What Are The Unspoken Rules Of Camping?

Jun 14, 2023

Adventure

Camping is an activity that’s beloved by many outdoor enthusiasts, and for good reason. It brings you to the heart of nature, enveloping you in a world that’s wholly distinct from the hustle and bustle of our professional lives.

That said, just like one should practice courtesy to a generous host, you should similarly respect the sanctity of your temporary outdoor quarters.

The birds and the trees can’t communicate these rules and guidelines, and not all campgrounds can list an extensive amount of rules on their signboard, so allow us to do it for them.

Here are some of the unspoken rules of camping that every prospective camper should follow.

1) Respect Quiet Hours

camping in an established camping ground

If you’re camping in an established camping ground, then you’re likely sharing the lot with other campers. Out of respect, you should refrain from being too loud late into the night with your buds or family.

These people, just like you, are here to take a break from their lives and reflect in the wilderness. Don’t spoil the quiet with loud music, boisterous laughter, or chatter—especially during the late night.

People in campsites tend to start unwinding as soon as the sun sets, so try to keep your voice low by 7 PM and beyond. Being too rowdy and noisy can disrupt the peace of the camping grounds, and it can even compel the park rangers to give you a stern warning or bar you from future entry altogether.

2) Watch Over Your Pets

While many camping grounds have specific rules on how to deal with pets, bringing a dog or cat with you still entails a little bit of extra responsibility on your part.

For instance, if your dog is quite rowdy, it’s best to keep them on a leash at all times. It’s not an uncommon experience for bigger dogs to catch squirrels and smaller mammals as varmints and harm them.

Their barking may also scare off the local wildlife in the area, which can interfere with the future visitors’ experience. As such, it’s vital to keep the ecological balance of the place you’re visiting as unperturbed as possible. And this could mean leaving your dog at home.

If your pet is well-behaved for the most part, you should also ensure that your pet is clean and well-groomed before the camping trip. An unhygienic pet may carry fleas and ticks that can be troublesome to local wildlife and resident dogs, and this can inadvertently cause an outbreak in the local area.

3) Don’t Trespass Outside Property

 camping ground's property

The camping ground will likely have an established perimeter that indicates the borders of its property. As a transient visitor, you should respect and adhere to these boundaries to avoid trouble from the owners of neighboring parameters.

Stepping outside the camping ground’s property and entering another that could potentially be owned by a private entity, whether knowingly or unknowingly, is trespassing. LY Lawyers claim that the act of trespassing is a minor offense, and if you’re found guilty of entering a property without the owner’s consent, you could be charged a maximum fine of up to $550.

As such, be sure to stay within the bounds of your campsite. Besides avoiding the hefty fine, you’re also guaranteed safety since the trail is well-established and closely monitored by the keepers of the campgrounds. You’re also keeping you and your party safe, as who knows what other people may do when you’re found invading their area.

4) Leave No Trace

Even in our pre-school days, we’ve been told to throw our trash in the proper areas.

This principle doesn’t change when you’re camping; in fact, it becomes an even more important act given that you’re sharing a pristine space with wildlife and future campers.

The “leave-no-trace” principle is a closely followed rule among campers, and it essentially means that you should avoid leaving behind any trace of your stay.

This doesn’t only mean bringing your trash and food scraps home with you, but it also means refraining from bringing home any souvenirs from the area, like rocks or leaves. This way, you’ll ensure that the next camper can have as grand of a time as you did.

5) Keep Your Night Lights Low

Camping light

No one likes getting bright light flashing in their eyes late at night, especially when the rest of their surroundings are dark. And while you could be minding your own business in your private camping area, it’s not unlikely for you to illuminate a portion of the public area.

So, to avoid contributing to any negative experiences for other campers, make sure to keep your night lights on the lower side. If you’re using a headlamp, keep it at the lowest setting. If you have a fireplace going, be sure to extinguish it before heading to bed.

This will give all the campers a better personal experience since you’re not invading their space.

