Marmot Limelight 2 Tent Review

How To Go About Motorhome Hire

By Peter Lennon

Many people long for the freedom to go anywhere they like when they like on holiday. Until recently the only way to do so was to camp, but motorhome hire can change that. A warm, comfortable truly mobile home enables one to go wherever the fancy takes them. However, a few things need to be taken into consideration beforehand. This article will give some pointers.

First things first - does the standard UK driving licence allow one to drive a vehicle as big as a motorhome? According to the DVLC the answer is 'yes' if one's licence allows one to drive vehicles in category B, C, or C1. There are conditions to satisfy and these can be ascertained by contacting the DVLC or going on line.

Insurance is another worry, but fortunately most hirers include this in the fees. They often also include breakdown assistance. With some hirers it is possible to pay a little extra and drive in Europe. To stay legal when transporting all the family, ensure there are enough seatbelts.

Cost is also an important consideration. Comparing cost online is a good idea. There are several sites available if one does a search using 'motorhome hire'. One will also be able to find out where the nearest hirer is. Close to home picks ups save a long drive before one starts the holiday.

One website has prices ranging from GBP485 to GBP735 for a 2 berth 'home and GBP635 to GBP885 for a week. There is a GBP600 security deposit to pay, but everything is included except towels and linen. 'Homes can also be hired by the day. Don't forget to add on site fees.

There are many campsites with standings for 'homes throughout the UK and Europe. They vary from the simple to the ultra luxurious and tariffs are generally reasonable. Some are open all year round. They also have water points and waste disposal points. Electricity is often included in site fees; sometimes there is a small charge. All that remains to do is decide where one would like to holiday and hire a motorhome. Oh - and don't forget the map!

If you are interested in motorhome hire in Scotland, England, Wales or Northern Ireland call Motorholme on 0800 612 8719 today. The phone line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you would like to rent a motorhome you can also apply online at http://www.motorhomesdirect.co.uk.

Family Adventure Travel on the Cheap - Go Camping Free Style

By Leo S

Searching for more budget family vacations? Camping can be the right fit for low cost family vacation. No matter what, whether you choose national forests or camping grounds in state parks camping will be a memorable family getaway. One may choose several methods and way while planning camping outing, but most families prefer the free style camping. When I say free style camping that means just get a tent and let the fun ball rolling.

Comparing the cost of RV parks or camp site with bunch of amenities against the expense of free style camping accessories shopping; the expense is less with free style camping. Free style camping needs accessories such as tents, sleeping bags and other camping travel gear for your vacation; the cost is minimal. Also, amenities at camp site will not let you enjoy the real camping experience.

Camping free style gives you an opportunity to spend time together with family and friends. You can have fun talk & singing around the campfire, enjoy the nature in wide open and these all activities you can do staying away from usual routine daily life. Camping combines fun, excitement, adventure including a rare experience of getting close to each other while you are on family vacation.

As described earlier, you'll need to buy the basic camp equipment such as a tent, preferably one that will house the entire family, food, a cooler, ice, sleeping bags, camping stove, as well as the following items: pillows, cleaning supplies, folding table, cookware, utensils, cups, and toilet paper (especially if there are no restrooms around), first aid kit, and board games, fishing gear, flashlights, and extra batteries.

Going back to the shopping area for camping, you will need to get the basic camping equipment such as tents which can house entire family, sleeping bags, pillows, camping stove, frozen food, beverage cooler, cleaning supplies, cookware, utensils, cups and toilet paper if needed. Do not forget to carry first aid kit, games, flashlights, battery lamp and extra batteries. Considering your own preferences do not forget to carry fishing gears and bikes. Regular campers suggest keeping tarp under the tent. Generally tarp prevents water entering into the tent. You can say that tarp serves as a tent floor. These items can be purchased online from Amazon.com or any local store. These purchases are one time investment for all future similar family vacation trips.

In addition, now that you have the basic supplies, you can always supplement your gear with additional items, which you might need for the next camping vacation. You can easily check online websites to find a campsite in your state, as well as the low cost for staying in a national park or forest reserve.

