When I was growing up we went on an annual vacation. It always involved the car, a road trip , and camping. You see, ‘back in the day’ almost everyone took car trips, they didn’t fly.

The car was the cheapest way from here to there, and camping made the trip even more reasonable. There were campgrounds and roadside parks all across this country.

Dad always started the trip days before by making a list of everything we’d need, sourcing, gathering, checking to see if anyone was worn out, and checking off his list as it went into the car.

Mom too prepared, clothing, food, lots of food.

Today, there are still campgrounds, and parks open to camping, maybe not as many as there were long ago, but they’re around. A trip across the country these days, even with the price of gas, can be affordable when you factor in camping versus staying in a motel, and cooking your own food versus eating out three meals a day.

But, you need that preparation list! Start out by checking out the status of your own camping supplies. Worn? Repair or replace.

Do a little planning beforehand and you’ll be sure to have a great, safe, affordable vacation this year.

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