Author: City Traveler

Family camping trips on Canadian campgrounds is the best way to get the whole family together and enjoy outdoor activities. So much so, that it is the second most popular choice among Americans. In 2011, Americans spent 534.9 million days altogether. Some of the best things to do when camping include:

• Fishing: Often times when camping in Ontario, there may be a body of water nearby. Take advantage and use this opportunity to go fishing. The best part is, you don’t have to be a professional to simply put a bobber into the water. You do, however, want to obtain a fishing license first.
• Hiking: Most campgrounds Ontario has contain hiking trails with a variety of lengths and difficulties. Choose one that everyone can enjoy or one that sparks a challenge.
• Geocaching: Family camping trips are the perfect opportunity for geocaching. Many campgrounds have several geocaches spread throughout the area. They are often times blended in with the hiking trails. As a result, this adds a bonus reason to go hiking.
• Sightseeing: Since many campgrounds are part of state and national parks, those interested in nature or sightseeing will have much to explore. This is because state and national parks specialize in preserving the natural resources and other elements of the land. They can also be close to interesting sights not made from nature.
• Biking: Along with hiking trails, bike trails are also common on campground sites. Simply bring your bikes with you and enjoy some off road fun.
• Stargazing: If you live in a big city or urban area, you may not see the stars as clearly as you want. For this reason, family camping trips are the perfect way to enjoy the night sky and its stars. Head out to an open area, lay on the ground, and simply enjoy the view and good conversation if you see fit.
• Campfire Building: Put your skills as a boy or girl scout to use and show the kids how to make a campfire. Some of the most memorable moments people remember about camping is trying to get a fire started. Remember to put the fire out before sleeping or leaving the campsite. The best way to do so is to drown the fire in water and stir the ashes. Do this until you are sure that the fire is out.
  
  Now that you have some ideas of what to do with your family during your next family camping trip, you can begin to enjoy memorable moments while you can. Take advantage of all mother nature has to offer while continuing a family vacation tradition at the same time.

For families, school groups and excursions, a motor coach is a convenient and eco-friendly way to travel. For large groups, it is possible to travel comfortably on a bus. All the comforts that you would expect to find on an airplane are now available: you can now get wifi on a bus, motor coaches have reclining seats, and there is food and drink at hand. Since you’re traveling as part of a private tour group, you can make stops whenever necessary, or just to admire the view. And to top it all, you can feel good knowing that yore traveling in one of the most eco-friendly forms of transportation.

Why you should take a coach bus on your next holiday
Around 3,400 small businesses make up the motor coach industry today, with a fleet of 33,400 buses of different sizes to accommodate groups of various sizes. They provide a range of services: charter, tour, sightseeing, airport shuttle, commuter, and scheduled services.
The motor coach industry has come a long way since the 1820s, when the first horse drawn buses came into service. Steam-powered buses provided regular service between cities in the 1830s in England. The basic principle though has not changed: shared transportation to a common destination is more economical and convenient.

Sustainability
Motorcoaches are one of the most eco-friendly forms of transportation today, even more so than commuter rail and transit buses. They reduce emissions of harmful gases, reduce fuel use and get the most passenger miles per gallon. Each motorcoach with a full load of passengers removes 55 automobiles from the highway, easing traffic and saving fuel. Not surprisingly, motorcoaches have the lowest CO2 emissions of any type of transportation.

Convenience
Motor caches go where rail and air cannot. The network of motorcoach terminals is much denser than the area covered by air and intercity rail. Especially when it comes to rural areas, motor coaches serve 14 million residents who are not served by air or rail service. The greater range may be one reason why the number of motor coach passengers is on the rise, adding up to around 751 million passenger trips each year. That’s more than many commercial airlines.
Since motor coaches have reclining seats, long journeys are no longer a problem. Even on an overnight journey, you can just stretch out and get some sleep.

Comfort
If you haven’t traveled by bus recently, you’ll be surprised at he level of comfort on a bus. Not only do motor coaches have reclining seats, they also have wifi, personal video screens, surround sound and cold drinks. When someone else is doing the driving, passengers can relax and listen to music or surf the web, watch a movie or catch up with cousins or school friends. Or just watch the scenery rolling past.

