Looking for a good kid-friendly vacation this summer? Need something that will let your kids burn off plenty of steam and stretch their legs a little? You should check out family campgrounds as a vacation destination for your family. Camping has tons of benefits for the whole family — and if you’re not super keen on tent camping spaces, cabin camping is also available in most family campgrounds. It’s a great way to get your kids off their phones, computers, or tablets and into nature. (It can also be a great way for you to get off our phone, tablet, or computer!) Family camping trips are sure to open up more lines of communications among family members and make plenty of silly and happy memories that will keep the family aglow for months to come. Additionally, choosing family campgrounds can also allow you and your kids to interact with other families and make new friends. Not a bad deal all around!
Camp Once and Go Back Again and Again!
Surveys have shown that the majority of camping (70%) is done in public or family campgrounds and many families come back year after year after they’ve experienced a family vacation campground. Over 10% of currently camping adults first went camping with their immediate family — and continued to do so into adulthood. In 2011, it was shown that Americans had over 500 camping days collectively; it remains one of the top family vacation choices for Americans today. It’s good to start kids young as well — 85% of those who are still camping went between their birth and the age of 15; they were less likely to be exposed to camping after that age. Furthermore, the idea of family bonding is still strong in the minds of adults who went camping with their families — almost 15% of adults who still camp go in order to spend time with their families.
Create a Bond In Family Campgrounds
Not only is there a chance you’ll meet other families that you and your kids can connect with — they may turn out to be surprising lifelong friends — but you and your family will get closer as well. Minus technology, the chance for good conversation, funny stories, and the building of memories grows. There will be some ridiculous and frustrating moments that will turn into good stories over time and delicious and rich memories of seeing a wild animal during a hike or getting marshmallow sticky with S’mores near a campfire.
It’s also possible that your children will grow up appreciating being outside more, which can lead to healthy and active lifestyles. Being outdoors at a younger age also fosters a sense of environmentalism and the idea that every person can affect change in their surroundings, no matter how small. There’s a chance they’ll be more respectful of their surroundings and encourage others to do so as well. And, of course, you may be fostering the next generation of enthusiastic campers!
Why Else Should Families Take Advantage of a Camping Vacation?
Enjoy a slower and more relaxing type of trip — camping can almost catapult you fifty years back in time. Almost 50% of adults who went camping said they went for the sheer enjoyment of it. Broadening your travel horizons can also be a great reason to take a family camping vacation. What better reason to pack up your family and drive cross country than to take a stunning vacation at a geographical landmark or to enjoy a variety of stunning campsites?
Camping vacations also offer families the chance to be active and engaged with their surroundings. Hiking, backpacking, canoeing, whitewater rafting, and swimming are all possible activities that can be added on when you go camping. And around 90% of campers participated in outdoor activities when they went camping! It’s a chance to try new things that you might not ordinarily have tried before.
Check out listings for your next family camping adventure. Get started early on the path to outdoor fun and start making memories that will last you and your family a lifetime.
Five Signs You Are a Workoholic
Cabo San Lucas possesses such natural beauty and perfect weather that people travel there from all over the world. Many of these travelers are rather well off, staying in luxury villas on the beach. With enough money that bills are never a stressful issue, they must have long, leisurely vacations filled with nothing but enjoying the delights of Cabo. Well, that might be a true statement, except that many of these well-to-do business people are American, and in the United States, the business day never really closes, and most professionals show at least some symptoms of being a workaholic. Here are five of signs of being a workaholic to make self-diagnosis easier. Many people start to misuseit, which can lead to the development of addiction. Experts from the website https://chini.com/xanalp/ found that human brain contains neurons called GABA receptors, responsible for anxiety. If the activity of these neurons increases, they start to burn. By enhancing the activity of xanax decreases anxiety and panic. After taking Xanax, patient can calm down and see things more clearly.
- Sometimes The Janitor Is Still There When You Get to Work Hopefully, that first statement can be classified as a wild exaggeration, but most likely, it’s not far off. If you are also the last person to leave the office on a regular basis, some concern is warranted.
- Work Is All You Ever End Up Talking About An individual with a life that is well balanced between work, family and friends will have ready-made discussion topic based on experience and events, and many of them will be entirely unrelated to work.How often are your conversations not work related?
