What rides are a must when you go to Disney World Florida? What hotels are offer excellent service?

Moose

I dont care about any other Disney theme parks, just the one in Orlando.

Answer
If you can afford it, the "A" hotels are truly dreamy -- great service and great views. Savannah view rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge let you see wildlife while enjoying breakfast in bed. The Polynesian is within walking distance of Magic Kingdom and the nightly fireworks are visible from the lake shore behind the hotel.

The "C" hotels are the lowest price, and get you all the perks and privileges of being a WDW guest, but I think it's a better value to pay a little more for a "B" hotel and have more amenities (like water slides and hot tubs, bigger rooms with fridge and microwave) OR bring my tent to Fort Wilderness and enjoy really low prices AND be able to set up a camp kitchen. (Disney food can be VERY expensive.) If you are bringing kids, there is more for them to amuse themselves with at Fort Wilderness (especially if you bring or rent bikes) so they're not underfoot in your hotel room all the time. Choose a hotel in your price range by location, something adjacent to the park you visit most often.

Best rides:
Animal Kingdom. Take the safari ride http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/parks/attractionDetail?id=KilimanjaroSafarisAttractionPage first because the animals are most active in the early morning unless it's an unusually chilly day. Then do the time travel dinosaur ride (forget the name) and Everest Expidition coaster. Make some time to see some of animal shows too. The bird show is especially amazing, with trained birds interacting with audience members and an after show opportunity to see the birds up close and ask questions of the handlers. AK restaurants are nothing special, mostly snack bars with astronomically priced 'bronto burgers & T-rex fries,' but the Rain Forest Cafe is delighful, if pricey. If there is RFC near your home, it will be identical except for lower prices and no Disney theme items in the gift shops.

Epcot. A great mix and match of things. My favorite is Ellen's Energy Adventure, a must for fans of Ellen Degeneres, Jeopardy, or Dinosaur animatronics http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/parks/attractionDetail?id=EllensEnergyAdventureAttractionPage. There are quite a few hi-tech interactive playrooms for kids; some kids could spend hours at this and others get bored quickly. The Epcot World Village area is an assortment of complexes within the park, each with a national theme such as Japan, Norway, France, or Morroco. Most have a gift shop with authentic items from the host nation, a restaurant or two serving the national cuisine, and some also have a ride or presentation about the host nation. There are usually dance and music troops giving sidewalk entertainment at each pavillion. On my last visit, I was trying to imitate and Irish dance step, and dancer stepped out to give me an improptu private lesson!
The Norway ride is really exciting (compared with the other pavillion attractions, that is) and the French Bakery serves a reasonably priced, delicious sandwish and desert with a small bottle of wine or 'sidewalk' dining. If dining and shopping are important to you, Epcot is your place. Make sure to take advantage of 'will call' for your purchases; pick the up at guest services as you leave the park or have them delivered to your (on campus) room. If The Living Seas restaurant is still serving, invest in at least one day of Disney Dining Plan to have dolphins, giant rays, and huge sea turtles swimming past your table. Make reservations way in advance to get 'aquarium side' seating.

My MGM favorites are http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/parks/attractionDetail?id=IndianaJonesEpicStuntSpectacularAttractionPage, http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/parks/attractionDetail?id=TheDisneyMGMStudiosBacklotTourAttractionPage, which includes Catastrophe Canyon, http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/parks/attractionDetail?id=TheGreatMovieRideAttractionPage, where the Wicked Witch of the West plunges you into a movie magic dimension that includes Wild West Gun Fights, Scarlette O'Hara's Tara, and other classic film scenes. http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/dining/diningDetail?id=PrimeTimeCafeDiningPage is a Fifties Diner with the world's freshest, snarkiest waitersses; be prepared for a lecture on finishing your vegetables! Toy Story Pizza Planet is favorite with children. It's been many years since my last visit to MGM, and there are a lot of new rides and shows I'm not familiar with.

