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While Cancun is home to beautiful hotels, resorts and numerous attractions, the area surrounding the city is known for its wealth of Mayan ruins. About 2 hours south of the city rests one of the most beautiful ancient sites in Mexico, the ruins of Tulum. This beautiful site is one of the finest attractions for a Cancun vacation. Though smaller than the well-known Chichen Itza, Tulum’s majestic setting sets it apart. Perched above the Caribbean Sea on a rocky cliff, the ruins are simultaneously captivating and foreboding.

Founded in the early 1200s, the city of Tulum reached its zenith in the 1400s as a port city in a decentralized Mayan kingdom. After the Spanish came upon the settlement in 1518, the conquistadores spoke of Tulum in the same breath as Seville. Though Tulum certainly wasn’t as large as Seville, the Spaniards perceptions speak volumes about the splendor of the site. The Spanish would later occupy the city for 70 years until the settlement was abandoned.

As the city is protected by walls on three sides, the sea on the fourth, the approach to the site is an experience in itself. You’ll enter the site through a breach in one of these 16-foot walls. As you traverse the walkway across the top, you will notice that the wall once separated portions of the city. Beyond any defensive purpose, these walls divided the ceremonial and governmental sections of the city from the residential areas.

Directly in front of you, Tulum’s Castillo (Castle) towers above the other structures. Besides the remarkable view it offers, the Castillo probably served as both the community’s primary place of worship and a type of lookout or primitive lighthouse. At the entrance of the Castillo, a plaza dividing the structure breaks off into a pair of distinctive temples.

Veering to the left of this plaza, you will enter the Templo del Dios Descendente (Temple of the Descending God). The diving or descending god depicted as an upside-down figure above the entrance to the temple appears throughout the ruins of Tulum. Though the figure’s precise significance is unknown, it may be representative of the setting sun, rain or lightning. It is also believed that the character served as a god of bees, a theory stemming from the fact that honey was one of the Mayan kingdom’s most important exports.

On the opposite side of the Castillo plaza is the Templo de Las Series Iniciales (Temple of the Initial Series). The name of the temple derives from the discovery of a stela, or stone marker, bearing a date well before the foundation of the city, presumably brought to the city from another part of the Mayan kingdom.

When you’ve finished exploring the Castillo, two other temples await your visit. The Temple of the Frescoes features restored murals depicting Mayan Gods and symbols of nature’s fertility such as rain, corn and fish. North of the Castillo, The Temple of the Winds served as a storm warning system. To this day, approaching storms send whistling sounds through the center of the structure.

To make your visit to Tulum as enjoyable as possible, here are some additional travel tips. The ruins are open from 8am to 5pm daily, but most tours don’t arrive until about 10am. Hence, if you are able, try to visit Tulum first thing in the morning before it get too hot and crowded.

When you arrive at the site, here are a few things to keep in mind to avoid any headaches. Before you get to the ruins you must pass through the visitor’s center, a collection of shops and restaurants. From the visitor’s center, you can choose to take a 15 minute walk down the road or board the site’s shuttle for $2. If you have a video camera in tow, expect to pay a $4 fee. It also costs $4 to enter the site, but the fee is waived on Sunday.

Lastly, be wary of the guides roaming the grounds. Many may have official badges, but don’t be surprised if you’re subjected to strange lines about the Mayan kingdom’s connection to aliens. If you enjoy a good story, however, it might be worth the plunge

One of my favorite dive spots in Belize was Moho Caye.

It’s a simple dive but there is a large coral pinnacle that starts in about 85 - 100 feet and makes it way up to within 20 feet of the surface and there are a large variety of critters to watch for while you circle this pinnacle.

The nice thing about this site is that you can end your dive in fifteen feet of water and still be seeing lots of marine life, like anemones and feathered sea cucumbers.

There are numerous ways to dive Moho Caye. I considered the starting point just off to the left of the small spot of sandy beach you can see in center of the right photo. From there, you could head south towards the pinnacle or north, towards a more sandy bottom and round the tip at the northern-most point. where the reef forms a sort of mini wall… quite steep with an eighty foot maximum bottom depth.

You can see from the photo above at left how much shallow area there is surrounding the island. It’s hard to pinpoint it from here, but if you were to begin your dive approximately halfway on the top middle side of this photo and swim left, you’d find the pinnacle I am referring to. If you really want to find it, I recommend finding a woman named Lloydia in Placencia Village (it’s not hard. Ask anyone in the center of town) and go with her. She loves this spot.

