Storing TentsWhen you get home from a trip, set up your tent or hang it on the clothesline until it is completely dry and clean. Then, roll it up and put it back in the bag it came from.
Tell People When and Where You Are TravelingI just returned from visiting my mom in Arizona, the same day the story hit the news about the 76 year old diabetic man who survived 10 days in Nevada when he and his friend got stuck. His friend wasn't so lucky when he tried to walk for help.
Buying A Used CamperMy husband and I have bought 3 used campers and 1 used motorhome, so we have some small experience in what to look for and questions to ask before you sink money into a used camper.
Gas And Travel Food At CostcoWe researched which Costco stores on I-5 sell gas and planned to fill up there whenever possible. We also were able to stop and get an inexpensive lunch of hot dogs or pizza while we were there. It saved us time and money.
Save Brochures For Vacation ScrapbookingWhen you go on a vacation, be sure to collect any informational flyers, brochures or postcards about the places you visit. This is an easy way to display a schedule of events, amenities or background information on your scrapbooking page.
Using Drink Carrier for Cutlery and CondimentsUse an empty drink carrier when picnicking or in your back yard. Put forks, spoons, napkins, ketchup and mustard in each slot. It's easy to carry and keeps stuff organized.
Use Wet Wipes Instead Of Toilet Paper When CampingWe go camping in our travel trailer almost every weekend during the summer at a place where it is parked in a remote area with no water hook-ups.
Washing Dishes at the CampgroundWe love to camp and cooking over a campfire is the most fun. It's always a challenge each trip to see what wonderful meals we can come up with to cook over an open flame. But at the end of those delicious meals comes time to do the dishes.
Heat Water For Camp Dishes While You EatHave water heating while eating. Put on rubber gloves and add bleach to dish water and rinse water.
Tips For Cleaning Camping DishesScrape your dishes well with a rubber spatula (scrape into a ziplock baggie or empty can), then wipe with a used paper napkin or paper towel. This gets the worst of the "ick" off before you wash.
Check Prices Directly With HotelCall both the hotel directly as well as their 800 number after checking rates online. I got a cheaper rate at a LaQuinta in Austin by calling their reservation 800 number.
Costco for Refueling on Road TripsOn a recent road trip to Los Angeles, we mapped out beforehand where there were Costcos near the freeway. That way we could refuel our van and ourselves at the same time.
Take Advantage Of Entire Night's StayBy checking in later in the day, you lose money. Most venues require you check out by 11am but you can check in by 2pm. That means you pay for a stay of 21 hours in just about every hotel/motel you stay in.
Store Toiletries In A Bottle BagWhen traveling, I use a bottle carrier fabric bag I bought at Target in the $1 section. I use it to carry my hair products, creams, deodorant, sunscreens, etc. Everything is tidy and organized together for myself and the kids.
Travel: Oxymoron (Cappadocia, Turkey)Several years ago, my boyfriend and I explored and hot air ballooned in Cappadocia. This area in Central Turkey is best known for its unique moon-like landscape, underground cities, cave churches and houses carved in rocks.
Cleaning Golf Shoe SpikesWhile wandering through the automotive area of a "budget" department store, I came across an unusual round brush. It was smaller than a tea saucer with a curved, sturdy plastic handle attached underneath.
Master List for TravelHave you ever left on a trip only to realize you left one or more essential items at home? Depending what is forgotten, it can possibly ruin a long planned for vacation. Here's how I make sure I never forget anything.
Eat Meals Outside Theme ParksNever eat meals inside the parks, if you can help it. When my husband and I honeymooned at Disneyland, we found a great buffet restaurant just outside the park. We would just walk out of the park and across the street for our meals. It saved money for other fun stuff.
Wear Sports Coat When FlyingWhenever he flies overseas, my boyfriend wears a nice shirt and sports jacket. He does this so he doesn't have to pack them, but also because he occasionally gets bumped up to first class seemingly due to his clean cut looks and attire.
Rope Lights for Campsite LightingI've seen campers use solar lights to light their site after dark, but if you have one with trees, they may not recharge properly. My husband and I use rope lights.
Take a Solar Yard Light CampingIf you are a camper, you have probably at one time or another experienced having a very dark campsite. I have a simple and inexpensive solution for you. Pack one of the solar yard lights to take with you camping.
US Map Puzzle to Mark Your TravelsI recently made a trek from Oregon to Illinois, then drove from there to Virginia and back to Oregon. When I got back, I got to thinking of where I have lived and traveled, and it turns out to be over half the United States!