Motor coaches have changed a lot and now offer many more comforts. Long distance journeys can be a chance to relax and catch up with people. Motor coaches have reclining seats, wifi, air conditioning and heating, and personal video screens. They especially appeal to our environmentally-conscious times, as one of the “greenest” forms of transportation. If you’re traveling in a large group, they’re a convenient way to get around and to have a blast along the way.

Going on vacation with family is an important part of a kids life. Some of my favorite memories as a child are our annual family vacations that we used to take. One memory in particular that stands out is the camping trip we took when I was about twelve. My dad and brother had gone out the day before the woman of the family did to get set up. Once we got there, they felt like they were camping pros. Right before sun down, my dad hushed us all and told us to listen. For about ten minutes we sat quietly and listened to nature. Right as the sun was dipping behind the mountains, my dad and brother exchanged a knowing glance and my brother said ‘here it comes.’ The last of the sun disappeared and all of a sudden an eery silence fell in the woods. We hadn’t realized there were hundreds of cicadas singing in the trees around us and for some reason, when the sun’s light disappeared, they would all stop singing at the same time. It was incredible! My father is a computer engineer and is not one for appreciating nature so it immediately showed us that this vacation was going be different. Which brings me to another point.

Electronics
When going camping there is no reason to bring laptops, tablets and entertainment unless you plan on watching a family movie. One of the greatest joys about camping is the lack of the real world. We can get so caught up in the stresses of day to day life that entertainment and technology is the only way we shut it out. But when you are sitting, listening to the cicadas sing their last song of the night and your father is not staring at the insides of a computer and your mother is not talking on the phone and your siblings are not playing video games or using social media, there is a special bonding that takes place. This bonding goes deeper than just not being distracted. It shows a child that they are the most important factor in life even those life can get hectic. Sure, we need technology to live in this age but there is nothing wrong with setting aside a few days to camp out in family vacation cabins or under the night sky and enjoy one another every now and again.

Accommodations
Sleeping in a tent on the hard, cold ground may not be very appealing to you but there are still ways to enjoy the outdoors without having to do that. It’s called cabin camping. You can enjoy all the perks of camping without having to worry about bears and bugs. Family vacation cabins offer a great many amenities including showers, kitchenettes and beds. It’s the perfect balance of camping and staying in a hotel. You can still enjoy the outdoors and take advantage of the mountains or woods during the day but can still stay safe and dry and warm inside your family vacation cabins during the night times. Many family vacation cabins will have nearby theme parks and restaurants for the whole family to enjoy also.

Thing to Do
If it is a family vacation and you are not alone, you should try and fit in at least one thing that everyone wants to do. There are some great activities available like water bubbles, theme parks, bike rides, mountain explorations, tours, fishing and more. A good way to not overwhelm the trip but make sure everyone has fun is to have everyone have a day. On their day they get to make all the decisions about what the family does (within reason, of course.) This makes it fair for everyone and then on the other family member’s days, there is no complaining allowed.

Camping is a great way to inexpensively take the family away for a little rest and revitalization. You do not even have to go far. There are so many camping sites to choose from that there is bound to be one close to you. Just make sure you do the research before deciding which camp site you will go to. Check prices and safety factors and policies of each camping site to make sure you are within their regulations.

Did you know that consumers spend over $1.5 billion every year buying camping equipment? That?s no small amount! But for good reason. People love camping — most people who do go camping actually commit to using the equipment they?ve bought. On average, those who do camp spend 15 days camping per year — no small amount!

If you?re going camping, you may have trouble figuring out what sort of things are necessary, what items are luxury, and what items are just plain useless and will be taking up unnecessary space in your backpack. Here?s a list of items you should keep on hand whether you?re staying in cabin rentals or in a tent on nearby campgrounds.

