Wilderness Accommodations

Recreational Vehicles (RV’s) come in just about every shape and size, from a standard van to a 2 bedroom house.  Even the smallest RV’s have basic amenities – bed, kitchen, bath, storage and entertainment.  These things allow you to feel at home no matter where you are.  When it is time to park, there are some key ingredients that will make your RV Campsite really special.

First, your RV Campsite needs to be safe.  Treacherous roads are usually not worth the risk of damaging your RV or getting stuck.  Consider the weather, or the possibility of a mechanical problem with your vehicle if you are going into remote country.  A city street may seem OK during the day, but it might not feel comfortable at night.

Depending on how long you are staying, your RV Campsite needs to meet your needs in terms of hookups.  If you are using a lot of power and water for an extended period, you will need to hook up to these things.  If your ideal RV Campsite is in a remote area, you can bring a generator for power.  Sometimes running your vehicle can charge your electrical system.  And you can always filter, treat or boil water from a safe water source if you run out.

Finally, your RV Campsite should be in a place that you enjoy.  Do you like the ocean?  Then find a spot on the coast.  If you like fishing, find a campsite near a lake or stream.  Find a quiet site if you enjoy peace and solitude.  There are many campsites just for RV’ers if you want to meet like minded people.

Keeping these basic things in mind will help you find a good RV Campsite.  There are infinite possibilities out there, and some of them are really incredible.  An RV allows you to enjoy these places in style.  Happy RV-ing.

‘From the redwood forests to the gulf stream waters, this land was made for you and me.’
Woody Guthrie, who probably would have loved RV Camping!

If you are on the road and are looking for a lodging option somewhere between camping and staying in a hotel, then an RV (Recreational Vehicle) Park might just be a perfect fit. You get many of the benefits of traditional camping along with extra amenities that can enhance your vacation. The campsites will have full electrical and water hookups along with other specialty conveniences that can be difficult to find on the road. Whether you are staying all summer or just for one night in an RV Park, you will feel part of a community of fellow travelers, and that can help make any vacation memorable.

Camping is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors. Fresh air, open fires, and natural surroundings rejuvenate the spirit. However, the lack of creature comforts can be uncomfortable, especially when the weather is nasty, the bugs are biting, and there are no kitchens or bathrooms for miles around. Whether or not you own an RV, you will appreciate the fact that an RV Park usually has bath houses with showers and someplace to get out of the weather. Often, there will be a swimming pool, exercise/game room, club house and restaurant to enjoy.

If you are traveling in an RV and choose to stay in an RV Park, you will appreciate having full hookups for electricity and water, and sometimes even internet and cable TV. If your sewage tank needs to be emptied or propane tanks filled, there is usually a station on site for this purpose. Often the office will sell specialty items for RV’ers.

Although most RV Parks cater to travelers visiting for a short while, it is not uncommon for some visitors to actually be residents for an entire summer, or every summer for that matter. This fosters a sense of community and the social aspect of staying at an RV Park can be really fun. Give it a try next time you want a little extra!

If you are looking for lodging, you may want to consider staying at a Bed and Breakfast – a B & B for short. You will likely find the amenities similar to a 4 star hotel, and the price the same or lower than a typical hotel. The atmosphere at a B & B is usually quaint and charming, and probably run by a local family that can provide local information for your visit. Best of all, your stay will be unique.

Many B & B’s are renovated historical buildings with modern conveniences such as wi-fi internet access, cable TV, private baths, jetted tubs, and comfortable beds. You can always count on immaculate housekeeping! This is a gigantic step up from the typical roadside motel and on par with a nice hotel, but with far more character. The meals are home cooked and typically better than any hotel buffet. Unique, yummy specialty items are often on the menu.

Most B & B’s are family owned and operated, so your visit helps to support a local family. The local connection can be invaluable. Your hosts will know which restaurants are best, what sights to see, things that are happening in town, etc. There will usually be other guests staying in the house. It can be interesting getting to know them. And if you require anything special, say an auto mechanic or a doctor, you can rest assured that you will be getting in touch with the right person. In addition to a fantastic breakfast, some B & B’s offer happy hour fare – wine & cheese on the patio, for example.

These days, many hotels are virtually indistinguishable from one another. A visit to a B & B is guaranteed to be a departure from the homogeneous corporate lodging experience. You can find B & B’s in just about any town. Try one on your next vacation!

Beach Resort

Sometimes, it can be hard to plan for a vacation.  If you are planning for the whole family, you need to find a vacation spot where everybody can enjoy.  There has to be activities suited for every single person so nobody gets left out.  And if you are planning for a romantic getaway, you need to find a place that is quiet and cozy.

There are beach resorts that can easily accommodate a fun family and romantic couples as well.  They have lots of outdoor activities that everybody can participate in.  But there are resorts that are exclusively for adults only.  They don’t want children running around the place.  But wherever you want to go, you just have to research for the best place where you can enjoy.

A lot of people love to go camping during the summer.  They enjoy spending time in the great outdoors and just relaxing far away from the city.  They go to their favorite campsites and set up their tents and barbecues and have lots of fun.

There are different campsites to choose from.  There are campsites that offer a lot of amenities like hot showers, barbecue grills, satellite phones and more.  But some just offer the basic sewer provision and that’s it.  You can really have a great camping experience whether you are bombarded with technological innovations or just plain roughing it.  The whole family will enjoy the experience since you are all together having fun.

During the historical year of 2009 we will all see some major changes to the economy and our lifestyles. As the whole world works towards climbing out of the recession that we are in, I hope you can still find time to appreciate what matters most.

“For richer or for poorer,” those of us that are married or are soon to be married share a small commitment to find romance and love no matter what our financial circumstances might be. This year, I expect that less people will be booking that all inclusive trip to Cuba. Maybe the plans to go biking in France will be held off for another year. But don’t let that get you down!

If this recession does anything positive for us, it will be to help us look in our own backyards and see the wonder, the beauty, the resources and the freedom that we have all forgotten and taken advantage of. With some tighter budgets and thinner wallets, I expect that many people will be dusting off the old tents or loading up the kids in the RV for a weekend get-away this year.

There is nothing better (in my humble opinion) than being far from technology, traffic, pollution and stress. Find yourself a peaceful campground. Perhaps a campground that overlooks a lake or ocean front and take it all in! You might even rekindle more than just a campfire while you’re at it

Its no surprise that people love to go camping. Weather you like to go with a small group, a large group or just by yourself there are always opportunities to meet new friends.

Many times I have found myself at a quiet little campsite somewhere all by my lonesome, That is until the locals find out that I’m there. Even in some of the most remote and unvisited campgrounds, I have encountered furry or feathered friends that know all about humans!  They act all shy at first, but I’ve been known to have Whiskyjack birds or squirrels eating out of my hands in no time.

Just a few tips when being host or hostess to the local wildlife…
1. Don’t feed birds food that contains little nutritional value or foods that fill them up to quickly. Popcorn is a no-no because the birds will feel full, and get little nourishment from it.

2. Squirrels like nuts but if you don’t have any, then sunflowers will do. However, don’t give them flavored “Spits”.

3. If you are going to feed the forest creatures, be sure to put the food in one spot. Maybe on top of a stump or a bench. Check back after a while and make sure the food is gone and dispose of anything not eaten. Never toss food carelessly around your campsite as it might invite unwanted, larger furry friends.

4. Obey all posted signs that warn about hazards or dangers of feeding wildlife.

May all of your campsite journeys never be alone!