Swap Pet Sitting For VacationsTo save on pet boarding costs, and to be sure our pets are safe and well cared for, my mother and I care for each others' pets. Our dogs get to play with their best friends and we all have a relaxing vacation, knowing we don't have to worry about our babies!
Bring Food When You TravelI have food allergies, so even when I am not traveling, I must be careful with what I eat. I like to take some food with me, because I may not be able to find anything I can eat in an airport or bus station.
Know The Rules Of The Road When You TravelWhile planning your road trip vacation, don't forget to check the rules of the road, especially out of your province or state. For example, in Canada, cell phone use is banned while driving in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador.
Pack An Overnight Bag With Your LuggageWhen making a trip and you need to stop for one night, pack a overnight bag with the things you will need that night. Also, pack one set of clean clothes for the next day for self and other family members. I also include basic toiletries.
Stay At Time Shares Or Rental HomesMy tip for saving at Disney is to always stay at a timeshare rental. For about the same cost as a hotel room, you will have a condo or house with bedrooms, bathrooms, living/dining area and full kitchen.
Tips For Saving At DisneylandWe took our two oldest grand daughters to Disneyland a little over a year ago. It was a dream come true. We stayed at a resort a couple miles away. They had a shuttle that ran to all the parks every day.
Saving Money to Go on VacationIt's hard in any budget to save money, even if you make what is considered a good income, there seems to never be enough. Nothing is left over, especially for vacation. It's the time in all our lives when we have to make exceptions and get crafty without thinking day to day.
Put a Photo of Your Destination in Your WalletAcquire a photo of your destination vacation spot and reduce the photo so that it fits in your wallet. Place it where you can see it each time you reach for your cash, credit card or check to make a purchase.
Make Iced Tea When TravelingIn the evening, after the day's events are over, I make hot water in the coffee pot, then steep a hotel tea bag in a tall hotel cup, sweetened with hotel sugar or sweetener.
Keep Bottles From Leaking in LuggageTo keep your bottles of makeup, lotions, and shampoo from leaking all over your clothes and suitcase, place some cotton in the cap before closing. This will keep it from leaking out!
Use Raft as Air MattressUse a blow up air raft, the kind used to float in a pool, as a bed when camping. The air raft carries flat and, when folded, it makes a small package. It is lightweight and it can be used as a float near the campsite if you are camping near water.
Cleaning Fisherman's HandsFishing trips can be messy. How does one eat lunch or snacks after baiting hooks and taking fish off the hook that can leave your hands dirty and smelly? Using scented soap is a No-No, because the fish smell the scent of soap on the bait and won't bite.
Lighten the LoadWhen traveling, take all of your older underwear. As you wear them, throw them away, thus allowing for room in your suitcase for the souvenirs.
Make a Master Supply List for CampingOnce you have developed a "standard" camping equipment list, put it on your computer in either a Word file or an Excel file. I put several columns in front of each item - How many? Have it? Find it? Buy it? and print it out for each trip.
How to Make a Fire PitWhen builiding a fire pit, you need to make it safe first. I dug down 3 feet, to make sure that I would not have any plant material, roots, etc. below my fire pit. I then filled it in with gravel and sand.
Premeasure Pancake Mix For CampingWhenever we head to our camper, I always make a couple batches of homemade, dry pancake mix in a ziplock. I never use mix from a box and already having the dry ingredients waiting for me saves me time in the morning when I have to feed my hungry crew.
Frozen Drinks for FlyingI flew recently out of the country and had a few bottles of thirst quencher with me. I had decided to freeze two of them, and these were the only ones that made it though the security screening.
Solar Lights For Night FishingDuring our July 4th holiday weekend, I wanted to go night fishing with the boyfriend. His protest - no money in the budget for a lantern. My answer - use the 99 cents LED solar pathway lights I had purchased on sale.
Camping In a Travel TrailerFor 3-4 years our whole family camped in a travel trailer exclusively. It was fun to prepare an entire meal of home-made lasagne perhaps, complete with china and silverware, and watch the other campers enviously eat hot dogs over campfires.
Easy S'moresWe love making s'mores when camping or cooking out at home, but adjusted the "recipe" for a lighter s'more. Instead of using the regular ingredients of graham crackers, chocolate bars, and marshmallows, we use fudge striped cookies and marshmallows.
Bring Eye Wash CampingBring lots of eye wash when going camping! If you get something in your eyes, there really isn't anyway to rinse out the debris in the middle of nowhere.
Attach Corks to KeysHere is a tip for all the fishermen when they go boating. Tie a few corks to your key ring. If the keys end up in the water, having them float on the top of the water is so much easier than trying to find them at the bottom.