6) Don’t Use Natural Waterways to Cook and Clean

Is there a river or lake near your campsite? If so, you might be tempted to use it for washing your dishes or using it to pour your unfinished food scraps.

However, rivers and lakes are delicate ecosystems that shouldn’t be tampered with. Introducing foreign chemicals such as bleach and detergent can disrupt the river’s chemistry and can be detrimental to the ecological balance of the place.

So, if you must clean your dishes and cooking utensils, it’s best to get some water (from the lake or your own stash) and wash 150 to 200 feet away from the waterway. Boil water if it’s taken from natural resources to purify it from potential parasites and bacteria.

For food scraps, chuck them in a trash bag and bring them home. The principle of LNT applies to water habitats too, so be sure to keep that in mind when cooking and cleaning near these bodies of water.

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Arnab is a passionate blogger. He shares sentient blogs on topics like travel, health, lifestyle etc. If you want to read refulgent blogs so please follow Tour And Travel Blog.

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6 Best Destinations For A Safari In Kenya

BY Abdul Aziz MondalJun 2, 2023

Kenya, located in East Africa, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and incredible safari experiences. With a rich diversity of ecosystems, including vast savannahs, dense forests, and stunning coastal regions, Kenya offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the wonders of nature from very close. If you are planning for a safari trip in Kenya, the first step would be to book your flight tickets, accommodation and get a visa. To make the visa process simpler, you can also apply online and get an evisa Kenya. You should then look for the best-guided tours with reputable safari operators to make the most of your safari adventure. They can customize your itinerary, provide knowledgeable guides, and ensure safety and comfort. It's also crucial to prioritize responsible and sustainable tourism practices, respecting wildlife and supporting local communities. Best time to Visit Kenya When planning your safari in Kenya, it's essential to consider the best time to visit. From June to October, the dry season is ideal for wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources, and vegetation is less dense. The dry season in Kenya is generally considered the best time for wildlife viewing. With less rainfall, animals gather around water sources, making it easier to spot them. The vegetation is also less dense, providing clearer views. June and July are particularly popular months as they coincide with the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores cross the Mara River. However, the wet season, from November to May, brings lush landscapes, newborn animals, and a plethora of birdlife. Best safari experience in Kenya Here’s a list of the six best destinations in Kenya that you should consider for an adventurous safari experience. 1.   Maasai Mara National Reserve: Maasai Mara is perhaps Kenya's most famous wildlife reserve, if not in all of Africa. Known for its annual wildebeest migration, where millions of animals cross the Mara River, the reserve offers an awe-inspiring spectacle. Besides the migration, Maasai Mara boasts an impressive variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, and zebras. The vast open plains and rolling hills provide an ideal backdrop for game drives, hot air balloon safaris, and photography enthusiasts. Derive benefit from the avenue to communicate with the local Maasai people and learn about their vibrant culture and traditions 2. Amboseli National Park: Amboseli National Park is positioned at the hilltop of Mount Kilimanjaro, famous for its stunning views of Africa's highest peak. The park's vast grasslands are home to large herds of elephants known for their distinctive tusks. Besides elephants, Amboseli offers excellent wildlife sightings, including buffalo, zebras, giraffes, and various bird species. The park's unique landscape, with swamps, marshes, and acacia woodlands, provides a picturesque setting for photography enthusiasts. Remember to visit Observation Hill, which offers panoramic views of the entire park and the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. 