Are you looking for a great way to travel on the cheap and explore the great outdoors? Try a family camping vacation! It's an inexpensive and incredibly fun way to see the country. The awesome money-saving benefits are one of the major reasons why camping has become a popular outdoor recreational activity in North America. For a long time, staying in hotels has been the most preferred way of spending time away from home.
A lot of people instinctively look at deals on hotels when it’s time to go on holiday, but that’s changing. There are many good reasons for ditching the hotel and staying at a camping site instead. Most importantly, you have a better chance of saving money on your trip if you choose a camping site, especially if you are vacationing on a budget. However, you have to be willing to give up some conveniences and take the time to travel the back roads — which makes the experience even more adventurous!
Camping vs Staying in a Hotel
There are several factors to consider when making the decision on whether to go camping or stay in a hotel during a family vacation. One of them is cost. How does the cost of camping compare to staying in a hotel? Well, in general, it's going to cost way less to stay at a camping site than staying in a hotel. However, the price of staying in a camping site varies depending on the amenities you desire. Also, don’t forget some of the resources and camping gear you need to go camping. These include:
Tents
You will need a roof over your head when camping. Your tent provides that. Keep in mind that your tent will be accommodating the entire family -- size matters! Make sure that there’s enough space for everyone’s sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and any other items that can’t be left in the car. When buying a tent, choose one whose capacity exceeds the number of people in your group by one. Wildcat tents are built for families. Big tents with extra living area (like the Wildcat Bobcat 500 or the Wildcat Lynx 640) give you the chance to play games together before sleeping or when the weather does not allow you to go out. Investing in a high-quality tent will save you time and headache in the long run.
Sleeping Bags
Each person in your camping vacation must have a sleeping bag. Remember that you are going camping, you’ll be spending the night outdoors. The sleeping bags your children use when they go for sleepovers won’t cut it. You don’t want someone complaining that the sleeping bag is too cold, so buy sleeping bags that are designed for this purpose.
Sleeping Pads
Sleeping pads are an essential part of camping gear. Without enough sleeping pads, members of your family will not be able to get a good night’s sleep, which is an important part of a camping trip.
Other Camping Items
You need to keep your family well fed during your camping vacation. To do that, you need to invest in a good camping stove and a couple of pots, dishes, and other utensils. Cooking in an open fire is also an option. Bring a frying pan, two pots, and a bowl, plate, cup, as well as a set of utensils for each person.
Camping is Still Cheaper in the Long Run
Truth is, camping does have some upfront expenses, but once you are done with that, camping turns to one of the best ways to get away from home and explore the world around you on a budget. You’ll find that even after buying all these items, campsites are still cheaper than hotels in the long run.
Camping is a great alternative to hotels when it comes to accommodation. It’s cheaper and more fun! Families get to enjoy things like building campfires, gazing at the stars, and hiking on trails all day. Research and plan thoroughly before embarking on your camping trip for a smoother, more enjoyable vacation. Happy Camping!