Here's How to Choose Camping as an Affordable Vacation Alternative

Occasionally, the circumstances of life dictate that we can't afford expensive vacations to far-off destinations. In those cases, camping is a great choice for family vacations. Not only is it very inexpensive if done right, it provides the whole family with an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

When the Yearly Vacation Can't Happen

In certain circumstances, some families may find that their usual vacationing plans are no longer financially feasible. Airplane journeys, hotel stays, and tourist activities require disposable income, and any number of events can threaten those extra funds. An economic downturn, a lost job, or a new, unexpected medical expense are just a few examples of reasons that a usual family vacation could turn into a non-starter. Financial difficulty, however, doesn't mean that life can't still be fun. No matter where you live, there are inexpensive vacation opportunities to be found.

Camping Close to Home: An Inexpensive Trip

Camping is one of the best choices for families looking to save a little money on this year's vacation. Not only is camping an exciting and fun family activity, it can be accomplished on a very low budget. The biggest expense incurred on a camping trip is often the cost of transportation to and from the campsite. Staying close to home, however, keeps travel costs down. Look into natural areas and campsites near to where you live. Often, there are beautiful camping opportunities to be found right in your backyard. In addition to saving money, camping close to home can help you and your family cultivate a deeper respect for your particular corner of the world.

Keeping Camping Costs Low

Once you have chosen a campsite and arranged transportation, costs for a camping vacation are almost negligible. In the United States, most campsites have a small fee for using the campgrounds. This fee can vary depending on what style of camping you choose. If you have an RV or camper, the fee may be a little higher than if you are using a tent. To save money, pack a tent in the back of the car and sleep under the stars. Camping in a tent has the added benefit of bringing campers closer to nature and adding an extra adventurous feeling of "rouging it."

What to Do on a Camping Trip

Depending on what you and your family like to do, you might need to factor in small costs for recreational licenses. At many campgrounds, licenses are needed for fishing, hunting, boating, and other activities. These are usually inexpensive, and if you are camping at a state or national park in the U.S., you can rest assured that your money is going toward preservation of the park and its ecosystems. One thing can be said for certain: these licenses will be far cheaper than movie tickets, museum admission, restaurant bills, theme park passes, and all the other costs associated with a typical vacation.

What to Eat on a Camping Trip

There are a number of different ways to arrange meals on camping trips. Some families choose to pack coolers full of all the food they will need for their trip, cooking over campfires and eating non-perishable goods. This is often the cheapest way to go, and adds a little excitement to the trip. For an easier but equally inexpensive option, choose a campsite that's near to a grocery store or market. That way, you can purchase fresh food from the market every day or every other day, and you can avoid the hassle of planning every meal in advance. Another choice is to spend some of the money you saved by going camping on eating out. This option can add some luxury to the trip.

The Unforgettable Camping Experience

For those willing to spend some time relaxing in nature, camping trips can be very inexpensive. A little research and advanced planning will uncover the best options for you and your family. No matter what style of camping you choose, you can be assured that your camping trip will be an unforgettable experience. You may even decide to go camping every year!