outdoors travel

When it comes to enjoying a vacation on a limited budget
it is difficult to beat the appeal of the good old camping trip. After all
it costs next to nothing to pitch your tent in the back country wilderness of your favorite state or national park. A week long camping trip can often cost less than a day or two in a big city or tourist hot spot
while giving the entire family time to bond and enjoy being together.

As a matter of fact
camping is one of the most popular family activities
and many families enjoy camping together
sharing stories around a roaring fire
roasting marshmallows
swimming
fishing and all the other great things that come with a camping trip.

For many
camping brings back memories from childhood
and many parents want to give their children a taste of what their own childhood was like
back when things were so much simpler.

Another great thing about camping is that once the initial expenses are paid
there is little in the way of ongoing expenses. Unlike a traditional vacation
in which the money you spend on that great hotel is gone for good
with camping you buy your hotel room (also known as your tent) outright
and you own it forever.

After you have bought all the essential items
like the tent
a couple of good camping lanterns
a good camp stove
sleeping bags and the like
your only expenses may be the food for the trip and the gas it takes to get there.

And camping provides plenty for all members of the family to do. Dad may enjoy fishing in his favorite spot
or boating around the lake
while mom and the kids may enjoy a beautiful hike and bird watching trip. There are even campgrounds that feature movies
swimming pools and other amenities for those who prefer a level of comfort to their journey.

As a matter of fact
there are many ways to camp
from rough camping in the back country to cabins at campgrounds to even RV camping. The level is entirely up to you
and that is one thing that makes camping so attractive to budget travelers and families alike.

There is nothing quite like vacationing in the great outdoors to get back in touch with nature. From watching the wildlife to watching the stars
there is plenty to do on the average camping trip. Stargazing is particularly popular with city dwellers
who may never have seen the Milky Way in all its glory before. Getting away from the glare of city lights and see nature as it truly is.

We know that camping is one of the least expensive of all vacations
but lets take a quick look at the expenses associated with this type of budget travel. The centerpiece of the camping trip
of course
is the tent. Unless you plan to camp in an RV or rent a cabin
which is more expensive
you will need a sturdy
high quality tent. It is important that the tent be waterproof and that it close easily. Be sure the tent features a high quality zipper or other closure that is easy for every member of the family to operate. Test the zipper several times
and be sure you know how to set up the tent before you get to the woods.

Most campers will also want to invest in a few high quality sleeping bags. It is a good idea to choose a sleeping bag that is insulated
and to pick one that will be good for several seasons. Many sleeping bags are designed with removable liners and insulation. These are a good choice
since they can be used in cold weather and warm.

It is also a good idea to buy a couple of camp lanterns. These portable lights are great for lighting your way around in the dark. A cooler for drinks and food is a good idea as well
as is a portable charcoal grill or camp stove. If you are camping at a campground
however
you may be able to leave the camp stove and grill at home
since many campgrounds provide grills for their guests to use free of charge. It is important to find out what amenities each campground offers before you head out.

An adventure travel vacation is a great way to explore your world. Join a group of fun people who share your interests as we go on a day hike in the Alps. Enjoy a little taste of Switzerland.

Up
Up
and Away

After consuming a hearty breakfast
we depart for the trailhead. It's close to our conveniently located inn
so we take a leisurely stroll - greeting friendly locals and shopkeepers along the way.

We board a bright red cable car that whisks us soaring above the valley to a far away peak. One of your companions excitedly nudges you
Look, marmots!
. We gaze at a trio of cuddly creatures staring back at us from the rockface - so close we feel we could reach out and touch them.

We disembark at a solid rock and timber mountain station - now peaceful
this station hosts a clattering mass of skiers during the winter season.

Clean Mountain Air and Emerald Lakes

Breathing in the fresh mountain air
we set out on our trail. Carpets of wildflowers surround us. Gentle cows graze the alpine grasses - serenading us with a cheerful tinkle of bells. Hiking here is so refreshing.

A meandering path leads us through hillocks of glacial moraine
now cloaked in a splendid green
to the edge of a startlingly beautiful emerald lake. The nearby mountains reflect on its surface.

We make a brief stop to admire this natural jewel. Some of our group rambles around the tiny lake - others lay back and enjoy the serenity.

Hiking Amongst Towering Peaks

Our trail continues along a high mountain valley bordered by towering snow-capped peaks. Beautiful Alpenroses form a lovely rolling heath. We tramp across a small snowfield - its coolness underfoot contrasts with the glorious warmth of the alpine sun.

We spy a cairn ahead with the familiar red-and-white trail marking painted on one of its rocks. Rounding a corner we spot our lunchtime destination in the distance - a solid Berghaus growing out of the surrounding rocks.

Lunching on the Sonnenterrasse

As we settle ourselves on a rustic
sun-drenched Sonnenterrasse
a tantalizing smell of frying onions and sausages greets us. Lunch is hearty mountain fare - plates heaped with Rosti mit Spiegeleier und Speck (a wonderfully golden
crispy fried potato pancake with egg and bacon) - served by a flaxen-haired girl in a traditional
powdery-blue farmer's smock.

We wash down our delicious lunch with bottles of local beer and gaze out across a massive glacier winding its way down between two peaks and glistening in the sunlight.

Stunning Views

Well sated
we regain our trail and soon find ourselves breaking out onto a sloping hillside - affording us stunning views of the valley far below. We see a tiny hamlet across the valley
its sun-burned houses and barns surround a central church spire. A massive mountain rears up behind this peaceful scene.

Slowly dropping down a gentle path
we enter a straggle of dwarf pine. We're greeted by a pungent fragrance that reminds us of the cleanliness of this wonderful habitat. The afternoon sun is gaining strength and it's a perfect time for us to enter the cool loaminess of the lower forest. We follow the edge of a cascading glacier-fed creek - its frostiness refreshes the air around us.

Warm Sun and the Smell of Hay

We clatter across an ancient wooden bridge - its surface well worn by generations of cows being driven to Alpine meadows. In the lower pastures
local farmers are harvesting the hay with large wooden rakes. A comforting
sun-rich smell of dried grasses greets us.

Off to the Konditorei

The relaxing smell of hay and the warmth of the sun has put us into a peaceful
lazy mood. We beeline to the nearest Konditorei to debate our biggest decision of the day - is it to be the daintily glazed apricot torte
the decadent chocolate mousse with lashings of whipped cream
or the traditional (and oh so tasty) Engadiner Nusstorte.

We relax in a cozy nook and relieve today's experiences.

Relaxing Back at the Inn

We amble back to our welcoming inn - a great time for relaxed exploration of the local shops. Back at the inn
some members catch up on reading in the inn's glorious wood-paneled library - others send postcards or nap in the warm afternoon sun.

Later
we'll watch as the sun paints the mountains with golden color. An adventure travel vacation in Switzerland is a fantastic experience.

Tomorrow
we set off on another lovely adventure.