Before our departure, Pam and I unplug our TVs, stereo, computers, lamps and such. Doing this can reduce the risk of fire and save some electricity. It is also a good idea to place a lamp or two on a variable timer. They turn on and off at different times and hopefully discourage would be burglars. To be safe, we don't tell too many people that we will be away. This news could tip off a crook of your absence. You want to return to find your home as you left it!
Another important consideration is the timely payment of your routine bills while you are gone-utilities, loans and such. Make arrangements to pay your bills before leaving or mail them along your route. We have at-home banking and can call in from anywhere to pay these bills. If you bring along a computer, and have online banking, you are all set up!
Pet Prep
We always camp and travel with our two wide-body beagles. Waldo and Dudley love to camp and we enjoy their company! If you do not take your pets along, be sure to have someone responsible to care for them. Many Veterinarians offer good kennel services if you don't have a reliable sitter. Remember, animals are people too! Treat them right and they will love you for it.
Many folks, like us, camp with their dogs, cats and even birds. There are many campgrounds that require a certificate of rabies vaccination before they allow pets in their parks. We insure that our beagle boys are up to date on all of their shots, and have had their annual physical. We keep our dogs on heartworm medications the year round. Immunization for Lyme disease-carried by ticks-is also available. Pam and I give our beagles a tick check every night we are on the road. If your pets are on any medications, be sure to have an adequate supply. We carry a "doggie first-aid kit" that includes drugs for diarrhea, rashes, fleas and the like. A pet can add or distract from your camping trip. Don't forget their care in the excitement of your vacation. Be sure they have plenty of room to move about in your vehicle while on the road-stop occasionally to allow them some exercise and to visit with Mother Nature!
A camping trip of any extended length requires a lot of preparations. Just loading up and hitting the road can result in some unwanted problems. When I am "out there", doing my thing, I want to enjoy the moment and my surroundings. Worrying about unattended to things back home can ruin a wonderful vacation. Do as we do, make a few checklists and scratch off items as you complete them. Enjoy your camping adventure, and enjoy your return home. Some good preparations will make it all worth while!
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4.
Mar 5, 2000 9:13 PM
Yes sir, we are getting more excited each day. Our trip starts the second week in May and we have a lot of planning left to do. ...
-- posted by Tom_Stephens
3.
Mar 3, 2000 8:03 AM
I'll call Sprint today and get all their info. That's a great rate for coast to coast cell phone coverage. We really need to have that these days just to be on the safe side.
We're excited to see ...
-- posted by Naomi_Mathews
2.
Mar 2, 2000 11:00 PM
Thanks for your post. Pam and I just signed up with Sprint PCS--$29.99/mo., 120 minutes, no charge for long distance. The network is coast to coast and growing.
We have always camped up at Yellowst ...
-- posted by Tom_Stephens
1.
Mar 2, 2000 10:52 AM
Hi, Tom --
Thanks for all of your great and timely camping advice. I'm sure many, many campers will benefit from this article -- including hubby and me. Although we've camped for a good many years, ...
-- posted by Naomi_Mathews
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