Four simple ways to cut the cost of your family camping trip this summer
SUN SAVERS Four simple ways to cut the cost of your family camping trip this summer
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CAMPING is a great way to get away on the cheap.
But camping gear, driving long distances and paying campsite fees can still soon add up.
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Pitch up for less with these simple tips.
RENT A TENT: If it is your first time camping, ask friends if they have any equipment lying unused in their garage.
If they can't help, you could rent instead of buy.
Fat Llama has gear including tents and tables, while tent2hire.co.uk and ibexcamping.co.uk ship all over the UK.
If you want to buy, go second-hand from a site like eBay.
STUDY SITES: Campsites can vary in price, so do your research to find more affordable options.
There are plenty of free campsites, but make sure they are suitable for your needs.
Websites like pitchup.com and ukcampsite.co.uk let you filter by price.
You can also join The Greener Camping Club for eco-friendly pitches in some stunning spots.
UK's Premier Scottish Caravan Site: Camping & Glamping Gold Standard
DRIVE DOWN COSTS: Transport costs can make a dent in your holiday budget, especially if you choose a campsite hundreds of miles away from home.
To save on fuel, use the website petrolprices.com, which compares fuel prices across the UK.
Avoid expensive motorway stop-offs and look for cheaper alternatives at justoffjunction.co.uk.
You could even share a car with friends to cut your travel costs in half.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Cook and freeze a meal before you leave home, then put this in a cool box with your other cooled foods and ice packs.
It will help to keep your other fresh food cool and you'll save on an expensive takeaway or meal out.
A cooler that plugs into the car socket can be a big help to keep essentials cold — just be careful not to drain the car battery.
Take easy foods like dried instant pasta meals, noodles, pouches of rice and tins.
All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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We have four savvy tips to cut the cost of your family camping trip this summer
DEAL OF THE DAY
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This cosmetic organiser display box from Debenhams is down to £17.50
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KEEP your lotions and potions clean and tidy in this cosmetic organiser display box from debenhams.com, down from £69 to £17.50.
SAVE: £51.50
CHEAP TREAT
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Get six lollies for a penny with a Bonus Card tomorrow at Iceland and The Food Warehouse
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SNAG six lollies for a penny with a Bonus Card tomorrow at Iceland and The Food Warehouse.
The first 10,000 people to bag the selected ice lollies, normally £1.35, get the one-day, 1p deal.
SAVE: £1.34
Charming choice
NOT to be outdone by the most stylish fashion houses, Lidl has launched its own bag charms.
For the chance to win one, search for the compe-tition at lidl.co.uk.
TOP SWAP
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The White Company Flowers large candle is £65
Credit: Supplied
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But this flat ribbed Floral Blanc hurricane candle is just £9.99 from Aldi
Credit: Supplied
IF you love The White Company Flowers large candle, £65, you could try the cheaper flat ribbed Floral Blanc hurricane candle from Aldi, £9.99.
SAVE: £55.01
Little helper
SAVE 20 per cent on many outdoor lines at B&Q including some barbecues.
The Tehama black charcoal BBQ, which cooks for up to ten people, so is perfect for parties, is now down from £125 to £100.
Shop & save
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PICK up a pack of four British steak burgers from Sainsbury's for £3.50 with a Nectar card, instead of paying the usual £7.
SAVE: £3.50
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