Make your fall camping trip about enjoyment, not endurance

For many people, camping is a pure summertime activity. Once the needles start to turn golden orange and the trails get strewn with leaves, camping equipment is carefully stowed away until the following summer. But the true outdoorsman knows that if you properly prepare yourself and your equipment, fall is the best time of year to hit the trail and get out in nature.

Fall camping calls for a little more preparation than a summer trip. You can’t just throw a sleeping bag on your back and head out into nature, knowing that it will be 70 degrees or more. But in return for this preparation, you get quieter campsites, picturesque sunsets, long nights sitting around the campfire, and best of all, no bugs. These camping ideas and tips will get you off the sofa and back outdoors this fall.

Find the right place to camp in the fall

If you were to open up your phone and search for “the best sites for fall camping near me” you would get hundreds of people’s opinions on what makes a great site for fall camping. But really, you need to decide what you want out of fall camping and then decide on the best camp spot. Do you want an open campground that you can stargaze from? Perhaps you want an enclosed woodland that you can shelter in and make yourself a survivalist retreat, or a raised area with views over forests and mountains.

Whatever your escape, there are plenty of ways to find out the best camping spots for fall, from internet searches, local outfitters, or guidebooks. But when you get to your fall camping site, there are some tips for picking your microsite, where you’ll hang out and pitch your tent. It’s even more important in fall to find higher and drier ground, as rivers swell quickly and pools fill with excess rainfall.

Try to find some natural shelter where possible, and remember that cool nights down low can hit freezing up higher. Camping at altitude in the fall is serious business, and it’s often best to hit the heights during the day and retreat to lower levels overnight.

Get your sleep system right

Nearly every fall camping tip revolves around staying warm, and at no time is that more important than when you’re trying to sleep. Your camping sleep system includes everything from your tent, to your sleeping pad and sleeping mat. With cooler fall nights, it’s not uncommon to fall asleep feeling warm, only to wake up in the early hours of the morning when the temperatures plummet, to find that your nose and back are uncomfortably cold.

Your summer sleeping bag with a temperature rating of 30°+ is unlikely to keep you warm in the fall. Even a three-season sleeping bag may not be enough if you sleep particularly cold, but the addition of an insulated sleeping bag liner can make all the difference. Despite popular belief, you are allowed to wear clothes in your sleeping bag too. A set of dry thermal merino wool underwear is the best option if you want a truly cozy night in camp. Don’t forget to put a hat on, too.

Layer up

That merino wool underwear has more uses than just for sleeping. Layers are an essential part of staying comfortable around camp in the fall. Temperatures can still be warm during the day, but often drop quickly at night. Having the right layers to add will help to keep you warm and stop you from having to perform a full costume change in the cold just to get warm.

Wicking layers that keep your body dry will prevent your sweat from sitting against your skin and cooling down as the temperature drops. It’s important to focus on keeping your core insulated, as this helps to keep the blood flowing around your body. But don’t forget to add warm gloves and a beanie, as well as a few pairs of merino socks for those extremities, too.

Eat well

Fall isn’t the time to skimp on food. Staying warm is a full-time job for your body and requires a lot of extra calories. The best thing you can do for yourself is eat proper camping meals as this will provide your body with the energy to stay warm and hot food will start to heat you from the inside. Even a cup of coffee goes a long way in the morning to keeping you warm.

With so much extra time in camp in the fall, you have plenty of opportunities to get creative with your camp cooking. Try out new techniques, or cook on an open fire rather than a gas stove. If you’re not sure, try making a chili con carne at home — to heat up in camp — and wrap up a few potatoes in tin foil to bake on the fire. Voila. A simple and effective chili and baked potato meal, warm, hearty, and just what you need at camp.

Prepare for rain

Even if you check the forecast and pick the driest-looking day, chances are you’re going to get rained on at some point, so be prepared for camping in the rain. Fall is a good time to re-waterproof your tent — better to re-waterproof early than find out you missed the prime time. It’s also a good idea to get yourself a tarp and get familiar with how to set up different tarp shelters. You can add extra reinforcement to your tent, create yourself a vestibule area, or just set up a tarp for a kitchen and cooking shelter.