3. Tsavo National Park: Tsavo National Park, divided into Tsavo East and Tsavo West, is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Known for its dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife, Tsavo offers a truly wild and untamed safari experience. Tsavo East is characterized by vast plains, ancient baobab trees, and the flowing Galana River, which attracts a variety of animals, including lions, elephants, zebras, and giraffes. Tsavo West is famous for its diverse terrain, including volcanic hills, dense forests, and the stunning Mzima Springs, where you can watch hippos and crocodiles underwater. For a unique experience, consider visiting the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, an orphanage sanctuary for rhinos and elephants. 4. Samburu National Reserve: Samburu National Reserve offers a distinct and captivating safari experience in Kenya's northern region. The reserve is acknowledged for its rare wildlife species, including the "Samburu Special Five": the reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Grevy's zebra, gerenuk, and beisa oryx. Additionally, Samburu is home to elephants, lions, cheetahs, and leopards. The Ewaso Ng'iro River flows through the reserve, attracting a wide range of wildlife, especially during the dry season. Samburu's rugged landscapes, with arid plains and rocky outcrops, create a unique and breathtaking setting for game drives and nature walks. 5. Lake Nakuru National Park: For bird lovers, Lake Nakuru National Park is a must-visit destination. Located around the picturesque Lake Nakuru, the park is a haven for bird species, including thousands of flamingos that flock to the alkaline lake. The park's diverse habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, and cliffs, provide a home for over 450 bird species. Apart from the stunning birdlife, Lake Nakuru National Park also houses numerous types of wildlife. The park is recognized for its endangered population of black and white rhinos, making it one of the esteemed destinations in Kenya to recognize these magnificent creatures. Additionally, you can encounter lions, leopards, buffalos, zebras, and giraffes during your safari adventures. The park's diverse habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, and acacia forests, support various animal and plant species, making each safari excursion a thrilling and rewarding experience. 6. Laikipia Plateau: The Laikipia Plateau offers a unique safari experience, known for its exclusive lodges and conservation-focused tourism. This vast area is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered Grevy's zebras, black rhinos, and reticulated giraffes. You can participate in game drives, walking safaris, and even visit local communities to learn about their traditional culture and conservation efforts. The Laikipia Plateau is located in central Kenya and offers a unique and off-the-beaten-path safari experience. It is a vast, privately owned area known for its conservation efforts and sustainable tourism practices. The region is characterized by a mix of open grasslands, rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and riverine forests, creating diverse habitats for a wide range of wildlife. Conclusion Kenya offers an incredible safari experience with its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you witness the grandeur of the Maasai Mara, the unique species of Samburu, or the birdlife of Lake Nakuru, each destination will leave you in awe of nature's wonders. Embark on a journey to Kenya and create lifelong memories of thrilling adventures. You can go on game drives, watch stunning sunsets, and have close encounters with majestic wildlife. The vastness of Tsavo National Parks, as well as the avian wonders of Lake Nakuru make its beauty extraordinary. A safari in Kenya promises to be a journey of discovery. It will immerse you in the untamed wonders of nature and leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.