1. All Your Cooking Equipment

When you?re packing for your adventure, it can help to go through the motions of what you?ll actually need to use once you?re away from home. It can be easy to remember all the food and the tinfoil needed for cooking it — only to forget that you?ll need a knife to cut it all, and a fork to eat it with. It?s a good idea to have a cooler, a large water jug, any pots and pans you?ll need (along with cooking spray or cooking oil, don?t forget!), and any seasonings you?d want to use. Love coffee in the morning? You can technically make it the same way you make tea — tie up a coffee filter worth of coffee and steep it in your mug instead of brewing it.

2. Outfits for Different Temperatures, Conditions

Did you know that 90% of amusement parks operate year round? If you?re camped out near a splashpark, you?re going to want to have one — or potentially more than one — swimsuit on hand. Similarly, don?t rely simply on your local weather channel for understanding the weather conditions during your camping trip. Temperatures can fall dramatically at night, which you may not be used to if you?re normally inside an insulated home. Pack enough warm clothing to get you through, and consider a few extra blankets as well. For the splash parks, make sure you bring an adequate number of towels!

3. The Things You’ll Truly Appreciate

Although a solar powered sandwich maker might sound cool in the store, chances are you’ll only use it once, if that — so it might not make that much sense to bring it with you to the campgrounds. Instead, opt for items that you’ll get a lot of use out of and appreciate especially when you’re out in the wilderness. Having a consistent source of music can be important for those who like tunes at night. Similarly, if you’re all over the age of 21 — don’t get to bring some drinks to relax with!

Are you planning a camping trip this year? Whether you’re going to luxurious cabins or woodland campgrounds, make sure you’re prepared with everything you need!

Summer is a great time to take a vacation. The temperature is warmer, making travel plans easier. Children and college students have the entire summers off, making scheduling easier. Adults have vacation times built up, and they are often easier taken in the summer months. Additionally, many locations around the country offer summer vacation benefits, including discounts, more attractions for guests and beach ready properties. For some families and adults, summer vacations have even become a tradition. In fact, 45% of Americans take a summer vacation. A great destination that offers both adults and families an exciting and warm summer vacation is that of Myrtle Beach.

Vacation rentals in Myrtle Beach are very convenient for many people. It is either a short drive or a short airplane ride to the city. The percentage of summer trips in a personal vehicle is 91%, by air at 7%, and by train or bus at 2%. Many travelers prefer the convenience and the ease of transporting themselves to their vacation destinations. Vacation rentals in Myrtle Beach are very car friendly, and allow travelers to commute. The city offers a lot over a large city, making the use of a personal vehicle a great benefit.

Myrtle Beach oceanfront condos provide guests with beautiful views and an ease of access to the beach. Beach condo rentals in Myrtle Beach can be very relaxing and stress reducing. The views of the ocean and the waves make it a great place to simply sit and relax. Also, the closeness of North Myrtle Beach condos to the ocean makes it just a short walk to the sand and the water for ease of play and other water sports.
In the summertime, Myrtle Beach becomes a popular tourist city. It is, in fact, a very tourist friendly city, offering many activities, both outdoor and indoor. It is also full of many wonderful restaurants and museums. Additionally, the city is famous for its abundance of miniature golf locations. Almost any of the vacation rentals are just a short walk to a great game of miniature golf.

Many guests today are choosing to rent condos or vacation homes in lieu of staying in a hotel or a resort. Guests seem to prefer condos and homes because of the convenience and the privacy. They also have access to more private features, including a kitchen and a dining room. When a family chooses to rent beach condos, they are getting much more than the rental of a hotel room. They may even have access to a garage, to safely and securely store their transportation. 47% of leisure travelers are interested in staying in a vacation home rental as an alternative to a traditional hotel or resort during the next two years, and 46% are interested in staying at a condominium resort.

Summertime offers many advantages to those planning to take a vacation. Many family members may have time off and the weather is nicer for traveling. Myrtle Beach is a great summer destination, offering beach and ocean views, tourist attractions and many wonderful vacation rentals along the beach. The city has a lot in terms of indoor and outdoor attractions, making it a great vacation rentals destination for families with children, or couples looking for a romantic get away weekend.

