Advantages of Camping Versus Staying in a Hotel

As kids, our dream vacations involved the outdoors, camping in the woods, building fires and canoeing down rivers. As we grow up, our taste for "roughing it" tends to be replaced with dreams of the white linens of a fine hotel with marbled showers and a concierge. But, vacationing in a fancy hotel does not necessarily make the better vacation. Camping has its definite advantages in this department.

Cost: The major cost of camping is the equipment, and once camping gear is purchased, it can be used for years to come. Most campgrounds require a site fee, which, when compared to a night at the Ritz Carleton Hotel, is a modest fee, if that.

Occupancy: Hotel rooms come with beds intended to sleep a certain number of guests. Hotel managers will gladly add a cot to a room with an extra guest, but that cost will be added to your bill. If your family is too big, you will have to get another room. This may mean parents have to split up in order to supervise children. Not so with camping! A campground is ready to receive a large number of camping guests. It's ideal for groups of people or families who all want to be together.

Expectations: In most hotels, guests are expected to dress a certain way and act a certain way during their stay. Many hotels would frown, for instance, on bare feet in the lobby or yelling down the hall. While camping, however, such behaviors are indicators of family fun! Campers, old and young, run around, yell, and even go days without showering. In what hotel do you think that would be considered acceptable?

Activities: Most hotels provide shelter and occasionally, food. Hotels are usually located near tourist attractions or popular visitation sites; however, travel of some sort is usually required in order to enjoy any activities. Camping is its own amusement park. Campgrounds are usually set in the woods, near lakes or streams. Campers can hike, fish, bird-watch or simply run around and play tag. Such activities in a hotel would require a guest revisit guest expectations!

So, next time your adulthood gets the best of you as you search for the ideal vacation, consider the spirit of childhood and go camping!