In March, if you are around visit the east side of the island where the Pelicans roost and build their nest. It’s fun to wander the island at that time… you can literally walk up to the nest with albino white baby pelicans squawking away.

I can honestly say that this is one of the nicest dive spots I have ever spent time at. No matter how often I visited, I always enjoyed myself. Yim and I used to take one of the baots out on our days off and hang out here with a picnic of sandwiches. Just a wonderful place to spend the day

Swimming with dolphins in the wild is an amazing experience because you get the opportunity to interact with these incredibly friendly and intelligent animals on their own turf.

Unlike captive dolphins who have no choice but to interact with human beings whether they want to or not, wild dolphins can choose whether they want to stick around and swim with you and if they don’t they have the freedom to simply disappear into the deep blue sea which makes it all the more special when they do decide to stay (which occurs on a frequent basis).

There is a huge debate raging about the ethics of swimming with captive dolphins and even though there are definite benefits for humans (treatment for depression and disabilities) captivity is harmful to the dolphins as they suffer from stress and illness and have a much shorter life expectancy than similar dolphins in the wild. The demand to swim with captive dolphins also encourages capture from wild populations that are already under threat which is very detrimental to the environment.

On the other hand, studies conducted on the effects of humans swimming with dolphins in the wild have shown that there seem to be no ill effects to the animals if it is done responsibly and sensibly (not by chasing and herding them or noisy splashing in the water).

The jury is still out because long term trends need to be taken into consideration but until such time as the scientific uncertainty is cleared up or the dolphins move away because they are feeling harassed, responsible swimming with wild dolphins is an ethical way to interact with them and tourism revenues generated provide a strong incentive for dolphin conservation.

So if you have a dream is to go swimming with dolphins, going the wild route with an ethical and responsible operator is the way to do it. Here are the top five places in the world to swim with wild dolphins…

1. Kaikoura, New Zealand

The best place in the world to swim with wild dusky dolphins because the success rate of finding and swimming with the pods is very high. The dolphins are attracted to the nutrients in the water that are available due to a 1200 meter trench situated just off the coast.

2. Oahu and Kona, Hawaii

You will find spinner and spotted dolphin here and some of the boat operators boast a 99% success rate of finding the pods on day trips.

3. Azores Archipelago

If you want dolphin variety then this is where you will find it as up to eight different species call this home and it’s possible to see super pods of up to 1000 individuals here too.

4. Bimini, Bahamas

One of the advantages of swimming with dolphins here is the fact that the water is very warm, shallow and clear but it’s important to remember that these are wild creatures and 20% of the time they don’t come closer to the boat and rather swim away.

5. Red Sea, Egypt

Spinner and bottlenose dolphins can be found in these waters and travel operators have a very good record of finding dolphin pods in this area.

One of the tales parents recite to their children in order to inform them about the dangers the sea hides, I had the pleasure of experience when I was an adolescent and not yet a firm believer that the most beloved part of my country, its sea, could really cause me or my family any harm. Not that I was coming from a family of sailors or that my father was a captain of a big ship or anything like that, but mainly because both of my parents were considering themselves to be seekers, travelers of the shore and the unknown dark blue waters. Especially my father, who used to be a very experienced scuba diver was always eager to give us a “sea lesson” while we were sailing with our small, but very loved, fishing boat.

The summer that I was about to turn fifteen and my brother was almost twelve, my father decided that we have enjoyed the island’s shores long enough and we were ready to receive our first practical sea lesson. We boarded our small fishing boat and after following my father’s expert advice, we begun our trip into the unknown clear blue sea. Our goal was to visit another small island, not far away from the one we lived during our summer vacations, and learn, through practical training, some important things he has been describing to us over the years. I remember looking at the horizon and getting mesmerized by its beauty. I still remember like it was yesterday, how the clear light blue sky created a thin white line at the point where it was united with the darker blue sea. The wind gently assisted our goal to leave the harbor and although there was undoubtely always something I had to do or watch someone else doing while I was on board, I can still taste the salt from the water drops that traveled through the wind and dried on my lips. In fact, that long boat trip was the first time that I felt part of nature; a part of that beautiful scenery and totally, one hundred percent, alive.