Did you know that over 20 million people go on a cruise every year? Yet even with so many people signing up for cruise travel, many myths persist. If you?re wondering about how to plan a cruise for a large group, there?s going to be a few things you?ll want to keep in mind. Here?s a list of common myths about cruises, and the reality behind them.

Myth: Cruises are Super Expensive

This is a persistent myth, but that doesn?t make it true. The problem with comparing cruise prices to other vacation prices is that cruises are often all inclusive. You pay for the travel to different cities, your room, your food, and most of your entertainment all at once. If you look at what you spend traveling to a city on a non-cruise vacation, it might seem comparatively ?low? because you haven?t calculated in the $100 plus you?ll spend on restaurants, the $100 that will go toward entertainment, etc.

In reality, the average person spends $1,200 on a week for a non-cruise vacation, and $1,700 on a cruise — different price, but not that different. Especially considering there are deals on cruises and discounted cruise deals out there for more budget minded folks.

Myth: There?s Not Much To Do Except Eat All Day

Maybe this was true if you took a cruise back in the 70s. Today, it?s anything but — cruises are often entertainment hubs, with activities for both kids and adults. Cruise ships will offer movies, spas, pools, gyms, crafts, lectures, comedians, and more. Come nighttime, there?s often childcare services for children available so adults can attend live music and fun contests.

It is worth noting that every cruise is unique, so it makes sense if you?re wondering how to plan a cruise for a large group, to research what entertainment options are available and choose an option that suits your group. Of course, there will be great food available on your cruise: but it?s not the only thing going on, by far.

Myth: Cruises aren?t Safe

Nope. There?s a reason so many people choose to go on a cruise every year! Boats are a lot safer than most other forms of travel, and every cruise is outfitted with the standards for safety gear. This won?t be the Titanic all over again, that?s for sure.

When is the best time to go on a cruise? The answer is now for people looking for fun, entertainment, and relaxation.

Everyone has a vacation in mind when the more agreeable seasons roll around. But where to go when there are so many different choices? Camp resorts are fast becoming the favorite option of families that want to cover all their bases while saving precious time and money. They offer you all the luxuries of a camping trip, from amenities to activities, all in one convenient place. If you’re on the hunt for campgrounds in Texas or camp resorts in Oklahoma, look below to learn more about what they can offer you, your family and your friends the next time you all have some free weekends to spare!

Did You Know?

Camping is a much beloved past-time in America and sees many millions of people turning to it as their go-to option for relaxation, exercise and community. The 2014 American Camper Report showed over 40 million Americans, or 14% of the total American population over the age of six, camping in the year 2013 alone. Another survey saw 85% admitting they took their very first camping trip between birth and age 15, with those that camped much later in their life being less likely to continue as they got older. Camp resorts are designed to be accessible and fun for people from all walks of life and can be a good choice if you bring along people who usually don’t spend their weekends hiking or fishing!

Types Of Camping

There are many different ways to enjoy the great outdoors. Some people prefer to pitch a tent and enjoy time under the open stars while others prefer the comfort and security of a cabin or their very own RV. Those that chose to camp in RVs or cabins were more likely to stay for longer periods of time, from five days to a full two weeks, while those that camped under tents or in campgrounds tended to stay for two to three days total. Campgrounds are designed to make cooking and enjoying the weather easy and simple, though you have to remember to clean it later so you don’t attract hungry bears! Many Americans choose multiple activities for their camping trip, like fishing and kayaking, and will often bring extra equipment to ensure they never run out of fun options during their stay.

Camping Trends

What do you prefer to do when you’re camping? Multiple surveys showed a distinct preference toward family and friends, with nearly 30% saying they chose camping as a way to spend more time with their loved ones. Family camping vacations have long since held the trophy for the most popular social activity for Americans and shows little competition for the title. The overwhelming majority of campers in a recent survey said they’re planning on at least five camping trips per year, if not more. When it comes to your personal preferences, establishing exactly what you and your friends want to do will go a long way in making a fun, and not tiring, camping trip.

