ACCOMMODATIONS, ‘WHERE TO STAY?’

TIME TO GO CONDO, ‘UPGRADE YOURSELF BY VACATIONING IN A CONDO’

By Clay Larroy

We lead such busy lives working, going to school, taking children to different activities that often we do not stop and talk to our children. We usually do not have time to sit around the dinner table and ask our children what they did today. Family vacations are so important, as it gives us a way to connect with each other in a stress free relaxed environment. Families that take vacations together build memories that will last a lifetime. Family vacations and travel can be a most rewarding experience.  When you are ready to plan a vacation contact me!

While the standard length of stay at a vacation rental is typically a week, many resorts can accommodate shorter stays - if your time is limited, be sure to ask about other options. Families or travelers who require accessible accommodations for physical or health conditions can find even more reasons to consider a vacation rental, as many rentals are equipped with necessary facilities. Just let your travel agent know, and you can create the perfect vacation.

Enjoy more flexibility of gathering together with family and friends in one area, with the ability to retreat to a separate room for some alone time. Grab the blender and whip-up frozen drinks with friends... toss the swimsuits to rinse and dry after a day at the beach... quickly heat the baby’s formula in your microwave - travel can be easier than you think.

Every group struggles with what to do when someone gets bored, so having options is key to a successful vacation. Choose a rental that gives everyone the option to do what he or she enjoys most: Dad and the guys can watch the game in the living room after a round of golf, cartoons entertain the young ones in a bedroom, the girls lounge by the pool, and grandpa enjoys an afternoon snooze on the patio... all before you regroup for an evening cook-out, right outside your door.

No matter how many in your party, your agent can find you the perfect one-bedroom resort condo that sleeps four in Orlando, or a six-bedroom villa that accommodates 12 in Tuscany - and lots of distinctive options in between.

Whether you are traveling alone or with a group, one of the most difficult decisions could be to agree on a specific destination. Luckily, rentals are available throughout the U.S. and around the world, so you may have more options than you think. One way to narrow them down is to compile a list of your top dream vacations. Choosing a destination and an itinerary that really works for your or your group’s personality is also important. It’s easy to get overwhelmed at this stage, but it can help to decide if you’d prefer a tropical beach, remote city, or a place known for adventure travel.

Also consider if you want warm or cool weather, a distant land or someplace closer to home, a vibrant location with people to meet, or seclusion, where it will just be you and your companions.

Once you decide on a destination, the location of the condo or rental is an important consideration. Your travel consultant will work with you to identify your preferences regarding proximity to beaches, shopping and entertainment.

Speak with your travel consultant about all of your vacation ideas, and together, you will find the perfect place to visit, enjoy, and remember for a lifetime - with the comfort and value you cannot always find at a typical hotel.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

“Remember that happiness is a way of travel – not a destination.”

– Roy M. Goodman

                             Travel  and create wonderful memories for your family!

ACCOMMODATIONS, “WHERE TO STAY?”

TIME TO GO CONDO, “UPGRADE YOURSELF BY VACATIONING IN A CONDO”

By Clay Larroy

The preparation for a vacation is almost as exhilarating as the vacation itself. I love printing out the tickets and confirmations while thinking about how much fun I will have on vacation. I enjoy researching all the sights at the location I will see once I arrive at my destination. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Anyone looking for unique vacation accommodations, and especially those who want the space and comforts of home, should consider a vacation rental - lodging that moves beyond a crowded hotel room and provides options that range from a studio apartment to a resort condo, to single-family homes, villas, and cottages.

Since vacation rental opportunities exist all over the world, a good travel consultant can help you narrow down a destination, book everyone’s travel, and make sure you have little else to do but pack and relax. Most importantly, travel consultants have resources that identify reliable rental companies, protecting your vacation investment dollars (also note that the companies offered by travel consultants will not require you to attend ‘time share’ or investment opportunity seminars as a result of your vacation rental).

From studio apartments and resort condos to single-family homes, villas and cottages, there are a wide range of vacation accommodations. Imagine a fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, living room, dining area, and other great amenities. Many properties offer a private or communal pool, hot tub, on-site fitness center and nearby shopping. Tennis anyone? Golf? Need to take the children out? You can be sure to find something for everyone, which makes a vacation rental a great choice for family get-togethers, especially knowing you can add additional guests without paying extra.

Many vacation rentals include:

- Spacious condos, villas and homes

- Amenities such as refrigerators for snacks/beverages

- In-unit laundry facilities, just in case!

- Swimming pools and hot tubs

- Children’s activities, bicycles, golf, and tennis

- Spa and exercise facilities, and more...

