Many campgrounds have sites with special facilities such as fire rings, barbecue grills, bathrooms and utilities, but not all campsites have similar levels of development. Although those who find romance in the sleeping bag under the stars can still rough it any time they want to, even the hard core roughing it camper will likely find some tools, products or gadgets that they would love to have on their next trip. From the wide variety of locations and venues that are available, not just in the country, but internationally, to the wide range of camping products that are now made, you can virtually create the experience that you and your family may not have even thought to dream of yet.

If you haven’t considered camping as a vacation possibility for you and your family before now, take a moment to think about what it could look like. You arrive at a facility with a reservation for the spot that you would like. That spot could be anything from a parking space for your recreational vehicle to a gorgeous lakeside campground. It could be cabins with indoor plumbing, a site that has group facilities nearby, or a true wilderness location where you can get as close to nature as you’d like. When it comes time to have the next meal, your options are also incredibly varied. Depending on the habitation you’ve chosen, you could find yourself doing anything from cooking over an open flame to using your own high-tech portable oven or grill that provides you with comforts similar to those of home.

But one of the best aspects of camping is the endless array of locations and activities available at each of the different sites. You can find sites at some of the most beautiful natural locations in the world. But that’s not all. Whether your family would prefer to go to the mountains, by a lake, near the sea, or near a historic or tourist location, you can incorporate a number of fun activities into your camping experience. Horse-back riding, boating, hiking, swimming, and any number of games and sports are all possibilities that will satisfy the vacation dreams of every member of your family.

3) Clean up after your dog: We have found that the bags sold for doggie do do are very expensive in pet stores. Instead, we use simple food storage bags from the grocery store. Not the kind with zipper seals, but the plain old gallon size food storage bags with twist ties. These are slightly larger than the pet store bags at less than half the price. The only drawback is that they are clear instead of colored, but you’ll get used to it! 4) Make sure your dogs don’t bark too much: A lot of dog guides recommend that you stay home if you have a dog that barks too much. This is not fair, every dog should go camping. If you have a dog that barks his head off at the drop of a pin, you probably better spend some time training him. Try to give him treats whenever he stops barking upon command, eventually he will get the picture. 5) Dog aggressive or people aggressive dogs: Again, everything I have read recommends that you keep these kinds of dogs at home. I disagree. Dog aggression and people aggression are often natural behaviors for dogs. The trick is to keep these dogs under ABSOLUTE control at all times. You must be diligent in this one, or someone or some dog could be seriously injured. Here is what I have learned from my dog that is afraid of strangers and weighs 130 pounds. a) Get a restraining collar that provides total control of your dog. b) If you leash them outdoors at the campsite, always be outside with them. c) Don’t take them for hikes on trails, this is asking for trouble. d) Find a campground with spacious sites; look in Fodor’s Best Campground Guide at www.fodors.com for the site spaciousness and privacy factor. e) If you must take them in crowded situations, use a muzzle (but only use a muzzle sparingly). f) Be vigilant at all times, I have camped full-time for two years now all across the country without incident. However, I am always with my dog and I have him under my complete control (not, always easy with such a large dog). Following these five simple rules will allow you and your dogs to enjoy camping, while not creating any complaints from other campers. If you do receive a complaint for any reason, try to be bigger than the complainant – act calmly and address the problem. After all, you are going camping to enjoy life!

Here are some fun activities that we enjoyed as a family.

Scavenger hunts are always fun. Just be sure to have an adult accompany each group of children. If you are in a campsite with other campers, the items can be a little more interesting. If you are in the woods, obviously, you are going to look for items that are nature related.

Board games are always fun, especially when the weather is not cooperating. Be sure that the games are appropriate even for the youngest child.

Building a “safe” campfire and preparing hotdogs on a skewer (Restoration Hardware store sells expandable forks that are perfect for this), and of course the original S’mores are always a hit. Everyone loves to participate. Another fun food to prepare is “stone soup”. You would be amazed at how children will love the vegetable soup when they will not touch it at home.

Here is another great recipe.