Blowing Up Pool ToysThis may have been an obvious thing to do for others, but when I saw a man at the gas station today with a swim toy using the air pump to fill it up, I was so happy to know my blowing up inflatable toy days are over!
Clothespin To Close Hotel CurtainsSummer is almost here! Many people will be traveling and taking vacations. If you're like me, you always end up with the hotel room that has the gaping curtain that won't close all the way no matter what you do!
Tips from Years of Tent CampingCamping tips I've learned from years of camping in a tent at the race track!
Review: TripAdvisor.comLove to travel and stay at the finest hotels at the best value? My favorite website is TripAdvisor.com. You can search by luxury hotels, bed and breakfasts, boutique hotels, motels, etc.
Store Fish Hooks in CorkWhen transporting fishing poles to fishing spot, you can keep the fishing hooks and lures from catching into something you don't want them too. Get a bottle cork and cut it in half or thirds. Now you can stick the hooks or fishing lures into the cork.
Make Your Own Toilet Seat ProtectorsRecently, I took a trip to New York City. One of my main concerns was public bathrooms and their cleanliness. Besides a small bottle of hand sanitizer, I carried my own toilet seat covers.
Growing Fishing WormsFill the worm box with pieces of corrugated cardboard, wet the chunks of scrap down good, let them stand for a couple of days, then put the worms in on top. The worms will burrow right down into the moist corrugations and live on the glue that's on the material.
Store Vacation Memory Card Away From CameraWhen you are on vacation, taking pictures of family/friends or just scenery you want to save, remove the memory card from your camera when going through the airport security check points and put it in your purse.
Lighting Matches In Breezy AreasSay you're lighting a smoke or something in a breezy area. If you light one match or two and it blows out, combine the spent matches with the new one.
Keep Bait on Fish HookIn Alaska, we fish an awful lot during Salmon Season! Try this tip to keep your bait on the hook: cut tiny pouches from an old pair of pantyhose, place bait inside, and place securely on fishing hook. Works like a charm.
Make Hammock from Plastic Soda RingsAt our favorite camping spot, we've constructed a makeshift hammock out of plastic six-pack soda rings! It takes a little while to collect enough of these, but once you do, you can simply tie them together with thin fishing line.
Cobwebs as First Aid DisinfectantCobwebs contain many disinfectants, including penicillin. If you're in the wilderness and someone (or yourself) has been cut badly, wrap clean cobwebs around the wound and cover with a clean cloth.
Print Topographical Maps as Alternative to GPSIf you like to hike, camp, or do outdoorsy things, but don't want to spend a lot of money on an expensive GPS system, you might want to try printing out a free topographic map online. AnyplaceAmerica.com has maps of the US that you can sort by city, county, or by feature.
Use Fish Scale To Weigh LuggageUse a fish weight scale (has a hook and gauge) to weigh your luggage before a plane trip to be sure that your bags aren't over the weight limit!
Mouthwash As Insect RepellentTo get rid of flies or mosquitoes go to Walmart and buy the brown Equate bottle of mouthwash. Put in a sprayer and spray around the house, both on the ground and as high as you can get. Works well the next day, no flies or mosquitoes.
Keeping Ants Off Your Picnic TableTo keep ants off your camping table or picnic table, clean out four tuna or cat food cans. Next fill the cans about 1/2 full with water and put them under the table legs.
Two Ingredients S'moresSuper easy and cheap. You don't have to buy the candy bars. So good!
Fire Starters For ChristmasMake Christmas gifts by recycling egg cartons and dryer lint! Using a cardboard one-dozen egg carton, fill each hole generously with dryer lint. Using melted scented candles purchased at a yard sale, pour hot wax into each hole, filling 2/3-3/4 full.
Rent a Cabin for Summer VacationThis summer, with the price of gas so high, we are taking several mini-vacations in areas close to home. We live about 45 minutes from Blackwater Falls so we will be staying in a cabin in the state park.
Use Aluminum Foil as Pot ScrubberWhen camping, use aluminum foil as a pot scrubber. Simply wad it up into a ball.
Use Film Canisters for SpicesWhen camping, place spices in empty film canisters. Once you get the campsite set up, poke holes in the lids for shaker tops if desired. Film canisters are also good for storing fish hooks, etc.
Keep Your Cell Phone Safe While on the WaterIf you are out on the water, particularly in smaller vessels such as jet skis, canoes, kayaks, etc., take note of the following tip. Place your cell phone inside a drink cozy and then place inside a plastic zip top bag.
