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Is sleeping in a tent roughing it, or should one go out into the wild with only a sleeping bag to qualify as sleeping "rough?" It really depends upon where you are going and upon your own perception of the term.

As a lad I was part of a youth group in the UK that use to trek across the mountains of Wales (UK) every Easter. Easter is a time of unsettled weather. It can, and usually did, snow and rain. In a two-man tent with your colleague, with snow melting throw the so-called waterproof tent material, or with lakes of water collecting beneath your sleeping bags, I considered we were roughing it.

Others may consider that experience to be a "soft" option. I would agree, in the right country with the weather conditions favourable, sleeping under the stars is preferable. Take Spain for example. If you are sleeping rough on a summer's night close to the Mediterranean, there is nothing more satisfying. The warm sea breeze, clear starlit skies and gentle sound of nature provide an unbeatable backdrop for sleep.

Fortunately, I am a little away from the days of sleeping "rough" now.

Learn more about this author, Paul Lines.
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