“Peanut Butter Playdough”.

Have each child wash their hands thoroughly before beginning this idea. The recipe is as follows:

1 cup peanut butter
½ cup non-fat dry milk.
1 teaspoon honey

Use wax paper as a placemat for each child. Let them use their imagination and create all sorts of animals. After they have completed this activity, they are free to munch on the treat.

Hope this gives you a few ideas.

Happy Camping!

Everyone wants to see the Great Outback when they come to Australia. The natural, breathtaking wonders of the Alice Springs Desert Park and its rich history draw tourists all year round. You can wander through the park to see all sorts of wildlife and plant life found nowhere else in the world. Take a tour to learn more about the park or walk through it at your own speed. You can even attend shows where park guides will show off some of the special animals native to Australia and its parks.

So we’ve noted Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, The Great Outback, Alice Springs Desert Part and cheap flights to Australia. Number five on the list of top reasons to visit Australia would have to include Canberra. It has some of the most popular tourist attractions in Australia. The National Gallery of Australia is located there and should be recommended by any tourist agency offering cheap flights to Australia.

The National Gallery is more than just a museum. Founded by Queen Elizabeth II is houses both local masterpieces and international works of art. There are things you can see here that you will find nowhere else in the world. When planning your vacation, make sure to ask your tour guide about this and other interesting places in Australia. They will have so many suggestions for you you’ll wonder how to find time to see them all!

While in Canberra, make a point of visiting the National Film and Sound Archive, an absolute must for film lovers. The archive offers a unique opportunity to listen to historical recordings. There are literally hundreds and hundreds of artifacts relating to film, including radio scripts, films and television shows. Many of them are Australian so this won’t be just a recap of previously viewed films. Another reason to be sure and speak up and make sure Canberra gets on the list when booking cheap flights to Australia, making Canberra the sixth reason to travel to Australia.

Brisbane is Australia’s third largest city and has a host of sights worth seeing while booking your cheap flights to Australia. It is famous for holiday hotels and resorts The scenery is also breath taking and the night life and bustle of the city isn’t to be missed.

While in Brisbane, be sure to check out the Old Government House, if only for the architecture. It is also an important historical part of Australia. While walking through the Old Government House, tourists can imagine what it must have been like when build for the first governor of the colony. Again, something to be sure and mention while finalizing an agenda and cheap flights to Australia.

Don’t forget to visit is the Queensland Cultural Center while you’re there! More than just a museum this building is eye-catching and inspiring. People have been known to spend days visiting, taking guided tours or just walking through on their own. In Brisbane you can also find the Queensland Art Gallery, the Queensland Museum and the State Library. There is so much to do both in the cities and in the Outback. So what are you waiting for? There’s never been a better, or more affordable time to visit Australia!

TIP #1

• Did you use seam sealer on your tent? Remember to seal all tent seams on an annual basis. Purchase some “fresh” sealer from a sporting goods or camping store. During your first outing in the spring, re-seal all your seams with a liberal amount of sealer.

TIP #2

• Are you putting a ground sheet or cloth under your tent when you camp? It’s not just enough to put the ground sheet under the tent, you’ve got to tuck the edges under the tent so when it rains the water will not collect on the ground sheet and run under the tent.

So, if your rain fly is installed correctly, the seam sealer holding and the ground sheet properly tucked under the tent you should be go to go! – at least from moisture getting into your tent.

TIP #3

• When inside the tent during a rainstorm, make sure your gear, sleeping bags, mattress, etc. are not touching the tent walls. Why? Well, the tent walls and rain fly are designed to deflect the water droplets off the tent and onto the ground. If you upset this design by putting your pack, sleeping bag or other gear against the wall, water will pool and soak through the tent wall!

I learned this the hard way! I was in a small tent and didn’t realize that my sleeping bag was resting against the tent wall. During the night it rained and I slept through it. In the morning I had a wet spot at the foot of my sleeping bag and a puddle on the floor of my tent.

