Camping is horrible, but worth it – any other trip will feel like the lap of luxury | Emma Wilkins

Setting up is a pain, packing up is even worse - while there are moments of exploration and relaxation to be found, you really have to earn them

Even if you're sure you'd hate camping, I recommend you try it at least once. Because after camping, you'll notice aspects of every other holiday will have elements of luxury, from packing and unpacking to showering and sleeping.

I can't remember my first camping trip. I grew up with a mother committed to ensuring her children saw as much of their home state as possible, even if this involved excessively long drives to the middle of nowhere. I was also a Brownie then a girl guide. I liked camping, I had friends who liked it, later I married a guy who liked it, and we had kids who did too.

Sign up for a weekly email featuring our best reads