Today's busy life has made hard to have some quality time with family together. Camping vacation gives an opportunity to bring family together without any distraction to tighten the love bond unique way. Whether mom or dad takes kids for fishing or hiking and one of them can have their leisure time alone. Or may be everyone goes together for adventure activities. Trust me; camping reunites the family unique way than any other type of vacation.

Last but not the least; do not forget to carry your camera along with extra batteries to capture all those laughter and memories which you will be able to share over the coming years. I strongly recommend camping for family vacation if you are looking for affordable vacation all together.

Leo S, advisor of the Family Vacations Deals [http://www.grab2travel.com?source=article] & Planning tips guide, prooves that you don't have to be "RELUCTANT" for Budget family vacation. Leo also invites you to get advantage of Travel Tips Blog at Grab2Travel.com to help you save money & time with useful tips!

Tricks To Have A Fun Winter Camping Time

By Kum Martin

Majority of us plan camping activities in summer vacations so that we can relax under the sun and enjoy the pleasant summer climate. But, camping can be real fun during the winter season. If you love adventure and just cannot wait for the summers to come, camping in the chilling weather is not a bad idea.

However, to ensure a memorable experience and have an amazing fun time while winter camping, here are a few tricks and tips that you must follow:

• Make sure you are well equipped with the appropriate gear for winter camping. For instance, having a sturdy winter camping tent and a sleeping bag with enough heat and insulation are a must to protect you from the cold.
• Next, proper and adequate clothing for the cold season is a must-have. Ensure that your sweatshirts, jackets, jogging pants, works, hats, and gloves are all made of a very thick fabric.
• Also, do not forget to take along plenty of hot drinks, a small water heater, a hot water bag, and a portable warm bath.
• If possible, you can also carry a small heater to keep your tent warm in freezing temperatures. The best choice would be a Coleman heater, which is specifically designed for small tent spaces.
• As there are many winter sports that you can enjoy during camping, take along clothing and equipments necessary to enjoy these games. If there are no such outdoor recreational sports being offered at the camping park, building a snowman or having a great snowball fight is not a bad idea!

Thus, be it winter or summer, camping is an amazing way to spend a vacation with family and friends.

About Author:
Kum Martin is an online leading expert in the travel industry. He also offers top quality articles like:
Pennsylvania Historical Landmarks, Washington Monument Facts

Keycamp Holidays

If you are looking for a family holiday in Europe to remember, let Keycamp find the ideal holiday package.

Keycamp is one of Europe’s leading camping holiday specialists, offering self catering holidays at some of the most scenic, relaxing and most popular resorts in Europe and the USA. Whether you are looking for an all-action activity break or to just get away from it all with our relaxing Mobile Home Holidays, Keycamp has a holiday for you.

Camping holidays with Keycamp offer unrivalled levels of flexibility. We don’t try to tell you when you should arrive and how long you should stay. Instead, you are in control. You choose when you want to arrive at any of our high quality parks, how long to stay and what to do whilst you are here.

A getaway with Keycamp, no matter where you are looking to visit, really can provide you with the perfect family holiday.

A Tent Or a Hotel?

By Keith Barrett

Can a camping trip ever compare to the luxuries of a stay in a hotel? Most people would say that the two are by no means comparable, yet an increasing number of people find themselves choosing between these two very different holiday types.

This is partly explained by the fact that many of us are becoming more aware of the costs associated with travel and holidays. As we look to cut spending in all areas of our lives, it makes sense that we should also be looking at the amount that we are spending on holidays.

We may question whether we really need to spend such large amounts on flights and hotel accommodation. Would it be possible to have a cheap holiday that is just as much fun? This leads us to think about whether a camping trip offers a suitable alternative to more expensive holidays.

There may be no comparison when talking about the comfort that we can achieve in a hotel and then contrasting it with the situation in a tent. But many people are happy to accept a less luxurious holiday if it is also cheaper. More importantly, an increasing number of camping enthusiasts would say that a camping holiday offers a completely different type of experience.