TIP #4

• When you enter the tent after being out in the rain, take off your wet clothes and put them in a corner or at the front of your tent with your wet shoes. Some tents have a small vestibule that is ideal for this. By using this tip, you will “localize” all your wet gear and keep the other gear dry.

TIP #5

• Bring rain gear or a poncho. Ya, I know that sounds pretty obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many campers are ill prepared for rain. You can get a $2 poncho at Target that will keep most of the rain out. I have a lightweight rain suit, top and pants that I found to be a lifesaver a number of times. In a pinch, you can take a large, green garbage bag; cut three holes in it for your head and arms and it will keep you dry too! I know, my son does it all the time. He’s so fashionable!

If you are prepared and follow these Tips you can enjoy even the most inclement of camping days. It can be fun to be inside the tent play a card game or reading a good book while you listen to the pitter, patter of the rain on your tent. Make some hot chocolate, tea or soup and enjoy!

Mention Sydney, Australia and the first attractions that come to mind are the Opera House , the Harbour Bridge , Taronga Zoo , and The Rocks.

But locals and regular visitors will tell you that there is so much more to this vibrant city than these iconic landmarks. However, finding this other side of Sydney isn’t always easy unless you know where to look.

These 5 secret places will get you started…

1. Open up a Pandora’s box of plague and pestilence at the Museum of Human Diseases at the University of New South Wales. With more than 2,000 cadaver parts on display, this museum isn’t for everyone, especially if you have a weak stomach. But I’d guaranteed even the most bored teenager will find this museum fascinating.

Location: Ground Floor of the Samuels Building, Upper Sydney Campus area, University of New South Wales.

Hours: 3.00 -5.00 weekdays

2. Go nuclear with the Lucas Heights Nuclear Reactor tour on the first Saturday of every month. Ideal for fans of The Simpsons, this tour will teach you all about neutron scattering and neutron beams. Booking in advance (plus providing ID) is a must at this security sensitive site.

Location: New Illawarra Rd, Lucas Heights
Hours: tours first Sat of month 10 am and 2pm,

3. Be an urban Robinson Crusoe and get lost on Store Beach . Sydney has more than it’s share of beautiful beaches but to lose the crowds, head for Manly, rent a kayak and paddle your way to Store Beach. With no roads and no paths, the only way to get there is by sea which all but guarantees a pristine stretch of deserted beach.

Location: Manly, Sydney

4. Count money at the Museum of Australian Currency Notes. Discover fun facts, trace the history of Australian coins and banknotes, and learn about forgeries at this small museum maintained by the Reserve Bank of Australia.

Location: Ground Floor, 65 Martin Place, Sydney
Hours: 10.00 am and 4.00 pm Monday to Friday

5. Reflect and relax at the Paddington Reservoir Gardens . This two chambered reservoir was originally built in1866 and played a key element in Sydney’s water supply. But after being decommissioned in 1899, the area fell into disrepair, becoming home to feral cats and graffiti artists. Restored in 2009, the Paddington Reservoir Gardens give the appearance of a Romanesque sunken garden, complete with lake and hanging garden canopy and frescoes and murals lining the walls.

Location: Cnr Oxford Street and Oatley Road, Paddington

But the best kept secret has to be the recently opened Sydney Harbor YHA . Located right in the heart of The Rocks, this hostel has million dollar views without the million dollar price tag. Prices range from A$37 to A$154 a night depending on the room.

To discover more secret Sydney places, pick up a copy of Frommer’s Sydney Free & Dirt Cheap by Lee Atkinson when it’s released in May.

Thailand’s coastline is a playground of diverse and exotic species of flora and fauna. It is divided into two parts – the eastern coastline which border the Gulf of Thailand and the western coastline which is defined by the Andaman Sea. The eastern coast is marked by long stretches of sandy beaches and calm waters, perfect for sailing and lounging on the tropical sun-kissed deck of your yacht. In particular the coastline around Phuket is a very popular sailing destination for yachts. As of 2009, Phuket boasts of the ‘best marina in all of Thailand’ – The Ao Po Grand Marina – with over 200 berths for yachts over 80 m in length and world class facilities available around the clock. Starting from here lets you head straight into the Phang Nga Bay, a very popular sailing and sight-seeing destination.

