The best way for millions to kick out the kinks, is by traveling by car or pickup to a place to forget the 'rat race'. Take some food, water, and minimal shelter and leave the world behind.
For thousands of years mankind has found peace and serenity by getting back to nature; by sitting in front of your camping tent and gazing at billions of stars suddenly so brilliant in the absense of city lights; by listening to the silence of nature that is surprisingly not so silent; by donning our backpacks and hiking to the top of that hill and smelling that smog-free fresh air while taking in that breath-taking view.
Here are a few tips to stretch your money and increase your enjoyment on your next trip.
No Roof-top Bundles
Whenever possible, do not carry things on the roof of your car/suv. Even a small bundle up there will cause an interuption in the aerodynamic flow which will cut your fuel mileage 5% or more. Even pulling a small low-profile utility trailer will give you better gas mileage than roof-top bundles.
Stock Up Before You Leave
Be sure to purchase all the non-perishables before you leave your home. Sure, you can purchase things you need at a local campground store, but you'll pay much higher prices to do so. Opt for a lot of items that will not spoil quickly. Canned tuna, chicken, soup, stews are just a few. Some other choices are apples instead of bananas, hard peaches or nectrines vs soft, etc.
Get Good Camping Gear
Few things are more agravating than using a tool that breaks or a knife that won't hold an edge or an outdoor ice chest that won't stay cool. A little extra to get the better quality item is nearly always repaid many times over in the long run. "The sweet taste of a cheap price is quickly lost to the bitterness of poor quality."
Keep It Cool
Freeze your own ice for your cooler. The larger the block of ice, the better. Filling 1 gallon milk jugs and freezing them before you leave will give you about the best cool for your money. As the ice in those jugs melts, you can use it for ice cold drinking water or to mix with some flavoring like Kool Aid or Crystal Light for a thirst quenching treat. When you have to buy ice for your cooler, be sure to opt for the block ice instead of the crushed. It lasts a lot longer, and if you want some for ice your drinks, you can chip off as much as you need without "losing your cool".
Get more money-saving advice and camping trip tips from 60 year veteran of the roads and woods, Burl Faulk Sr at http://BurlTheTrucker.com Woods 'N' Water
