Eco RVs - Converting Your Travel Trailer to Solar Power

By Sophia Rodriguez

Do you want to know how to go about converting your travel trailer to solar power?

In today's economy and with the state of the planet, eco RVs are becoming more and more popular.

While many of today's travel trailers, camper vans and motorhomes can include such luxuries as air conditioning, television with 100 channels and microwaves, they do tend to use lots of electric power to run all these fun features. Solar panels to the rescue!

Solar panels for your RV can feed your hungry motorhome with free energy channeled from the sun and converted into super clean and quiet energy, regardless of where you are.

Although many modern RVs are equipped with a generator to run the appliances when boondock camping away from the grid, you don`t always want to hear a loud generator, especially when trying to hear different bird calls or the sound of the creek rushing by in the great outdoors. Never mind the price of gas to run the generator...

There are many solar RV kits on the market today that will supplement your power with clean energy, or you can choose to build your own if you are the do it yourself type. Recreational vehicle solar panels are usually mounted on the roof of the motorhome to collect the most sun energy.

The panel will normally be mounted on the roof or truck bed, and many companies sell a RV Solar Electric Kit that can make the installation of the panels easier. Some kits are specially designed for your brand of RV and you can also buy tiltable brackets that you can angle towards the sun when you are parked.

Of course, you will need to analyze how much power you will need and how often you will need it in order to determine how many solar panels you will need. Your RV solar panels will supplement your power as you travel and keep your batteries charged up and ready to go when you need them.

There are many online calculators that allow you to simply type in your needs and the calculator will let you know how much power you require. Whether you need to warm up supper in the microwave, recharge your cell phone, run your computer or recharge batteries, your solar panels will get the job done.

While it is unrealistic to think that solar panels will run an air conditioner, a hot water tank and a microwave all at the same time, RV solar panels will definitely make life more pleasant when you are camping in the wilderness and wish to enjoy the great outdoors in peace while still enjoying the comforts of home.

If you want to find out about the cheapest way to equip your rv with solar power, find out how to make your own solar panels. This video explains everything. You can have your cake and eat it too. Eliminate your hydro bills in 2011 and contribute to the greening of planet earth! Cheap RV Energy Information : http://www.renewableenergyathome.net

Travel First Aid Kits - What to Pack

By Sophia Rodriguez

Are you wondering what to pack as far as first aid goes when planning a trip?

If you want to know what to put in your travel first aid kits, you will need to determine what type of trip you are embarking upon. Whether you are going on a camping trip, a cruise around the world on your own yacht or on a business trip in Asia, you should think about bringing along a first aid kit, however the contents will vary depending on how long and what type of trip you are taking.

The first thing to do to figure out what you should be bringing is to think about what types of medicines you regularly use. If you are on a certain type of prescription medication, you will need to bring an adequate supply for the length of your trip. Also, ask yourself which other medication you use regularly. Do you prefer Advil to Tylenol? Do you use Tums, constipation or diarrhea medicine?

Of course, no matter what you will need the essential bandages and medical supplies in case of an emergency, plus sunscreen.

If you will be away from all medical care, you will need to bring a lot more than if there are plenty of reliable medical aid close by to where you are going.

If you are hiking though, keep in mind that you will need to lug all this equipment with you so it better not weigh too much!

Here are some basics that you should consider in your customized first aid kit:

Walking and Hiking Trips: Bring supplies to treat blisters, twisted ankles, poison ivy, scrapes and cuts, sunscreen, sunburn cream, insect repellent, bug bite cream.

Camping Trips: Bring supplies to treat burns such as burn gel, first aid cream, bandages and tape, water purifier tablets, insect bite cream.

Great Outdoor Trips: Tweezers for ticks and splinters, alcohol pads, insect repellent, bug bite cream or spray & bee sting kit, allergy medication, snake bite kit.

