Even if you have lived your entire life in a big city, the urge to get out into the open, fresh air can strike at any time. There is nothing better than finding an out-of-the-way location to enjoy the sounds of nature in tent or RV. Camping is one of the best ways to enjoy nature but when you decide to take that first trip, you may be overwhelmed by the camping supply list you create. Although there are some things that will be a necessity when you camp, there are also things that you can do without.

The most important thing you will need when you decide to camp is shelter. This can be in the form of a tent or an RV. If you choose to camp in a tent, you want to choose one that is slightly larger than you think you need. You will need room to store things in the tent as well as room to sleep. One way to save money is to borrow a tent from a friend or family member or you can purchase one at a local camping warehouse. If you aren’t quite ready for that type of “roughing it,” consider a rental RV. Although an RV rental will cost much more than the purchase of a tent, if you aren’t comfortable sleeping inside a thin layer of nylon, your vacation may be much more enjoyable with an RV.

If you choose to go on RV trips, sleeping gear will be determined by the type of beds in the RV. You will only need linens, like sheets, blankets and pillows. If you plan to sleep in a tent, you will need to invest in a sleeping bag. If the weather will be warm, you want to choose a sleeping bag that is lightweight. You can also find all-weather sleeping bags at camping outfitters that are slightly more expensive but eliminate the need for multiple sleeping bags. You will also need a camp pad or air mattress. You can find camp pads that will roll nicely for travel at an outdoor camping store that will work well. An air mattress will give you more support but because they have little insulation, you could feel cold when you are trying to sleep.

The next thing you will need to collect is cooking utensils for your trip. Although a rental RV will have a stove and refrigerator, you will still need to pack pots, pans, plates and utensils. Some camping warehouse locations have pots and pans designed specifically for a campsite. If you are using a tent, you will need to use a two-burner propane camp stove which can be found in any camping gear catalog or department store. You can even purchase coffee pots that are designed for use with the stoves. Bring extra cans of propane and a lighter. The cooler you use to take to the beach or family barbecues should work fine but keep in mind you will need one large enough for perishable food items along with beverages and ice. Remember that there will be clean-up duty so pack a sponge, dish soap and a small washtub to clean dishes after meals. Other camping gears to remember include bottle and can openers, cutting boards, food-storage containers, bowls, mugs and cups. You can use disposable plates, bowls and utensils to save on cleaning up as well.

While you are at camp, you will want to relax as much as possible. Consider adding a hammock for a nice afternoon nap under the trees. Folding camp chairs are also a great addition whether you are at tent or RV campgrounds. The camp chairs can be used while sitting around the campfire on a cool night or relaxing by a babbling brook during the day. Since they fold easily, you can take them with you as you explore the areas around the campground.

The clothes you pack totally depend on where the campground is located. If you will be at a beach campground in the middle of summer, lightweight clothing works just fine. If you plan RV trips in the mountains where you will be hiking and exploring, you want to bring warmer clothing, especially for nighttime, and sturdy hiking boots. Be sure to include slip on shoes to wear in the camp shower if you decide to tent camp or for late-night trips to the bathroom.

Camping outfitters recommend several items that are necessary for personal use while on your trip. Pack a first aid kit for minor cuts and scrapes. You can find ready-made first-aid kits specifically for a camp vacation at almost any outdoor camping store. You will need towels, washrags, soap and shampoo even if you are using a rental RV. Be sure to pack toilet paper and paper towels as well whether you are in travel trailer rentals or using a tent.

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American Express reports that one-third of the average person spends $1,000 per year on vacation and if you are part of this statistic, you may be looking for unique places to visit this year. Instead of choosing run-of-the-mill popular travel packages, consider visiting some of the more exotic locations in the world.

Vietnam tour packages may be surprising but the small, tropical country actually has a lot to offer. Vietnam is absolutely beautiful with almost every type of natural landscape available. Mountain ranges surrounded by forests with stunning lakes at the foot along with rivers dotted with beds of rice are found in northern Vietnam. The country is also the home of some of the most beautiful natural caves in the world as well as exciting natural rock slides, waterfalls and beaches. Vietnamese cuisine is popular around the world so it stands to reason eating in the actual country would be amazing. Delicious meals are created on the side of the road from a single bag and roadside stands offer everything from papaya salad, spring rolls with dipping sauces, giant seafood pancakes, grilled corn on the cob and banana cake in coconut milk sauce. Of course, when in Vietnam, you must try their standard meat and noodle soup, pho. Tour packages to Vietnam are relatively inexpensive with hotel rooms costing as little as $5 per night and meals as low as $2.

When choosing your next vacation tour packages, consider a trip to Egypt. The country boasts of a spectacular landscape filled with cultural gems. Egypt vacation packages allow you to enjoy sun, sand and sea while also gaining an appreciation for ancient cultures. Egypt is steeped in history and boasts some of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Travel packages include visits to the Great Pyramids, Luxor temple, the Valley of the Kings and more. You can even enjoy a camel ride across the desert or sail along the Nile. Egypt vacation packages also include luxury accommodations like the Four Seasons, Dreams Beach Resort and Hurghada Marriot beach Resort where you can relax on untouched beaches and enjoy some of the delicious Egyptian cuisine.

Beijing has more than 3,000 years of history which means Beijing tour packages include visits to the Temple of Heaven, where ancient emperors performed rituals for bountiful harvests, as well as the Summer Palace, the summer retreat of many of Beijing’s leaders. You may also visit Ming Tombs, the burial location of 13 Ming Dynasty emperors. Beijing is where you can see the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City, one of the largest ancient architectural complexes in the world. Take a walk down the hutongs, 13th century public alleys with private courtyard residences which are more like folk-custom museums that provide a window into how life used to be in Beijing.

One of the rites of youth for many people is to backpack across Europe. Although this may be fun when you are young, it is physically and mentally taxing. Instead, consider European tour packages that allow you to visit several European countries on one vacation using comfortable transportation and providing luxury accommodations. You can find European tour packages that include medieval castles in Ireland, the ruins of Rome, beautiful artwork in France, war relics in Germany and stunning religious monuments in England. Each city in Europe has its own culture and feel, from Paris to London to Prague. In addition, each city has its own colorful festivals, including Oktoberfest in Germany, tomato throwing and bull running in Spain plus many more that are sure to entertain you and your entire family. Of course, the food in Europe is amazing as well. Eating pizza is much different sitting in a cute café in Rome than it is sitting on your sofa watching television. You can find delicious schnitzel in Berlin, figgy pudding in London, shepherd’s pie in Dublin or baklava in Athens that is completely different than anything you have ever tried in the United States.

If you are searching for deals on travel packages, visit EmployeeandMemberDiscounts.com. We have savings on many different vacation tour packages to Europe, Egypt, Beijing, Vietnam and more. There is no membership fee and you can begin saving immediately. Simply fill out the easy online form and get started saving on tour packages today.