A little more than an hour later we managed to approach the deserted small island we planned that day to visit and my father yelled -probably due to the wind which was becoming stronger- that he was aware of a beautiful sandy beach where we could camp for the rest of the day. Everything went according to the original plan and we successfully set foot on that virgin shore to enjoy the warm day and cool down by diving to the sea depths to admire closer its beauty. My brother screamed happily as he jumped from the boat to the sea and later I was determined to dive from a much bigger height when I discovered that I could climb the rocks that surrounded the excluded beach. But the adventure was about to begin.

When we decided to leave the warmth and friendly shore we have spent more than three hours, my father discovered that our small boat engine was not working. After multiple attempts to start the engine that would help us safely return home, I understood that he was now stressed that he had to sail back only by pulling the boat’s two oars. He succeeded in leading the boat out to deeper water and only then we realized that the sea curves were so strong that it was impossible for us to get home safely that way. In addition, the wind velocity kept increasing and instead of moving towards the direction we wanted it seemed like we were moving further and further away. Luckily my father did not give up hope. He continued to try to keep our spirits up and laugh through this sea adventure, but when I saw his eyes looking very seriously at the situation, that glance told me more than words could ever describe. That was the point that I got scared and thought that there was actually a possibility of us never returning. Although I was not doubting that my father could lead us to safety and I could not believe that such a tragedy could ever be the actual scenario I would have to face -after all I was with my superhero dad- a voice inside my head kept yelling that I had to remain calm and help his efforts any way I could if we were to make it. In fact, while he was trying to get the engine to start, my brother and I held the oars and tried to pull them together towards the shore. When my father was in charge, we were almost hanging from the boat and assisting his efforts using our hands as two extra oars, one from each side of the boat. We did exactly what he instructed and three hours later, we were inside our island’s harbor. My dad kept shouting “the shore is close” and the sound of his voice gave us the necessary courage to keep oaring with our hands. Three and a half hours later we managed to step off the boat. Needless to say that our sea adventure was the highlight of that year’s summer vacations, but most importantly it taught us a huge practical lesson. Never take anything for granted when visiting unknown waters; exactly like in life.

n my family, we have camping lovers and camping haters. My husband, kids, and I love to go camping. My mother just stares at me every time I talk about an upcoming camping trip and asks why I want to leave my brand new home that has a brand new bed with a brand new mattress so that I can go sleep in the woods on a mattress I fill with air. Being the articulate person I am I say, “Because it’s fun.”It’s hard to explain to a non camper how relaxing it is to be out in the open air all day at a campground with miles of trails to hike and bike; or by a lake to go swimming, boating, or fishing in.

I tell my Mom how it’s fun to explore the area trails; looking at the views, the vegetation, and the wildlife. For example, during a recent camping trip an evening bike ride brought me within 10 feet of a baby deer out with its mother. It’s hard to explain how fun it is to be able to see something like that. But instead my Mom asked me how bad the bugs bit and if I got sunburned during that day’s hike.

Then I try to explain to her about how much fun it is to sit around the campfire at night. It’s a great time for casual conversation and to have a beverage and maybe a few toasted marshmallows or S’mores. I love watching the flames and listening to the wood crackle and pop. My mom asks how we keep the mosquitoes away (lots of tiki torches and mosquito repellant) and says, “Doesn’t it get boring after a half hour?” Again, being the articulate person I am my answer is, “Ummmm, no.”

I try to explain the food cooked outdoors just tastes better. Campfire coffee along with bacon and eggs is hard to beat. And those little S’more makers you can buy in the store are nothing like the delicious S’mores you make over a real campfire. And if you’ve never had a pudgie pie made over a campfire, you’re missing out on one of the best camping foods there is! But when I explain to my Mom how good camping food is, she wonders if the bugs buzz around the food we’re trying to eat and asks if I miss my dishwasher. Thanks Mom! My pop-up camper doesn’t have hot water so I have to do things the old fashioned way and heat the water I need to wash dishes.

When it comes to camping though, most non campers could deal with sleeping in a tent or a pop-up camper and wouldn’t mind cooking their food outside. But the one sticking point for many non-campers is the bathroom and shower facilities at campgrounds (unless you’re lucky enough to have a camper with its own bathroom and shower facilities). Camping is not like staying at a 5 star hotel. The bathroom and shower amenities take a little getting used to. Some people will wait as long as possible to go to the bathroom because they want to avoid using the pit toilets at the campground any more than necessary. My sister-in-law doesn’t mind the pit toilets as much as she minds the spiders that are usually in them.