Typical hotel rooms can be confining and often don’t provide an opportunity for fellow travelers to retreat and relax in their own spaces. And without kitchen facilities, you have the additional cost of eating out three times a day. Even if you have an unlimited budget - you still have the option to indulge your inner chef by picking up groceries from a corner market to experiment with the local cuisine. Lastly, don’t forget the packing perks - with a washer and dryer, you can pack light and leave plenty of room for souvenirs.

While rentals are perfect for stays at the beach - know that you can have the same conveniences almost anywhere. Whether you want to explore the Italian vineyards of Tuscany, bike along the countryside in France, see amazing shows in Vegas, have an attractions adventure in Orlando, or relax and rejuvenate in Mexico, your travel consultant can help you find the perfect accommodations.

Be sure to also talk to your travel agent about your budget. You may be surprised to find that, for the cost of a long weekend at a hotel, you can often stay for a whole week at a vacation rental. Plus, with no extra charge for additional guests up to the maximum occupancy, you get a significant per person cost savings (not to mention reduced costs for food).

Regarding budget, be sure to find out what consumable products you will need to purchase, such as food, beverages, and soaps, which may or may not be included as part of the rental. On your way to the property after you arrive, make a brief stop at a local market to pick up necessities.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

“ I'm in love with cities I've never been to and people I've never met.” – John Green.

Live life and travel often, the more you travel, the more memories you create! !

       

ACCOMMODATIONS, “WHERE TO STAY?”

RANCH STAYS “HOME ON THE RANGE”

BY CLAY LARROY

If you're looking to get away from it all with a trip away from home, don't forget to travel smart. 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. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

While not necessarily rigorous, a ranch vacation will make modest demands on a traveler’s physical conditioning. In considering whether a ranch vacation is for you, take stock of your willingness to spend most of your day in the out-of-doors, in a saddle, walking, hiking and, in general, being very active. Some riding and exercising in advance of your vacation will help ensure that you do not spend your first nights on the ranch nursing sore muscles!

Travelers are well advised to book as far in advance as possible. Most ranches have a relatively small capacity, restricting the number of guests, and operate during limited season. Many sell out during particular weeks and may not be able to accommodate you and your companions, particularly if there are a number of others accompanying you. Booking well in advance also allows for the best possible airfares if you are flying to your ranch destination.

Spend time with your travel consultant working through brochures and other sales collateral. Make sure that the accommodations, programs, setting and food selection are all to your liking. In addition, look for indications that the ranch invites guests of an experience level comparable to your own. If you are a novice looking for an introduction to horses, cattle and outdoor life, the ranch you choose should welcome the beginner. Likewise, if you are an accomplished outdoor enthusiast, you want a ranch experience equal to your abilities.

Pack clothing that is suitable for outdoor activity. A typical day will have cool mornings and evenings with warm mid-days. Boots are typically a very good idea to protect your feet. Loose, comfortable clothing, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are a must. Yes, a bandana is a good idea!

Most gear will be supplied by your ranch. However, check to see if binoculars are provided or if you should bring your own, especially if wildlife is abundant. Because of the beautiful natural settings of most ranches, make sure that your camera makes the cut! Your ranch operator and host will often provide a list of recommended clothing and gear to bring with you on your trip. Finally, not all ranches permit smoking, so be sure to check if you have a strong preference for smoking/non-smoking.

Is a ranch stay safe? Any travel entails some degree of risk. However, ranch operators are very much aware of the inherent risks of being in the out-of-doors and seek to minimize the risk of having novice guests around farm animals and settings.

Here are a few tips that can help you ensure that you enjoy your ranch stay with the maximum value and minimum risk:

• Prepare for the trip by making sure that you can physically participate in the activities the ranch offers.
• Listen to your host! They are very much concerned for your safety and will offer you a great deal of advice about being round livestock and ranch equipment. If you are a novice, ask for assistance. Even if you are experienced, be willing to accept instruction and to learn new skills.
• Livestock - respect them, love them, never, ever, ever abuse them or lose your temper with them. Same goes for humans.
• As with any active vacation, travel insurance covering trip cancellation, trip interruption and medical emergencies is a good idea.

In practically every state of the United States, province of Canada and in many South American countries, you will find ranches inviting guests. Your travel consultant can assist you with determining which location matches your preferences. In the western United States, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Utah have dozens of ranches offering vacation experiences while Virginia, Alabama and North Carolina in the east have many options. But the list hardly ends there! No matter where you desire to spend your vacation, it is highly likely there is a dude ranch close by. In Canada, British Columbia and Alberta offer a large number of ranches offering stays ranging from one week to months!