Magic Kingdom. The first and still the best. This is where you'll find the iconic Cinderella Castle, Mad Teaparty (ride a whirling tea cup), and Flying Dumbos. http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/parks/attractionDetail?id=JungleCruiseAttractionPage, http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/parks/attractionDetail?id=TheHauntedMansionAttractionPage, http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/parks/attractionDetail?id=PiratesoftheCaribbeanAttractionPage, http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/parks/attractionDetail?id=TheEnchantedTikiRoomUnderNewManagementAttractionPage, http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/parks/attractionDetail?id=CountryBearJamboreeAttractionPage, and http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/parks/attractionDetail?id=BigThunderMountainRailroadAttractionPage sound like a lot to cram into one day, but you want to stay late to see the fireworks show anyways, right? MK has the best parades, real 'must see' shows with amazing special effects floats and "real live" Disney characters. It's an easy walk from MK to The Polynesian Resort, for relaxed poolside dining. (Visit the hotel convenience store for a box of crackers, pound of cheese, jug of a drink, and a few apples to create an picnic meal economy meal. You can also watch the MK fireworks from the lake shore behind The Polynesian.

Indulge in at least one Character Dining experience to get the best photo ops with Mickey. Since rides 'conveniently' disembark within gift shops, start training your family right now to don't touch, don't even look, just walk by. Those $8 Mickey shoe laces and $12 'ear' hats can add up in a hurry.

If you're spending more than 4-5 days at WDW, you might want to plan a relaxing afternoon at Typhoon Lagoon. Kids can slide and surf while adults veg in lounge chairs or float round and round the circular Lazy River. Last time I was there, we were permitted to bring in a small picnic with ice chest and igloo jug of screwdrivers. Relaxed parents indeed! Thank Goodness for the WDW transportation system.

Give WDW a call right now at Guest Information
(407) 939-6244. These agents are knowledgable and helpful, very active in suggesting you most economical option rather than (like some other major Orlando attaction that I won't name) constantly urgint you to upgrade and spend more. Skip the cost of Park Hopper, unless you want to visit another theme pard after Animal Kingdom, which closes early so the animals can sleep. Any one park has plenty to keep you amused all day long, and you want to spend in the park, not spending 60-90 minutes getting from one park to another. If someone in your party would enjoy (not need, just enjoy) a wheelchair, rent one off campus for a week for about the same price you'd by the day at WDW. It won't let you skip lines, but it will give you a cart to carry your stuff on and a handy place to give your feet a rest. Everyone should have a compact rain poncho and dry sox (quick drying synthetic, not cotton) as Florida rains are very sudden and very hard, but short.

Have fun and tell Pluto (my favorite) that I'll be seeing him in December.

What is the best family friendly campground you have ever visited (tent camping but not totally roughing it)?

Q. We are a family of 4. The kids are 2 and 5. We love to camp, but like bath houses nearby...and electricity for a fan on hot nights. We live in VA...so either here or a state close by. Links would be awesome.

Answer
Fort Wilderness Disney World

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WHERE TO GET A KIDS SIZE CAMPING TENT?(pic)?

Madison B

Can i get those cute little kids camping sets a like wal mart? Or where else?
ones like these:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51mZEsbU36L._SL500_.jpg
or
http://www.bossgoo.com/photo/product4/775319/product-Kids-Camping-3pcs-Set.jpg
and also: it doesnt have to be all cutsey, just like a smaller sizze.
thanks in advance
also, are they like SUPER small? cause its for my 13 year old, she said she wanted a tiny, cozy and content one like that. (x
ALSO: cause i am pretty sure i have seen them in the wal mart stores but they are not online so i was a little worried.
thanks guys.

Answer
I bought a $30 tent from Wal-Mart that says it is good for 4 people. They must have meant 4 kids because it is nowhere near big enough for 4 adults. Nonetheless, it is a great tent for $30 that the kids would definitely enjoy.

What is the best tent when camping with kids?!?

AngelMom

My husband and I are going camping in August and we trying to find a good tent. We want a dome tent for 6-8 people. It is actually going to be just my hubby, my 9 month old and myself, but I want the extra room (which our old 4 person tent doesn't have). Does anyone have any suggestions? We're wanting to spend between $100-$200. Thanks!

Answer
short, but simple answer. you can EASILY find Copeman (or Coleman i think rather) brand tents for ridiculously cheap and they're HUGE. take a look over there first. you'll be surprised. and most of them are under $100 too!

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WHERE TO GET A KIDS SIZE CAMPING TENT?(pic)?

Madison B

Can i get those cute little kids camping sets a like wal mart? Or where else?
ones like these:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51mZEsbU36L._SL500_.jpg
or
http://www.bossgoo.com/photo/product4/775319/product-Kids-Camping-3pcs-Set.jpg
and also: it doesnt have to be all cutsey, just like a smaller sizze.
thanks in advance
also, are they like SUPER small? cause its for my 13 year old, she said she wanted a tiny, cozy and content one like that. (x
ALSO: cause i am pretty sure i have seen them in the wal mart stores but they are not online so i was a little worried.
thanks guys.

