing: Pack comfortable, breathable, and lightweight clothes for ease of movement during your trip.
Outdoor Clothing
Personal Hygiene Items: If you plan to stay overnight, don’t forget to bring personal hygiene items like a toothbrush and toothpaste.
Personal Hygiene Items
Flashlight: A small, handheld flashlight or one that can be attached to your keychain will come in handy for navigating in the dark or during unexpected power outages.
Flashlight
2. Suitable Foods for a Picnic
Sandwiches: Easy to prepare and carry, sandwiches are a great option for picnics. You can make various sandwiches with different fillings to cater to everyone’s tastes.
Sandwiches
Hamburgers: Another quick and easy option, hamburgers are nutritious and will be a hit with both kids and adults.
Hamburgers
Kimbap: If you’re looking for something more filling, kimbap is a great choice. It’s simple to make, easy to carry, and can be stored for a while, making it perfect for picnics and camping trips.
Kimbap
Grilled Meat Skewers: No picnic is complete without some grilled meat skewers. You can also add vegetables between the meat layers to prevent greasiness. Marinate the meat beforehand, and grill it at the picnic site for the best flavor.
Grilled Meat Skewers
Salad: Include a nutritious and easy-to-make salad in your picnic menu to ensure you get your daily dose of veggies and prevent monotony from eating only grilled foods.
Salad
Spring Rolls: Spring rolls are a familiar and beloved dish in Vietnam. They are perfect for picnics as they are easy to prepare and can be eaten with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.
Spring Rolls
Grilled Fish: If your camping site offers fishing, you can try your hand at catching and grilling your own fish.
Grilled Fish
3. Tips for a Wonderful Picnic
Tips for a Wonderful Picnic
Choose a Safe Camping Site: Opt for a clean and secure location. If you’re camping with children, stay away from rivers, streams, ponds, dense forests, and isolated areas.
Determine the Camping Duration: Most families and friends go camping on weekends. To avoid crowds and traffic, consider arriving at the campsite on Friday night, giving you ample time to set up and relax.
Inspect Camping Equipment: Carefully check all camping gear before your trip. Create a checklist to ensure you don’t forget anything, and test the equipment to identify any issues that need addressing.
Plan Activities: To make your picnic more enjoyable, plan fun activities like sightseeing, sports, or mountain climbing, depending on your group’s interests.
Plan Activities
Plan Meals: Bring just enough food to avoid waste, and pre-prepare ingredients to save time. Consider choosing a campsite that provides cooking equipment rentals to reduce the amount of gear you need to carry.
Don’t Litter: Lastly, leave the campsite as clean as you found it. Collect all your trash and dispose of it properly to show respect for the environment and local community.
These are the essentials for a comfortable and enjoyable picnic. We hope this guide proves useful, and we wish you a wonderful time on your next outdoor adventure!
