How to be a picnic pro: Simple hacks to enjoy your outdoor experience
When was the last fourth dimension y'all had a picnic? Yep, nosotros know, it can sometimes be a hassle – finding the right spot, the heat, the possibility of existence attacked by ants or mozzies, packing up, the heat….
But at the aforementioned time, picnics are a corking fashion to relish the outdoors. Information technology'southward too cost-savvy and seems like a (relatively) safer way to dine out during the pandemic. Not to mention a good choice if yous've run out of interesting things to do while not able to go out the country.
READ: Weekend warriors, here are the best walking trails to explore in Singapore
Just there's no need to panic almost your picnic. Whether it's your first time or your final one wasn't quite what you wanted it to exist, hither's a quick guide on essential things to take, choosing the right spot and the best time to do then.
One more thing: All these will come up in handy if the weather's expert. We're sure we don't demand to tell you to pack an umbrella or two, in instance it rains. Or maybe reschedule.
WHAT TO BRING
ane. Waterproof mat
The mat is king. It's going to determine if you lot take a great time or a difficult time. Instead of getting a thin plastic mat that tears easily, invest a piddling in a waterproof mat. It'll come in handy when the grass is damp – the last thing yous want is to end upwards dirtying your pants. A thicker mat also ensures more cushion and then y'all don't feel the rough bumps on the ground.
Planning a picnic by the beach? Endeavour using former bedsheets and belongings the edges up with bags. We all know how gross it is to get sand in your nutrient and on your mat, so the edges of the bedsheet provide a shield that prevents sand from inbound. Trouble solved.
You don't take to splurge on an expensive mat. Decathlon offers a 140cm x 170cm waterproof mat that fits two people comfortably for only S$12.
READ: From 'devastated' land to many long trails: Singapore's path to condign a hiker's paradise
2. Inflatable pillow
One of the biggest advantages of a picnic is beingness able to chill and relax subsequently a meal instead of having to rush off to give upwardly your seats. It may seem a little extra but you won't regret bringing your inflatable pillow if you're having an evening picnic and intend to stargaze, because why not?
The pillow doesn't accept up much space in your bag and it levels upward the comfort you'll get. Yous tin can get an inflatable pillow on Shopee for just over a dollar or grab this at Decathlon along with your mat for an affordable S$seven.
iii. Portable lamp
Speaking of evening picnics, it can go a little challenging when the sun sets and you find yourself fumbling with your phone torchlight while trying to open a bag of chips.
Save yourself some trouble and get a portable lite that only costs S$2 at Daiso. Having lights can too help you spot every picnicker'due south nemeses: Insects. Imagine having a romantic evening and of a sudden feel something crawling upwardly your leg. Yikes!
READ: The bad-mannered adventures of a Singaporean urbanite in a city in nature
iv. Homemade insect spray
And aye, more than insect-related stuff. Probably one of the master reasons why (fussy?) urbanites avoid having a picnic. Unless you're an entomologist, yous'll be less than thrilled to accept creepy crawlies crashing your party. Here's a piddling insect repellent solution you can make at habitation to go along the bugs away.
- You'll need h2o, peppermint essential oil and a spray bottle.
- Fill two-thirds of the spray canteen with h2o and add 12-15 drops of peppermint essential oil.
- Milk shake it then spray it around the mat. For maximum effectiveness, spray information technology 30 minutes before the picnic.
If you do not have any of these at dwelling or if you want to double up the protection, a trusty musquito ringlet or citronella candle will do the chore.
5. Cupcake liners to protects drinks
Who knew that cupcake liners could be useful? Simply place them over your open up cups and information technology prevents bugs from crawling into your drinks. Now you don't take to go on your optics on the drinks all the fourth dimension and savor the beautiful scenery instead. Cheers to multipurpose products!
six. Frozen bottles of water
Ice ever comes in handy. However, if you don't want to lug a handbag to your picnic spot, freeze your plastic water bottles the night before. These will serve every bit coolers for your drinks and common cold food. But place them amongst your salads and sodas, and let them piece of work their magic. Yous can also bask ice-cold water when it melts.
seven. Portable cooling fan
Ah, Singapore's hot atmospheric condition. An outdoor picnic equals no air conditioning, which ways you'll almost likely be sweating. It sounds troublesome to bring a fan but this is another thing yous won't regret when you lot're under the scorching dominicus.
Remember the frozen bottles of water? You tin also place them in front end of your portable fan for a scrap of cool air.
READ: Going wild virtually nature: Long walks effectually Singapore an alternative to overseas travel
vii. Crunchy salad
We don't commonly become to consume our food immediately afterward making information technology when we keep picnics. Soggy salad isn't the worst but it isn't great either. Here'southward a simple hack to keep your fresh greens crunchy: Pack these in private cups instead of throwing them all into a big lunchbox. Put the dressing at the lesser, then the salad, followed past the toppings. Once you're ready to eat, mix it all up, and voila!
8. Bring! Moisture! Wipes!
Do nosotros really need to explain this? When you lot're in the middle of the park or beach, yous'll be besides lazy to make your way to the toilet five minutes abroad just to launder your hands. Wet wipes will be your lifesaver in many situations and you'll probably wish you brought more.
READ: Upwards Your Aisle: Punggol'south gleaming waterfront living steeped in rustic charm
WHERE TO PICNIC – OR NOT
Now that we're washed packing all the essentials, the next question is: Where? Or perchance, more than appropriately, wherenot to picnic.
Firstly, stay away from the garbage area. For obvious reasons. Ponds and puddles are likewise a no-go. Brackish water areas are commonly mosquito-infested. Keep an middle out for emmet nests likewise.
If you plan to picnic at the beach, don't forget your sunscreen and umbrella. You can use it to shield your food from the sun and sand. Instead of packing nutrient that will exist left open and exposed for a long period, try to pack food that is easy and quick to swallow such as sandwiches, so they won't be actress crunchy with sand.
READ: Up Your Alley: Yishun, the heartland haven with heart
Best TIME TO PICNIC
This ane is completely up to you but we all know that it gets crazy hot on this sunny isle from noon till 4pm. That means it's best to hitting the outdoors in the morning or evening.
Where you cull your picnic spots also highly depends on the time you are going. If you are going on a twenty-four hours where it's going to be sunny, pick a shady area with copse. If you're going at night then pick a spot where you'll be able to stargaze without anything blocking your view.
It may seem like there's a lot of things to accept note of, but yous want to make the best out of your experience and a little preparation won't hurt. Enjoy!
Source: https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/entertainment/picnic-essentials-hacks-singapore-270091
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