Answer
I bought a $30 tent from Wal-Mart that says it is good for 4 people. They must have meant 4 kids because it is nowhere near big enough for 4 adults. Nonetheless, it is a great tent for $30 that the kids would definitely enjoy.

What is the best tent when camping with kids?!?

AngelMom

My husband and I are going camping in August and we trying to find a good tent. We want a dome tent for 6-8 people. It is actually going to be just my hubby, my 9 month old and myself, but I want the extra room (which our old 4 person tent doesn't have). Does anyone have any suggestions? We're wanting to spend between $100-$200. Thanks!

Answer
short, but simple answer. you can EASILY find Copeman (or Coleman i think rather) brand tents for ridiculously cheap and they're HUGE. take a look over there first. you'll be surprised. and most of them are under $100 too!

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Where can I buy a Alexander tent bed with slide? PLEASE HELP?

babs_younc

My son has been wanting this bed for awhile. Its a kids loft bed thats not very big with a tent underneath and a slide w/ladder attached to bed. Ive been looking for this all over the internet and found it on lots of sites but everyone ive come to says SORRY OUT OF STOCK!! Ive emailed every company asking when they will get more but no response. No one seems to have this product and my son would love to have it. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME!!

Answer
it might not be the exact brand but have you checked Ikea?

if they have one in your area, you should go look-they have some cute beds w/slides there and they are reasonably priced.

craiglist is also a great place-we got my daughter's loft bed off of our craigslist for 50 bucks.

ebay-great place to find beds here is a link for one

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260390902569&category=66742&refid=store

same bed ebay link above has

http://www.bunk-beds-and-loft-beds.com/IVG2/N/ProductID-52476.htm

does anyone know where you can find a bed tent for a toddler/crib matteress?

Shades

I can only find one for a twin size.

Answer
Ebay or Amazon or "Bazoongi Kids Bed Tents". search for it on google

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wild camping in Australia?

Me and my friends want to do a holiday together next summer holidays, and were thinking of going camping in australia. Not the crappy camping in campsites with takeout food, but proper 'massive bagpacks and tents, hiking and sleeping in the wild' kind of camping. i know in the summer it would be winter there so how cold would it get? also is campig and hiking in the wild actualy allowed or is it dangerous and not recommended. Also if anyone esle has any good alternate places to go hiking/camping that are good, please do tell me. Thanks :)

Answer
Camping in the wild is perfectly OK in Australia, but there are a few things you should know first.

Number one, some areas (such as national parks) require you to apply for a permit to camp there. See this website for more information, it also lists some other regulations (such as those relating to camp fires and wood gathering).

http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/activities_in_parks_and_forests/camping/index.html

Second, many area's around Australia are very dry and so fires are banned. Check whether a fire ban is in force in the area if your planning to be using open fires for cooking. You' also have to bring your own wood since collecting it in the bush is prohibited.

In regards to the cold, it varies depending on how far south and how far west you go. See this page and compare it to a map for a breakdown of the temperatures state by state.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_of_Australia

As for dangers, there are a few dangerous animals , mostly poisonous reptiles. You can avoid these by wearing thick leather shoes which they cant bite through if you should happen to stand on one. As long as you do that, keep and eye out and dont stick your hand were you cant see, you should be right.

Another main danger is crocodiles around waterways.Dont swim in water you cant see into and take extra care when collecting water. Since we dont have any large mammalian predators (such as bears or large wild cats) you dont have to worry about them, though packs of dingo's (wild dogs) have been known to raid campsites. Over all though, the biggest killers are wildfires, storms and intense heat.

What are some tips for desert camping at the Grand Canyon?

whaleskull

Ok, a friend and I are planning a trip to the Grand Canyon for early June. We are staying in a tent for a week or maybe a little more, probably at Mather Campground. What are some good camping tips for that area? What is the wildlife situation? We are on a tight budget so does anyone know fun, cheap things to do within hiking distance? (We wont have a car as we are arriving by train.) We can only take so much on the train so is food cheap at the local store? ANY info, especially from people who previously stayed at Mather would be greatly appreciated!!

Answer
First off, if you are camping at Mather campground on the rim, than you will not really be camping in the desert. The South Rim is at an elevation of 7,000 feet (a half-mile higher than Denver Colorado) and so has very cold and snowy winters and mild summers. The area is covered with pine trees and high temperatures on the South Rim rarely top 90 degrees during the summer.

