Super Summer Campsites

Tis the season to soak up the sun, sand and surf, and there’s no better way to do so than to pitch a tent on the beach with friends and family. Summer beach camping is gaining in popularity. While many campsites are typically situated in heavily wooded areas, an increasing number of camping resorts are popping up near lakes and oceans. Among the most popular include: South Carolina Located in picturesque Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Lakewood Camping Resort offers 1200 scenic lakefront or ocean front sites which are able to accommodate tents or RVs. Among its notable features, Lakewood provides … Continue reading →

Great American Backyard Campout

Get out your tents and marshmallows; it’s time to go camping. Only you won’t have to travel far to tell ghost stories and roast hot dogs if you are participating in the National Wildlife Federation’s 2009 Great American Backyard Campout. The event takes place tomorrow and is designed to encourage families to tap into the myriad of resources available that promote communing with nature just steps from your own home. If you hate bugs, pit toilets and being without running water, then your backyard is the ideal place to pitch a tent and give your kids a night to remember. … Continue reading →

Take a Summer Tour on Two Wheels

France is famous for the Eiffel Tower, its pastries, and scores of fabulous museums, but if you are looking to gain a unique perspective of the City of Lights then this next trip might be exactly what you are looking for. The Backroads of Burgundy package allows you to tour France’s quaint villages on two wheels. You’ll bike through some of the country’s most picturesque countryside, and with all the exercise you’ll be getting you’ll likely feel better after your trip than you have in a while. For just $1,099 per person (taxes included) you will receive seven nights’ accommodations, … Continue reading →

More Tips for Hiking with a Baby

Now that you know how critical it is to plan ahead before embarking on a trip to the wilderness with your baby it’s time to discuss other tips to make your trek memorable. First of all, if you are planning to hike in any one of our country’s awe-inspiring National Parks you should know that there are rules that prohibit the disposal of human waste within 100 feet of a water source or camp site, or within sight of a trail. The National Park Service has also adopted principles from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, which recommend … Continue reading →

Tips for Hiking with a Baby

Going on a hike with a 7-year-old is far different than loading up a 7-month-old and hitting the trails. Still, what some would consider a daunting task (and others would call crazy) should not deter you from enjoying the great outdoors with your bundle of joy. The key is preparation. With a little planning and a lot of thought your day in the woods can become a cherished memory. Be Prepared You don’t have to be a Boy Scout to know how vital it is to plan ahead and expect the unexpected. When packing for your trip include the must-haves … Continue reading →

Luxury Camping Without the High End Prices

Like mother like daughter I guess. I blame my lack of enthusiasm for camping on my mother who, like many others out there, does all her “camping” at a Hilton. Which is not to say that I have never pitched a tent and lived off the land during the summer months. (You can read about my first camping trip here.) I just don’t seem to embrace the experience of roughing it as much as others. However, there is an entirely different breed of lodging in the great outdoors that I am quite interested in—luxury camping. Did you know that there … Continue reading →

Travel Tidbits: Famous Faces Try to Lure Tourists to New York and Touring North Dakota on Two Wheel

What do actor Kevin Bacon, MTV personality Coltrane Curtis and musician Itzhak Perlman all have in common? They want you to visit their favorite Big Apple haunts. And thanks to a new ad campaign you’ll discover where these famous faces hang out in the city during their downtime. Metropolitan Opera general manager Peter Gelb, MTV fashion VJ Coltrane Curtis and Perlman are among the famous New Yorkers who have joined the newly expanded citywide welcome campaign for foreign travelers. The idea behind the new project, according to tourism officials, is to provide insider tips from celebrities and local experts about … Continue reading →

Hiking the Himalayas

If you are a die-hard hiker who is looking to kick up your next adventure a notch then you might consider the following trips. Several tour groups are offering package deals designed specifically for nature lovers who enjoy taking the road less traveled. If you are an outdoorsy type who loves to get your adrenaline going these land-only trips are perfect for you… and your wallet. PERU The South American country of Peru is home to one of the world’s most amazing ancient cities, the legendary Machu Picchu, and the famous Inca Trail, which leads hikers to the top of … Continue reading →

Hiking into Summer

I call it the hiker’s delight. This next travel deal is specifically designed for outdoor lovers who would rather spend the night in a tent than at a Hilton. Summer is an ideal time to set off on a hiking adventure and REI is giving you the chance to do so for a real bargain. The outdoors adventure company is offering a deal, which includes two nights’ camping, rock climbing equipment, meals, and professional instruction, for $400 per person—-including taxes. The available dates are: June 6, 20, Aug. 1, 30, Sept. 26, Oct. 17, 2008. If you are a REI … Continue reading →

Finger Lickin’ Good Times on the Road

May is National BBQ Month and to celebrate I would love nothing more than to make a lifelong dream of mine come true. Regular readers of this blog know that I have fantasized of crisscrossing the country in search of the nation’s best ribs. But with gas prices nearing record highs it looks like my dream trip will be put on the back burner for at least another year. However, if you have the time, money and appetite there’s no stopping you from heading out to some of the country’s biggest cookouts. I’m not just talking about any ol’ barbeque; … Continue reading →