CAMPING IN THE USA
BY CLAY LARROY
Regardless
of whether you are
traveling to a nearby location for the weekend or taking a week-long
destination vacation, you are always going to benefit from some tips and ideas
on how to make the whole process, more fun and less stressful. Take time each
day to alleviate stress while traveling or
vacationing and you will thank yourself for it when you get back home. With all
the chaos, jet-lag, partying and other excitement of travel comes a whole lot
of stress on your mind and body. By the time most vacations are over, another
one is needed to recover so taking a few minutes each day to rejuvenate will
make it easier for you to resume your normal life when it's all over. When you want to
plan a vacation contact me!
Packing
Smart
The
beauty of a camping trek is that you only need a sleeping bag, your clothes,
and personal items - and a lot of positive energy! Pack light and check with
your agent to see if there are any trip-specific luggage guidelines; if you are
staying at a hotel on either end of the trip, you may be able to arrange
storage for additional luggage.
Here
are some general packing suggestions and ideas, but always ask for a
trip-specific checklist before you go:
- First,
talk to your agent to get the latest airline regulations for carry-on
items if you are flying, and pack accordingly
- If
you don’t already own any, consider buying clothing for the trip that
blocks sun and bugs, dries easily, wicks away moisture, and is breathable
- ask someone at your local outdoors shop for shopping advice
- Dress
casually and comfortably, packing clothes that layer well for unexpected
temperature changes; note that you will probably have access to washing
machines at some point during the trip
- Hiking
shoes or boots, secure and comfortable walking shoes, and waterproof
sandals (you may also want a pair of easy-on/off flip flops)
- Hat,
scarf, and weather-proof gloves
- Swimwear,
sunscreen, and sunglasses
- Camera,
film, and binoculars
- Alarm
clock, watch, any power adapters you need (although your access to
electricity may be limited), and a small torch flashlight
- Insect
repellent that’s 20% DEET or more
- Temperature
appropriate sleeping bag and travel pillow
- Towel,
face cloth, toiletries, and medicines
- A
way to carry important documents and cash that you do not want to leave at
your campsite
First-Timer
Fun
You may
be pleasantly surprised to find how easy and relaxing it is to sleep in the
great outdoors. Professional companies provide high-quality, heavy-duty tents,
which really make a difference in your comfort level. If you are on a group
trip with travelers you don’t know, you may be paired up with a few others of
the same sex. Besides the sleeping bag you bring, your trekking company may
also provide a thermal sleeping mat. If you really want more comfort, inquire
about an inflatable mattress. Also note that some companies may take you to
permanent campsites, where you’ll have access to primitive cabins or tent
cabins.
Trips
can use both National and State park campsites and private campgrounds.
Depending on the destinations and activities you choose, you may have hot
showers and modern plumbing, and some sites even have swimming pools, bars, and
laundry facilities on site. Rustic campgrounds do an authentic job of
highlighting an area’s natural beauty and can be just as enjoyable. A good
company will keep rough circumstances to a minimum to ensure that you
absolutely love your trip. But also remember that if you choose to travel to
some of the wildest or most remote natural attractions, you may want to prepare
yourself for a fun but primitive experience.
Don’t
worry! Anyone - at any fitness level - can enjoy an outdoor trip. Many
activities are optional, and you have complete freedom choose to participate or
explore and relax on your own. Most parks offer a variety of hiking trails for
all levels, and many other activities do not require previous experience and
are not fitness-related at all. Just make sure you tell your agent or the
camping company about special health concerns in advance.
Budget another $25 per day, at least, for
miscellaneous costs. You may not have access to an ATM, so bring the amount of
cash you’re comfortable carrying, along with traveler’s checks for the rest.
You may also be asked to put a small amount of money toward a food budget for
the group.
Also
consider tipping your guide, who will work very hard on your behalf throughout
the trip - $3 per person, per day is a good guideline.
Because of the nature of this kind of travel,
you may also be required to purchase a special insurance policy that includes
medical evacuation. Policies like this are not ways for travel companies to
make extra money - they are usually affordable and in your best interest, as
most standard health care plans do not cover many kinds of medical emergencies
on the road.
Talk to your agent about any flight
arrangements you need to make, if air tickets are not part of your package. Be
sure to plan your flights so you have more than enough time to adjust to
traveling and meet your guides. If you miss a departure, you will probably be
responsible for additional expenses. Likewise, your agent will arrange any
additional hotel stays that you need, or, if you are traveling alone, you may
be able to share a room with another member of your group if you ask.
And
if you can swing it... this might be the perfect time to tack on a weekend trip
to a new or favorite city - it won’t hurt to see what your options are.
Breathe
Easy
Once
everything is set, you can relax and look forward to your journey. Just
remember the importance of traveling responsibly - not only for your own
safety, but also to protect the environment and natural resources you’ve come
to see. Producing minimal trash, putting litter where it belongs, following
your guide’s instructions, and drinking in moderation are all behaviors that
show your respect for fellow travels and the fragile ecosystem you occupy. It
won’t be too difficult to understand how important this is once you are
surrounding by the best of America - one of the most unique and remarkable
landscapes in the world.
Once
you’ve completed your trip, you might find yourself wanting to make plans for
another. It would take a lifetime to see even most of the country, but you can
experience more of it, and its best attractions, with the help of an
experienced outfitter and travel agent who will work together to make your
camping vacation one of the best of your life.
REFERENCE SITES:
http://www.travelresearchonline.com/
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