Phang Nga bay is marked by characteristic large green-blue-yellow limestone rocks that cut the water surface, some excellent diving and snorkelling sites, and virtually uninhabited isles, caves and other rock formations waiting to be explored. It is an absolutely heavenly location to be yachting. Phang Nga Bay has some of the most popular as well as secluded islands — Ko Ping-gan, which is popular as the island which saw James Bond brandishing his Golden Gun; or Ko Panyi, where an entire village is built over-water on stilts. If you’re really up for adventure, you can visit the islands of Ko Hong, Ko Khien and Ko Mak. These islands are not on popular tour packages, but then, you have your very own luxury yacht to take you places that others will miss out on!

Continuing the trend of chartering (literally) unchartered territories, you can sail towards the Phi Phi Islands. Phi Phi are the most popular islands in the southern part of the Thailand where sheer beauty meets sheer laziness. The islands have few roads, and even fewer people to walk on them. So it’s just the sun, the sand, the clear blue waters, lush greenery, local people, you and your yacht. You might even be tempted to try out the traditional Thai Long Tail boats for a change. After such relaxation, you might be in the mood to try some diving or snorkelling and the Racha Islands are a splendid location for this. Among these, Racha Nai remains almost untouched by commercial development, whereas Racha Yai has now developed into a resort island.

A yacht charter around Thailand can be quite a rewarding experience, not just because of the beauty of physical surroundings but also because how removed and how different the cultural experience can be from most of the Western world. Most of these islands would be almost inaccessible to tourists living on the mainland, but with a yacht replete with all the comforts you can imagine and a professional crew to cater to all your needs as well as the yacht – no destination is too far away.

The harbour at St. Thomas Island in the US Virgin Islands is a popular starting point for a Virgin Island yacht charter. Before you set off, you might want to spend the day shopping, dining, clubbing and possibly even going for a submarine ride at Charlotte Amalie. Next, head to St. John’s Island where you can indulge in water sports to your heart’s content. Snorkel your way into the Watermelon Cay at Leinster Bay or the Trunk Bay. If you’re up for it, Cinnamon Bay offers kayaking and windsurfing as well as some great sight-seeing opportunities. Once you’ve had your fill, head to St. Croix to the Salt River Bay where Columbus sailed hundreds of years ago. St. Croix also has its share of beautiful beaches; however its highlight is Buck Island which is a large underwater monument, surrounded by a coral reef which is home to some of the exotic water species in the world.

If all this sounds dreamy enough, your Virgin Islands yacht charter still has about half way to go. Sail towards Tortola, the largest of the British Virgin Islands, and anchor at Soper’s Hole or any of the six anchorages, meant for yachts and boats. Laze around on secluded beaches or indulge in a little swimming and snorkelling. Explore the ruins at Fort Recovery and Fort Burt, shop at Road Town, and enjoy a sumptuous local meal of lobster, spicy goat and Johnny Cakes before sailing off the Virgin Gorda.

Virgin Gorda offers some luxurious relaxation opportunities. The Bitter End Yacht Club is famous for the privacy that it offers its patrons, since it’s accessible only by water (good thing you have a chartered yacht). The beaches of Virgin Gorda are equally secluded and perfect for honeymooning couples. Sail towards The Baths, a series grottos and pools formed naturally out of granite which make a famous spot for swimming and snorkelling. Anegade is an island you just cannot miss, particularly when you have a chartered yacht to your disposal. Anchor in the Loblolly Bay and watch whales and dolphins from your deck or while you snorkel. With a private yacht, you have the luxury of visiting smaller, secluded islands like the Great Camanoe, Guano Island, Sandy Cay and Jost Van Dyk. The national park at the Cam Bay in the Great Camanoe Island is famous for the many exotic species of birds, aquatic and terrestrial fauna. Sandy Cay is known for its many hiking trails through dense, yet managed forests.