Your own preferences will dictate the location of the best possible ranch stay. Want wide open scenery and wildlife? Want to be at altitude with the Rocky Mountains as your backdrop? Is fishing a part of your dream ranch vacation? Ranches in western North America have a peak season during the summer, typically June through August. Most offer fringe seasons when early spring might impose some colder weather or even a late snow storm on guests. In particularly warm settings, like Arizona, late fall and early spring are often better choices to avoid the heat of mid-summer. In the final analysis, however, the best time to go is when the ranch’s season matches the one in which you want to travel! Remember, too, that because of the limited season and guest capacity of many ranches, opportunities can sell out quickly. Book in advance!

The cost of a ranch stay varies widely. At the low end, where the ranches are authentically "rustic" the food is "grub" and the entertainment is largely supplied by the guests, the adult rates will be in the range of $150 a day and children $110. A more generously endowed set of amenities will average closer to $180 a day for adults and $125 for children. Truly deluxe guest ranches with many amenities, (one advertises "Gourmet meals in the main lodge and Ralph Lauren sheets on the beds") superior lodging and food selection will be in excess of $220 a day for adults and $150 for children. Carefully review what is included in your rates. Some ranches include tips, some do not. Taxes are almost always additional. Food is typically covered, as are any fees for fishing or other activities, but cover these issues with your travel consultant when making arrangements.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

“Beware the crazy traveler! Mind expansion can be contagious...” 
― Nicole Leigh West

Live Life and Travel Often!

ACCOMMODATIONS, “WHERE TO STAY?”

RANCH STAYS “HOME ON THE RANGE”

BY CLAY LARROY

When you choose to travel, whether it is for business or pleasure, it is important to plan your trip well before hand. Don't be afraid to cash in your airline miles. Many travelers let their miles accumulate and never bother using them. Reap the rewards of your traveling and spend the miles you've earned! Miles have expiration dates, so be sure to use them before they expire. Often you can use them on items other than travel, so check out your options and get to spending. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

A ranch stay is often the perfect way to relax and rejuvenate. Whether referred to as a "dude ranch", a "cattle ranch vacation" or a "ranch stay", (our preferred term), here is the opportunity to get back to nature and to interact with animals and physical activity in a very special way. There are ranch stays of every variety, from family vacations to singles, from those that focus on actual ranch work to those that are primarily about relaxation in a western setting. Whatever your preferences, there is a ranch vacation waiting on you.

• Ranch stays typically refer to vacations or retreats that involve the following elements:

1.   a period of time on a working farm or ranch, often in a western North American setting (although South American ranch stays are available);

2.   with an emphasis on working with cattle, horses and other livestock;

3.   in an environment hosted by experienced ranch personnel.

This TRO guide will explain the various considerations for considering and planning a ranch stay. Those travelers looking for an active, outdoor adventure will greatly appreciate the tremendous value that many ranch stays offer. The promise of a ranch stay is a memorable vacation, adventure and natural beauty. Ranch stays are all about the out-of-doors. Here the traveler has the opportunity to reconnect with an active aspect of life that is too often missing from the day-to-day work world. Families, couples and singles alike enjoy ranch stays, and find the experience not only brings them closer to nature, but also makes for a greater appreciation of team work and physical labor. The ranch stay does not have to be all about activity, however. There is typically plenty of time for relaxation, reflection, and good food.

A ranch stay is for you if:

• You enjoy active vacations;
• You want to work with animals, especially horses;
• You want to spend your vacation time out of doors;
• You enjoy rustic settings;
• You want to experience a very different type of vacation.

There are as many types of ranch stays as there are ranches. Indeed, every ranch operation offers a slightly different experience based on the character of the proprietor and the nature of the ranch. The most popular ranch stays include the opportunity to spend a lot of time on horseback with plenty of time at your own leisure. Some ranches will permit you to keep a single horse throughout your stay and ride when you like, others will provide a pool of horses from which to select daily. Most often, there is the option to work with either cattle or sheep, or both, from horseback. The central activities typically involve herding the livestock from one destination on the ranch to another, or simply ranging across the landscape either alone or in a group enjoying the scenery.

Family ranches invite aspiring cow pokes of all ages. Such ranches may offer special programs for children. Parents can participate with children in some activities, or engage in their own pursuits while their offspring encounter ranch life in a supervised setting. Other ranches are adult only, so be sure to check the allowed age limits for you and your family companions. Working ranches permit guests to be involved in other aspects of daily ranch work such as branding cattle, fixing fences or gathering crops. Alternatively, guests can observe the working ranch in progress, enjoying the view from a less engaged more reflective vantage point. Other ranches emphasize specialized activities, such as fishing, hiking, trail riding or wrangling.