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Top 11 Unique Things to Do in Flagstaff

BY Roman ReignApr 29, 2020

With many natural sights, monuments, and other adventurous places, Flagstaff is the largest and most popular city in northern Arizona. Trust me, you're going to find a lot of exciting things to do in Flagstaff. I visited Flagstaff last year along with several other best places in the USA.  I had great experiences in different places during the whole trip. Every place has its own unique story, and I've had many unforgettable moments. It was a truly exhilarating journey from Las Vegas to Zion National Park. Apart from this, I also had a great time on the Maryland trip. Now, here in this post, I will be sharing the best unique things to do in Flagstaff. You will find many attractive places with a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, snowboarding, etc.  The best place to start your Flagstaff trip is from the Historic Downtown and Railroad District. Historic Downtown and Railroad District This town ranked the top position out of 12 best things to do in Flagstaff. When you plan your Flagstaff trip, I would recommend that you start the trip from Historic Downtown and Railroad District.  I'm sure you're going to enjoy the beauty of the town walking along the streets. You will find the historic buildings which are now being converted into hotels, restaurants, breweries, etc.  Even in the late night, you'll find a crowd in the town. I remember when I came back from a movie show, some college students were out on the street. You can book a day or two of your stay here to enjoy the farmer's market, local events, entertainment shows, shopping, eating, and drinking.  The town allows easy access to many other tourist spots in Flagstaff. A wonderful park is located within walking distance from the visitor’s center. Visiting Wheeler Park is One of the Best Things to Do in Flagstaff Take a short walk from the visitor center of the historic downtown to get to this park. Visiting Wheeler Park is one of the best things to do in Flagstaff. The park hosts a variety of events such as regular park run, weekly art festivals like Park Art, Hullabaloo, and more.  The park is full of trees that give you a green space to relax and enjoy. When I visited this park, a lot of people came with books to read, but my friends and I enjoyed a picnic in the park.  Grand Canyon Day Tour This place is out of town, you can book a day trip to discover different historic buildings as well as hiking in different locations. If you have time, then a day trip to the Grand Canyon is one of the great things to do in Flagstaff. You'll find the El Tovar Lodge and the Desert View Watchtower on this day trip. You'll get a chance to have lunch and explore the Navajo Trading Post. Usually, it's best if you're traveling in a group. Walnut Canyon National Monument Exploring the Walnut Canyon National Monument is one of the most interesting things to do in Flagstaff. You might be thinking, why is the name of the monument called so? The reason is simple, the name is because this national monument is full of Arizona Walnut trees.  This monument is located in the East of Flagstaff, which has many types of plants. The canyon has more than 500 species of plants, and you'll find various wildlife in the forest. Another interesting part of the monument is the loop trail which descends along the canyon. There are several other trails around the Walnut Canyon but the loop trail is the most attractive one. Along this way, you will discover 25 historical limestone cliff residents where Sinagua people were staying in the past.  Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument Have you ever heard of a volcano eruption? The Sunset Volcano National Monument is a place in Flagstaff where you can discover the eruption of volcanoes. Around 900 years ago, a massive volcano eruption shook the city. In this eruption, a significant volume of lava was released and dispersed over 4 miles and coated 800 + acres of land in ash and rock fragments. It's been a long time since this eruption happened, but today you can still find evidence of the violent and destructive events that occurred. The crater gives you a perfect hiking trail to explore the three lava flows. However, certain areas of the crater are not permitted to explore for safety reasons. Head to the visitor center where you can learn about the eruption of the volcano and how it affected the region. Many visitors recommend, exploring the crater is one of the best things to do in Flagstaff. Wupatki National Monument Among other National Monuments, the Wupatki is one of the famous monuments in America. However, this monument is abandoned but safeguarded by the Hopi clans. They tell the lifestyle and stories about their ancestors. To their beliefs, people at that time died here and remain as spiritual guides.  