Tips to make the most of your Nature-Based Vacation

Written By Candace Sigmon

Tips To Help You Make The Most Out Of Your Nature-Based Vacation

Whether you’re planning to go on a single trip or travel all summer long, you should know a few things about how to extract maximum pleasure from your time away. From family-friendly activities to RV upgrades, today’s brief post from S/V Dream Chaser shares plenty of tips and tricks for those who enjoy the outdoors and their off time.

Justifying Your Time Off

But first thing’s first: if you’re trying to talk yourself out of a vacation, stop it! Especially if you’re self-employed, it can be tempting to try and push through without taking a break. However, the fact is that taking a vacation now and again isn’t just about giving yourself a well-deserved treat; regular breaks also allow you to recharge, greatly boosting your productivity in the long run.

Upgrade Your RV

If you’re a constant traveler (or want to be), you’ve probably already considered investing in an RV. This is one of the least expensive ways to see all the sites the US offers. Although many campers offer great amenities from the start, the Stonyboot blog suggests a few handy RV upgrades, including a battery monitor, a better sewer hose, and updated ventilation.

Prioritize Safety

Safety is always one of your number one concerns whenever you’re traveling. And if you plan to travel to outdoor activities with kids, you must step up your safety efforts. Look for activities like easy hikes that everyone in your party can enjoy. For instance, the TN Vacation blog showcases several easy and child-friendly hikes in Tennessee, including the Narrows of the Harpeth and Clingmans Dome. Even if you choose trails that are great for curious hikers or campers, you’ll still want to teach the kids early on how to respect nature. Ensure they learn to pay attention to signs, avoid slick surfaces, and watch the weather.

Keep Important Documents Handy

The convenience of having important documents at your fingertips while traveling cannot be overstated. By digitizing essential documents such as travel itineraries, identification, and reservation confirmations and saving them as PDFs, you ensure these crucial files are readily accessible on your smartphone, tablet, or cloud storage. This method not only preserves the original format across various devices, enhancing readability but also offers a secure way to store these documents for future reference. 

Moreover, using an online conversion tool simplifies this process immensely. These tools often allow you to convert files to PDF format with ease, typically by dragging and dropping files directly into the tool. Once your files are securely saved as PDFs, you can share your files with confidence, knowing they are both accessible and protected during your travels.

Gather Your Gear

If you’re not planning to take an RV, you’ll need to ensure you have a tent or other shelter. Sleeping bags, portable utensils, navigation tools, and an emergency medical kit – you can’t always rely on a cell phone – are also invaluable. Other supplies to keep on you no matter what type of activity you’re traveling include a first aid kit, headlamps, a toolkit, and a way to stay hydrated.

Consider Buying a Vacation Home

If you happen to fall in love with any specific location and the activities nearby, you may be able to save money on your vacations by buying a vacation home. Although you’ll have to put at least 20% down, you may be able to extract capital by taking out a second mortgage or home equity loan on your current property. Your vacation home can even be used as an income-producing property, which may cover the mortgage entirely.

Plan Ahead

Whether you’re going to Disney on a tight budget or have cash to spare, you must plan ahead on your trips to make the most of every moment. This means getting an idea of the average weather, the cost for accommodations and activities, and whether other events are taking place, such as music festivals or Jeep Club get-togethers, that might impact the accessibility and enjoyability of the places you want to be.

Know Your Animals

Anytime you’re in nature, you always run the chance of coming into close contact with wildlife. Make sure you know the animals you might encounter on your outdoor adventures. Depending on where you’re traveling, this could be anything from a snake to a bear. While you already know to steer clear of bears and other large, dangerous mammals, it’s not always easy to know which snakes to avoid. AZ Animals says that venomous snakes have a triangular head, are usually brightly colored and patterned, and feature elliptical or vertical slit pupils.

Protect Your Skin

Finally, protect your skin when you’re out in the elements. Wear light-colored clothing, reapply sunscreen every hour or so when you sweat, wear a hat and sunglasses, and pack plenty of bug spray. At the end of each day, check yourself for ticks. Just as importantly, know which plants are safe to touch and which may leave you with a nasty rash that could cut your vacation short.

Outdoor vacations are an excellent way to keep fit, enjoy nature’s healing beauty, and bond with your family. However, whether you’re taking an RV or planning to buy a permanent vacation home, the success of your trip hinges on careful planning and prioritizing safety so that you can get the most out of your adventures.