Travel To Lesser Developed Countries: Malaria medication, diarrhea medication, sunscreen, altitude sickness medication, pain killers and antibiotic cream, insect repellent, mosquito screen, water purifier, iodine tablets, sunburn cream with aloe.

The following is a basic list that could be suitable for most types of travel. If you are expecting bigger emergencies like broken bones, cardiac problems, gunshot wounds, etc..., you will need to plan more intensively perhaps with the assistance of your doctor.

No matter what, enroll yourself in a first aid course in order to learn great first aid skills that will teach you to use your supplies.

* analgesics (Tylenol, Motrin, Nuprin, Advil, ASA, codeine) * anti-nausea medicine (Gravol) * anti-diarrhea medicine (Imodium, Kapec, Pepto-Bismol) * antibiotic such as Cipro, Nebcin, Zithromax) * rehydration liquid (Gastrolyte, Pedialyte) * antifungal cream (Canestan, tea tree oil) * antihistamine (Alegra, Benadryl) * topical antibiotic (Polysporin, Mupirocin, Bacitracin)

Medical Supplies to Pack (many or these included in standard first aid kits) * antiseptic * bandaids * tensor bandage * sterile needles, suture supplies (e.g. Steri Aid Kit) * tweezers * Swiss Army knife * thermometer

Do you long to take off on a long trip? Live an adventure and discover a joyful way of life. If you don`t think you can afford it....read all about how to travel on $20 per person a day. It can and is being done every day.
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Westfalia Camper Van Website

Discovered this site today with a wealth of information about Westfalia Camper Vans: http://www.westfalia.org/

The Westfalia Owners Web Site
The VW Camper Site
Serving the Westfalia community since Feb 25th , 1996

The purpose of this noncommercial site is to provide a meeting place and information exchange for Westfalia and camping van lovers. The resources that you will find in the site are as a result of the contributions of all who visit. It's here for you so please contribute with your comments, questions and answers. Forum, information and products for sale. Check it out here: http://www.westfalia.org/

Discover Italy From the Comfort of Your Own Camper Van

from: http://www.camper-van-fun.com/camping-in-italy.html

Camping in Italy is a a fantastic way to discover this historically rich country. Good weather, excellent historical sites and some of the best food in the world will keep you busy most of the time.

Italy is covered with more then 2500 camping sites around the country and if you plan on touring with your camper van you have more than a 1000 camper stops or Area di Sosta at your disposal. Italy is also the only country that allows camping trailers or caravans to use camper stops.

There is so much to see in Italy, so just deciding where to go can be exhausting. Italy is not only Rome, Venice and Tuscany therefore camping in Italy will let you reach most of the not so popular corners of this charming country.

Camping In Italy -
The North Part

To start right from the top, let me take you to the stunning Dolomite mountain range up in northern Italy. Most of the camping sites in this region are open all year round do to the skiing season. The Dolomite mountains offer all types of activities...the best European ski slopes in the winter and hiking or trekking when the snow is gone. Are you a bicycle enthusiast and want to tackle some mountain passes the guys from the "Giro d'Italia do? Go for it! Top that up with some great Italian mountain food...you can stay here for weeks.

If you love the nature and wide open spaces, the Dolomite mountains are more then worth the trouble. These breathtaking mountains is where I begun camping in Italy. Those were the years I spent on my motorcycle and living pretty much close to these Alpine pearls, I took every advantage of this heaven on earth for a great ride on those mountain passes.

Once you step down from the mountains, there are many wonderful lakes to discover. From the lago Maggiore where you can try to have a cup of coffee with George Clooney at his villa and all the way to the east where you will find the less crowded and much smaller lago Rabuiese on the border with Slovenia. Another place where you can enjoy and relax yourself in a peaceful and less populated environment.

Camping in Italy of course goes down to the south as well. I'm just so emotionally attached to this Alpine part of the world, that I somehow got lost a bit writing this page.