If you want to discover the rich American history, then visiting the Wupatki National Monument is one of the best things to do in Flagstaff. This monument was built by the ancient Pueblo people, which consists of three buildings and has 29 structures in an area of 35,000 acres. I didn't get a chance to explore the place with the rangers when I visited. But if your luck is good, you might have an opportunity to discover the monument with the rangers. You can hike to some parts of the monument that are allowed to visit. Arizona Snowbowl Scenic Chairlift Riding the scenic chairlift to see the Arizona Snowbowl and the San Francisco Peaks is one of the most interesting things to do in Flagstaff. If you're planning your trip in the autumn (that's from October to December), you'll enjoy the scenic chairlift ride. In this season, the landscape of Arizona is filled with different colors and is truly mesmerizing. When you reach the top, you will gain some information about the place from the rangers. They offer you knowledge on various topics such as the habitats of the region, about geology including history. Apart from this, you can enjoy adventurous activities like snowboarding, walking in the trails, and skiing.  Exploring the Lowell Observatory is one of the Unique Things to Do in Flagstaff Are you interested in space exploration or do you want to know about space? Lowell Observatory offers you the opportunity to get a view of the space through telescopes. Do you know that this is the place where Pluto was discovered? Here you will find the original telescope which was used to discover the planet, Pluto. Now it is a working research center that is open to visitors for learning about the space, universe, galaxies, etc. I would say visiting the Lowell Observatory is one of the most exciting things to do in Flagstaff. The Observatory also hosts different special programs that allow you to meet an astronomer or to attend different events such as the meteor showers. Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course Do you like adventurous or challenging activities? Taking a rope drive on the zip lines in the Forthill Country Park will pump your adrenaline. This spot will give you a thrilling experience by suspending between the trees.  I had a fear of heights and it was really challenging for me, but I really enjoyed the rope drive. Trust me this is one of the most adventurous things to do in Flagstaff in my opinion.  If you travel in a group or alone, you can enjoy different adventure courses from walking on the ropes, or you can swing between the trees. This place offers a different level of activities for adults as well as for kids. Lockett Meadow This is the most beautiful place to visit in the list of things to do in Flagstaff. This is a fantastic place in the Coconino National Forest, inside Flagstaff. If you want to visit this place, one day is not enough and, fortunately, you can enjoy camping here. The best time to visit this place is all year round because every season you'll find a different experience. You'll find the ash tree leaves turning yellow in the summer, and the whole place looks amazing. Whereas in spring, the entire meadow is full of flowers.   Museum of Northern Arizona This is a place where you can know about the history of Flagstaff. The Museum is built on lava stone which offers you to discover the dinosaurs, geology of Northern Arizona, the ancient people who lived in the place. In my opinion, this is a place that you should never miss if you ever travel to Flagstaff.  Here you will learn about the history, biology, arts, geology, and many other things about Northern Arizona. Along with that, the Museum has a central garden that shows different species of plants in the area. Visiting the Museum can bring you some knowledge about this place. It is really one of the best things to do in Flagstaff.  Hopefully, here you've found some useful travel ideas and unique things to do in Flagstaff. From my experience, I recommend that you plan your trip from October to December. To explore every place in the list and have a memorable experience, plan your tour for 10 to 15 days. As I mentioned above, you're going to explore the National Monuments, a few parks, and more. Hiking, snowboarding, skiing, and rope driving are some of the outdoor activities you'll enjoy on your Flagstaff tour.