There is typically the opportunity to learn new skills during a ranch stay. The staff will often teach guests how to work with cattle, how to rope and to practice "cutting", or maneuvering, cattle in and out of a herd.

But all is not work! Many ranches are located in the wide open spaces of rural Canada or the American west, providing breathtaking sightseeing, fishing, water sports, rock climbing, mountain biking and photography opportunities. Wildlife abounds, and good photographers are rewarded with many opportunities for prize pictures. Ranches provide down-time for guests for relaxation, reading or mingling and sharing experiences with other guests. Decide if a heavily structured environment is right for you, or if you would prefer a more relaxed, unstructured vacation. The point is that there is a right ranch stay for just about everyone!

Accommodations range from rustic bunk houses to deluxe cabins with hot tubs and lodges with complete bars. Your preferences in sleeping comfort and conditions will greatly influence your choice of one ranch stay over another. Many ranches offer camping on the range for some portion of the stay as a part of the experience. Sometimes there is organized evening entertainment, or the guests may be left to their own devices.

Food quality and quantity is another variable of the ranch stay. Most ranches offer food as a part of the package, but some meals are often taken off premises in a local town or nearby restaurant. Many ranches offer special dietary consideration for vegetarian or other cuisines. Request a sample menu during your research. Finally, ask your chosen ranch about the advisability of renting a vehicle for transportation from the airport, for running into town, or for drives around the ranch.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

 “He who would travel happily must travel light” 
― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Travel to create marvelous memories for you and your family or friends!

ACCOMMODATIONS, “WHERE TO STAY?”

NATURISTS AND CLOTHING OPTIONAL, “NOTHING TO HIDE”

BY CLAY LARROY

Make the most of your travel experiences. Taking a cruise is a great way to see many different places when you travel. Cruises offer many activities and things to do while on the ship, while offering you the opportunity to explore different locations each time you arrive at a port. Travel is a great opportunity to learn more things. Time spent abroad helps you understand and appreciate diverse cultures. In addition, it encourages an acceptance and tolerance of ways of life that differ from your own. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Internationally, people of all ages frequent popular nude beaches, including children. Resorts tend to be far more restrictive, allowing only individuals 18 and older. If you are traveling with minors, check carefully into the rules and regulations of the resort you are visiting.

The United States has many more beaches and resorts than most people first imagine, mostly located in Florida and California. The Caribbean has a number of resorts offering clothing optional settings, but typically at adult-only facilities. Antigua, the Bahamas, Belize, Bonaire, Curacao, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Grenada, St. Barths, St. Lucia, St. Martin and Turks and Caicos all offer clothing optional resorts, as do some areas of Mexico.

In Europe, a large number of Mediterranean beaches allow topless and nude sunbathing. France, Spain and Greece also have many clothing optional beaches and resorts. One of the most interesting of these resort cities is Cap d"Agde in France, which takes public nudity to a community level in certain areas of the town, allowing nudity on the streets, at the grocery store, and in restaurants. In the South Pacific, Australia, Thailand and Bali all have naturist resorts and beaches. Keep in mind that often the clothing optional areas are marked as such, and venturing beyond the permissible confines of the naturist area risks a fine. Several cruise ship companies also provide clothing optional cruises.

While most bookings for naturist vacations are for independent couples, escorted trips are also available to resorts and international destinations. The social setting of a group provides a built-in enclave of like-minded people, and many feel more comfortable. Tour operators hosting escorted trips have knowledge of the destination and of local rules and assist travelers with becoming acquainted with a new destination, the naturist setting or both.

As with most communities, the naturists have their own code by which they adhere and expect others to conform.

• No staring
• No lewd remarks or gestures
• Keep a towel with you to use when sitting on furniture
• No photography of anyone not with your party
• No unmerited or unwanted advances or attention
• Finally, universal respect for "house rules" :the local rules of the resort hosting the naturist community that may govern issues like clothing at mealtimes, jewelry, and permissible activities and hours

Because of the psychologically sensitive nature of nudity, it is important that the traveler fully discuss potential issues with their traveling companions and determine well in advance how to handle situations, such as one party suddenly becoming uncomfortable with the setting or with planned activities.

True naturists will explain to you that anything that you can do clothed can be done while unclothed. Activities include backpacking, canoeing, scuba, skydiving, and kayaking, along with more common activities like dancing, volleyball and sunbathing. Some obvious precautions are in order, such as sunscreen, but in general, people comfortable in a clothing optional setting are extroverts, and the available activities reflect their outgoing natures. However, naturist retreats emphasize being comfortable, and those wishing not to participate in an activity should not feel pressured to do so.

