How To Camp In The Winter – Tips and Tricks to Stay Cozy and Warm

How To Camp In The WinterCamping is not just for spring, summer and fall. You need to know how to camp in the winter.  Camping in the winter can be beautiful and fun. Bears are hibernating, there are no itchy plants or insects, and the landscape can be dramatic whether there is snow or not. Winter is cold, however, so you’ll need to make some special preparations to stay warm. Here are some tips for keeping cozy as you learn how to camp in the winter.

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First, here is a list of some of the most important camping gear you’ll need for a winter camping trip:

  • Wool or fleece hats, gloves, scarves, and thick socks are essential. Socks lined or coated with waterproof fabric are even better.
  • Sleeping pads to put beneath your sleeping bags, made from foam or other insulating material
  • Sleeping bags that will provide insulation to zero degrees
  •  Waterproof, insulated boots
  • At least 2 tarps, one for the ground and one to make a shelter over your tent
  • Skewers or stakes, sometimes called snow flukes, specially made for use in the snow
  • Thermoses for hot drinks
  • Camping stove with fuel (gathering dry firewood can be impossible in wet, snowy weather)
  • Foods high in complex carbohydrates, fat, and protein – in that order

How To Camp In The Winter – Tips for the Trip

  1. Don’t try to cover as much distance or pack in as many activities as you would during a warmer weather camping trip. It gets dark a lot earlier, so you will be making camp much earlier than in the summer. Also, getting the campsite set up will take longer due to the extra cold weather gear. Getting dressed in the morning will also take everyone a bit longer for the same reason.
  2. There’s an old saying among winter campers – cotton kills. Cotton is wonderful fabric for summer camping, but it is a very poor insulator, especially when wet. Make sure that any cotton clothing is covered by wool and/or waterproof clothing.
  3. Dress in layers that can be easily removed and put back on. If you begin to sweat, you will want to be able to remove a layer or two because excessive sweating in cold weather makes your body more susceptible to chilling (hypothermia).
  4. Remember to eat foods rich in whole grains, healthy fats, and protein even when you don’t feel that hungry. This diet is vital for your body to keep warm.
  5. Pack foods that have a low water content to prevent ruination from freezing and so they will be lighter to carry.

With a little preparation, you can know how to camp in the winter and you can enjoy an invigorating, beautiful winter camping trip.

17 Ways to Save on Your Winter Vacation

ways to save on your winter vacationAs cool fall weather sets in, our thoughts turn to winter vacation. Or at least, it should, if you want to find ways to save on your winter vacation and get great deals over the winter holidays.

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Whether you’re dreaming of a winter skiing destination, or would rather escape to a warm paradise, these tips will help you save big on your next winter vacation.

17 Ways to Save on Your Winter Vacation

1. Make a vacation budget and stick to it

How much can you afford, exactly? Find out now, or else have a plan to have a specific amount saved up by the time winter rolls in.

2. Plan well in advance

When it comes to budget travel, time is one of your most important tools. You need time to make advance reservations and to research the best deals.

3. Shop around

Now is the time to go comparison shopping for travel options, accommodations, and major attractions.

4. Compare different modes of travel

Depending on where you’d like to go, various means of traveling will have different costs. Also consider how many people are traveling. If you’re a family, it’s usually cheaper to drive than to fly. If you’re traveling solo, you may have more options – including carpooling with friends or family.

5. Ask for discounts

Sometimes you just have to ask, to receive discounts. At the hotel or airline, for example, ask for free upgrades on your room or flight. Ask your credit card provider about travel options they offer to clients at reduced rates, such as travel insurance coverage, etc. Don’t forget to ask hotel/hostel owners and tour operators for discount coupons, such as to the nearest attractions.

6. Share a vacation rental

If you’re traveling in a group, or can find family and friends to vacation with, sharing a rental house for a flat fee can be very economical.

7. Try a hostel

Hostels go for as as low as $20/night, so they’re a budget option you should consider.

8. Cook your own meals

Eating out can be very expensive. Stay in hotels or rentals where you can cook your own meals. Or pack your meals in a cooler, if you’re traveling by car.

