Are you planning a trip with family or friends or you are a newlywed couple on a honeymoon? The United States offers fun camping trips. Below are treasured tips and tricks on how to avail the opportunity and stay within budget.
Camping trips should preferably be planned either for weekends or for an entire week. It all depends on the camper’s choice. So, pack your bags, grab the wheels and get ready to hit the roads.
Before moving forward, let’s begin with the basics.
Always keep a valid debit/ credit card fully loaded when you go out of money! You have done the budgeting already but may need to spend extra bucks here and there.
National Park entry
Before you head out, buy an $80 pass which allows access to all national parks across the US for free! This is valid for a year. Each entry costs around $20 to $25 hence this is a good scheme. This would save you a lot in all the places you decide to visit throughout the year.
Portable Kitchen
There is nothing more important than having your own kitchen items at your disposal to be used whenever and wherever you wish. Buy items such as a portable stove, a foldable table, and chairs from Walmart at a low rate. Also, buy a cooler to carry cold water. It is affordable to cook there. Costs you less than buying food from outside and saves your money to spend elsewhere, like more camping trips in the future!
Use rental car services
The trip will have need of an insured car. If you do not own a car, you can easily rent it through rental car agencies available but do not buy insurance from them to pay top dollar. Call your local insurance agent. There are few websites offering car rental discount as well. Make sure to check out the policies and don’t forget to read the fine prints.
Be sure to get a car that is sturdy, not simply cheap. You will need something that can help you with the rough roads and long hours of your camping trip. It would be best if you tell the car rental where you plan on heading. In that way, they will guide you on which car will work best for your needs.
Even if you already possess a small and fancy car, it is still advised that you rent a rough and tough car so that your own doesn’t get damaged. Particularly if it isn’t insured.
Route maps
Navigation and route maps are a very significant factor. Get a GPS installed on your smartphone and where signals are rare keep a paper map for backup. Memberships can be very handy as they offer various roadside assistance, guidebooks, and routing map and discounts on food and accommodation. However, stick to freeways and main roads.
Caravan
You can surely get vans in the USA at a very reasonable price. Building a caravan of your van is a safe and cost-effective approach. Also, there are free and paid campsite spots in top condition and offer amenities at low-priced rates. These usually come with a BBQ grill, a fire pit for a bonfire, restrooms, etc. You can discover free campsites in national parks.
Campsites
Hunt for paid campsites on Google Maps. You can discover a good deal if lucky! Some people also offer backyard campground for a buck or two. Major cities offer hostel accommodation with shared rooms that are cheaper to stay. Check ratings and reviews before finalizing your trip.
Wi-Fi
You sure want to share live insights with your friends and family on social media. Search for sites that offer free access to Wi-Fi or carry your own device. Go live on Facebook or Instagram or share stories on Snapchat. If not, then carry your own Wi-Fi device, but make sure you have it encrypted so that no one else can use your internet for free.
If you have toddlers who are used to watching YouTube videos, then make sure you download the ones they love in advance. Better yet, hide the YouTube app so they can watch the videos on your phone without consuming your precious Wi-Fi hours.
Fuel
While on a trip (camping, traveling, etc.) eat adequately and stay hydrated. Buying outside food won’t help survive in the budget hence better to cook the food yourself. As the summer approaches, the expenses of gas and accommodation can shoot high. Another way to save on gas is to set out early to avoid traffic considering traffic in the United States is appalling.
Things needed
Pack essentials such as a bell tent, a sleeping bag, and a tarp. Also, evaluate your outdoor clothing and footwear. They should be appropriate for camping. For a stay in budget camping trip carry your own cooking pieces of equipment and some food items with you. Tents and compass are also important determinants.
Also, carry medications particularly if you are traveling with little ones. Medicine for stomach upset, pain, some gauze, and first aid kit can come in handy more times than not.
Be sure to have music on hand so that you can focus on the road even when you are tired. This will keep boredom away and reduce the chances of your sleeping on the wheel.
Activities
How are the children going to kill time? To dodge them from crankiness, plan a nature-inspired scavenger hunt. Carry coloring books, word searches, and crafts to keep them occupied.
If there are kids on board, keep the same things for all, especially if they are of the same ages.
Otherwise, a fight will start because everyone will want the same set of activities or toys. For older children, keeping an iPad with their favorite movies, books or music is also a great option.
Safety
Camping involves unpredictable weather and countless mosquitoes. So always keep a repellent, flashlights, and rainwear to avoid the hassle. Few warnings before you set out for camping. It’s gloomy and scary; there might be bears on the other side of the thin nylon walls of the covers. Therefore never forget food outside otherwise you could see bear attack.
Privacy
Noises and isolation are both an integral part of camping. It may rain, or be too hot and may have to spend nights without TV. For a better trip, there is a solution for newlyweds; Glamping is a luxurious alternative to camping.
Glamping
To avoid the unpleasantness caused by bugs, cooking on the spot and using nature as a restroom, look for luxury resorts that offer pieces of lands where couples stay overnight in a large safari tent, with a feather bed, copper bathtub, a bathroom, and an air-conditioner. Such tents ensure the much-needed privacy and also allows the honeymooners to enjoy each other’s company in peace.
If you want to enjoy a real camping trip, then look for places that offer luxurious camping sites. Select the destination analyzing your personal likes and dislikes. You will need to talk to them in advance to find out what facilities they have on offer. Begin with easy camping. Most importantly, never ever go alone. Outdoor adventures are more fun with family.
HEY ! I’m Nil (Founder of OnlineDrifts.com), Digital Marketer, Affiliate Marketer and a blogger writing about blogging tips, SEO, Tech Tips etc.