When the rain starts to fall, you may find yourself retreating under your tarp, or into your tent. Have a few other activities to hand, like board games, books, or a few episodes of your favorite series downloaded onto your phone. And don’t forget to bring extra charging blocks, or an off-grid power block to keep your electronics powered up.

Light up your life

From campfires to fairy lights, you need a source of light when you’re camping in the fall. Sunset often catches people out as it gets earlier by the day, so it’s a good idea to carry a small flashlight or headlamp with you from early evening. Stringing fairy lights around your camp can give it a homely feeling, and also be used to guide the way to your tent or kitchen setup, or create a perimeter of sorts. Having a lantern in your cooking area gives you a more ambient light, rather than the spot beam of a headlamp or flashlight.

Ultimately, though, the campfire is the quintessential camping element. It keeps you warm and provides light, and most outdoorsmen can recount tales of many hours sitting around watching the embers rise into the dark night sky. There really is nothing better. If you’re going to light a campfire, consider taking a fire pit to prevent charring the ground, and make sure you check out local guidance for the area you’re going camping. Then sit back, relax, and enjoy the warmth.

Bring a survival kit

Things that could really ruin a camping trip are injuries, sickness, getting lost on hikes, and more, so packing a survival kit is a priority for your fall camping trip (or any camping trip). Here are some steps to take to put together a survival kit and the items to include.

Choose a container, such as a small backpack or duffel bag, and make sure it’s durable and waterproof. Next, add these essentials:

• Navigation tools (compass and map)
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Sun protection (sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen — fall still brings sunny days)
• First-aid kit
• Knife or multitool
• Toilet paper (can double as a trail marker)
• Fire starter
• Signaling devices (whistle or mirror)
• Bandana (can also work as a bandage or flag)
• Water purification tablets
• Duct tape
• Sewing kit
• Emergency blanket

After putting together your survival kit, label it with your name, contact information, and the date you created it. Store the kit in a safe place where you can easily access it, such as your car or home.

Here are some additional tips regarding your survival kit:

• Make sure all the items are in good condition and working properly.
• Replace any items that expire or get damaged.
• Test your kit regularly to make sure you know how to use all the items.
• Share your kit with your camping buddies, so everyone is prepared in case of an emergency.

Sri Lanka, 25th largest island in the the world, comes with a coastline hemmed with palm trees as far as the eye can see. When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Sri Lanka very much depends on which part you would like to visit.

Nestling on the southern tip of India between the Bay of Bengal and the Laccadive Sea, is the tropical island of Sri Lanka. It is the 25th largest island in the world and comes with a coastline hemmed with palm trees as far as the eye can see. Combined with temperatures that hover around 27°C (80°F) all year round thanks to its close proximity to the Equator, Sri Lanka has much to offer thalassophiles and sun worshippers – when it is not raining.

The island’s weather is dictated by two key monsoon seasons and, because they alternate, Sri Lanka can be seen as an all-year-round holiday destination. For when the eastern coast’s Arugum Bay is just too dangerous for surfing the Western coast’s sea off Kalpitiya with its prevalence of Blue Whales is hardly a shabby alternative. In short, there is always somewhere that’s dry throughout the year but plan your trip around these months to avoid washed-out beach days.

In a nutshell, the best time to visit the west and south coasts and hill country is from December to March, while the best weather on the east coast is from April/May to September.

October to March – best to visit west and southern coastline

Includes: Chilaw in the west, Galle in the south, and the capital Colombo in the south-west

Though temperatures are a fairly constant 27°–29°C year-round, this region experiences the Yala Monsoon Season from April to September. During this period the wettest months are April, May and June. Most of the beach hotels are in this region.

If you are looking to spend time on the beach get there during the months between October and March which promise the best weather – though a downpour cannot be ruled out.

If you fancy a dip in the sea then plan your holiday between January to March, when the sea is calm. Another perk is that during these months you are most likely to spot Blue and Sperm Whales.