Leave Camper Refrigerator Open When EmptyIf you have a camper, you know about the refrigerator odor that can occur after a camping trip. I have found that after emptying the refrigerator, if I leave the door open, all of the condensation will evaporate from the unit.
Make Own Ice Block for CampingFor ice when camping, grocery shopping, etc. Use as many jugs as necessary for your time frame. If you need ice for a long time, freeze 1 gallon water/juice/cleaned milk jugs filled with potable water.
Camping HamburgersPlace a tablespoon of catchup on a piece of foil large enough to make into a bundle. Place a hamburger patty on top of catchup, then a slice of onion, some diced carrots and diced potato, salt and pepper.
Join a Local Bird Watching GroupI recently signed up online with a group called BirdYak through the Audubon society. They get together and go on outings to various areas around here to watch and identify the many species of birds that live here year round and those who migrate through the area too.
Prevent Backpack From Slipping When PackingTo help your Scout (Boy Scout or Girl Scout) keep his/her external frame backpack from sliding all over the floor while packing it, get a set of rubber chair-leg covers or crutch covers to put on the bottom of the "legs" of the pack.
Use Duct Tape on BlisterWhen one of our scouts or kids starts getting a hot spot ready to turn into a blister, especially when breaking in new shoes or boots or when hiking, we take a small piece of tape and cover the affected area. They are as good as new.
Fedex Your LuggageMost airlines are charging for luggage. I have been shipping my things Fedex that is picked up at my door, and at my destination when I arrive.
Use Up Disney World Meal PlanJust returned from a trip to Disney World with my family. We stayed on the property and were able to take advantage of the meal plan, which seems expensive at first but is a money saver.
Expandable Ice Chest for Carry On LuggageWhen traveling consider a cooler/ ice chest on wheels with the expandable handle as your carry on luggage at the airport. When you arrive at your destination, you also have a cooler at your disposal.
Starting and Keeping a Worm BinWe like to go fishing, but worms have become very expensive. We have built our own worm bed outside, and it saved us from running to the store. We can dig our worms any time we want. We took wood and made a bottomless box that sets on the ground.
Prescription Bottles for Travel Size ToiletriesInstead of buying travel sized bottles of shampoo and other things, at our house we used old prescription medicine bottles. They ones with the kid proof lid from Walgreen's can hold liquids without leaking. It saves a lot of money and helps the environment too.
Dryer Lint for Starting FiresSave the lint from your dryer screen; it can be used as kindling to start fires in your fireplace.
Tips For Traveling Cross Country By TrainI wanted to share a few things I learned if you find yourself traveling over several days. Take music, a book, a moshy pillow, a donut if don't want a comatose bottom, and your own food if you are thrifty or just broke like me.
Prevent Eye Glasses and Goggles from Fogging UpI wear glasses while studying 7th standard. My lens power is -3.5 on both eyes. Currently, I need to remove my spectacles in order to have clear vision. Any tips for me will be appreciated.
Dog Waste Bags for Female Personal Hygiene ProductsI discovered that those small poop/waste bags for dogs make perfect bags to dispose of used sanitary pads or plastic tampons. Definitely handy while traveling.
Use a Covered Bucket as a Camping ToiletToilet for camping or emergencies. If you have need of a toilet when there isn't one around or there is no running water, you can improvise one by using a covered plastic bucket and urinating into the bucket.
Make Photo Luggage TagsHere's a great tip to help stop luggage theft: Before you fly on an airline make a photo luggage tag. Simply print a picture of yourself, then on the other side print out your home address, cell phone and the address where you're flying to.
Check Your Hotel BillUpon checking out of our hotel I noticed that they had charged us $1.50 plus tax a day for use of the safe in our room. I told the clerk that we had never used the safe ...
Reuse Small Button Bags to Sort Jewelry When TravelingWhen buying a blouse, you often receive an extra button in a small plastic bag. I save all my buttons in a jar and use the little plastic bags to separate my jewelry when I travel.
Fishing Tip: A Trick To Catching FishOnce you have hooked the fish, keep it's head up! If the fish has a chance to head for the bottom, your odds of losing the fish are greater. If you keep the fish head up, the odds are you will catch them every time.
Backyard CampfiresAll you need are some sticks and a backyard and all of a sudden you have a party everyone wants to attend. Who doesn't remember roasting marshmallows on an open fire?
Use Hunting Gloves for Cold Weather BicyclingBicycling glove tip for cold weather: If you bicycle in cold weather, instead of buying the warm bicycling gloves at around $50 per pair, I bought a pair of hunting gloves instead.
