Camping & Glamping

Go Long...

hanging treehouse————————————————– New here or faithful TS reader? Get daily trip style tips delivered right to yourinbox or RSS reader, AND interact with us on FacebookTwitter and Instagram! —————————————————

It's Wednesday. You've been busy and haven't planned anything for the Labour Day Long Weekend because you: a) haven't had time b) couldn't be bothered c) think it's too expensive to go anywhere. It just so happens I can help you with all three excuses, unless you want to stay home! Here are some high/low long weekend getaways designed to get you outta town!

Long Weekend Getaways Pitch A Tent [trip style = camping] Keener campers have already reserved their campsites for the long weekend, BUT, one of my fave Vancouver Island locations, Rathtrevor Beach, still has sites available. This gorgeous beach is just below an incredible Spa (The Grotto at Tigh-Na-Mara Resort) if you want to take time away from your Coleman Cooker to relax in their large mineral pool, stand under their cold-plunge waterfall or soothe your muscles in the hot tub! PS - If you go camping, check out our 6 hand-picked free camping apps

Shop 'Till You Drop [trip style = urban] The Westin Bellevue is offering a special package for lovers of the mall and back to school shopping. Check into the hotel this friday or saturday night and get a $100 Bellevue Collection gift certificate per night and complimentary parking. Wowza!

Let Kayak Decide [trip style = spontaneous] I did a post on Kayak Explore a few months ago, and can't think of a better service to help you decide where to go for the long weekend! Just enter a few details like budget and when you want to go, and the map-based service will show you where you can fly, and for how much!

Circle Of Life [trip style = eco] Who knew a little beach community on Vancouver Island would have hanging spheres as an off-beat accommodation? It doesn't get more West Coast than this: three wood and fiberglass orbs suspended by ropes from rainforest evergreens. When it's time to descend into reality, heated washrooms and showers, a kitchenette and a small sauna await you.

Glamp It Up! [trip style = glamping] If money is no object, experience the great outdoors in style at the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort. All inclusive 3-night packages from $4,750.00 CAD include return airfare from Vancouver to the Resort, deluxe accommodation, all meals, snacks and beverages {including alcohol}, massage treatments and guided activities including fishing. PS - don't let the canvas tent-facade fool you, this remote resort has not deterred this famous couple from making the trek deep into BC's gorgeous landscape!

Planning Ahead [trip style = wine tasting] If you can't get away this weekend, why not plan ahead? Here's the perfect night away: a Harry Connick Jr. Concert at a Seattle winery! Does it get any better than this? Although the concert's on a thursday night {sept 26}, maybe you could make that your 'long' weekend?

And if you want even MORE options, check out these getaways for everyone from lux lovers to campers!

Travel Apps :: Top 6 Free Camping Apps

free camping apps[trip styler = camping]

Camping already requires loading gear, driving to your destination and setting up camp; wouldn't it be nice to consolidate a few items and bring one or two less things?  Be more prepared and informed with the following apps:

Top 6 Free Camping Apps Nurse Jackie The App: 05 min: First Aid The Details:  Although not totally comprehensive, this quick first aid refresher will help you treat wounds or burns, or assist with fainting or fractures.  It takes 2 seconds to download and could be prove invaluable in the wilderness, or at your highly populated campground. FREE

Buh-Bye Mosquitoes The App: Bug Spray The Details: Yep, there's even an app to repel bugs.  Play cards around the coleman light late into the night, and turn this baby on to make sure your skin isn't ransacked by nature's little bloodsuckers. FREE

Let There be Light The App: Flashlight The Details: Who knew that making shadow puppets with your smartphone could be so fun?  Also use this app to light your way to the potty for those late-night when nature calls moments. With multiple flashlight colours to choose from, how could you not want to light your path with this snazzy app. FREE

Stings Attached The App: Knots Free The Details: No one likes a runaway campsite, so make sure all your tent and tarp strings are secured tightly to pegs and surrounding trees with this knotting app. FREE

Cook in Style The App: Coleman's Cookout Cookbook and Meal Planner The Details: It's amazing how many incredible meals can be made over a campfire--or a dutch oven (what? you'll have to download to app to see those details).  From cooking muffins in an orange shell to beer can-gilled chicken, you too can cook like Jamie Oliver on your next camping trip. FREE

Be Like Survivorman The App: SAS Survival Guide Lite The Details: If your scout or girl guides lessons fail you when it counts, revert to the SAS Survival Guide to refresh your skookum survival skills. Remind yourself how to build a fire, navigate by the stars and send distress codes. FREE

Other Travel Apps we’ve Reviewed

--- Get more travel tips and updates like this by subscribing to RSS or email. ---