They would not care to compare such experiences unfavourably with other holidays. The reality is that the camping trip can allow you to enjoy more basic pleasures. They offer the opportunity for you to get closer to nature. You'll often end up spending a lot more time with your family. This may come about through necessity but it can undoubtedly have a positive influence upon your holiday.

This helps to explain why some people do choose to stay in a tent, rather than opting for a hotel. You obviously need to think about whether it would be the right option for you and your family. It's not for everyone.

Don't be put off by a perceived lack of facilities. You might be surprised when you see the various pieces of camping equipment and accessories that are now available. You can buy everything from larger tents to solar showers and portable camping toilets. All of these pieces of equipment are designed to help you be more comfortable.

What this all means is that there is now a very realistic choice to be made.

Learn about everything from tents to camping toilets and outdoor accessories with this author's other camping articles online. This article may be used by any website publisher, though this resource box must always be included in full.

Pop up tent with a porch from Quechua!

If putting up a tent is the only thing that puts you off camping, maybe you should buy a pop up tent from Quechua.

Camping Holidays in Cornwall

By Andrew T

In the days of very expensive international holidays, it is refreshing to note that families can still enjoy a great holiday in Cornwall at a reasonable cost. Cornwall is the most southerly county in England with beautiful countryside and variety camping parks to cater for all. The cost of a camping holiday is considerably much less than an all inclusive international holiday where you have to pay for flights as well as other additional items, and also much cheaper the a UK holiday in a hotel or holiday cottage.

Camping is a great way to bring the family together, from pitching the tent, or setting up the caravan to organizing days out, each family member can become involved. Cornwall is a quiet place, but during peak summer weeks can become busy, so it is advisable to book your camping holiday in advance, especially if you have a preferred campsite and camping pitch.

Most families who go camping for the first time, or are new to camping would be well advised to research on the internet, search for phrases like "holiday parks in Cornwall", "camping in Cornwall", "caravan holidays in Cornwall", when you find a campsite request brochures and call the campsite owners.

Depending on what you are after, tailor you search, some campsites have fishing lakes, so search for "fishing holidays in Cornwall", if you don't own a tent, some sites offer pre-erected tents which come with beds, cookers, tables etc. These are called "Eurotents", so a search for "eurotents in Cornwall" should help you find campsites that offer these.

Each campsite differs with their rules and regulations. If you don't have a pet, you may wish to opt for a "no pet park", likewise if you are after a quite friendly park you may wish to check the campsite does not take groups, as ones which do could lead to a less-relaxing holiday.

Cornwall is great for a camping holiday, the county benefits from sandy beaches, great coastline walks and views, historic places, old villages, country pubs, shopping and more. Visitors can go to stunning gardens that are situated all around Cornwall and tourist attractions that cannot be missed, including the Eden Garden project and Flambards. So don't be disappointed, search now a book your camping holiday in Cornwall.

Perran Springs: great family camping holidays in Cornwall.
http://www.perransprings.co.uk

Why People Go on Tent Camping Holidays

By Dennis Kjaergaard

Actually people go on tenting holidays with so many reasons now days. Firstly, many people like feel that tent camping is the best option for the holidays, and that is why tent camping is becoming more and more popular. While in other picnics we do not have as many facilities as camping offers, because in tent Camping we do have a number of advantages as compare to other vacation trips or picnic.

The best thing about tent camping holidays is that they are cheap and this is particularly significant during times like now days, because everyone is looking for a cheap holiday. And Secondly, you do not need to spend out a lot of money on camping tent and on equipment. You can even also find cheap tents, backpacks, sleeping bags and cooking sets.

Tent Camping can be a lot of fun as compare to other picnics, but only if it is well organized. This means significant what and what not to take things with you. People can take any kind of food over there according to their likings and you can even make many delicious foods which is easy to make. Kids can even play camping games and other activity fun. You can even play some nice games and sing some nice songs around the camp fire which many people like to for their activities.

