Planning your vacation this year with your wife and kids is going to be an exercise in budgeting. Less cash on hand means fewer options for vacation destinations this year. A boat cruise is usually an affordable vacation choice, but not in this economy. Road trips are fun, but the cost of gasoline and eating at roadside diners for days on end adds up quickly. Flying somewhere is even more expensive than the first two options combined!
Camping: An Old Idea for a New Vacation
Camping is an excellent way to spend vacation time with the family. You will save money in the process. Camping equipment is relatively inexpensive, and over time, it pays for itself. Every time you pack up the car to go camping, all you really need to stock up on is food. Your family will have a fantastic time together, you will save money, and finally get to enjoy nature again.
Your Camping Shopping List
A good camping trip does not require a lot of equipment. If you have a good tent and sleeping bags, that is all you really need. Some families make camping an occasion to remember. They bring propane grills and portable stoves to cook and boil water and soup. They bring a kitchen on wheels with pots and pans, cutlery, and everything imaginable to enjoy their time in nature. If you are type of family that likes to leave the modern world behind for a few days, all you need is basic shelter, food, and water. It all depends on your degree of tolerance for the outdoors without the luxuries of home.
Food
Unless you are a skilled hunter or fisher, and do not plan to find your meals in the great outdoors, bring some food along! Camping and sports stores always carry a variety of ready-to-eat meals, or you can bring the basics and make your own meals. If you are using your campsite as a base for daily hikes, and you want some variety in your meals, there are camping cookbooks you can buy. You can make all sorts of meals using the same basic ingredients. You will be glad you travelled with only the essentials.
Water
Humans can survive for quite a while without food, but you will not last many days without water. Always remember to bring sufficient supplies of water. Store enough water for your trip in bottles, jugs, and even canteens. Water is one essential item you will need to stay hydrated throughout the trip, especially if it is warm outside.
These are the basics. If you bring what you need, your trip will be memorable one with your family.