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14 Hacks to Make Your Road Trip Go Smoothly

BY Ariana SmithAug 12, 2021

Ready to load the car and hit the road? Whether you’re heading off to college or taking a trip with the kids, it takes some planning. So before you get behind the wheel, make a checklist of everything you need. And while you’re at it, discover a few hacks along the way. Here are 14 hacks to make your road trip go smoothly.  14 Hacks To Organize A Smooth Road Trip A road trip is the best trip in your entire life. If you do not plan out a smooth road trip, the full enjoyment will be destroyed. For planning out a smooth road trip, you will need good robust route planning along with the essential emergency medical supplies. Here are 14 hacks to organize a smooth road trip. #1. Pack Your Cooler With Dry Ice Pack a cooler with refreshments for your road trip and make sure they stay ice cold for days — with dry ice! While it seems intimidating at first, dry ice is relatively easy to use once you understand how to handle it safely.  Plus, it will keep your food and drinks as cold as possible. Learn how to use dry ice in a cooler and discover hard coolers rugged and durable enough to transport to a campsite or be rolled to the beach.  #2. Bring An Emergency Kit Carry an emergency kit that includes necessary items such as a battery charger, a first aid kit, extra drinking water, and jumper cables. Another versatile piece of emergency equipment is a flashlight, which can be used to hail down passing cars or roadside service vehicles in an emergency.  Learn how to use all these emergency items effectively and safely — especially the jumper cables! — and you can be back on the road trip in no time.  #3. Prepare Your Vehicle For The Journey Before you put on hundreds of miles or so in your vehicle, make sure it’s up to scratch. Take it to a reliable mechanic such as those at auto repair in Lakewood CO, to have it serviced at least a week in advance. At the very least, get an oil change and check the tire pressure. While you’re on a road trip, make sure the spare tire is in good working order, too. Check the tread on the tire and the pressure in case you need it as a backup for a flat tire. Also, make sure you know how to change your own tire with a jack and lug wrench.  #4. Get A Rooftop Cargo Box A rooftop cargo box can free up interior space for passengers and provide a bit of elbow room. Fill it with compressible items and gear such as sleeping bags, backpacks, and luggage. #5. Use Travel Apps to Find Amenities and Attractions Countless travel apps are available to help you find everything from hotels to gas stations, from Trip Advisor to iExit. You can even use Roadtrippers to find unique roadside attractions and sights along the way.  All you have to do is put in your route, and you’ll find everything you need. You can even collaborate to find the perfect itinerary for a road trip. #6. Bring A Refillable Water Bottle Say no to single-use plastic and carry your own water bottle. Even better — choose a thermos or stainless steel container that can serve as both a coffee mug and water bottle.  Then, after your morning joe, just give it a quick rinse, and you’re good to go. Keeping hydrated is extremely important on the road and can even help you stay alert during a road trip. #7. Pack Strategically When packing for a road trip, don’t overdo it! Instead, think minimally and pack strategically. For example, when packing clothes, consider using an overnight backpack instead of hauling all your luggage into the hotel room every night.  Also, when it comes to loading up the car, add the nonessential items that you will only need once you arrive at your final destination, keeping essential gear and items like cameras and personal items on you.  You want to carry men bags that are capable enough to store all your essentials. At the same time, you do not want to be lugging around too much. This would simply derail your travel experience. You want something that is functional as well as stylish. Smaller items like smartphones, passports, medicines, cologne, etc, should fit in the same. #8. Keep The Car Tidy And Yourself Clean Keep your car tidy with a small trash bag, along with some wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and paper towels. That way, you can throw away granola bars and candy wrappers, wipe your hands clean, and anywhere else that might get crumbs or smears. A few extra road trip tips: Hang the trash bag on the back of a seat and compile everything in a container for accessibility. #9. Check Your Pit Stop Ratings Speaking of clean, when it comes to bathroom breaks at pit stops, it can be hit or miss. But fear not! With apps like the Bathroom Scout app or Flush, you can locate a sparkling clean restroom on your journey.  #10. Bring Plenty Of Change For Parking Meters Long gone are the days when you needed to worry about toll booths. Now, many tolls have an automated electronic system that is cashless. The same goes for parking meters, too.  However, don’t be caught without some spare change. There are still many road trips to small towns across America that use coin-operated parking meters.  #11. Use Apps To Locate Foodie Hot Spots Ever wish you could visit that diner or restaurant featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives or that Netflix culinary series? Now you can find all the foodie hotspots with apps and sites such as Roadfood.com and TVFoodMaps. Were you looking for a taste of the local flavor? Be sure to explore the Agricultural Marketing Service website to find schedules for local farmer’s markets in the area of a road trip. #12. Pick Up A Multi-Outlet Adapter Keep all your passengers plugged in with a multi-outlet adapter. This is especially true if you drive an older model car. Make sure it has enough USBs to charge all kinds of devices, from cell phones to tablets and more.  Alternatively, you could also bring a solar power charger that can rest on the dashboard. #13. Swap The Car Air Freshener With Dryer Sheets Car air fresheners can be strong, especially in a compact space like a car. So instead, swap them out with something more subtle like a dryer sheet or use an essential oil spray deodorizer. Besides, keeping items off your rearview mirror and your sightlines visible and unobstructed is simply safe driving practice for your road trip. #14. Take Frequent Breaks Don’t set unrealistic expectations and try to drive for several hours straight. Be sure to take frequent breaks each day to stretch your legs or take shifts in the driver’s seat.  Plan accordingly and take your road trip slow enough that you have time to stop for meals and take snapshots and make memories at nearby attractions. When you take shifts, get comfortable and take a nap. Hint: Neck pillows aren’t just for flights. Conclusion: These 14 tips are always effective in planning a successful road trip. When you are planning for a road trip, do not forget to check the whole route map. The best solutions are here. Then, follow these strategies and plan a successful road trip for your next vacation. Read Also: 10 Useful Tips For Planning A Trip That You Will Love Eleven Essential Tips For Students Planning To Study Abroad