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Camping
Lesson Number One: Preparation is Key
Courtesy
of ARA Content
 Camping
is your chance to get away from your daily duties and spend a
little time relaxing and enjoying the outdoors. For most, it takes
a little preparation to get there, but the rewards outweigh the
work. The following tips from camping experts KOA will ensure
that you'll be spending more time unwinding than hunting down
forgotten items.
Before you
hit the road remember to do a full check on your vehicle. Take
a minute to walk around and look for leaks, flat tires, or anything
that may cause a problem down the road. It's not a bad idea to
check the oil or test your battery ahead of time. Doing a routine
check now can save you from being stranded later.
Sit down and
make a list of the things that you will need during your stay.
If you are planning on cooking from your campsite make sure to
bring either coals or a gas stove, cookware, plates, silverware,
cups, napkins and extra garbage sacks to store trash. If you are
taking perishable items with you, keep them in airtight containers
that are out of reach from nature's critters. Something to hold
water in may come in handy if you need to clean or wipe off dirty
items. Make sure to bring a can opener, waterproof matches and
duct tape for repairs. Stock up on plastic zipper-lock bags which
can be used to repackage food from bulky containers, store dirty
silverware, transport wet swimsuits or loose items. You can also
use the bags to store pre-measured portions of laundry detergent,
or to separate toiletries from clothing items in your luggage.
If you are transporting fragile items, consider rolling them up
in a sleeping bag.
Lay out everything
that you are taking with you before you begin packing up your
vehicle. It's much easier to see all that you're up against, rather
than just throwing things in and running out of room later. For
those that do not already own their own camping equipment, you
might want to try renting before purchasing. That way you know
what you need the next time you go and can make room for it.
Plastic shower
curtains or a tarp can come in handy in case it rains or the ground
is wet. Both can be used as ground covers under a tent and carpet
remnants make great sleeping pads. You can also bring along extra
sheets to line sleeping bags to help keep the bags clean. And
for those sticky zippers, remember that silicone or wax can help
get them unstuck.
If you are
planning on staying at a campground, make reservations ahead of
time. KOA, Inc. offers a Web site (www.koa.com) and toll-free
numbers that allow you to make reservations in advance. These
campgrounds are great for new campers, or for those who enjoy
extra amenities such as hot showers. They supply bathroom facilities,
so you may want to bring along a backpack or something to carry
toiletries to and from the showers.
Arrive at
your campground as early in the day as possible to allow enough
daylight time for settling in, exploring and greeting your neighbors.
Keep campfires small, and trade fireside tales. And remember to
extinguish all fires before turning in. Finally after your stay
is over, take a few minutes to double check that your area is
free from garbage and that you have not left anything behind.
More great
travel tips can be found in the KOA Directory Road Atlas and Kampground
Guide, available at any KOA Kampground, or on-line at www.koa.com.
Courtesy
of ARA Content, www.aracontent.com, e-mail: info@aracontent.com
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