Shopping for a mattress can be daunting as there are many choices out there and of course each manufacturer will say that they have the ultimate solution and every traveler will convince you that his choice is the best, but what is your choice?

Our first trips we did with a big bulky foam mattress with a fully packed classic Range Rover, because that is what we could afford in those days.  Over the years things have changed, although we still travel with a Land Rover, and we have switched to an air mattress that is still giving us good service after 20 years and many kilometers in rough conditions on the African continent.

However, there are a couple of considerations when making your pick (that excludes you if you have a rooftop tent, because normally they come standard equipped with a certain type mattress).

How much space do you have?

Are you willing and able to inflate your air mattress?

What happens if your air mattress gets a thorn puncture?

Insulation?

Space

What is important to you?  Are you going to give up something else for your preferred choice or are you going to bear it for two weeks with a bit of discomfort and extra effort?  In our setup, space is of importance, so we go with the inflatable version. 

Method of inflation

On a hot summers day when setting up camp are you able and willing to operate a manual hand pump and become sweaty in your workout?  On the flipside of the coin – if you go for the foam mattress option are you comfortable to sleep on a foam mattress in sweltering summer night conditions? 

Plan B

Plan B includes what is your next option if you go with an air mattress and it gets a puncture?  Believe me I can vouch that Namibian soil, without a mattress, does not promote a good night’s sleep.  You will realises the next morning that you have more bones in your body than you can remember!  We carry a simple repair kit and patches for this purpose, although since carrying it on each and every trip we never needed it once.

Insulation

Be aware that during cold nights your air mattress might not be as comfortable as it feels as if deflates a bit.  To combat this we “over inflate” it when putting up camp in the late afternoon.  We found that the cold is mostly coming from the ground.   We also have a plan for this.  We use a thin foam-like sheet under the mattress to keep out the cold.  (We call her the Korean tannie, but we will introduce her on another day). 

Save up and buy the best mattress you can afford.  For us it makes a world of a difference when on a camping trip where several things can go wrong in one day to enjoy a restful night.  Your normal pillow, sheets and a duvet can go a long, long way to ensure a good rest and be invigorated to face the challenges of the next day. 

Good night, sleep tight.

—oOo—

For more camping decisions read the blog on Which One? Rooftop versus ground tent

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1.  Setting up a budget

For me this is the number one in the planning process.   This normally determines where I can go in the world, what to do, what to see, etcetera. For me as a South African certain countries are just too expensive to visit due to the FX rates and travel times, visas, etcetera.  Setting the budget eliminates those countries immediately, although it is on my wish list and I religiously check them out every single time in the hope that something changed from the previous planning session.

2.  Sign up for e-mails

I know singing up for e-mails can be annoying, but by doing this you are notified of limited seat offers on specific days, flash sales and the likes.   This really can save you a couple of bucks if you can fit your plans to that.  Just think what  you can do with that extra money on your trip ….

3.  Join rewards programs

In joining your favourite airline’s rewards program you can earn travel miles every time that you fly with them.  By accumulating miles every time you fly you can save on your next trip by using the miles when booking a ticket.  In the past this has bought me a ticket or two already.

4.  Be flexible

During all our travel planning and scouting for some bargains on airfare I  found that midweek fares are normally much cheaper than Friday and Sunday flights.  This obviously only comes in handy when you are flexible with your travel dates, but what you can save on airfare you can add onto your spending money – think about that.

5. Check multiple sites

Make sure you search multiple sites to get the best travel deals on accommodation.  I normally scout on Booking.com, but routinely check out AirBnB and Tripadvisor to get some real comments from travellers.

6. Plan your activities

Remember that in some parts of the world museums and tourist attractions close totally or have limited access hours during winter or the rainy season.  Sometimes discounted entrance fees are applicable in the non-tourist season and for a late afternoon entry.  Determine what you want to see and how you are going to spend your time abroad in the planning stages already.

7. Pack light

Staying within the weight restrictions means you do not have to pay for excess charges.  It is anyway easier to move on public transport if you limit your luggage that you can carry yourself.

8. Stay for free

There are various organizations/websites which you can peruse for alternative methods of accommodation if you do not mind being social and sharing accommodation.  This is however not for me, but it works well.  Have a look at Couch Surfing and WWOOF’s websites to investigate the possibilities.

9. Share costs
   

On Facebook you will find various groups to join where you can ask/request to share a ride and costs in a specific area to some tourist attractions and destinations.  You need to have a social and likeable demeanour to use this method of transport as not to spoil your travel companions’ holiday.  Check out the possibilities.

10. Eat local

Do not dine out every night or for example buy McDonalds when you are in Vietnam.   Buy some local street food or prepare it yourself where possible.  For me this is part of the total holiday experience to visit the local market or supermarket to find some local food.  Unless you have money to burn, dine out every night.  In Zanzibar we went local and found some interesting dishes on a well-read menu!

Oh, how I love it when the planning comes together!  

Travel is the only thing that you can spend money on that will make you richer

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