Party-goers should get there in April for the Sinhala & Tamil Nadu “New Year” festival. This marks the end of Sri-Lanka’s harvesting season for the Sinhalese people. The festival typically lasts around a week and hosts an array of social and gastronomical events – plantain galore!

July marks the beginning of the traditional Esala festivals, with the first taking place in Kataragma. The festivals mark the commemoration of the first teachings given by the Buddha. Attend Kataragama’s event and you could witness whip crackers, elephants, Hewisi drummers and Borukakul Karayo stilt walkers.

Alternatively, August hosts the second of the Esala festivals, this time however taking place in the Kandy region. This festival specifically lasts ten days and, much like Kataragama, offers dancers, jugglers, musicians, fire-breathers, and lavishly decorated elephants for those who wish to take part. Be sure to try local delicacies on offer including Okra and banana flower.

It’s worth noting that Sri-Lankan schools are in full swing with their second term during May, June and July. So, should you be wanting a quiet or even child-free holiday, these are the best months to travel accordingly.

March – best time to visit the Central Hills

Includes: Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Peradeniya Botanical Gardens

The Central Hills is a mountainous area located at the south-central part of Sri Lanka. The triangular shaped hilly area reaches heights over 300 m and covers around 20 per cent of the total area of the Island.

Because of its location and elevation, the Central Hills tend to be cool throughout the year and indeed much cooler than the coastal areas averaging about 15°C. January through to March tend to be the sunniest and driest time. The wettest months tend to be October and November.

Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka’s visas are divided into three categories: visas for business trips, visas for tourism and visas for transits. You can apply for your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)  online.

April to September – best time to visit Eastern and Northern areas

Includes: Eravur, Passikudah, and Trincomalee in the east and Habarana and Vavuniya in the north, and Trincomalee in the northeast

The ‘Maha’ monsoon season hits the Eastern and Northern areas from around November to March with the wettest months being November and December. So to avoid this get there between April to September.

August and September are generally dry and probably the best time to visit Sri Lanka for family holidays though it can get very hot and at this time rain showers are short and sharp.

Note: Get to Sri Lanka during school term, January to April when everything is naturally a lot quieter.

October and November – inter-monsoonal period

The inter-monsoonal period is highly erratic and severe flooding and thunderstorms could occur at any location at any time. On the bright side, this is the off-peak season in Sri Lanka so no crowds which is great as long as you don’t mind unpredictable downpours.

The Deepavali (Diwali) festival, which means “festival of lights” also takes place every year either in October or November depending on the Hindu Lunar calendar. It is a truly beautiful event where you can witness the glowing houses created by locals, try local cuisine and visit Kandaswamy Kovil, one of the most admired Hindu temples of Sri Lanka.

Considering a trip up north to take in Canada’s stunning natural landscapes, vibrant multicultural cities, and friendly local culture?

As the world’s second-largest country spanning six time zones, Canada offers tremendous scope for adventure – snow-capped rocky peaks towering above turquoise lakes, vast forests rich with wildlife, and cosmopolitan cities with a laidback vibe.

So, how do you maximise those drool-worthy Instagram selfies without ending up managing a hectic holiday?

As vast as Canada is, planning travel in the Great White North takes a bit more forethought than a domestic getaway.

So, read on for savvy tips to make the most of your Canadian holiday.

Don’t Get Stopped at Customs

Before trekking up to the Great White North, make sure your documents are in order, including:

Passports

Only driver’s licenses or valid passports are accepted at land and sea points of entry between Canada and the US. Indian passports must have adequate remaining validity of usually at least 6 months beyond the intended stay in Canada. Check current passport expiry rules on the Government of Canada website before booking tickets.

Visas

You will need a visa to travel to Canada. Make sure you have completed the application for the appropriate visa category. Examples include a tourist visa, work visa, or student visa. Provide detailed and accurate information on the application.

eTA

When travelling by air to Canada or even transiting through a Canadian airport, Indian citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) prior to departure. The eTA for travel to Canada serves as an electronic document similar to a visitor visa. Applications only take a few minutes online. So, you must have an approved, valid eTA before attempting to check in and board any flight heading to a Canadian destination. Air carriers will deny boarding if a passenger has not secured this mandatory entry requirement pre-travel.

