Author: City Traveler

Camping trips are popular in the United States. In 2011, nearly 43 million people went camping. The camping industry is worth more than $15 billion. Camping trips offer a great way for families to spend quality time together. If you are looking for a good option, many people consider camping trips to make for fun family vacations.

Tips to Make Camping More Fun

Make a great lantern with a milk jug. Take an empty gallon milk container, fill it with water and attach a head lamp onto it. When you turn the head lamp on, it will illuminate the water in the container and brighten your entire campsite.
Bring clothes for every kind of weather. You cannot make the weather cooperate with your travel plans but you do not want to be trapped inside if it rains. Pack for wet, hot and cold. It is good to dress in layers on a camping trip. Fun family vacations can be turned into trips from hell if you are uncomfortable most of the time. Many areas will see great temperature variations throughout the day so be prepared for every kind of weather.
Plan for those rainy days. Bring some games with you. Talk to locals about things to do when the weather turns bad. You can make the most of your trip even when the weather refuses to work with you. If you do not have any games, you can check out a local dollar store and see what they have in the way of activities for kids.
Keep ticks away with tea tree oil. Most campers like to hike. If your family enjoys this, combine tee tree oil with water and spray it on everyone before you take a hike. Ticks hate tea tree oil. This is a great, natural way to keep these pests from biting.
Do not forget your first aid kit. Cuts, scrapes and bug bites are a part of any camping trip. Be prepared and they will not derail your fun family vacations. Keep everything dry by putting your supplies in zip lock bags.
Prepare food at home. You probably do not want to spend your time on your trip chopping veggies. Do whatever prep work you can while you are at home. This will reduce the amount of time you have to spend preparing your meals when you are at the campsite. Put your prepared foods in zip lock bags. Do not forget treats like marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate. No camping trip is complete without having some stores over a camp fire.
Take advantage of the local resources at the campground or park. Ask the rangers what their suggestions are for the best things to do at their park. They know it best and can tell you what the real fun and interesting things thatt you and your family can do while there. They can also point you in the direction of the bets area attractions and help make your fun family vacations more special and interesting.
Leave nothing behind. Be a good camper and clean up after yourselves. Bring trash bags to collect your trash and take that with you. This is the most responsible way to camp with your family.

When planning your fun family vacations, you may want to consider vacation rentals such as camping cabins. You can pick family campsites or family campgrounds. There are a lot of different options in state and national parks. Some campground offer mini golf, volleyball and basketball.

Camping trips can bring your family together and they are truly kid friendly vacations. Take this time to unplug from all of your devices and detach from all social media. This is a time to get back in touch with the important people in your life. You can take this time to talk to each other and become closer.

Camping holidays are some of the most memorable. Millions of people go camping every year. Most campers use public camp grounds, though the type of camp ground is not as important as the location. There are varying degrees of comfort or discomfort involved, depending on the style of camping chosen. RVs, tents and cabin rentals are some of the most popular choices. In northern states like New York and Indiana cabin rentals make it possible to go camping year round, regardless of the weather.

A nation of happy campers

In 2011, 42.5 million people went on camping trips. The majority of camping trips are undertaken with friends rather than family: a study found that 70% of people who went camping did so with friends. And the purpose of camping trips is to spend time in the great outdoors, with 87% of all campers reporting that they participate in several outdoor activities. The most popular outdoor activity reported is hiking, along with swimming, biking and kayaking.

Cabin rentals are a good choice for family camping trips

Cabins are generally a little more comfortable and offer more privacy than tent camping. They may also have some cooking facilities, making them a better choice for family camping. Particularly if the children are young, cabin rentals offer all the fun and excitement of being out in the woods with some basic conveniences that parents will appreciate.

Camping isn’t just for the summer

Cabin rentals are also a good choice for fall camping, or even for a short winter getaway in the woods. Autumn camping gives you a chance to see the colors close up, and come back to a warm and comfortable base. In states like New York and Indiana cabin rentals effectively extend camping season to the whole year. It may not be a good plan to spend the entire winter in a cabin, but a two-day getaway can be a wonderfully refreshing holiday.

There are around 8 million people who take to the skies in airplanes every day, making it the most popular choice for long-distance travel in the world. Commercial flight continues to grow: 2013 marked a milestone as the total number of passengers for that year reached 3.1 billion, surpassing the 3 billion mark for the first time. With so many airlines, passengers have more options than ever — here are some of the most significant features that customers look when choosing an airline.

