Derived from the word bivouac, bivvying is spending time outdoors without a tent. In other words, it is camping in a minimalistic style with minimal gear. Bivvying lets you be one with nature – its sights and sounds – by reducing the gap between you and the wilderness.

With the sounds of crickets to keep you company, an ocean of twinkling stars above as your night lamp, and the lap of nature as your Queen size bed; bivvying is an experience one should go through – at least once in their lifetime. Here are a few pointers that can elevate your bivvying experience to the max.

Invest in a Good-Quality Bivouac Bag

A bivvy bag is the most important gear you’ll carry in your bivvying trip. So, it’s a wise idea to put some thought into choosing a good quality bivouac bag. Read multiple reviews and specifications before finalizing that bag. The reviews will help you choose the best one.

Follow the Etiquettes

Stay low. Bivvying is about making your presence unfelt. Wear the right kind of clothes. If you’re bivvying close to home, avoid carrying food. Stay away from people’s tracks and avoid peeing on the paths frequented by them. Use an Ordnance Survey map to find the right spot. Using the map on your phone is probably not a great idea.

Go Solo or Take Someone With You

There is no hard and fast rule to bivvy. You can go solo, take your kid along, or even a friend with you. It ultimately boils down to your expectation from the experience. If you want to experience unfiltered peace, perhaps going solo is the best way to go about it. But, if you are bivvying for the first time, you might be tempted to take someone with you for safety until you find the courage to go bivvying solo. In the end, the choice is always yours.

2020 hasn’t been the finest of years, and you’re probably longing for a getaway trip with your family. Even though conventional air travel is still restricted and is widely discouraged, there are still ways to change up the scenery and do something fun with your loved ones. How about a road trip! These five ideas are all 2020-approved, so you can give them a chance without worrying about irresponsible travel.

1. Visit a Theme Park

Nothing says Christmas like going to a theme park and taking in all that festive energy. However, given the situation, it’s possible that many theme parks will be closed or work at limited capacity (like Walt Disney World in Florida) to ensure visitors’ safety and health. So, if that’s something you’d like to try, you need to plan in advance and book your tickets.

2. Get Off the Beaten Track

Some of the best trips are spontaneous, so why not make yours as remote as possible? Hop in the car, grab a map, pick a destination that is under the radar and not as touristy, and get driving! This type of road trip is not only safe for your family but also a responsible way to travel during a global pandemic.

3. Explore the Area Outside of Town

Living in a big city can often make you forget about the beauty outside of its borders. Why not go exploring on a road trip right outside of the city? For example, if you live in the Washington, DC area, you can take the three-hour drive to Chesapeake Bay and enjoy the beauty of the seemingly endless shoreline. Or, if you live in Chicago, you’ll love the hour-drive to Lake Forest, IL. There’s so much to see!

4. Combine Road Tripping With Hiking

Staying active is always a good idea and if the weather and your gear allow it, combining a road trip with hitting a trail is simply the best of both worlds. Make sure you have the necessary outdoor gear and hit the road!

5. The Ultimate Road Trip Experience: Rent a Camper

A road trip that involves a camper and a family is probably as 2020-approved as it can get. Plan to take more time off and if your kids are old enough, ask them to join in creating the itinerary. It will be a fun experience on and off the road! Plus, you won’t have to worry about accommodation, and you will have a place to cook your meals. A win-win!