COVID Requirements

Canada currently requires all passengers flying in from India to provide a negative COVID-19 molecular test result from within 72 hours of departure. Check official government websites for the latest test reporting rules and health screening measures in effect at the time of travel.

Insurance: Dull But Essential

Consider policies covering emergency medical costs, smashed gear from extreme sports, and logistics if unexpectedly iced in by freak blizzards. Use options like:

Health Insurance with Travel Benefits

While Canada has an excellent public healthcare system, services do not come free for Indian nationals. Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance for Canada that includes emergency medical coverage can help safeguard you from unexpectedly high hospital or doctor bills during your trip. Review policy terms to ensure adequate coverage for adventure activities you may have planned as well, such as skiing, rock climbing or kayaking.

Overseas Travel Insurance

Look into international travel insurance options in your home country that include trip cancellation, lost baggage and emergency assistance services. If crossing multiple countries en route to/from Canada, an international policy spanning all locations may be less hassle than securing separate coverage for each destination. Make sure you confirm the territorial limits match the entire length of your upcoming travels.

Use Tech Tools Wisely

Navigating the world’s second-largest country, spanning six time zones, requires next-level travel savvy. These tools simplify logistics:

Download savvy apps

Transit apps like Google Maps, Moovit, Transit and Trippr integrate schedules from regional transportation agencies. Airlines also offer handy electronic boarding and flight status updates via mobile apps.

Buy local SIM cards

Purchase local SIM cards granting affordable data/calling rates, available at Canadian providers like Lucky, Public and Chatr Mobile.

Backup digital photos

Having cloud storage and external hard drives can safeguard your priceless moments captured during your trip against device failures or losses.

Frosty Fun

Summers in Canada are great for relaxing by the lake and eating a lot, but winters offer just as many amazing things to do.

Layer like a local

Rather than shiver in thin layers, take wardrobe cues from savvy locals. Thermals, heavy parkas, thick socks and snow boots equip you to revel in winter’s wonderland comfortably.

Try snow sports

Dog sledging, ice skating, snowshoeing and downhill skiing/boarding deliver extra dose of winter magic. Many outdoor survival companies offer winter gear rentals and starter lessons for newbies. Glide like an Olympian along the Rideau Canal Skateway’s frozen expanse!.

Travel Light, Travel Easy

Loading down your luggage cart with heavy suitcases full of non-essentials can turn a fun vacation into an exhausting haul. Instead, embrace the art of minimalist packing – especially for shorter trips – and reap the rewards like easier mobility, less risk of bag fees, and flexibility if plans change.

Stick to key devices like phones, tablets or lightweight laptops. Heavy photography gear and bulky electronics add unnecessary weight and could attract thieves. For must-have valuables, use secure bags and in-room safes.

Get in on that Local Flavour

You may have already researched the top attractions and sights for your international vacation spot. But taking time to get better acquainted with your destination before departure allows for smarter packing, efficient planning, and a smoother overall travel experience.

Beyond main tourism hubs, read up on local history, cultural customs and etiquette, average weather and climate conditions at that time of year. This helps determine optimal items to bring for comfort while avoiding overpacking.

Map out locations you hope to visit and get to know the transportation options available (bus, train, trams, cycle, etc.) to find the best ways to navigate the area. Having a loose itinerary prevents wasting precious time on long trips.

Conclusion

As you can see, Canada promises endless travel adventures. Follow these insider tips for smarter insurance, packing, navigation and more – then get ready to lose yourself in this staggeringly beautiful, culturally vibrant, and geographically vast nation.

Want to travel the world this summer at a low cost? Find low prices of drinks and food at places such as Vietnam or Japan

Picking out places to visit for the upcoming summer may come with its challenges, especially for those on a budget.

However, according to Post Office, a British-based mail and financial services company, there are opportunities to explore destinations around the globe without straining your finances. Countries such as Vietnam, South Africa and Japan present enticing options where in-country costs remain relatively low.