Finding Camp Resorts

There’s nothing stopping you from cultivating memorable family camping trips next time spring or summer drops in. Many local camping sites offer activities, such as museums and tour guides, that can offer your children an educational opportunity alongside enjoying all the weather and wildlife has to offer. Shady campsites should be avoided, such as those that are too far from civilization or don’t have warning tips concerning wild animals and camp care. Next time you’re thinking about your next great vacation, seek out reputable camp resorts for their combination of leisure and fun!

Put down your phone, turn off your computer (after reading this article, of course), and slap on some sunscreen. Spring break isn’t just for kids and college students; some would argue that hardworking adults deserve a vacation more than anyone else. In fact, one could go so far as to say that those of us toiling away in the working world need a vacation! Have you even used any of your paid time off yet? According to Glassdoor, in 2013, 75% of employees did not use up their allotted paid vacation hours. The reality is, those who take the time to relax and enjoy some time away from the job end up being more productive in the workplace than those who don’t.

“But I can’t relax while I’m on vacation”
If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. One in ten travelers has this complaint. In this case, you need to ask yourself two questions:

1. Are you constantly checking your email and voicemail?
2. Where are you going on vacation?

In a survey, 25% of participants said that they have been contacted by a colleague while on vacation, and 20% said that they heard from their boss. There is an easy solution to this irritating predicament. You simply need to take your phone and zip it up deep into the depths of your suitcase, and leave it there. It sounds crazy, but it’s a tried and true method; you can’t answer a call you don’t know about.

To address the second question, you must think back to your last vacation. Were you in a tourist hot-spot, at a crowded hotel, teeming with wet, sandy children and rowdy college fraternities? If the answer is “yes,” then it should be pretty obvious: you chose the wrong relaxation destination.

To get the most out of your vacation, you should be looking at all inclusive vacation resorts. All inclusive vacation resorts allow you to make a single payment for a full vacation package. These luxury resorts are never overcrowded, but make your leisure and well-being the focal point of their mission. For even more privacy, you may consider villas for rent. Luxury villa rentals are the perfect way to maximize your relaxation. With your phone tucked away, and your computer nowhere in sight, you can’t go wrong in this stress-free environment.

If you’re in Chicago on business, and have time to check out the city, there are plenty of attractions to keep you busy, from the Willis Tower to Grant park to the Skydeck, Lincoln Park Zoo and the Chicago Theater. But getting to all of these can be a little stressful; like any big city, Chicago has traffic and parking challenges that can baffle newcomers. So why add stress to your life?

When you are visiting an interesting place, you want to be able to focus on the sights and sounds, not on traffic or parking problems. Statistics show that only 20 minutes of car travel can significantly heighten stress levels; how much more so in a new place, especially a busy city?

So how do you avoid driving? You could get a map and figure out the city transit system, navigate the bus routes and stop times, and hope it all works out. You could plan on hailing a cab when you want to change locations, but what if you have a large group that wants to stick together? The answer is simple: hire a car service. Take a limousine and enjoy the city in comfort and style.

How do you hire a limo to make your day of sightseeing more enjoyable? Call different car services and ask about what they offer, the pricing and availability. Most limousine companies charge by the car, rather than by the person. There are usually 6-, 8-, and 10-passenger sizes; the smaller sizes are cheaper. There are many choices for vehicle type, from stretch SUVs to shuttle buses, but for a day of tourism, a standard luxury sedan or tourist van is enough.

Don’t be afraid to ask about the age and condition of the car you’ll be renting, the type of insurance coverage the company holds, or the experience of the driver. A high-quality car service will gladly answer all your questions and more. Once you’ve found the limousine service that best fits your needs, you’ll make a credit card deposit to finalize your reservation. Generally, a deposit of 20-50% of the total fee required up front. However, if a company asks for more than that, you might want to go with your next choice.

So when you’re ready for your Chicago trip, look for a limousine service in Chicago and book them to take you around to all the great spots! Whether you’re catching a game at Wrigley Field or enjoying the Shedd Aquarium, make your trip more fun by letting someone else do the driving. Check out a Chicago limo company and go in style!