Service

Three out of four domestic flights are for vacations or other leisurely activities. In 2014, direct spending on leisure travel by domestic and international travelers reached a total of $644.9 billion. Passengers fly to relax: why should their vacation start only after they land at their destination? Researching an airline’s meals, beverages, and services are up to par with expectations is one way to kick off a vacation the right way!

Comfort

Anyone that has ever tried to fall asleep on a 13-hour flight knows how difficult it can be. Most airlines have uncomfortable and cramped seats in coach sections, making first-class passengers the object of envy. Frequent travelers take their comfort into consideration as they compare seat-comfort among airlines. Up to 17% of passengers prefer sleeping on aircraft to any other activity; do yourself a favor and make sure that your lengthy flight is an enjoyable one by ensuring that your airline choice uses global aircraft interiors suited to passenger comfort.

Entertainment
Modern inflight entertainment systems (IFE systems) are tailored to each airline and includes basic features like Wi-Fi and IFE monitors to stream movies, TV shows, and even custom-made content produced by the airline. Different airlines can have vastly different airplane display set-ups: some will have large display monitors positioned near the front of the aircraft but an increasing number provide individual airplane display monitors for passengers. According to the 2013 Air Travel Survey conducted by TripAdvisor, one out of every four respondents would choose one airline over another if it offered Wi-Fi since tablets and other mobile devices are becoming must-haves for a majority of travelers. With a bit of research, you can determine which airline has the best entertainment services to meet your needs.

When you set off for that much-awaited vacation, the one thing you cannot do without is peace of mind. Every little detail needs to be planned in advance so that you can relax and enjoy your stay without headaches. Wherever you go,it is extremely important to look for the right places to stay and choose your lodging wisely. Your hotel would be your home away from home while you enjoy your vacation, and having the right comfort and amenities can be key elements which make your vacation a grand success.

Most holiday spots have a large assortment of great hotels which you can scout out for offers like room discounts and off-season deals. These hotels offer lodging and food facilities for travelers, and can also have a number of other amenities on offer as per your requirements. While deciding on your choice of lodging for that upcoming trip, here are a few things you can consider –

• Facilities – Hotel accommodation can be so much more than just a room with a bed. Hotels offer different amenities and wherever you go, you might find a host of different amenities which you can make use of to further spice up your trip. Tailored room service is something you can expect at most places, while some hotels also plan and arrange nearby trips and transport for you, helping you accomplish a little sightseeing adventure.
• Budget – If you have money to spare on luxuries, staying at a highly-rated resort can be a memorable experience. However, if you are backpacking or travelling on a tight budget, you can find a large number of bed and breakfast locations to suit your needs as well.

Appropriate lodging is the backbone of every successful vacation, and just a little research goes a long way in this department. Choose wisely, and you will surely have a trip worth remembering.

Camping is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors, relax, and be one with nature. There are so many campgrounds that are famous and attract millions of visitors every year. Those camp sites are nice, but where do you go when you want to deviate from the touristy locations? Check out these five camp sites that you may never have heard of, but are sure to love.

1. Pine Grove Furnace State Park, PA
   Hidden away in south-central Pennsylvania, Pine Grove Furnace State Park sits at the northern point of Blue Ridge Mountain. This park is home to one of the best areas for camping in Pennsylvania due to its extensive network of foot paths for hiking. There are over 2,286 miles of hiking trail for you to enjoy. For you history buffs, there is the Appalachian Trail Museum nestled in the middle of the park.
2. Ludington State Park, MI
   Camping in Michigan doesn’t get any better than at Ludington State Park. The 5,300-acre park sits happily between two beautiful lakes in the western portion of the state. If you’re looking for a unique camping experience, take advantage of many different types of terrain you’ll find. From sand dunes to marshlands to forests, this park has it all.
3. Peninsula State Park, WI
   This park has some awesome amenities that no other campgrounds in Wisconsin can offer. Peninsula State Park has something for everyone, from golf courses to volleyball courts, hiking trails and bike paths. Enjoy the serenity of the shoreline along Green Bay in this lesser-known getaway.
4. Voyageurs National Park, MN
   The beauty of this park transforms from season to season. The leaves paint a stunning scenery in the fall, but when winter comes, the fun really begins. This park is great for skiers, snowshoers, and ice fishers alike. Who says you can’t camp in the winter months? Check out Voyageurs for a true adventure.
5. Acadia National Park, ME
   For some of the best camping in the Northeast, look up to the eastern forests of Maine. There is a reason why this state is known for its pine trees; this park is blanketed in 17 million acres of forest. Scattered throughout the woods are 6,000 lakes and ponds, interconnected by over 32,000 miles of rivers and streams. Acadia National Park is a true nature lover’s dream!