10 cheap places to travel on a budget

Post Office released the Holiday Money Report for 2024. In its report, it shares cheap hotspots to visit on your next adventure.

Post Office based its recommendations on costs of tourist essentials, like drinks and meals, instead of the price of traveling by plane or accommodations.

Paphos, Cyprus

Paphos offers a rich blend of modern amenities and ancient sites, catering to diverse traveler interests. For example, visit Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa, one of the oldest Christian churches in the world, according to Hotels.com.

Per the U.S. Department of State, when you visit Cyprus, make sure to only enter and exit the Republic of Cyprus, not the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, for your safety. Paphos is in the Republic of Cyprus.

Marmaris, Turkey

Marmaris, situated at the meeting point of the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas in Turkey, is celebrated for its nightlife, beaches and clear waters. During summer, it offers ferry services to Greece, including trips to Rhodes, per Mares Travel Agency.

According to the U.S. Department of State, exercise caution when visiting Turkey. There is a small possibility of terrorist attacks and wrongful detaining of U.S. citizens. Furthermore, do not visit the Sirnak province, Hakkari province or anywhere near the Syrian border.

Kuta, Bali, Indonesia

Kuta is known for its stunning coastline, a popular spot for surfing. There are also cultural spots such as Buddhist temples and theater or conservation centers, according to Hotels.com.

Per the U.S. Department of State, exercise caution when visiting Indonesia. There is a risk of terrorist attacks, natural disasters and violent demonstrations. Also, stay away from the Central Papua and Highland Papua provinces.

Sunny Beach, Bulgaria

Sunny Beach, found on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, attracts individuals with its beaches and is great for watersports, nightlife and amusement parks, per Tripadvisor.

According to the U.S. Department of State, you can exercise normal precautions in Bulgaria.

Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt

Sharm el-Sheikh is a resort town in the Sinai Peninsula. Beyond resorts, there are also great luxury restaurants and nightclubs to visit. Also, due to its location on the coast, snorkeling around the coral reefs is popular, according to Britannica.

Per the U.S. Department of State, “The Department of State Travel Advisory warns U.S. citizens to avoid travel to the Sinai Peninsula (with the exception of travel to Sharm El-Sheikh by air) and the Western Desert.”

Algarve, Portugal

Algarve, located in southern Portugal, is known for cliff beaches and seafood. One of the popular places to visit this summer in Algarve is Lagos, per Lonely Planet.

According to the U.S. Department of State, you can exercise normal precautions in Portugal.

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is full of ancient culture while still showcasing modern attractions. For example, you could visit Asakusa, a Buddhist temple, or Tokyo’s Disneyland, according to Hotels.com.

Per the U.S. Department of State, you can exercise normal precautions in Japan.

Mombasa, Kenya

Mombasa, located near the Indian Ocean, has a lot of beachfront hotels and is a great place for watersports! Some of the top places to visit include the Fort Jesus Museum or Haller Park, per Tripadvisor.

According to the U.S. Department of State, parts of Kenya have a risk of terrorism, kidnapping, violent demonstrations or crime. Therefore, when visiting, one should exercise increased caution. Make sure to stay away from the Kenya-Somalia border counties.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is a beautiful location where one can find wildlife and a variety of plants. There are also great places to visit to learn more about the heritage, eat delicious food or to hike. For example, you could visit Lion’s Head Peak or Greenmarket Square, according to Hotels.com.

Per the U.S. Department of State, exercise increased caution in South Africa because of crime and civil unrest.

Tourists in Cape Town using GPS apps sometimes get directed through high-crime residential areas. Make sure to stay updated on the current events in the area, according to the U.S. Department of State.

Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An has diverse scenes from rice farms to beaches. Travelers can go shopping around the town or spend time hiking around farms. For a historical trip, stop by the Japanese Bridge or take a cooking class. For shopping, visit unique stores such as Cocobox to find jams or Reaching Out for tea sets and jewelry, according to Vietnam Tourism.