Mather Camground is a nice drive-up style developed campground with designated spots that each have a place to pull in your vehicle, a picnic table and fire pit. There is a bathhouse with showers and toilets. It is a large campground and spots are fairly close together, so you won't exactly feel like you are out in the solitude of the wilderness, but it is a nice area (lots of trees) and generally does not feel too crowded given its size. The South Rim is pretty developed (there is a whole little community there called 'Grand Canyon Village') and there is a free shuttle that runs in a loop and connects all the lodges, the visitor center, the shopping plaza and the campground and RV parks, so getting around the village area without a car is pretty easy.

Wildlife-wise... even though Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim is pretty developed, it is not uncommon for deer and elk and sometimes coyotes to wander about amoungst the buildings, but none of those generally cause trouble unless people deliberately try to approach them. Squirrels and chipmunks and ravens are also quite common. You don't need to worry about bears or mountain lions around the campground area, but you should not leave food out unattended as ravens, squirrels and chipmunks might take an interest in it.

There is a small shopping plaza area near Yavapai lodge that is a short walk from Mather campround (or you can ride the free shuttle) and it has a small grocery store. The prices are perhaps slightly higher than a grocery store in a big city, but it is definitely cheaper than eating at any of the South Rim restuarants (remember the South Rim is off the major supply lines and businesses have to provide employees with housing). If you do feel like a cooked meal while you are there, the cafeterias at Maswik Lodge and Yavapai Lodge are the cheapest.

As far as things to do... once you are in the park there are lots of things to do and most are free. Of course, hiking the big thing and you should try to do at least a short hike while you are there since being 'in' the canyon is a much different and deeper experience than just looking from the rim. My favorite short-n-easy day hike, is going the 1.4 miles down the South Kaibab trail to Cedar Ridge rest stop which has stunning views and a good chance to see condors and perhaps big horn sheep. Bright Angel and Hermit trails are also good for day hikes. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and a broad-brim hat, carry plenty of water and remember it is twice as much effort coming back up as it is going down. You should be careful how far down you go for a day hike - especially in summer - because temperatures get much warmer as you deeper into the canyon and at the bottom temps can easily break 110 degrees in summer (don't ever try to go to the bottom and back in a day).

Other fun and cheap activities include taking the free shuttle out to Hermit Rest and back (you can get on and off at various stops and overlooks along the way), listening to the ranger talks (which are usually pretty good) that are held along the rim and at the Shrine of Ages (near Yavapai Lodge), vegging out along the rim (especially at sunrise and sunset when the canyon looks most dramatic) and checking out the many historic buildings like the famous 1905 grand El Tovar lodge, the 1905 Hopi House curio shop (made to look like an indian pueblo) and the Lookout Studio (which often has free art exhibits). There is also a nice little geology museum and overlook at Yavapai Point (which can be reached via either the rim trail or by the free shuttle).

Lastly, keep in mind that Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak tourist season at the canyon and it can get crowded. You can make reservations for Mather campground (see link below) and it is highly recommended that you do so long before you leave as the odds of just showing up and finding an open spot in June are small.

Have fun!

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so we are planning a big camping trip next summer ,?

Q. and we are taking my nephews that never been b4,should we camp in tents or rent trailer or rent cabin,which one do you think they would have most fun...btw their ages are 9,12.

Answer
I would go tent camping. There is nothing like it. Im 14 and i love tent camping the most. also what we did with my neighbors and children is go to a lake where you use your boat to get to your camp site & we always stay on the island.

Who makes the largest camping tent?

VAN D

looking for a Huge camping tent...TALL/BIG FAMILY

Answer
Coleman makes some big ones and they have good quality. Here is a link to their home page.

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Camping this weekend - with kids?

ariesalway

tent camping 5yr old and 3 yr old. Going with another family also. We've been before but love to refresh my mind about the little things Im gonna foget.
easy foods, snacks, games...ect..??

Answer
Make sure the kids have a way to get to their own snacks and drinks while you are walking. Little bags of trail mix can be customized - cheerios and pretzels for one, cheetos and peanuts for the other...you get the idea.

Make sure they have something to do other than just walk - a game like 'find the squirrel' or "who can find the most different leaves" is fun and educational - so long as you aren't in a rush.

When mine get tired I use my walking stick and play "little engine" - have them grab one end of the stick and move it in a circle like a train's wheels "I think I can, I think I can" will get the tiredest kids moving and get their minds off being tired - for a minute anyway.