- Your Friends Are Also Your Coworkers It is perfectly natural and healthy to develop friendships with the people you interact with on nearly a daily basis. Ordinary development becomes ominous warning sign when you realize your only friends are the ones from work.
- No Luxury Villas If you must be convinced, bribed, bullied or ordered to use your earned vacation hours, a long look at your life needs to happen immediately. If you actually become stressed on such trips about not being at work, it’s possible you are experiencing a type of withdrawal
- Cholera Will Not Get You To Call Out of Work On the days you are dragging some, it does not occur to you to call out of work. Only a supervisor telling you to go home will force you back to bed in the face of genuine illness. That is not healthy.
There is no social stigma surrounding this addiction, but keep in mind the negative effects of stress, which even steals years of your life. Even if you cannot afford the luxury villas, seriously consider Cabo San Lucas vacations or any of the luxury resorts all over the world. All that matters is that all inclusive resorts be in a place that is somewhere, anywhere, far away from work.
6 Tips for Planning A Great Family Camping Adventure
Americans love to camp. Most American adults have fond memories of fun family camping vacations we took as kids. Others remember the camping trips we took with school or the Scouts. The country is full of great campgrounds and many are public. Nearly 70% of all camping trips are taken in public campgrounds. In 2011, nearly 43 million people went camping. American families spent about 535 million days camping that year. Regardless of where you live, campgrounds in Tennessee are very popular destinations.
Campgrounds in Tennessee offer a wide array of amenities and options. Tent camping remains the most popular way to go. About 86% of all campers choose to go this way. S campgrounds in Tennessee only allow camping in tents while others offer RC camping (people who camp in RVs take the longest camping trips), camping cabin rentals and everything in between.
6 Tips for Planning A Great Family Camping Adventure:
- Take a trial run. Before you take your family out into the wilderness, you might want to do a trial trip in your backyard. This can be really great for younger kids who may not react well to too many changes in their routine. Spend a weekend camping in your tent in the backyard and that will give them the chance to try it out.
- Do not make your first real family camping trip super long. When you do go for the real thing, try a shorter family camping vacation. Go for just a few days. Go from a weekend camping trip in the backyard to a weekend camping trip at a campground.
- Plan as much as you can in advance. There are a lot of things that you cannot change or control about your trip, like the weather. You can plan a lot of other parts of your trip in advance. Many campgrounds in Tennessee, for instance, let you make reservations in advance. Bring foods that you know your kids like that can be cooked and eaten on your trip. You can also prepare some of the food at home. Cook potatoes half way in the microwave at home, for instance, wrap them in tin foil and heat them up on your trip.
- Bring activities and things to do when and if it rains. Have some ideas ready for what you can do if and when your weather does not cooperate with your outdoor plans. Bring games and books and other activities to entertain your family. This will make the time much more pleasant for you and your family.
- Decide which amenities you can and cannot live without. Most people do have a great time camping but not everyone is cut out for all aspects of every kind of camping. Some people toilets to be an essential, not a luxury. This is your vacation and not a way to torture yourself. Talk to your family about what they can stand, you might find that renting a cabin will make your experience much better and be worth the expense.
- Take this time to unplug. Despite what your kids may tell you, not one person has ever died by being cut off from Facebook, Snap Chat, Instagram or any of the other applications we use every day. They can live without their devices for a few days. This is not to say you should bring no phones with you, if you have an emergency, you should have one with you. The time you spend on a camping trip is a fantastic time to bond with your family. This will not happen if everyone spends your camping vacation glued to their mobile devices.
Camping trips are really special times for many American families. Most people take advantage of the outdoor activities offered at the campground like hiking, swimming and canoeing. The best part of these trips, for a lot of people, is the time they give you to spend time getting back in touch with the important people in your life. You can send some real quality time with your family and make some great memories.
The Perfect Vacation to Buena Vista, Colorado
Are you looking for a unique, yet exciting vacation with lots of attractions and things to see? I have the perfect location that will fit this type of a vacation. Buena Vista, CO is a beautiful city that is located in the Colorado Rocky Mountain Range. The community of Buena Vista is located in central Colorado and is home to less than 5,000 residents permanently, but welcomes thousands of tourists every season of the year. It is well known for its hot springs. The city offers much to do, including hiking, biking, and wildlife sightseeing (you could even see bears, moose, foxes and even elks. The Rocky Mountains offers its guests many outdoor activities, including: skiing, snowmobiling, hot springs, and snowshoeing.