Camping is what you make of it. Nobody says you have to like it. My Mom doesn’t but I sure do. It’s a way to get away from the daily stresses of your normal life, kick back, relax, and enjoy yourself for a few days. You’ll have responsibilities no more taxing than deciding what clothes to wear that day, what to eat, and whether you want to go for a walk or a bike ride or just sit in a chair and relax by the campfire.

You might ask why ski Alta Utah? The nice folks at the Alta Ski Area will tell you that Alta is a skier’s mountain, so no snowboarders allowed. Winter is here in the Rocky Mountains of Utah where you will find the greatest snow on earth. Don’t believe me? Just read the white Utah license plate. The license plate never lies. Plus they had the 2002 World Winter Olympics here because this is the place for wintery fun. I have been living in Salt Lake City Utah for over three years and my favorite thing about this place is the close access to high mountain peaks and a bunch of major ski areas.

MORE REASONS TO SKI ALTA

There are a lot of ski areas here, but my favorite (along with millions of other fans) is the Alta Ski Area. The scenery of the white rocky mountain peaks is my favorite! The people who work here are great, the atmosphere is fun even on a stormy day. Alta is also a small mountain town, and a neighbor of Snowbird Winter Resort where you can find great lodging. Salt Lake City is minutes away and Alta is like 30 some minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport.

The powder snow at Alta Ski area is awesome. The 2005-06 season at Alta Ski Area had 631 inches of snow! The ski area averages over 500 inches annually. If you want a comparison, Vail Ski area in Colorado got a total of 398 inches and Aspen Colorado got 308 during the 2005-06 season (those are about their averages). Although Colorado has some cool ski areas, none of them have an annual average over 400 inches. So if you are a skier looking for hard core peaks, runs and snow you gotta take on Alta. It will throw any challenge at you if you want it.

If you are an expert and haven’t tried it yet, you need to ski down Baldy Chutes. These make for great adrenaline runs. Although Alta’s ski lifts will take you up pretty high, you will still need to hike to the top of Baldy Peak to ski the Chutes. This just makes it extra special and the 360 panorama view at the top is amazing, you feel like you are in Nepal standing on top of the Himalayas surrounded by pointy mountain peaks in every direction. If you love skiing and the mountains, you have to come this winter and ski Alta. It will do you good.

If you love skiing you will love to ski Alta. Thirty five percent of it is black diamond. Forty Intermediate and twenty five percent beginner runs. So there is fun for everyone. If you are really really hard core, you can join Alta ski racing. You get a chance to do recreational racing or join the Alta Town Race Series which is open to anyone who wishes to participate as long as you are over 18. Plus, the men’s and women’s each have two divisions that split ability levels. If you are competitive in sports, this is a perfect reason to ski Alta.

Alta Ski area is also affordable compared to the many ski areas around the Rocky Mountains. When you think you’ve challenged all the runs, you can also try snowcat skiing for nothing more but pure powder skiing. With 2,020 skiable acres, and 116 runs in some of the most beautiful mountains, make sure you have your protein before you ski.

The Peak District holds the proud distinction of being Britain’s first National Park, and once you see the rolling hills and craggy dales of Derbyshire you’ll soon realise why. Situated right at the heart of England this is perhaps one of the most accessible areas, and it offers the broadest selection of landscapes and attractions.

This is a region of contrasts, with wild moorland, classic walking country which encompasses every kind of activity, from a gentle stroll to the lofty challenge of the Peaks themselves. The leafy lanes and quiet villages are ideal for that feeling of getting away from it all. With towns such as Buxton, with its wonderful architecture and cultural life, along with picturesque Bakewell and the attractions of Matlock, you’ll be spoiled for choice with places to stay and things to see and do.

From cosy farmhouses and welcoming guest houses to international hotels, you’ll find all the hospitality and comfort you need for a really memorable break. There’s plenty to see, such as breathtaking caverns where the precious Blue John stone is mined, the night-time spectacle of the Matlock Illuminations and a trip back in time at the Crich Tramway Village.

The Peak District contains all the best elements of Britain, and as a destination for that memorable break, it’s unbeatable.

Here’s my top 5 places to visit in the Peak District:

1. Chatsworth House is one of Britain’s most celebrated and best loved historic houses and estates, offering something for everyone to enjoy, from world famous works of art and spectacular fountains to elegant shops and more than a hundred miles of free walks. The home of the Devonshire family is set in the heart of England, in Derbyshire’s Peak District National Park, surrounded by one of the most magnificent landscapes in the country. Built to be seen and enjoyed, Chatsworth has a long tradition of welcoming visitors from around the world, who have always been drawn by its unique and welcoming atmosphere. Today, visitors of all ages come to enjoy Chatsworth’s fascinating mixture of tradition and innovation, learning and entertainment.

