Budget-Friendly Vacation

Influencer and savvy saver Therese Hagman shares her tips for a budget-friendly vacation. She debunks the myth that “camping is a hassle” and has, in fact, spent many nights in a tent with her family over the years.

Camping vacation

There’s something especially wonderful about vacation time—and maybe a little flutter of excitement in the stomachs of both young and old. Why not give camping a try in Leksand? The options are endless, and you can choose anything from the simplicity of renting a cabin, hooking up your RV, or packing the car full for a wonderful week in a tent. What would you choose? Super saver and influencer “handla_och_lev_ekonomiskt” debunks the myths about camping life.

Camping—how hard can it be?

Shall we debunk the myth that camping is a hassle? Today’s tents aren’t like the ones from the ’70s, made of fabric that could barely withstand a rain shower—thankfully, most can now handle a proper storm. But of course, you hope for sunshine and summer warmth during your vacation weeks—if the rain does show up anyway, check out the list below to keep your camping trip dry.

Smart tips for camping

• A cabin heater or similar device to remove any moisture
• Picnic blankets (with plastic backing) to place under the air mattresses = protects against the cold
• Woolen underwear, warm socks, a hat, and a fleece blanket—perfect for a chilly night
• Car seat cushion = perfect for placing on a camping chair so the kids can sit "up"
• Prepare food at home and freeze it—it also works as ice packs when you leave
• A really good cooler bag to keep your food fresh even when it's 30 degrees outside
• Foldable items are great because they take up little space; examples include dishwashing tubs and trash cans
• Use your car as storage space – perfect for towels, shoes, and extra clothes
• Have a camping stove in your tent—perfect for boiling eggs, water, or pasta.

Try out the camping life

Camping at a campground and choosing a site with electricity is a great option if you want to “try out” the camping life without spending your entire vacation budget or if you’re unable to borrow a camper, for example. The sense of freedom that comes with being able to leave whenever you want, and the joy it brings the kids—watching them make new friends and live it up at the campground—is wonderful. All the unexpected encounters, the simplicity of socializing, as well as curling up with a book and enjoying that vacation feeling once darkness has fallen and the battery-powered lamp is lit.

“Second-hand first”

No matter how you choose to enjoy camping, my best tip is this: ask your friends and family if there’s anything you can borrow. There are also options for renting, such as a roof box on Blocket or a tent on Hygglo. Also, think “secondhand first” to keep costs down on the purchases you need to make. The secondhand market is overflowing with camping gear that’s in absolutely mint condition.

“We’ve been staying at Leksand Resort for the past five years. In addition to Leksand Summerland, there are plenty of activities for children in Leksand. I highly recommend it because the campground has its own pool (included in the price), a large, nice playground, a sandy beach, and other activities that are more than enough for younger children.”

Leksand Resort – the obvious choice

Since there are so many different service buildings, there’s always space to wash dishes and cook, and the lines for the restrooms are short. Perfect when you’re camping and using the facilities several times a day. The campground is large and has several different areas;Billy Bävers camping closest to Leksand Sommarland, while the blue area is closer to the reception and the restaurant. The campground offers a wide range of activities, such as mini-golf, a pool with a water slide, and a sandy beach, and there’s evening entertainment—the mini-disco is usually extra popular.

I recommend bringing bikes when you go on a camping vacation—Leksands Resort is huge. The kids often ride around the campground with friends they meet there; they love being outside and getting some exercise—it’s pure joy. Plus, Leksand is just a few kilometers away, and there are several great bike trails if you want to get out into nature, or maybe visit one of the many farm shops in Tällberg. Or if you’re staying far from the store, bike over and pick up fresh rolls for breakfast—it’s the little things in life that make things easier.

Glamping

If you don’t have your own tent, glamping is a great way to create a memorable vacation for the kids. You’ll have access to all the amenities and sleep in comfortable hotel beds. Glamping in Dalarna always offers spectacular natural scenery. At Leksand Resort, all the glamping tents overlook Lake Siljan.