9. Get as many discounts as you can

If you’re a student or traveling with a student, make sure to bring student ID cards or International Student Cards. This free report from Globe Cheap lists other discounts you or a family member may be eligible for. Also explore discount passes when buying online or by certain dates.

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10. Borrow equipment

If you’re going skiing, bring your own or borrowed equipment rather than renting them at the resort. If you plan to go skiing often, it’s probably cheaper to buy our own equipment in the long run, instead of renting every time.

11. Explore discount packages

Hotels and travel agencies usually offer packages that include travel, accommodation, meals and entrance to various attractions. These usually cost less than if you paid for each one individually. They usually also offer discounts for early booking.

12. Travel off-season

The peak season for traveling in winter is around Christmas and New Year. If you don’t mind traveling around those dates, you’ll find everything cheaper. It’s also usually cheaper to travel on weekdays or midweek rather than on weekends.

13. Consider warm-weather destinations

Looking to escape from the cold? Consider places where the US dollar goes farther, such as small Caribbean islands, Mexico, and parts of Central America and Asia. Some destinations within the United States are also cheaper in the cold season.

14. Don’t touch the minibar

Bring everything you need so you won’t have to open the water bottle in the hotel, or get snacks from the minibar. You’ll pay ridiculous prices for these! Some hotels also charge extra if you request additional towels and toothbrushes. If you must, buy extra supplies at the nearest grocery store, not from the hotel. And don’t forget to pack those over-the-counter medications you usually use!

15. Stay out of the way

Consider staying a little farther from major attractions. You’ll save tons on accommodation – as long as you won’t pay through the nose for public transportation or parking.

16. Camp out

If you’re going to a warm destination, plan to go camping. It’s a very cheap traveling alternative. If you’re driving, find the cheapest places to get gas.

17. Look for free attractions

Entrance fees to tourist attractions can also add up very quickly. Do some research to find free attractions at your destination. These could include malls, national parks and historic streets or towns. Find out when museums are open to the public for free.

More Ways to Save on Your Winter Vacation

You can get even more FREE tips for budget traveling from  Globe Cheap’s free report.  Grab it and find more ways to save on your winter vacation.

 

How To Plan A Weekend Getaway

820x480xhorseback-riding-beach-820x480.jpg.pagespeed.ic_.8hPeS_cLiT8lChRKCgv6If you are seeking to get away and want to know how to plan a weekend getaway, you need to hone in on your destination and your desires. Do you want to be full of activity and run every minute that you are away? Or, do you want to rest and relax the entire time? Maybe you wish to do a little bit of both – rest and relax with a little excitement in between.

Once you know what you want to do, then it is time to get busy and seek out the best weekend getaway package that you can find. There are certain things you need to look for in your weekend getaway package in order to get the most out of your weekend experience.


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Price Point

When you are booking a weekend package, it is essential that you shop around. Do an extensive compare and contrast way before the scheduled weekend is to happen. In this way, you ensure that you have done enough research to get the most bang for your buck.

Look for packages that include many benefits such as:

  • Half price tickets to shows
  • Free bottle of wine
  • Discount coupon to local eateries
  • Group rates on sights such as museums and tourist spots
  • Something for free – whether it be free continental breakfast or a free haircut at the hotel salon

Don’t be afraid to point out to competitors what other packages are offering to see if they are willing to up the ante. Also, let travel agents know that this is your first time using their service and that you expect them to make you a repeat customer by giving you the best discounts and freebies.

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All-Inclusive

If you are going to get away for the weekend, look to see if your hotel or resort is all-inclusive. Sometimes an all-inclusive resort will offer you one set price for meals, drinks, and lodging.

On some occasions, these types of lodging can save you some money.

Reputation and Customer Service

If you are booking with a travel agency for the first time, make sure to ask friends, family, and colleagues if they have ever used this agency or service before so that they can offer input.

Also, feel free to ask as many questions as you need to of the customer service agents that work for the company putting together your potential package. Chances are that if your customer service questions are not met satisfactorily, you will not have a good travel experience either.

If you find a package deal from an airline, agency, or online business, make sure you see if they offer variety, discounts, customer service, and have a good reputation to back them up, too.

So don’t wait for your annual vacation to take a trip.  Once you know how to plan a weekend getaway try taking several weekend trips every year.  It’s a great affordable way to enjoy traveling.