People can discover the beauty of the nature while being on Camping. It will give you all those fun and enjoyment which you cannot even have from picnics or from vacations because camping has its own pleasure. Many of the people also like to go for fishing as well while on camping which is a great fun as well. And while on camping its offers you beautiful view with pleasant staying in peaceful nature and relaxed atmosphere, which attracts all the campers to go on camping with their love ones.

People normally likes to go on camping holidays with their family members specially, because Tent camping holiday has its own joy going out with your family members. Going out with family members makes the relation bond strong among everyone, each of the members get to know them little more personally close to each others. And that will ensure you that you have a lovely time and successful camping holiday.
Read more about luxury camping holiday

Have You Thought About Taking a Holiday In Tree House Accommodation?

As a child did you enjoy playing in trees and longed to have a tree house retreat? Staying in tree house accommodation for your holiday can be a very nostalgic holiday with reminds you of bygone days. People seeking an adventurous Swiss Family Robinson-style getaway without the pricey investment of making your own tree house can look for hotels among the branches.

Tree house designs have come along way from makeshift shacks made of flimsy wooden planks and rope ladders. The atmosphere in a tree house hotel is very personal and welcoming. Tree houses offer romantic accommodation to make memories that last.

Considered by nature lovers to be one of the most effective ways to observe wildlife, tree houses are eco-friendly and astonishingly safe. Some of them offer more than you could find in a luxury hotel or cruise ship.

Guests reach their secluded tree-house suite by winding wooden walkways that meander through the forest canopy or guests must use a wooden ladder for access. Some tree houses have a private deck so you can sit in elevated splendour and watch the world go by below, and inside a living room with a roaring log fire, a bedroom with floor-to-ceiling windows and an enormous bathroom with a free-standing stone tub.

All mod cons are available in tree house hotels; most of the tree houses are equipped with a DVD player and feature a seating area.

Local workers with exceptional carpentry and building skills usually build the tree house hotels, and the quality of the accommodation is beautiful. Very often the tree houses have been built using local materials with no removal of indigenous trees.

Tree-houses and tree forts can be built solely within a huge tree; they can be partially supported by tree trunks or totally free standing. The tree house can be any height off the ground and finished in so many different ways. It’s a good idea to shop around when looking for Tree house accommodation so that you get the right tree house for your holiday and to avoid disappointment.

Tree houses are gaining popularity, and aren't just for kids anymore. Tree houses represent freedom: from adults or adulthood, from duties and responsibilities, from an earthbound perspective. Tree houses have a good pedigree. The Roman emperor Caligula held banquets in one and the Medici vied to see who could build the grandest. So why not re-visit your childhood and have an old fashioned holiday with a fully mod cons twist in a tree house hotel getaway.

Canoe Or Kayak Camping

By Charles Milburn

This is about some of the basics of river camping. The things and the skills you need to do a simple river trip.

Aha, you have just put in on a somewhat lazy river. The canoe is all loaded up with camping gear. As you paddle ahead you see the mountains rising in the distance and the abundance of rich green vegetation growing along the bank. The water is crystal clear; you could read a newspaper on the bottom in 8' of water. The morning sun feels rejuvenating on your face. The air is as fresh as it can be. A slight breeze puffs up the river and all of a sudden you see thousands of cottonwood blossoms fill the air. It almost looks like snow. My wife calls them tree fairies. I think she gets euphoric out on the river with all that fresh air. Actually, the blossoms or fairies are cottonwood seeds; they have a fuzzy puff of hair like stuff around them and are lighter than a feather.

You see a rock sticking out of the water to your right. You pick up your fishing rod and cast. Right on the money just behind the rock then the water explodes with a nice Smallmouth bass about a 1 ½' out of the water in the air. Now, after getting your heart under control, you think to yourself "let the games begin." After a battle on rod and reel you unhook the bass and release it back into the water.