There are many hotels available to guests in this area. However, another great choice that visitors have is the visit to a bed and breakfast. The mountains can be so exciting that it will only add to your trip to spend your evening in a cozy bed and breakfast environment. Bed and breakfast lodging can offer more assistance and direction in the local city activities. Many even provide their guests with a freshly cooked hot breakfast each morning, to gain the energy needed for an exciting day ahead. Cabins directly on the mountain are another option to visitors also.
In addition to the wonderful outdoor mountain activities and the sightseeing attraction opportunities that Buena Vista offers, the community is also home to many historical buildings. It is known for its 120+ years of history and many of its buildings were built as early as the 1880s. Additionally, the famous Arkansas River runs throughout the eastern border of the city of Buena Vista and allows visitors to experience its 100 miles of whitewater rafting. The cities hot springs are another one of its famous attractions, attracting thousands of visitors each year to visit them.
Buena Vista is a wonderfully exciting place to visit for all ages and types of people. It doesn?t matter if you?re from Colorado or a different state or country, you will find something exciting and entertaining. The city offers relaxation in its cozy bed and breakfasts, outdoor mountain activities on the Colorado Rocky Mountain Range, an abundance of hot springs, and many historical attractions. There are many hotels and lodging options available, but the visit to a bed and breakfast provides guests with a more personalized visit. The city awaits your visit and will easily live up to your expectations of the perfect vacation.
Taking the Time to Break in New Hiking Shoes Can Help Avoid Blisters and Injury
Every year, at campground locations across the United States, there are a small number of children and adults who are on their first camping trips. About one in every ten campers report that they are new to camping and hiking; studies show that most campers take their first overnight trip before they learn to drive, and that the likelihood of taking up hiking and camping as a hobby does decrease with age.
Having the appropriate gear is essential: a sleeping bag that is comfortable during milder afternoon temperatures may not be “rated” for nighttime temperatures that can dip well below freezing. Checking online weather and camping websites that keep track of local temperatures and weather patterns — and making sure that younger campers wear appropriate layers — can ensure a good experience for beginning outdoor enthusiasts.
Practicing at home with cooking gear can also give first-time campers the confidence to produce meals over a fire or with a portable gas stove. Taking short walks in new hiking shoes can help make them more comfortable before a trip and can work to prevent injury; some hikers find that local strolls with a fully-packed backpack can help them figure out which items of clothing and gear are essential.
Although some hikers and campers rely on older, printed maps to navigate toward camp sites or camp grounds, some newer campers make sure to pack their mobile phones in waterproof containers. Having the ability to call park rangers in case of emergency and maintaining a link to family and friends can soothe younger campers who may be spending the night away from home for the first time.
Some camping grounds do require reservations, and confirming plans online or by phone is recommended well in advance. Enthusiastic campers often return to the same camping grounds each year; waiting to book a site can often mean cancellation of vacation plans. While summer camping remains popular, autumn camping and winter camping can allow busy professionals the chance to take an off-season adventure in a stunning outdoor environment.
Why We’re Excited About Sanibel Island
It’s the holiday season which means one of two things: It’s getting a little too cold for comfort or you’re already daydreaming about your next summer condos for vacation. We understand. We like to romanticize a white Christmas in songs, but at the end of the day, all snow means is hazardous driving, a lot of ice to scrape, and too many clothing layers. Every once in a while, we like to feature particularly promising vacation rentals, and this season we’re getting really excited about Sanibel Island condos.
About Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island is a sandy barrier island in Lee County, Florida spanning about 33 square miles. Average temperature in the summer is 82 degrees and in the winter, it only dips down to about 63. At last count, the population was below 7,000, and there is a decidedly sleepy, idyllic feel to the place. This is not by accident. Protected by strict building codes and development limits, Sanibel Island has zero stop lights and only a few buildings that are more than three stories tall. It boasts some of the most shell rich beaches in the U.S. and is home to a thriving wild life refuge.
What about the tourist rush?
Many of you are probably thinking “Yeah, I bet the Sanibel Island condos are like the Cancun match boxes. As flimsy as they are noisy. “And we feel you. Nobody wants to deal with a hoard of drunk 20-somethings on a relaxing getaway. The good news is, perhaps because of the town’s lack of night life and low population, Sanibel Island condos are off the beaten path and not overpopulated like other Florida vacation hot spots.
