I have however looked at things differently in the past year or so for various reasons: -
* Reports from the likes of buksida obviously!!
* Health and Age - I'm a long way from being the eldest on the Forum
, but age and fitness levels have an effect (and very quickly 
). Time to get out there again - and not work-wise!! * The usual holidays are far from cheap, "convenient" or "guaranteed" - in this I refer to extortionate hotel, flight and insurance prices, cancelled flights and/or accommodation at short notice, chaos at airports, rail or coach stations and their bloody strikes
etc., etc.* The love of the outdoors - I truly do love the countryside, though these days I'm restricted to very short walks. Just being there with the views and setting is the main thing though.
* Cost of Living - Well, this has hit us all to varying degrees, but I'm sure we all still want the usual getaway when possible.
* Then of course there's the LHG! She adores the countryside, wildlife, walking and unfortunately pushes for camping!!
I honestly looked at hiring or even at purchasing a Campervan at various stages of (prescribed) "medication" or alcohol consumption, but thankfully realised the true cost and difficulties of doing this in the UK and Europe before acting upon it!! Realistically in the UK IMHO, something like a Ford Transit is the biggest you'll get away with when travelling to the places we want to go to (small villages, "lost beaches", out of the way pubs, restaurants et al) which are invariably way down country lanes in the back of beyond. Even then, a Transit could be an expensive beast to convert to anything like a "Camper" and wouldn't have all "facilities" and where the hell would the bed go!!
The realisation that a shower is a no-no and a "Portable Potty" necessary is clear now... The "Portable Potty" plus separate "Tent" is actually bloody straight forward Anywho, one very clear moment made me look into the whole camping thing differently - and believe it or not this was in a Tesco (UK Supermarket) Carpark of all places!! There was an SUV parked in front of me with a "unit" (for wont of a better word) on the roof rack, clearly displaying/advertising "TentBox". It got my attention and I did a quick search on the Internet when I arrived back home. Make your own mind up, but to be honest, I think it's a cracking idea
And no, I am not associated with the name or the company - it's simply providing some info. If you want to look into things further, go to www.tentbox.comYou don't need a huge campervan, but even a smaller SUV to store the "Camping Kit" (and of course the "Portable Potty") will do. I've been in contact with them and they've given tips and great information to use the LHG's Audi Q3. Personally, I'm looking into this in a big way especially as we can realistically use an existing vehicle rather than forking out on rentals etc.
Of course it doesn't help us when we're travelling to the likes of Thailand or hopefully Japan in the future, but perhaps this or something similar would be worth looking into for you guys in HH, Thailand or otherwise? Is there anything like it available in Thailand?
I guess for the majority visiting Thailand, accommodation is cheap and interest in camping is low on the list, but this may be of interest to those members in Europe(?).
Regardless of the above, it truly would be interesting to read "stories", reports, gain info and/or tips with regards to camping in Thailand, Asia or elsewhere!!