Find Worms for FishingDo you fish with worms but don't want to dig up the yard looking for them, and don't want to purchase them? Then get out your pitchfork, bury the tongs all the way in the ground by standing on the pitchfork.
Carry an Empty Water Bottle Through Airport SecuritySince we are not allowed to bring liquids on the plane, when I travel I carry an empty water bottle. After passing through security, I fill the bottle with water from the fountain, therefore, I have water to drink on the plane.
Matchbox Traveling Sewing KitA matchbox is the perfect size for a travel sewing kit. It can hold the essentials like needles, thread, buttons and a few safety pins. You can decorate it using scrapbook paper.
Use Pillowcases for Dirty Clothes When TravelingCarry two pillow cases with you when you travel. Use the first to put your dirty clothes in (assuming you don't have access to a Laundromat) and place the second pillow case (if you're in a hurry) between your dirty clothes from the night before and your clean clothes.
Make Bag Salads for CampingCamping is a great family time but you always don't have lots of room for cooking and storage. I make what we call a bag salad. You cook all your favorite ingredients (pasta or potato salad) and put in a ziplock bag.
Zoo MembershipsIf you have a zoo near buy, consider buying a zoo membership to save money and have fun. While admission tickets seem quite expensive if you are going for the day, family memberships are usually very reasonable.
Weather Planning for VacationWhen planning a vacation, be aware of your destinations weather and temperatures. Some folks who come to Las Vegas, NV, think just because they're coming to "the desert", that it's going to be warm.
Campfire Roast ChickenBefore a camping trip, prepare a chicken by buttering and adding your favorite seasoning, inside and out. Then wrap it in three or four layers of aluminum foil. Put the whole thing in a gallon zipper bag, and refreeze.
Recycled Camping LanternsOur Cub Scout Pack is involved in Fall Camping. We made lanterns out of recycled plastic peanut butter jars. We used modge podge and affixed the Scout Promise to the outside. We used glow sticks to light their way. Loads of fun in the tent or outside after dark.
Place Denture Tablet in Plastic Bag For TravelingThis helps when I travel. I have dentures and found a way to not pack my soaking tub. In a sandwich zip style plastic bag, I place one denture tablet and sufficient water to cover dentures for soaking while traveling.
Milk Jugs for Fishing FloatsThis is a good way to recycle your empty gallon milk jugs. They do not ever disintegrate so we all have to be creative in using them again and again.
Using Storage Bins for TravelingYou know those storage bins that you buy with the lock on lids? Well when they are not in "use" and it is time to go on vacation, use them as your suitcase.
Finding Your Luggage When TravelingMaking your luggage easy to identify quickly saves time at the airline baggage carousel. I use a brightly coloured tape available at art or office supply stores, and create an 8 inch tall initial and stick it to my luggage.
Use Foam Swimming Noodles as BumpersA friend of ours made "bumpers" for a rowboat he had newly painted by cutting up a foam swimming noodle and stringing a pair on some nylon rope.
"Bring Back" Souvenirs Purchased At HomeWhen going on a trip without your children, purchase gifts at home where you're familiar with the stores before you go so you can "bring" back "souvenirs" you know they'll enjoy. We have found that not only is it less expensive, but it is also frees you up from spending vacation time trying to find somewhere to find something the children will enjoy.
Think Ahead and Save Money on VacationBefore you go on a vacation where your family will be spending time at the beach, first go to a $1 store and buy several blow up "air-rafts" and some water float toys like "noodles" and also some styrofoam or blow-up water ring "intertubes" and "boogie-boards".
Make Car Travel Fun for Kids with Surprise ToysBefore starting any vacation or car-travel, go to a good $1 store and pick out 5 small quiet toys for each child. Then give these to them one at a time throughout the trip instead off buying trinkets at each stop along the way. This will not only keep your children occupied, but will save you all kinds of money. You can even use these toys as "bribery", as in "If you keep your voices down and don't fight with your sister for the next hour, I have a new toy for you.
Saving Money on FishingWhat are your tips for saving money on fishing and all the necessary gear? Some areas have no license fishing at the beginning of the season or on certain specific days. There are also different types of licenses, depending on what you are looking for
Use Bacon Drippings for Starting CampfiresTo start a campfire or charcoal grill, use old bacon drippings. You can use a paintbrush and spread the bacon
Use Freezer Baskets In CoolersI bought some freezer baskets at a garage sale to use in my upright freezer. I had a couple left over and thought of a great idea for them. I cut the corners off and then I folded the ends up and I use them in my coolers for camping.