What types of things are there to do?
Boating and fishing are extremely popular past times on Sanibel Island, and many Sanibel Island condos have deals with local docks for free or discounted docking of personal vessels. Many condos also offer bike rentals and bird watching is some of the best in the country due to the beach location and Sanibel Island’s already rich wildlife. Of course, the entire island is also a beach, so if you’re just looking to relax in the sand and get some tanning in or grill with your family, Sanibel Island definitely has what you’re looking for.
What about price?
It is important to remember that going the condo route on vacation rather than with a hotel almost always saves you money off the bat because most condos come equipped with full kitchens. Having the option to eat in will save you a lot! Most 2-bedroom condos run a person between $1,700 to $2,000 weekly, but these prices fluxuate depending on the season so do your research. It might be a good idea to go in on a condo with another family or a group of friends. Rental periods are also usually flexible and there are day to day rates at most places as well.
If anyone has ever been to Sanibel Island before and has some condo wisdom to share, please let us know below in the comments section!
5 Incredible Campsites Across America That You’ve Never Heard of
Every person should have “Spend as much time outdoors as possible” high on their list of life goals. The scenery, the adventure, and the serenity that you find in the great outdoors is something you just cannot be manufactured by mankind. Whether you prefer luxury cabin camping, RV camping, or the rustic feeling of tent camping, here are five US campsites that you should visit in your lifetime:
- Camping in Montana
Some of the most scenic campgrounds in the United States are in the Glacier National Park. The Apgar Campground, which is nestled in a pine forest in the middle of the mountain peaks, offers both RV camping and tent camping. There are wealth of excursions already available, such as boating at nearby Lake McDonald, horseback riding, and guided tours of the beautiful mountain side. Or you can create your own adventure! - Camping in Texas
Give yourself the sensation of being an old Western movie by camping in the beautiful Pala Dura Canyon in Texas. The gorgeous painted desert has looming red rocks that will take your breath away, which you can explore through the many established hiking or mountain biking trails. Pala Dura Canyon offers tent camping sites, RV camps, and rustic stone cabins that were built to provide employment during the Great Depression. Pala Dura Canyon is also famous for its live wild west musical, ‘Texas,’ That is performed outside in the warm evenings of the summer. - Camping in Oregon
A truly magnanimous camping experience can be found on the beaches of Oregon, in Nahalem Bay State Park. The tent camping spot offers more luxuries than most campsites, including running water and electricity. Camping on the beach of Oregon gives you an unlimited number of outings: kayaking, surfing, whale watching, and sailing, as well as hiking opportunities if you go further in-land. - Camping in South Dakota
Get the pioneers’ view of the endless grassy plains that the original prairie settlements were established on in South Dakota. One great camping opportunity is offered at Ingalls Homestead in De Smet, South Dakota. You can stay on the very premises that Laura Ingalls Wilder lived on or setup your own RV or tent camping on the property. - Camping in Arkansas
Imagine the exhilaration of discovering great riches that the gold and diamond prospectors lived for at the turn of the century. At Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas, it is still possible to make yourself wealthy by searching for precious stones, and anything you find, you can keep! Crater of Diamonds State Park is equipped with RV and tent camping, as well as a diamond themed water park for when you need a break from treasure seeking.
Where is your favorite spot to enjoy the great outdoors? What is your favorite type of outdoor excursion while camping? We want to hear all of your thoughts on camping in the comment section below!
Beginning Campers May Prefer to Rent a Cabin, Take Hikes and Then Sleep Indoors
For families with a longstanding love for the outdoors, camping with children can be an excellent opportunity to discover “teachable moments.” Setting up an unruly tent can teach children self-discipline and teamwork, while having an opportunity to talk and tell stories without cell phone interruptions and everyday distractions can be relaxing and interesting for both parents and children.
Younger children may not be ready to spend a night in the great outdoors; camping with parents or older siblings in the backyard or on a balcony can give some children a chance to get used to being outdoors in a protected environment. Some families rent a cabin at a local campground for a few nights before taking younger kids on longer trips.
For people who prefer to camp without children, campground locations can provide a great stopping-off point before longer trips; some camp sites offer long-term storage for people who are ready to spend weeks or even months hiking and camping in more secluded wilderness locations. Campground employees can be informed in advance of travel plans and can act as a safety backup for more adventurous campers and hikers.
