Archive for the ‘Travel Goods Store’ Category

Camping Tips For Seniors – Looking For an Economic Way to Travel



More and more seniors are looking to travel with economical ways to do just that. After all, this is the golden years and what better way to travel then trying your hand at camping. Here are five tips to get you started in camping.

First, research campgrounds of areas that you may want to visit. To do that here are a couple of websites that may help you decide on where to go on your next adventure. One site I would suggest is the National Park Service and the other site is Reserve America. Each site is unique in giving information about camping by state, campsite maps, locate by activity and camping gear suggestions.

Secondly, you ask yourself what I would camp in. Of course, owning a RV would be nice and a more comfortable way to travel. That is something you can think about later if you plan on doing a lot of camping in the future. Even so, there is nothing wrong to begin your camping experiences in a decent tent at a more affordable price. Tents come in all sizes and shapes try to find the right one that will meet your needs. You can find them on line or better yet would be to see them in person at a sporting goods store that sells tents. Therefore, you would get a better perspective of the size that you would need. Another thought is you do not have to sleep on the ground if you have an aero bed and a big enough tent it will fit nicely.

Thirdly, the next area of concern is camping equipment. Everything from a camp stove, sleeping bag, cookware, and coolers. Believe it or not you may already have a lot of these items available to you. However, one of the most important items would be a camp stove to cook on. Car camping stoves work very efficiently to cook up sumptuous meals just like home. You can even use the pots and pans you have at home to begin your camp kitchen supplies.

Next, think about planning your meals a head of time. Preparing them at home not only will save time but money as well. Look in your cupboards and refrigerator for smaller items such as coffee, graham crackers, mustard, ketchup, mayo, and seasonings. Granted, look for items missed from your checklist on the road but try local vendors for fresh fruits and vegetables and discount stores instead. Why not ask about senior discounts as well. In addition, purchase blocked ice for the cooler it will last longer.

Lastly, look into a National Park Pass for seniors. They cost you $10.00 dollars, which will give you some wonderful price breaks in camping and other amenities. If you are 62 years of age or older and proof of age you may buy these passes at any national park. Check out this website for more information on this pass http://store.usgs.gov/pass/index.html. Happy travels!

Travel Backpacks – 3 Advantages Of Using Backpacks For Traveling



Travel backpacks have become a favorite with both hiking fans, as well as tourists due to their numerous advantages. Now one can easily put all their essential items in their backpacks and sling it over their back, rather than lugging these items in a bag, on their shoulders, resulting in a lot of discomfort. In fact, now the travel versions of backpacks are loaded with features that make these packs as useful while exploring urban areas as they would be, while hiking in the outback. These backpacks are specially a boon for the people for whom traveling, and the outdoors form a heady combination they just cannot resist.

What takes travel backpacks miles ahead of the traditional backpack is the daypack added to them. The daypack is a small backpack in itself and can be used to carry things for a hiking day trip. It can even be used s a fanny pack if you intend to tour a place of attraction. However, when you attach this same daypack to your backpack, it becomes another pocket in which you can keep all the important things for your trip. One of the greatest advantages of travel backpacks stems from the fact that with these daypacks, one has the convenient hands- free approach.

These backpacks need to be made keeping in mind the wear and tear it can be subjected to, during your travel, be it the different terrains are the rough handling at the various checkpoints at the airport. The manufacturer of travel backpacks understand this fact and hence make sure that these backpacks are not only made of durable nylon that makes them tough and water- resistant, but are also endowed with additional features to make them even more reliable. One of these added features is the provision of lockable zippers on the travel backpacks, which ensure that all your things in the backpack are safe and secure. Activities like traveling and hiking often leave you parched and thirty.

At such a time, the built-in hydration system of your backpack, or even the water bottle pockets in it prove to be such a relief. While fulfilling their numerous functions, travel backpacks are also made keeping your comfort in mind. The straps on the shoulders are wide and padded to ensure equal distribution of the weight of the backpack on both your shoulders and your back. The travel backpacks with a strap around the waist help eliminate the chances of injury by making sure that the backpack does not keep bouncing on the back.

With such a wide variety of travel backpacks available in the market these days, one can choose from the numerous styles and colors. In fact, there are some styles made specially keeping the smaller frames of women in mind. Now all you have to do is to choose the right backpack for yourself, keeping in view your needs and thereafter, considering all the available options. You can even consult the professionals at a sporting goods store for the right guidance on selecting the appropriate travel backpack.

So whether you want to spend your vacation in the wilderness or in the urban jungle of a city, for both comfort and convenience, travel backpacks are the way to go!

Preparing for an Alaskan Canoe Trip



You will need to know exactly how to prepare before you get into your car and go canoeing. First, you must decide what type of canoe to buy from the sporting goods store. There are many kinds of canoes, however if you plan on canoeing in an area with moving water, you will need a rocker. Once you have found the canoe you like, closely examine the stem to the stern; there should be 2 inches or more here. If the canoe has no kneel, you will have no problem making tight turns or spinning around. Having a stable canoe is also important, so look for one that is 36 inches wide. Remember, canoeing in Alaska requires skill, so spend time on calm waters and practice, because canoeing is also dangerous for novices. If you want to bring kids, you can, but be careful and always make sure the canoe is stable. An easy way to level the canoe is to pack it with moose meat, however this method makes maneuvering tougher.

When you are packing, you will need the proper gear, so you have to make sure you are well prepared and that you securely attach the canoe to your car. Canoes are very tipsy, so you have to pack at the bottom and put your lighter things at the top. Make sure to install tie down points if your vehicle does not have them because you do not want anything flying off. If you pack an inflatable canoe, put a crushable item at the bottom to prevent the floor from damaging. A helpful item that you can also pack is a 5-gallon bucket with a lid because it has a few uses. Firstly, it can store your food during the trip until you are back on land. Secondly, once on land, it makes a handy camp seat if you do not have many chairs. Finally, when it is time for dinner, you can use it for a cutting board to prepare the fish you caught. One of the best places to go canoeing in Alaska if you are just beginning is Clearwater. You can camp out near Jack Warren Rd and float to the lake; this area has great fish and nice scenery. Once you are done canoeing, you are going to need to an anchor; however, you do not have to buy one. The easiest way to make one is to use a coffee can filled with concrete that is secured to an eyebolt.

During your trip, you are going to encounter powerboats passing you while you are on the lake. A powerboat generally produces a 5-inch wake after it passes you if it is cruising. A speeding powerboat, however, will sometimes cause you to be splashed depending on where you are on the lake. Willow creek is good area to go avoid this because it is narrow, but there will be other jet boats, airboats and props there all well. The best thing to do when you see a powerboat is move to the side. Doing this prevents you from seeing the other person’s boat, but you will hear it once it is close enough. The most important thing to have is courtesy, if you get along with everyone you won’t have any problems.

An Alaskan canoeing trip is great to relax, just make sure that you choose the right canoe, pack correctly and make room for other people in their powerboats.