In the distance we here the roar of water, rapids are coming up. So you check the map and see a set of class one's coming up. We put on your PFD's and tie down all loose gear. As we approach we make a plan for how we're going to get thru them. We pick up our speed and head for the main channel knowing at the bottom we have to cut a little to the right to pick up the channel that drops into a 5' chute thru an intimidating ledge across the river. As you execute your plan, you can't help feel the excitement building as you execute each turn. What a great feeling you have as you fly down the chute to still water knowing we did everything right. That's the third endorphin rush in an hour.

Sounds nice!

Canoe or kayak camping is a great way to camp. It is our favorite and we spend as much as 4- 5 weeks a year on rivers. We often put in for a week or 10 days at a time. We plan ahead of time for re-supply stops, ice, sodas fresh foods (if close by), dry meals and swap out our used clothes for clean. Sometimes, we leap frog our vehicles to an access point downriver. You lose a little time shifting vehicles around but get gain clean cloths, fresh food, ice and things you forgot and left in the truck.

We don't paddle every day. Usually, we'll make camp by a rapid. The sound of them at night is fantastic plus the fishing is usually good. It seems that a lot of wild life frequent rapids particular Otters. Rapids are entertainment too, we like watching others come thru. Some are very funny, while others are very skillful. We swim in the rapids when it's hot, sometimes we tow 2-stacked sit on top kayaks behind our canoe to play in the rapids, fish, explore or do day trips out of camp. I do a little fly fishing from time to time and rapids are a prime spot. We may stay an extra day or two, and then push on to another spot. Canoe or kayak camping is a relaxing way to camp; we are never in a hurry.

Before you jump off and rent a canoe or kayak for your first trip down the river, there are some things you need to know. First off, knowing how to swim or at least be very comfortable in moving or rushing water. Second, having canoe or kayak skills from packing to paddling. Third, experienced camping skills, as these will pay off later. You need to see a raw site and make it home for a night or couple of days without harming the environment. Being able to handle a rainstorm, or other adverse weather. Having the right equipment, like dry bags instead of backpacks. Know how to maintain a fresh water supply and how to make a campfire with wet wood. You need a little more than KOA skills. And lastly, having the right attitude. Not everything is going to be perfect but you make it perfect or the best you can. Remember this is a water sport as well as camping. You might get wet from time to time and you have to be OK with that. Canoes and kayaks sometimes turn over or a sudden rainstorm comes up and your rain gear is in the bottom of the pack. No time to pull a "chicken little" thing.

Setting up camp in the rain or a storm can be challenging, it isn't that hard just an inconvenience. By the numbers, first set up the campsite rain fly, next the tent under the campsite fly. Then after your tent is up with the tent rain fly on, you move it to where you want it to be. Next, is gathering firewood, and drying it out as in the article on "Campfires." Next is unloading the rest of the gear you will need for now. Sleeping gear, cooking kit & food bag, cooler, clothes bag, and chairs if you have them. Next, get that fire going and get on dry clothes. I can't tell you how good a cup of hot chocolate would taste at this moment sitting by a warm fire.

Hey, come on guy's this is fun. It's the adventure, the challenge; you made it happen, anybody that knows how can set up a camp on a bright sunny day. In the rain and blowing wind it's different, but that hot chocolate will never taste as good as it did above, that's what we call "right on." While you don't plan on a storm they sometimes happen and you can't run from them. With good camping skills you can deal with it. What separates a good camping trip form a bad one is how you handle the things that go wrong. And you know, that's the trip you might remember most. Remember that time we set up camp in the rain, or the trip when we left the tent poles in the truck.

It's good to always plan a rain day on long trips, as it's hard to get an accurate weather forecast that far in advance. It will rain, we just don't know when your are going to have it until our NOAH radio tells us. Once we were out on a 10 -15 dayer and we had a good spot to hold over for a day while the rain passed. The next day our weather radio predicted more rain. Rather than lose a day, we elected to pack up and paddle on. This is where having good rain gear helps the comfort zone. We traveled 5 miles, shot 3 rapids and caught a bunch of bass that day. Late afternoon, the rain stopped, as we neared our planned camping spot. We are often GPS guided. We set up and had another nice night in the neighbourhood.

