With slow economic times comes cutting back on lavish holiday trips abroad.  This doesn’t mean there’s no fun to be had.  Camping is a great alternative for more and more people as it is an inexpensive holiday trip.  Taking a camping trip also allows you to spend more time in the great outdoors which is something a lot of people don’t do as often as they used to.

Camping can be great fun, but the basics are often overlooked.
Follow these six fundamental camping tips and you’re off to a great start!

• DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT NOTICE - Inform a family member, friend, or relative of your camping plans and location.  An accident in the middle of nowhere can turn into a catastrophe if nobody knows you’re missing in the first place.
  
  
  
• THE WEATHER CAN CHANGE - Just because the sun is out and it’s 80 degrees today doesn’t mean it’s going to be that way tonight or tomorrow.  The weather can be very brutal to an unexpecting camper.  Your tent could fall victim to the wind or hail, you could be surprised by a flash flood, a blizzard, or simply sucky weather could be making it’s way in with destination “ruin your camping trip”.
  
  
  
• WATER - You simply must have drinking water with you. Don’t stock up on soda’s, always bring water as it has multiple functions.
  
  
  
• FOOD - Besides water, food is also a necessity (duh?)  Not every single campsite has a store, some not even without an hour’s driving range, so BYOF (bring your own food). You’ll find plenty of “what food to bring”-tips on my site.
  
  
  
• DONT’ GET COUGHT WITH YOUR PANTS… WET - Hypothermia anyone? Bring extra clothing in case you get caught in a storm. This is a year-round tip as even summer can bring storms that can make the temperature drop below-comfort. Also, don’t be silly, put your spare clothes in a WATERPROOF bag.
  
  
  
• FIRE - Don’t be the next dumba** that causes a major wildfire that ends up on CNN.  If you build it, it’s your responsibility.  Clear atleast 20 feet around your campfire.
  Also be aware of any sudden thick smoke.  Just because you took the necessary precautions doesn’t mean the camper a few miles away from you did.  If you see a big plume of smoke in the distance, you better pack up FAST as wildfires can travel at ridiculous speeds.

These tips are very basic. You can find details as well as other tips on safety, choosing a tent, gearing up properly, camping recipes, instructional videos, and much much more at my site called Camping Tips and Gear

Camping to me means freedom from being cooped up inside all week. I love the outdoors, especially the lack of noise and traffic - it’s just you and the trees and the animals and the birds. If you believe in heaven then this has to be the closest thing we can experience to it on earth. If you know how to look after yourself in the great outdoors and you have the right equipment, camping is a lot more comfortable than you might think.

Before Leaving

When you are planning for a camp-trip, the first thing you must do is to book the camping site on time, so that you do not need to face any inconvenience. Make an inventory list and shop as required. Check that whether your vehicle is in proper shape. Secure the maintenance for your home for the days you will be in the campsite. Make sure that you have a proper route plan.

Kids and Camping

Kids are instinctually explorer. Quite obviously, they love outdoor activities. When they go out for a camping, their new surroundings always drive them to explore and to learn. Opening the era of newer adventures, kids can happily explore a newer dimension of life, which is quite different than the usual periphery of so-called life such as works, homework, school, video games or television.

Read Great Camping Articles At CAMPING WEBSITE

Before you head off on a camping vacation there are some things you should know; Camping Heaters, Camping Toilets, etc. Before you pack Rover in the back of the family truckster check out vacation-camping.com

Choosing
Family Camping Tents

Many adults will say one of the most memorable parts of their
childhood was the family’s camping trips. Camping is near and dear to a lot of
peoples’ hearts whether the sleep out took place in the backyard or involved a
more in depth planning and execution process. It makes sense that as those
children grew up and had families of their own that they would want to continue
the family tradition and take their children on camping trips as well. To make
this dream a reality, the most important piece of equipment is the family
camping tents. These tents have evolved over the years into virtual paradises
of home like comfort.

You can find family camping tents in a variety of styles,
sizes, and colors. Almost any version can be found to accommodate the family’s
size and needs. Family camping tents are better made than ever with the
advancement of technology, and are constructed of the most durable and
weatherproof materials. While it may not be the optimal experience to camp in
inclement weather, with these tents it doesn’t have to be the worst thing ever
either. While deciding on the perfect tent for your family there is a certain
criteria to keep in mind.

Before style even becomes a consideration, it is important to
find a well made family camping tent. When you find a tent that you really like,
check online message boards for honest reactions to the products performance.
There are several websites available that are designed to provide consumer
opinions. Then visit the local sporting goods store to take a look at the tent
up close and personal. You will want to pay careful attention to the zippers,
fastenings, and how easy or difficult the tent is to put up. Be sure to also look
into the type of material used and the quality of the poles and attachments. A
good family camping tent should be made to last a long time and hold up to the
rigors of the great outdoors.

Once you have found several family camping tents you like, then
you can narrow down your selection according to your personal preferences. Some
family camping tents are a large one room design, while others have a tunnel
between two “rooms” that children find a lot of fun. Also consider the size and
space available in the vehicle that will be used for camping trips. Many models
are made to be compact and space saving for smaller vans and cars.

Family camping trips are worthwhile. Be sure to be properly
prepared with one of the high quality family camping tents available for a more
enjoyable vacation.

Paula Radmall is an outdoor enthusiast as well as an author and editor for http://www.GreatCampingHome.com . Paula enjoys camping and hiking.