2. Castleton Caverns. Castleton has four underground show caves, the main two being Blue John Cavern and Peak Cavern, alongside Speedwell Cavern and Treak Cliff being the most impressive. Peak Cavern lies beneath Peveril Castle whilst Treak Cliff and Blue John both contain veins of the rare mineral Blue John, that is only found in this area of Britain, and was discovered by miners who explored the caves originally looking for lead. Castleton is one of the most beautiful villages in the Peak District. It has an array of natural and historical features both above and below ground, and is surrounded by superb walking country. Whatever the weather Castleton has something to offer everyone.

3. Derwent Valley Reservoirs. In this beautiful part of the Peak District National Park there are three linked reservoirs - Ladybower, Upper Derwent and Howden - that offer an aura of wildness and beauty. This is a popular venue for cyclists, with routes for both mountain bikers and other cyclists, for walkers and horse riders. Its a great place for a picnic.

4. Cromford is an historic village, part of which is designated as a World Heritage Site, surrounded by some glorious scenery in the Derbyshire Dales. It is forever associated with Sir Richard Arkwright as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Arkwright built the world’s first water powered cotton mills here and pioneered the factory system. The village is full of history and interest. From the Cromford canal system to the Cromford and High Peak Railway to Nature Reserves and the Derwent Valley Heritage Trail. All this and within walking distance of Matlock Bath.

5. Mam Tor, one of the “Seven Wonders of the Peak”, rises on the west side of Castleton. Layers of gritstone and shale are exposed and there are constant landslips down the side of the hill. These have forced the closure of the road which used to run across its side. Legend has it that although the surface constantly crumbles and slides downwards, the shadow of the hill never grows any smaller. Mam Tor is also the Peak District’s highest and most impressive Bronze Age hillfort.

Ultralight backpacking? I remember when I first cut my toothbrush handle in half. I thought I was going light then, with thirty-five pounds on my back for a weekend backpacking trip. Now I am going heavy if get near fifteen pounds.

The biggest change was when I reduced the weight of the “big three.” These are your backpack, sleeping bag and tent. This article, however, is about some of the “little” things I have learned along the way. They include weight-saving tricks, but also ways to be safe and comfortable as well.

Ultralight Backpacking Tips

- To have warm hiking shoes in the morning, put them under your sleeping bag by your legs, or even in your sleeping bag if you have a plastic bag to put them in. I sometime keep my shoes warm by using them as a pillow - it is more comfortable than you might think. Point one shoe each way, so they cradle your head, and lay a shirt or other piece of clothing over them.

- Use less stove fuel by cooking out of the wind. Block the wind with a improvised windscreen of some sort. Cooking time can double in even a slight breeze.

- Evaporative heat loss results from evaporation of moisture (this is why your body sweats to cool off). To reduce this form of heat loss, you need to stay as dry as you can. Wear your rain gear when walking through wet bushes, and don’t sit directly on snow.

- Conductive heat loss results from heat being conducted away from your body by direct contact with colder things. Don’t sit directly on cold rocks or snow - use your sleeping pad, or sit on a log (wood is less conductive than rocks).

- The lightest pan? You probably won’t find it in backpacking catalogs. Every titanium pan I’ve seen weighs more than the cheap aluminum pan I bought in a local dollar-store. They make backpacking pans too thick. I removed the handle and added a wire hanging handle to my soup pan, and it weighs about two ounces.

- A light seat cushion can be made from a sleeping bag pad. Use an old basic blue foam pad. Cut a square about 12 inches square out of it. This will weigh about one ounce (3/8″ pad). It makes a nice waterproof seat when you want to sit on a wet rock, log or on the ground. Pack it against your back inside your pack and it will also pad you from any sharp or clunky items.

- The cold wind might chill the front of your body, even though your back is hot and sweaty. When this happens, put your jacket on backwards, and leave it opened. This will keep your back cooler while protecting the front of your body.

- When it is hot, soak your hat in every stream or water source you pass. A wet hat is like a little air conditioner on your head. Try a wet bandana around your neck too. This trick works best in dry climates.

