Why Camping Might Just Be The Perfect Pandemic Honeymoon

Unfortunate as it is, the fact remains that we're still dealing with this pandemic, and it's unclear when it will be over. But couples everywhere are finding creative ways to say there "I do"s while complying with health and safety regulations. But for many people, it's less about the party and more about the after-party. So in a global pandemic, what happens to that sweet sweet honeymoon? Well...

With destination weddings postponed until further notice, international travel now greatly restricted for US citizens, and airports across the country being turned into veritable ghost towns where does that leave the newlyweds with a thirst for a couples-only adventure? Well, we think we've found the perfect solution: camping.

Hear us out! We know that camping isn't exactly a go-to for everyone — especially for first-timers. Unless you grew up with it, a lot of people simply don't consider it a viable option. It takes a good amount of supplies, effort, and preparation to lay the foundation for an amazing camping trip, but in an era where open-air recreation is the go-to and enclosed travel isn't exactly the safest option camping is actually kind of perfect. Will there be bugs? Yes. Will your blankets smell like campfire for weeks? Yes. Will you still have the time of your life? Yes!

Maybe you don't consider yourself outdoorsy, you've never done it before, or you can't imagine sleeping on the ground (we'll get to that)... But let's step away from all the cons and talk about some pros. Chances are, you might not have yet considered all of the amazing things that come along with a gorgeous camping trip with the one-and-only love of your life! So allow us to enlighten you.

Unbeatable Scenery

Nature is amazing! Seriously, do you need to see anything else?

Really though, no matter where you are in the country, chances are you are less than an hour's drive away from something magnificent that our earth just created. No architecture, no planning, just sheer natural creation! How amazing is that? From Red Rock Canyon in the Southwest to the Appalachian trail in the Northeast, there is something for everybody. If you had previously pictured your honeymoon on the white sandy shores of some far off island, maybe it's time to take a step back and look at your own backyard. You may be surprised by what you'll find.

Five-Star Dining

Hot dogs and hamburgers are out, and cedar plank salmon is in! We love some good, old-fashioned BBQ but if you're a foodie who was looking forward to experiencing some gastronomic delicacies in a far-off cafe on their honeymoon, then we have some good news for you: camping food can be just, if not more, amazing as a five-star restaurant! And, even better, you get to have fun making it, too.

Packing for a camping trip can take a good amount of prep, but it will save you time and a half once you're out there in the wilderness. If you love a good hot dog and can't help but picture yourself raising a weenie over an open fire, live your best life! But if you're looking for something a little more gourmet than look no further. You can toss together a delicious broccoli salad in your kitchen and pack it away in the cooler for later! And, as for the main dish, have you ever tried cooking ribs in the embers of last night's campfire? Um, let us tell you, they are absolutely incomparable to any other ribs you could cook at home! We could go on about all the amazing campfire recipes that you can throw together with little more than some tin foil and a cast-iron skillet, but let's get back to business — we're talking honeymoons.

Just don't forget the most important part... dessert!

Unplugged and Unburdened

When was the last time you and your SO were honest-to-goodness alone? Completely cut off from your Facebook friends or Instagram followers or the ever-present Zoom hangouts? To be fair, we're all a little more isolated than usual these days, but that seems to just mean more screen-time, text messages, and neverending video calls. So what if there was a place you could go to be completely unplugged from all that and just focus on your love? Camping, once again, is the perfect solution!

Camping as a honeymoon will undoubtedly bring you and your new SO even closer together than ever before because for once it's just your, your love, and all the beautiful wilderness around you! So whether you're swapping stories by the campfire or strolling along listening to a babbling brook, you're sure to have all the alone time you want.

The Best Recreational Activities

If you were planning on living it up with all the honeymoon activities (whether it be museum-hopping or sailing), then camping has your back there, too. Of course, hiking and nature walks are a given but you may be surprised just how many unique recreational options camping can offer!

Many campsites offer additional recreational activities such as volleyball courts or even raft, canoe, or kayak rentals for the water-bound adventurers! For the leisurely types, there are sure to be some outdoor farmer's markets or maybe even wineries to help get your relaxation on. And, if you really want to feel like a royal, you may even be able to get some horseback riding in your undoubtedly busy activities list! No matter what you're into, there's something for you.

Bang for Your Buck

So, it should come as no surprise that renting a campsite is a lot cheaper than the average night at a fancy hotel or even a particularly nice AirBnB. But even we'll admit that it takes a little more equipment and elbow grease. Don't let that deter you though! Most tents are fairly simple to put together these days — you can even buy pop-ups one if you're really against the setup. And once you have the camping equipment you can keep it tucked away for a quick and cheap weekend getaway whenever you need!

That said if you're not interested in buying a bunch of camping equipment for your honeymoon, you still have some great options. For one thing, there are plenty of great places where you can just rent camping equipment for a set period of time. Or, you could always try Tentrr for a gorgeous glamping experience that requires basically no setup or equipment on your end

Oh, and did we mention the S'mores?

Need we say more?