How to Plan for The Great Outdoors?
Grand Tetons - Taken by Frank Quintana
Planning your next vacation to The Great Outdoors is exciting! Once you have decided on a destination, there are still many choices to make. Will you travel by plane or take a road trip? Where will you lodge? Will you be camping out and backpacking? Will you stay in a hotel, an Air B and B, or a resort? What are my dining choices where I am staying?
Whether you go to the beach, the mountains, or a scenic park, consider what works best for you and your travel companions. If traveling with your family, you probably already have some ideas of what works best for them. If traveling with people other than your family, it is a good idea to inquire about their travel experience. You may also want to clarify what their expectations are..
Should I travel by plane or take a road trip?
If your destination is within reasonable driving distance, then a road trip would be the obvious choice. If your vacation spot is considerably farther away, decide if a road trip is your best option. Here you must consider at least two factors. How much time do you have for your travel plans? And what is your budget?
Traveling by plane can be costly, especially if you are traveling with a family. Traveling by plane to your vacation spot might also dictate that you need to rent a vehicle. However, if your budget allows for this mode of travel, you will enjoy having more time to explore your vacation spot. Getting to your destination more quickly may also mean you can explore your vacation spot on your first day of travel. Additionally, negating a long drive means you will be more rested when you arrive at your destination.
If airline travel is not in your budget, a road trip can be an exciting adventure. A long road trip might give you less time to enjoy your vacation spot, but it does have some advantages. When you take a road trip, you can find points of interest to visit on the way to your final destination. Stopping at points of interest breaks the monotony of a long drive and adds to your vacation experience. Taking your vehicle on a road trip may also free up more money to use at your vacation spot.
However you decide to travel, consider all the factors. Use search engines like Google or other travel websites to explore all your options. Find what works best for you.
Where will I stay? What are my lodging options?
In most cases, you will have several lodging options to choose from. Camping out, cabin lodging, park lodges, and hotels could be some of your options.
The experience of camping out is unique. Camping can be therapeutic for those who love connecting with nature and the outdoors. Camping is a good option for those who are adventurous. If you wish to explore deep into remote areas, camping might be for you. Or perhaps if you want to experience sleeping out under the stars, you may enjoy camping.
If you are planning on camping out, most state and national parks offer different levels of campsites. Campsites can be primitive, meaning no access to running water, electricity, or WiFi. If you choose to camp at a primitive site, you need to bring water with you. You will also need to have enough food and a means to prepare it. Other sites may have access to bathrooms and showers. These sites may also have firepits and cooking grills. They often have a general store nearby. Less primitive sites are a good option for first-time campers or those not ready for a primitive experience. If you are planning on camping, know who you are camping with. Don't force someone to camp if they don't want to. You might be stuck with that person for several days in the wild. That is not a way to enjoy a vacation for you or them. Before venturing out on a camping trip, research the area. Have an idea of what the temperature variance is. Some places can be warm during the day and chilly at night. You will also need to know if that campsite has a burn ban, meaning you won't be able to light a fire for cooking or warmth.
If camping is not something you enjoy, you still have many options. Many state and national parks have lodging facilities on site. Staying at a lodging facility on-site has the advantage of using modern amenities while still staying at the park. Lodging facilities can range from private cabins to modern hotels. Private cabins or cottages offer a more cozy and personal experience. You will most likely have a kitchen and dining area, but you must provide your food and clean up after yourself. If you prefer to lodge at a hotel on-site, you will most likely have service to clean your bathrooms and make your beds. You may also have a restaurant on site. Sometimes dining options are included when you book at these lodging hotels.
Nearby hotels and motels can be an option for you if your park is near or in a local town. Hotels and motels offer advantages as well. Most hotels provide breakfast and other dining choices. You will also have your room serviced and bathroom cleaned daily. Staying in the nearby town will also offer you more restaurants and dining options. Additionally, franchised hotels have rewards programs. Over time, you can earn rewards points at these hotels and use them for future bookings.
Airbnb's and vrbo’s have become more common recently. Staying at an Airbnb or vrbo is a very personal and private experience that many prefer. They are often more spacious than lodging cabins. They can often offer more bedrooms and bathrooms. If you need lodging for multiple families or couples, you can split the cost of booking. If you choose an Airbnb or vrbo, you need to bring your food if you use the kitchen. Also, you will clean up after yourself per your contract with the provider. Be mindful to watch for hidden fees and “shared spaces” that are increasingly more common with Airbnb’s. Use search engines and read customer reviews to determine which Airbnb or vrbo is right for you.