You’ve probably heard in the news that camping has become the alternative family getaway. Due to the Coranavirus (of course), restricted vacationing as part of safety requirements are pushing people into a new direction to getaway.

In normal times of good health and prosperity, the family vacation, according to financial experts, cost about 5-10% of a households income. For example, if you make $40,000 per year then your vacation expenditure would cost from $2,000 – $4,000.

So, how much are you willing to spend on camping? Given the average cost for a family vacation, it might be affordable to go camping in style. Perhaps an expensive tent or maybe an RV. Not to mention, RV sales have seen approximately 40 – 60% increase in sales and rentals. Wow!

There are expensive ways to camp and there are less expensive ways to camp. The duration of time you spend camping should be a determinant as to cost and/or vice-versa. It is advised that any long length of time spent camping should be as comfortable as possible. The factors to consider are accessibility to food, drinking water, shower/hygiene, bathroom and weather conditions such as, how hot and how cold. Understanding that it is summer, some may option to camp their staycation in the fall.

Other factors to include are pets and wildlife. Although, camping is deemed one of the safest ways to vacation having a heads up on surrounding wildlife can benefit safety for you, children, and pets. Be sure to research the wildlife and nature of your perspective campsite. Nature includes poisonous plants that children and pets should not consume. This includes plants that cause skin irritation like Poison Oak and Poison Ivy.

It is impossible to list all of the things needed for a safe and fun camping trip. This is due to that everyone is unique. Why take a fishing pole if you don’t fish? You should research your gear according to your accommodations as well as your planned activities. Yes, plan all activity to insure safety. All equipment should be safe.

Whether you buy/rent an RV or utilize tents, one of the most important things to remember is a first aid kit. Make sure you have first aid and a first aid list. Bring enough first aid for your entire trip. This link from Patient + Urgent Care Clinic might be helpful in making a first aid list.

As far as all other things to bring on a camping trip, it does depend a lot on what activities you are going to take part in during your stay in the beautiful wild. Yet, there are a few other things that might be considered. This link from Love The Outdoors provides lots of guidance on what to bring. They even mentioned feminine products. I’m female and I didn’t think of that one (LOL).

One more important thing to remember is travel has been restricted in some areas. AAA (Triple A) has published on it’s website a travel restriction map. This map will tell you where travel is restricted. Using this will guide your direction when hunting for a camping spot. AAA travel restriction map.

All-in-all, have a safe, and happy staycation!