Which campsite are you most excited to visit? Tell us in the comments below!

Camping is a favorite past time for families across the US. With around 40 million people that went camping in 2010, totaling around 515 million outings, it is no wonder that so many enjoy being in the great outdoors with their families. Finding the ideal camp sites however, is becoming increasingly harder. This is due to the camp sites being overrun with many families, or over saturated with theme park attractions. Private campgrounds can provide the laid back, outdoor experience you’d like to have with your family, without the commotion that comes from the public campgrounds.

Consider This…

Most camping, around 70% of it, is done in public campgrounds. This means that most of those families that oversaturate the areas, are all within the public domains of camping. Whether camping with kids, or not, many of the people flock to those campgrounds that provide them with the familiar feelings, or with a lot of amenities, cable and electricity; so they do not miss the comforts of home. While, family camping vacations are one of the most popular choices for those in the US, spending about 534.9 million days camping alone in 2011, it is also done in many of the familiar campground locations.

What if You Had a Campground All Your Own?

While, it might not be completely your own, but what if it was a private campground, a camp resort, that was built just for you, with you in mind? You could enjoy the finer things in life, and have a camping experience unlike any other? Whether you bring your RV, have a tent or want to try out cabin camping, these private campgrounds can be personalized to your unique camping taste. Private campgrounds can be a new thing when trying to bring the family somewhere fun, somewhere laid back and somewhere that is not over saturated with other campers.

Do you have a private campground you’d like to try out? Camping is an exciting adventure, so why not choose a new place to call your own? These campgrounds welcome one and all, and each provides a different experience for the people going to them. Bring your friends, go alone, bring the family and just have a great time at a private campground that was built around the idea of having a wonderful experience.

Camping is one of the most beloved and frequent past-times in America. With our incredible mountain ranges, massive lakes and beautiful forests, there’s something for everybody during the sweltering vacation months of spring and summer. Colorado campgrounds are situated right in the heart of the Centennial State, making use of its bountiful surrounding mountains and forests to give campers the best hiking and fishing grounds possible. If you find yourself in the Midwest and are thinking of your next great vacation, consider renting a cabin or visiting a campsite in Colorado.

Popular Camping Trends

An estimated 40 million people went camping in the year 2011! Most camping is done in public campgrounds, with many frequent campers citing both the social aspect as well as a deeper sense of safety in numbers. While around 70% of tent campers spend one to two nights at campgrounds, RV campers tend to stay five to six days at a time. Camping is almost always a social activity, to boot, with many inviting along family members or friends to fish, hike and cook with over the weekend.

Camping Activities

One of the most popular summer activities for Americans are family camping vacations due to the wealth of fun and healthy activities at their disposal. Hiking is still one of the most well-known hobbies in the West, with fishing, swimming and boating following close behind. While 87% of campers will participate in multiple outdoor activities, a recent survey found as many as 92% of campers hiking at least once during their trip! Colorado has a bounty of frequented hiking paths and plateaus, inviting both healthy walks and plenty of photogenic opportunities to share with co-workers once you return.

Colorado Campgrounds

The state of Colorado is famous for its beautiful and varied geography. Many cabin rentals are located right next to its mountain ranges and canyons, which means fans of skiing and mountain climbing also have a lot to enjoy when on their trip. Once you’re done camping you can always visit the capital and enjoy its plethora of fine restaurants and upbeat downtown life. Whether it’s a drive-up campsite or sleeping under the stars, Colorado campgrounds are one of the best choices for creating ideal camping memories for years to come.

If you plan to go tent camping this winter, you’re going to want to take some friends with you. The only trouble is that few people really want to hit the campgrounds this icy time of the year. The keyword there being “few.”

Here are a few of the friends who would definitely want to go winter camping with you.

Your Bearded Friend. – The lumbersexual crave may have come and gone, but that doesn’t mean beards have. Chances are that you have a few friends who still rock massive beards, especially now that No-Shave-November is over. Why not saunter up to them and ask them to put their beards to the test and come winter camping with you?

Your Athletic Friend. – Everyone has that one friend who is a complete and total fitness buff. The one who wears a fit bit, drinks sparingly, and always seems to have a little bit too much energy. Although their vigor can be a bit irritating sometimes, it’s that same vigor that would probably make them say yes if you were to ask them to come winter camping with you.