The Virgin Islands are actually ‘virginal’ in that they are barely commercialised and many of the smaller islands have few inhabitants. They are a sought after destination for weddings and honeymoons as well as those looking to ‘get away from it all’. A chartered yacht allows tourists to enjoy the beauty and sink into the slow, lazy pace of this island without compromising on modern amenities and little luxuries that we’re used to. Chartered yacht brokers offer a range of vessels catering to different requirements – crewed or bareboat, sail boat or motor driven. As such, you are sure to have a very pleasant, comfortable and at the same time adventurous cruise around the Virgin Islands.

Just take a walk from the university campus to the Cathedral; you will find many statues and monuments. Each of these is of great historical significance and is reminiscent of the long history of Oviedo and Spain. If you are tired of the walk, there are bars and restaurants to refresh you at the most economical rates. As a matter of fact, Oviedo Gothic style cathedral is a marvelous building, a challenge to present architects. The houses of holy chest, Cross of la Victoria are some of the many holy relics of reverence for every Christian. There is also a museum of fine arts which depicts various art works carried out during the Austrian kingship. Little farther away is the famous San Sisdoro Church and the city hall building said to have been built in the 18th Century.

Just a little away is the famous De la Escandalera plaza. By the side of this is the National Park Campo de San Francisco. These are said to have been built and developed during the 19th century. The most reputed ‘Campoamor Theatre’ is just around here. The annual ‘Principe de Austrias’ award is given away in this theatre. The market area is known for intricate works of arts and sculpture.

Lastres is a village which is called the fishing village. Most rare species of fishes are available in places around this village. Next is the great Mediterranean Sea near the villages Luanco and Candas. The beach is most popular for surfing and many other water sports. The pure water of the sea with an almost endless beach is a great experience for everyone.

Every place of Oviedo could be called a national treasure. There are numerous apartments and villas both in the city centre and across the beaches to make the stay of the tourist comfortable. The city is very well connected with many buses and local trains. Just visit this ‘treasure city’, you will be convinced about its worth.

The first thing you should do when you arrive to your camping spot is to inspect the camp area carefully. You want to make sure there is no trash, broken glass, rusted sharp objects lying around that could be dangerous.

Before you setup camp take some time to clean up the camping site. You also want to make sure that there are no protruding sticks are sharp rocks around that could cause an accident if someone were to trip on them or fall onto them. From the beginning you want to make sure that your camping site is organized and clean, clutter just causes confusion and possible accidents.

You will also want to find the right an area for your campfire-away from trees, brush and your tent. Hopefully you have already checked to make sure where you are camping there are no restrictions on campfires. At various times of the year because of dry weather conditions camp fires can be restricted for fear of it getting out of hand and causing a forest fire.

You’ll also want to avoid building a campfire when it’s windy since the wind can cause the fire to spread quickly to different areas of your campsite. Make sure to always keep water handy to douse the flame and never go to bed without burying the fire first.

The other side of camping safety is first aid. You should be prepared to handle basic first aid situations while on your camping trip. You can take a basic course before you leave home that will help you be prepared to handle sprained ankles, broken bones, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and other ailments sufficiently until professional help can be found.

It is always best to go camping with a group or in the least another person. If you are hiking and break your ankle and you aren’t with anyone you could be stranded and would have to depend on someone passing by seeing you.

You should also to take a first aid kit with you when you’re camping and keep yourself well hydrated.

It’s also a good idea to find out if there is anything you’re allergic to, such as bee stings. You don’t want to discover that you’re allergic to a bee sting hours away from the nearest hospital. If you do have severe allergies such as an allergy to bee stings, be sure to always carry your medication with you while camping.

Before leaving your home you should check to see what types of poisonous plants and animals are in the area and be prepared to deal with them on your camping trip should the need arise.

Be sure if you have children along with you camping that they are told never to wonder off by themselves. Make sure they know they should always have a brother sister or buddy with them. And then, as an adult, never let your eyes off of them!

Camping can be a great opportunity for creating family memories. To make sure your camping trip goes smooth be sure to keep safety first.