The Veneto region will charm you with some of most scenic and historically important cities and picturesque towns and villages, including Venice and Verona. And you can head to the west if you want a romantic adventure on Lake Garda. Tuscany with Florence and Pisa is one of the top Italian tourist attractions.
Therefore it will be packed with tourists from all over the world from late spring time to early autumn. So don't be surprised if you find the Tuscan beaches and camping sites full of people at this period.

Read about camping in the south of Italy and in the Italian islands: http://www.camper-van-fun.com/camping-in-italy.html

Camping - The Best Foods to Pack For a Long Camping Trip

By Sophia Rodriguez

If you are going camping and are looking for the best foods to pack for a long camping trip, read on...

Although this question seems straight forward, there are many possible answers to what are the best foods for a long camping trip. The answer will depend on many factors.

Are you backpacking, car camping or traveling in a camper van or RV? Do you eat meat or are you vegetarian? Will you eat just about anything as long as it tastes good or do you like to eat mostly healthy foods with a few treats in between?

Since I am a vegetarian who likes to eat healthy foods, my answers will reflect this way of eating. I will discuss the best foods for a long backpacking trip as well as foods you can bring on a long trip across country in a camper van or RV.

The Best Foods For A Long Backpacking Trip For a long backpacking trip, you will need food that gives you lots of energy and that keeps well. If you know what types of plants are edible close to your campsite, all the better since you will be getting fresh food that will spice up your camping trip.

Here are some examples of what you could take with you:
1) dried fruit such as cherries, pineapple, mango and apple
2) banana or plantain chips
3) a variety of protein bars such as Vega, Luna or Clif
4) trail mix
5) soy nuts
6) a variety of nuts
7) granola and dried soy mylk
8) foil packed meals such as Indian food that can be warmed in hot water
9) quick cooking pasta and vacuum packed flavored tofu with seasoning
10) tofu jerky

The Best Foods For A Long RV or Camper Van Trip

Depending on how much space you have and your preferences will dictate how many or how few of the following items you can bring. The idea is to inspire you to make a list of possible meals based on the items you bring so here we go...
Non -perishable Items
1) Flour,sugar & baking powder (to make biscuits, pancakes,pizza dough, bannock,etc...)
2) Granola or other dried cereals
3) Peanut butter and /or almond butter
4) Powdered milk
5) Dried pasta
6) Quick cooking rice
7) Spices, condiments and flavorings
8) Canned soups and chili
9) Canned beans
10) Canned pasta sauce & gravy
11) Trail mix, nuts, seeds & dried fruit
12) Popcorn and marshmallows
13) Cooking and salad oil
14) Airtight packed silken tofu
15) Syrup or honey

Perishable foods
1) Eggs
2) Cheese
3) Veggie meats
4) Breads
5) Dairy or soy milk
6) Fruits & vegetables

Do you long to take off on a long camping trip. Live the adventure and discover a joyful way of life.
So, right now, turn off your television, shut out the world, curl up in a warm bed behind a closed door with this ebook loaded on your laptop and travel to a new destination: forever. Click here to dowwnload:

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Or you can print out a copy and take it with you anywhere and learn at your leisure .

Travel As The Best Form of Education

Read all about the adventures of Mike Cooney and partner starting here: http://www.worldpropertychannel.com/featured-columnists/real-estate-news-my-g...

Of all the places we had visited, Australia was the hardest one to leave. Two months is a respectable amount of time to visit Oz, but like the U.S., still only provides a glimpse of what there is to see and do. Given the time it takes to get there and the distance from almost anywhere, two weeks is the minimum for a visit. It will take approximately two days travel time in both directions plus getting used to the 18-hour time change (East Coast of U.S. to East Coast of Australia). Depending on your personal fortitude and stamina the time change could take several more days to become acclimated.

Originally, we had planned on three weeks in New Zealand - two weeks to tour the South Island and one week to tour the North Island. After looking at maps, distances and the challenges of getting between the two islands we reduced it to 14-days and only toured the South Island. Everyone we spoke to said that it was the more beautiful of the two, and it did not disappoint.