Your Friend Who Always Talks About Traveling. – For some reason, it seems like everyone wants to travel as much as humanly possible, and they won’t shut up about it. They share photos on Facebook of faraway locales, worship Kerouac, and always talk about just packing up and leaving one day. Why not see if they’re really into traveling, and ask them to come on a winter camping adventure with you? If they back out, you’ll be able to rescind their bragging rights for any other “adventure” they go on, and if they do go on your trip with you, then you have a companion!

Winter camping is a lot of fun, but only if you have the right pals with you. If you have any questions, feel free to share in the comments.

Although Paris is one of the most beautiful places in the world ? and certainly a place you should see at least once in your lifetime ? conquering the city of lights can be a little daunting. It?s a lot bigger in person, for one thing; and for another, there are so many different places to go and things to see, especially during the holiday season. Paris is one of the best places to have a holiday vacation, however, especially when you plan ahead and get rent a luxury apartment. During the holidays, particularly the winter holidays, you can avoid some of the summer vacation rush and really soak in the experience. So: let?s dive into your Paris holiday!

Planning Ahead: What To Consider

On average, foreign tourists in France spend about 62 euros a day. Paris shopping is irresistible, so don?t be surprised if you end up spending a bit more than you expected. Try to stick to your budget, but leave some wiggle room. Having luxury accommodations to return to at the end of a tiring day is a major plus during holiday events, so try and book your apartment well ahead of time for your winter vacation. A great way of saving time and energy is to buy museum passes ahead of time; and unless you rent a car, you might expect to ride the metro on Paris, so consider buying a metro pass.

Sights To See: What To Do In Paris

These aren?t just holiday events we?re talking about, but year-round attraction. For a bit of romance around Valentine?s Day, however, you might want to stop by the Les Murs des Je t?aime or I Love You: The Wall in Montmartre. It will teach you to say ?I love you? in 250 different languages. The Basilica of Sacre-Couer on Montmartre will also give you an amazing view of the city, though it is quite a climb. The Louvre, of course, is worth a whole day. But perhaps skip going to the top of the Eiffel Tower, and take the time to picnic at its base, or walk out to see it sparkle at night! And if you?re in the mood to taste some local wine in the evening, stop by the Galeries Lafayette, with the Bordeauxtheque will offer you a selection of 1,200 Bordeaux wines.

Holiday Events: For Winter Vacations In Paris

Winter is a great time to visit Paris, as it?s a bit less crowded ad you can take advantage of the skiing opportunities. Christmas features sparkling lights and beautiful carousels for kids, as well as ice skating rinks and giant Christmas trees. There are also Christmas markets available, where you can find the perfect European gift. Other great tourist attractions include seasonal shows. Paris is also home to amazing New Year?s festivities. European holidays are very different from American holidays ? and perhaps the best travel tips for American tourists is to take a holiday, rather than a summer abroad!

Family time is often difficult to find. With a combination of busy work and school schedules it can seem like there are never enough hours in the day to just sit back and enjoy the time with your spouse and your children. Prompted by the busy lives that so many people lead, camp ground settings have become the latest gathering place for many families. Whether you select a camp ground with cabins that include running water and electricity, or whether you prefer a basic camp ground that simply provides you a secluded place to pitch a tent, family camping can provide the time to spend together that is impossible to find at home.
Although it is considered rustic by many, the most popular form of camping is by tent. Nearly 86% of people who responded to a survey said they pick tent camping for their outings. With limited access to technology and electricity, tent camping can provide a time for families to enjoy conversations and outdoor activities. Meals take time to prepare, and everyone can get involved when you remove yourself from the luxuries of home.
Another 33% say they prefer cabin camping. With the modern conveniences of electricity and running water, cabin camping is often a great option for families with small children. The best cabin camping sites in the most scenic areas can provide hiking and swimming options, but still offer a warm bath or shower at the end of the day.
Another hearty group of campers is the 30% who enjoy backcountry hiking and backpacking. Following a trail that they select, many families select this option as an opportunity to climb to mountain peaks that provide magnificent views and much time for reflection and conversation.
Other campers chose less popular options for their camp ground adventures. Nearly 26% chose a drive-up campsite; 24% camp in their RV; 11% camped close to home in a backyard, 8% slept under the stars, and 2% slept in a yurt.
Whatever your level of adventure, a campground directory can provide you with many options, one of which is sure to suit the members of your family.
Close to 40 million people went camping in the year 2010. Their trips accounted for a total of 515 million outings. While some families select fancy beachside resorts or trips to expensive amusement parks, the majority say family camping vacations are their most popular choices for getting away. In fact, when added all together, campers in 2011 spent 534.9 million days camping altogether. Are you ready to join them?