So, now you have it, we think canoe camping is the greatest. We love it.

1. Knowing how to swim or at least be comfortable in moving or rushing water

2. Experienced camping skills

3. The right equipment

4. Canoeing or kayak experience with light white water if doing any.

5. The right attitude. We are going to have a good time if it kills us.

You put all that together and you got a great trip. Leave out one ingredient and you could be inviting a disaster. Read the "Bloopers" when it's finally written, an article on every thing that has gone wrong and how we handled it and hear about our experiences as well as our friends, this could be funny. We have no regrets, as this is our experience as to how we got to where we are today.

Try renting a canoe for a day trip and see you like it. While you are out there try to imagine what it would be like camping out for a night. Most likely you may not have any neighbors (fellow campers).

If this sounds like your cup of tea, you can contact me thru the website below and I can hook you up with one of half dozen-affiliate outfitters along the upper Potomac River WVA or the Shenandoah River in VA & WVA. They have canoes to rent and river maps and can transport you to your put in. If you are on your own I can give you directions to or Waypoints for Put in's and Takeouts.

Author: Charles Milburn and we are WayPoint Adventures Inc at My CampFire Outfitters. My wife and I have 25 years combined experience as campers and 5 years experience as outfitters and guides. This year we opened a website because we know camping gear and what works. A lot of people (beginners) are being taken advantage of by on line dealers with inferior camping gear or higher priced camping gear. Our goal is to guide the beginner into the right gear until they know if camping is for them. It's not about the money as we are a small mom and pop business. We are hosting a few articles to help them in the transition with out being taken advantage of, like "how to do or how to buy" articles. We also have tips and secrets to share and confessions of all the things that have gone wrong while out in the wild. We also cater to the more experienced campers, canoers, bikers, and backpackers as well. We offer over 700 camping items from economy, mid range and high tech - wherever you feel most comfortable. We carry close to 100 models of tents by 11 manufactures. We have Camp Stoves, Camp Cookware, Sleeping Bags, Camp Tools, First aid, GPS's, SPOT's, Weather Radios, and hundreds of other misc. items. For some this might not be the right website as we have to many choices to pick from. So come on in take a look and maybe you just might want to take a trip on the wild side.

http://www.MyCampfireOutfitters.com
Also check out "Canoe Camping Tips" http://www.mycampfireoutfitters.com/articles/article/7429229/140367.htm

Old Fashioned Teepee Holiday

Enjoy an Old fashioned Holiday in a Teepee or Wigwam. Staying in a canvas tipi with family or friends, living close to the earth and the rhythm of nature, is an extraordinary experience that whisks you back in time. 

Tipi's have come a long way since the native American's first started using them. You can hire a traditional wigwam complete with animal skin rugs, however you can also hire Tipi's complete with double beds and log burning stoves. 

A 21-foot diameter tipi is surprisingly spacious. Easily accommodating a double bed with a proper mattress, cushions and a coffee table, sheepskin rugs and a wood burning stove. Tipis are usually lit by an abundance of candles in lanterns however the wood burner might offer you enough light for your evening of romance. 

Of course with creature comforts like a double bed to sleep in and a wooden floor, it hardly feels like camping at all. However you still have the romantic ambience and seductive lighting of the wigwam and the benefit of combining the luxury of a hotel with the excitement of living deep in the natural world. 

The burning stove inside the wigwam means that you certainly wont have an evening of shivering. The chimneys of the stoves go through the canvas of the teepee to take all the smoke away so that you won't smell like an old kipper in the morning. 

Not only are the evenings in the teepee romantic, but also the wigwam camps or settlements are usually in a quiet rural location, so there is lots of opportunity for romantic ambles around the countryside. 

Outdoor living has never been easier, or more comfortable. By day you can enjoy the light airiness of the tipi and by night nothing beats cuddling up next to a cosy log fire.