Difficult Driving Conditions Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island and is where we landed after leaving Australia. Both countries take significant measures to ensure no foreign plants and animals are brought into the country.

However, New Zealand immigrations and customs asked the most questions about where we had been, if we had been hiking and where, and if we had tents and/or sleeping bags. Since the answer to all of the questions was yes, the officials took great pains to inspect all of our gear.

In addition to taking our hiking boots and spraying them with disinfectant, they literally vacuumed out the three tents and sleeping bags. That thoroughness took more than an hour. When everything was returned they apologized profusely for the wait, but said it was necessary to ensure non-indigenous species were not brought into the country. Even though they had a very challenging job, they were the nicest, most courteous customs officials we had met.

Once outside the terminal, we met a van from the RV company where we had a reservation, and were taken to the depot near the airport. Because it was winter, we had to go through a number of safety issues and were asked if we wanted snow chains. Since we had no intention of venturing into locations with snow on the roads we declined.

Boondock Camping: What Is It And Why Do It?

By Sophia Rodriguez
Do you long to go camping along Canadian and American highways and discover this great country of ours? Camping provides an excellent escape to the daily stresses of everyday life and allows one to discover new people and places.

If you want to camp long term, for a month, two or more at a time, you will experience a very fulfilling and adventure filled life unknown to the average person living in a house, in a city, working 9-5 Monday to Friday.

Boondock camping, also called rough camping is a great solution to affording long term travel. If you are like my husband and I, you love traveling but enjoy being independent and love privacy even though you enjoy meeting new people and going to social events. At night, when it's time to turn in, you, like us probably love hanging your coats at the same place,

I love cooking healthy vegetarian foods from my own travelling kitchen and my husband loves watching his own movies on his own flat screen television in his rolling den. I can work long distance on my laptop and make money wherever we are.

Boondock camping is perfect for us because we have a choice to live in the great outdoors in nature's beauty at its finest or in downtown parking lots close to farmer's markets and gardening festivals. We get to park our small Winnebago up close and personal with Mother Nature anytime we choose to.

From the forests of the north to the deserts of the south, North America is ours to discover. Maybe eventually I will convince my husband to cross over into Mexico and from there well, I have my eye on Belize...but I digress...

There are many advantages to boondocking, namely saving lots of money. However it is not for everyone. You need to be a self reliant, mechanically inclined and self sufficient couple or family that can amuse themselves and allow themselves the pure joy of living and discovering. There are a few major differences between camping in an RV park temporarily for a few days vs. boondocking for weeks at a time.

When you go boondock camping you will be usually parked in areas with no electricity hook-ups. This does not mean you have to go without. With the use of solar panels, batteries, inverters and a mini generator, you can easily and cheaply create your own energy.

Of course you don't want to run your generator if you park at Walmart in downtown Ottawa or Orlando but when you are parked in the middle of the desert or the forest, you can recharge your batteries for when you get to the big city.

The key to successful boondocking is self-reliance and that means energy wise, mechanically, eating wise and financially. Menu planning is my specialty. I usually sit down on Sundays and plan a week's worth of menus for my husband and I.

Breakfast is mostly either cereal and fruit or tofu or egg scramble with fakin bacon. Lunch is when we enjoy going out to try new vegetarian restaurants in different cities. Lunches are less expensive than dinner and are equally tasty so whenever we are passing by an interesting prospect, we take advantage of the situation.

If we are camped out and not close to civilization, we usually eat soup and sandwiches or big salads for lunch. Dinner is when I enjoy trying out new recipes and as my husband would tell you, we never eat the same thing twice because i love to experiment in the kitchen.

Boondock camping has recently found new popularity or at least is coming out of the woodwork now. The internet is great to find prospective camping sites and more information about this new trend that is allowing many families to feel the joy of freedom, new discoveries and the sheer pleasure of having enough time to truly discover and appreciate our beautiful country.

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