- Attach alligator clips to the top of your pack, and you’ll always have an easy way to hang clothing to dry while you hike.

- If your damp clothes haven’t dried by morning, put them on - unless it is too cold. They’ll dry quickly once you start hiking. Drying them this way is generally safer than allowing damp clothes to accumulate in your pack.

- One way you can lighten your load is to carry high-calorie foods. Suppose you need 12,000 calories for a weekend trip. This could weigh from fifteen pounds down to four pounds, depending on the foods you select. Mixed nuts, for example, have twice as many calories per pound as bread. Plan for some variety, and balance the weight savings with decent nutritional choices, of course. Ultralight backpacking can still be healthy.

Arkansas is not called, “The Natural State”, for any old reason. The state of Arkansas is home to a fabulous wealth of mountainous landscapes, valleys, plains and woodlands. Positioned not far from the state capital of Little Rock is the Pinnacle Mountain Valley, a 2000 acre site situated around the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains. Within the beautiful Pinnacle Mountain Valley is the Maumelle State Park, one of Arkansas’ natural treasures and also one of the top locations for visitors to the Little Rock area, especially for all nature-lovers.

At Maumelle Park, visitors will find a diversity of wildlife in a variety of habitats. The area may be of particular interest to bird watchers, as it attracts an exciting assortment of birds and wildlife. Hikers are also well catered for, with various hiking trails traversing the region, so visitors who enjoy nature walks will find Maumelle Park and the surrounding Pinnacle Mountain Valley a delight; these trails include the Arkansas Trail through the Arkansas Arboretum (a 71-acre site dedicated to representing Arkansas’ six main natural divisions); the Kingfisher Trail next to the Little Maumelle River; and the 223-mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail.

With so many hiking trails to enjoy, visits to Maumelle Park can often exceed the remits of a day trip. But with over 129 campsites to choose from, all of which are equipped with water and electricity, visitors to Maumelle Park will find camping a comfortable experience. Maumelle’s Parks campsites are also open to visitors to the neighbouring Pinnacle Mountain State Park, which has no camping areas of its own. Its optimal site is situated just next to the Arkansas River which means that campers can enjoy beautiful vistas, as well as tables and grills nearby, bathhouses with hot water, a playground and a boat ramp for anyone wanting to sail or paddle through the park rather than hike.

However much you enjoy the beauty of Maumelle Park, camping may not always seem to be the most enjoyable mode of accommodation for a vacation, especially when with family members. Thankfully however, Maumelle Park is only a convenient fifteen minute drive away from the city of Little Rock where you can choose from a number of comfortable hotels. Maumelle Park’s proximity to Little Rock means that visitors, if they choose to stay in the city, can enjoy the comforts of urban accommodation whilst revelling in the delights of the park’s natural scenery and clean mountain air. Many of the hotels in Little Rock often offer package deals for larger parties, so that groups or families travelling together can often find some great deals to enjoy during their holiday to Maumelle Park.

Camping can give you a great chance to get away from all the hustle and bustle for a chance to experience the great outdoors with the people that you love. There are many different kinds of tents available for sale, and the more that you know about the different types available, the better chance you have of picking the tent that is right for you. In this article, we’ll go over some basic information that you need to know before you purchase a tent.

The first thing to consider when purchasing a tent is the amount of space that you require. While tents commonly advertise how many people that they can sleep, you have to take into consideration the fact that not everybody is the same size. As a general rule of thumb when estimating how big of a tent you need, you should consider 30 square feet of room for every person that will be sleeping in the tent. You’re also going to need room for the supplies and food that you bring with you - be sure to make a realistic estimate when it comes to the size that you’ll need. Also, you’re going to want to think about the level of privacy that you and your traveling companions would need - there are tents available that feature separate rooms, allowing for a decent level of separation between travelers. In addition, you need to determine how much trouble you want to go through setting up the tent. While some involve complex systems of poles and stakes that you need to assemble, there are many different types of tents that feature collapsible poles that make putting them together a breeze.

When it comes to actually picking the individual tent that you wish to purchase, you should test it’s durability while you’re still in the store. Run the zippers on the tent up and down, being sure that they don’t catch or break. You’re also going to want to consider the quality of the material that the tent’s canvas is made out of - check if it’s waterproof, and feel the fabric to ensure that it’s thick enough to hold for a while.

Now that you know a little more about the qualities of a tent that you need to consider, you can make a more accurate purchasing decision.