Some people have family members who are not quite ready to go tent camping, and will often rent a cabin so that spouses or close friends can feel comfortable at night. Some camp sites offer cooking facilities, though many are beyond the range of cell phone and internet service. Over 40 million Americans go camping each year, and cabin camping remains a popular option for reluctant campers.
Although tent camping remains the most popular option for hikers who wish to spend time exploring their natural surroundings, cabin camping has experienced a rise in popularity among families in recent years. Camping in public campgrounds can be appealing for groups and families; some camp sites offer activities for children, access to RV travelers, and organized hikes along trails that are maintained year-round. For many lifelong campers, the possibility of teaching life skills to children and teens remains a very compelling reason to take time to explore the outdoors.
Are You a Landlord? Are You Tired of Doing Everything Yourself, All the Time? Get Help with Professional Property Management
Each year the property management industry generates $58 billion in revenue. From looking after your seasonal rental to managing your resort property, property management companies have got you covered.
So You?ve Decided to Rent Your Property
Renting your property is a sound business investment. In America there are approximately 22 million landlords, with more than 109 million people renting from them. Almost half of all renters (43%) live in a single family home, and about a third of all the homes in the U.S. (35%) are rentals. And according to Census ACS data, in 2013 the vacancy rate of rental units in the U.S. was just 6.49%.
It?s Understandable That?s Something You’d Want in On
But being a landlord isn?t just owning a building and collecting checks, it means managing your property, dealing with tenants, dealing with plumbing problems, dealing with tenants? plumbing problems, at god knows what hours. That?s where property management companies step in. When interviewing real estate management companies, expect to hear industry standard price quotes ranging from 5% to 10% of what you collect in revenue from renting your property.
Resorts are Great, but What About Low Income Housing?
Property management companies work with every kind of housing conceivable, from high end resorts to more modest low income housing. That?s good news for landlords, because there?s money to be made here as well.
Housing Choice Vouchers are allowing over 2 million low income households to be able to afford modest but stable housing, and around 5 million low income households in the U.S. are able to rent modest housing at an affordable rate due to Federal rental assistance programs. You get tenants and the government helps with their rent, and property management takes care of the rest.
So what are you waiting for? Quit trying to handle everything yourself and get help managing your property today.
Rustic, Glam, and Unique Vacation Cabins for Your Family’s Next Camping Trip
Are you planning on going on a family camping vacation soon? The nice thing about camping is that it doesn’t always involve a lot of planning. Just grab some essential supplies, like a tent and a sleeping bag, and you’re ready to go. However, not all families enjoy the rush to find a good camping site and set up a tent before the daylight disappears. Others don’t really like the feeling of getting slathered in bug spray or throwing on layer upon layer of clothing when the temperature drops at night. And having kids in tow during such a vacation can complicate things even further.
You might think that you need to own an RV in order to have a more comfortable camping trip. While it’s possible even to rent one, it’s not the only option for having a fun camping trip with all the perks you’d get at home. Vacation cabins are another fantastic option for families, and they can be as rustic or as elaborate as you prefer.
What are some of the different kinds of vacation cabins you can rent for your next family camping trip? Ask your campgrounds if they offer these exciting options:
- Choose rustic accommodations: Tent camping may be a bit too much for some families, but those who want to enjoy nature a bit more comfortably may enjoy renting a cabin that has all the basic necessities. Typically, these cabins won’t have indoor plumbing, but they’ll have enough room for a whole family to sleep comfortably. They’re also not located far from bathrooms, showers, dining, and other convenient campground amenities.
- Enjoy the comforts of home: If you’re more about glamping (or glamorous camping) then you are about roughing it, then you may want to choose full-service camping cabin rentals. These cabins have everything from air conditioning to full kitchens. These are definitely the way to go if you need the ultimate in comfortable camping.
- Go for the unconventional: If a simple cabin isn’t exciting enough for you, try something different. For instance, some campgrounds offer options ranging from RV rentals to vacation cottages that resemble single-family homes. Others have yurts, which are large round tent-like structures that originated in Central Asia. These are a great step between cabin and tent camping for families.
Which vacation cabins and rentals would you want to stay in? Tell us in the comments!