It has been said that if we were meant to be naked in front of each other, we would have been born that way. If a naturist lifestyle appeals to you, there is a world of destinations suited to accommodate!

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

“There is nothing in all the world more beautiful or significant of the laws of the universe than the nude human body.” 

Robert Henri

         Experience life travel with those you love!

ACCOMMODATIONS, “WHERE TO STAY?”

NATURISTS AND CLOTHING OPTIONAL, “NOTHING TO HIDE”

BY CLAY LARROY

If you're looking to get away from it all with a trip away from home, don't forget to travel smart. 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. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Clothing optional vacations are like all other vacations, except that many of your companions will not be wearing clothing. Stripped down to its essentials, clothing optional means just that: clothing may or may not be worn at an individual’s discretion. The related term "nudist" has a somewhat different meaning. At nudist resorts, the expectation is that everyone will be unclothed most of the time. The more commonly accepted term is "naturist", which is the practice of being nude in a mixed social setting. A growing number of resorts and cruise lines offer clothing optional settings, and the trend seems to be taking off. Naturists believe that the body is something to be accepted and respected and is not inherently shameful or problematic.

Clothing optional vacations are not for everybody, and if the concept offends you, please read no further. For those of you considering a clothing optional trip, however, you will find this brief introduction a good way to move past misconceptions and use the assistance of a professional for booking your naturist vacation.

Clothing optional recreation is not a recent development. Since World War II in Europe, clothing optional beaches have been the norm. Likewise, some Caribbean resorts have always had a topless or nude area. What is new is the greater number of resorts and cruise lines that now cater to a naturist setting.

One important point to make at the outset: naturists are careful and adamant in their insistence that naturism is not sexual. While they acknowledge the sexual nature of humans, naturism is not a code word for sex. Note, however, that the some destinations restrict participation to adults, and others further restrict participation to couples only, meaning no single individuals or same sex couples are allowed.

Many first-time naturists feel nervous about their initial outing. Many feel that because their bodies are not model "perfect", that they should not appear nude in front of others. However, the reality of the situation is that the people who go to clothing optional resorts are just like everyone else. Some are tall and some are short; some are petite and some are large. Within an hour, most become comfortable with the setting and their place in it.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

“Naked is a human commodity. Nudity is God's art.”

David Allio

Experience life by traveling with friends and family!

ACCOMMODATIONS, “WHERE TO STAY?”

 PLANNING A CAMPING TRIP? TOP TIPS EVERY ADVENTURER SHOULD KNOW

By Clay Larroy

  Camping is one of the funniest outdoor adventures that you can experience in life. It is one of the funniest things that life has to offer you that is why you are going to want to make sure you get the most out of camping. You can do that by reading this article here.

One of the most important parts of your camping gear is your tent. The tent you buy should suit your needs and the size of your camping party. If you have young children, you probably want to purchase a large tent so they can sleep in the same tent with you. If your children are old, buy them their own tent so they don't have to bunk with the adults.

Prior to leaving, take a few minutes to make a checklist of everything that you need. There is nothing worse than getting to a campsite and then finding out that you don't have what you need to be comfortable. A checklist is a great aid as you are packing. Try to start getting things together several days before you leave so you have plenty of time.

Always take more water than you think you will use when you go on a camping trip. Many times, people forget how much water is needed. It is used for drinking, washing dishes and hands, cooking and even brushing your teeth. Water is not something you want to be without.

As a courtesy to other campers, don't leave your lighting on overnight, if you are close to others. Pack a timer that you can attach to your lights that will automatically shut them off after a certain time. Leaving lights on overnight is a popular complaint among most American campers!

When you go camping, be sure to wear closed-toe shoes. Walking in wooded areas, you can come across almost anything; not to mention things can fall on your feet. You may also want to take a hike. So the next time you go out camping, make sure to wear shoes that can go everywhere you want to go.

This article has provided you with a lot of great knowledge about how to get the most out of your camping experience. It's good to know that you have the option to enjoy yourself with a nice camping experience when you want to dedicate the time to do so, so get out there and do it.

Live life and travel often, the more you travel, the more memories you create!

ACCOMMODATIONS, “WHERE TO STAY?”

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.

What to Expect from Your Campsite

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.

Your Health & Fitness

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 & Logistics

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/

I've met the most interesting people while flying or on a boat. These methods of travel seem to attract the kind of people I want to be with.

Hedy Lamarr

         Live Well, Laugh Often and Travel Much!