| ext">When it comes to enjoying a vacation on a | | | | level is entirely up to you, and that is one thing |
| limited budget, it is difficult to beat the appeal of | | | | that makes camping so attractive to budget |
| the good old camping trip. After all, it costs next | | | | travelers and families alike. |
| to nothing to pitch your tent in the back country | | | | There is nothing quite like vacationing in the great |
| wilderness of your favorite state or national park. | | | | outdoors to get back in touch with nature. From |
| A week long camping trip can often cost less | | | | watching the wildlife to watching the stars, there |
| than a day or two in a big city or tourist hot spot, | | | | is plenty to do on the average camping trip. |
| while giving the entire family time to bond and | | | | Stargazing is particularly popular with city dwellers, |
| enjoy being together. | | | | who may never have seen the Milky Way in all its |
| As a matter of fact, camping is one of the most | | | | glory before. Getting away from the glare of city |
| popular family activities, and many families enjoy | | | | lights and see nature as it truly is. |
| camping together, sharing stories around a roaring | | | | We know that camping is one of the least |
| fire, roasting marshmallows, swimming, fishing and | | | | expensive of all vacations, but lets take a quick |
| all the other great things that come with a | | | | look at the expenses associated with this type of |
| camping trip. | | | | budget travel. The centerpiece of the camping |
| For many, camping brings back memories from | | | | trip, of course, is the tent. Unless you plan to |
| childhood, and many parents want to give their | | | | camp in an RV or rent a cabin, which is more |
| children a taste of what their own childhood was | | | | expensive, you will need a sturdy, high quality |
| like, back when things were so much simpler. | | | | tent. It is important that the tent be waterproof |
| Another great thing about camping is that once | | | | and that it close easily. Be sure the tent features |
| the initial expenses are paid, there is little in the | | | | a high quality zipper or other closure that is easy |
| way of ongoing expenses. Unlike a traditional | | | | for every member of the family to operate. Test |
| vacation, in which the money you spend on that | | | | the zipper several times, and be sure you know |
| great hotel is gone for good, with camping you | | | | how to set up the tent before you get to the |
| buy your hotel room (also known as your tent) | | | | woods. |
| outright, and you own it forever. | | | | Most campers will also want to invest in a few |
| After you have bought all the essential items, like | | | | high quality sleeping bags. It is a good idea to |
| the tent, a couple of good camping lanterns, a | | | | choose a sleeping bag that is insulated, and to pick |
| good camp stove, sleeping bags and the like, your | | | | one that will be good for several seasons. Many |
| only expenses may be the food for the trip and | | | | sleeping bags are designed with removable liners |
| the gas it takes to get there. | | | | and insulation. These are a good choice, since they |
| And camping provides plenty for all members of | | | | can be used in cold weather and warm. |
| the family to do. Dad may enjoy fishing in his | | | | It is also a good idea to buy a couple of camp |
| favorite spot, or boating around the lake, while | | | | lanterns. These portable lights are great for lighting |
| mom and the kids may enjoy a beautiful hike and | | | | your way around in the dark. A cooler for drinks |
| bird watching trip. There are even campgrounds | | | | and food is a good idea as well, as is a portable |
| that feature movies, swimming pools and other | | | | charcoal grill or camp stove. If you are camping at |
| amenities for those who prefer a level of | | | | a campground, however, you may be able to |
| comfort to their journey. | | | | leave the camp stove and grill at home, since |
| As a matter of fact, there are many ways to | | | | many campgrounds provide grills for their guests |
| camp, from rough camping in the back country to | | | | to use free of charge. |
| cabins at campgrounds to even RV camping. The | | | | |