Have a plan for rain! Gear up and take some imagination toys - dolls, action figures whatever the kids like.

Around the campsite the kids might like to make "fairy houses". Use sticks, acorns, bark, leaves and other found items to make little homes that can just decorate the forest...you might be surprised how creative the kids can be.

Take a small "boo-boo" kit - neosporin, Dora bandaids, etc.

Give the kids jobs at dinner time or set-up time - carry water, hand you tent stakes, gather wood, etc. They'll be under your feet otherwise.

Make sure the kids have a whistle around their neck just in case they wander off - they can blow a whistle louder and longer than they can yell.

Let the kids each have a flashlight at bedtime - it's fun and makes them feel safer. Show them how it works and take extra batteries - they'll probably leave it on all night.

I'm leaving out all the regular stuff - food, sunscreen, bug spray, toothbrush/toothpaste, stuffed animal to sleep with, tent, clean undies, etc. I'm assuming that bit is covered. Just sharing some things we do when we camp.

Games to play out side with 2 school aged kids?

Linda Lou

I am now babysitting a 1st and 4th grader for a few hours after school. today was my first day and I had the 1st grader go down the slide head first smash into a wall and bleed everywhere decided a playground/swingset in the backyard is prlly better to just look at lol

any ideas that I can do with them?

Answer
tag.
hide and seek.
board games (*checkers,charades,tick tack toe,connect 4.)

Never leave the kids alone. They might draw on walls or get into something they shouldn't be in. Keep them occupied and bring lots of fun games.Don't ever leave the child alone. They will pour soap down the potty and make bubbles.
Make a Fun Bag. In the fun bag you could have candy (if they are allowed), movies, coloring pages, stickers, books, games, and crafts, as well as various things for you when the kids go to sleep. The things in the Fun bag should consider the age of the children you are babysitting, as very young children will appreciate different things to older children.
When the kids start to get fussy or antsy, ask them if they want to color / do a project / play a game. They say yes and, voila! Fun bag!
Play with the children. They won't like it if you don't play. So, take out the thing they want to do. If you are doing a project or coloring and you have messy toddlers, let them help put down newspaper or a plastic mat to protect floors and tables. Have fun and they will be able to tell and enjoy your presence more.
For projects; when making things if you can make it edible it's good. Some finger painting recipies are edible. (Vanilla yogurt with food coloring)
Little kids also love doing things for themselves. Let them pour or stir their own drinks, make their own peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, or help you make cookies. It helps pass the time while teaching them skills, and they will feel more involved and grown up instead of you taking over everything.
Put a chair by the sink for the kids to stand on, and let them help you wash the dishes. (Take out sharp objects like forks hiding in the suds so they don't get poked accidentally.) Being allowed to help you wash the dishes can be a reward for young children.
Be patient with the children if they start getting bored or miserable, show them the things they have brought and encourage them to play. If they don't want to do something in particular, find something else for them to do!
Take them outside! Ride bikes, go to the park, walk the dog, anything outdoors will run their energy out! Make sure to be very careful because the outdoors also has many hazards.
Play fun age appropriate games. Don't do something that is to old for the kids because you want parents to want you to come back. Also, when playing with the child, be sure to not be rough with them especially when you have a younger age group. This may turn them off and somebody could get hurt.
Make or buy play-dough. If you have a recipe that doesn't involve cooking on the stove, you can have the kids help make it. If you don't have the materials needed for play-dough, you can make something called Ooblek with simply water and cornstarch. This is especially good because it doesn't involve dangerous, hot ovens or sharp objects. Do this outside of course, as it is extremely messy, but that's the fun of it!
Pick a movie appropriate for the age group you're babysitting. Pop some popcorn and put the popcorn in individual bowls for each child (if they are young). Give each child a ticket awhile before the movie. Be the ticket-taker at the door to the room, and give each child a bowl of popcorn. Then turn off the lights and start the movie!
Make a tent! Use chairs and big blankets. Fill the inside with pillows and blankets. After it's made, you can tell (or read!) stories. If it's possible, make it over a TV, so the TV is inside, and you have a movie theater! If the children are 4 or older (and less likely to make a mess), pop some popcorn to get the great movie atmosphere!
Remember, toddlers love anything that keeps them active. If everyone's bored, take out some scarves, turn on the music, and dance! If you have a lot of children, play freeze tag, or a team game where EVERYONE needs to be involved.For most kids under the age of 5, hide and seek may have some hazards.
They might run and hide to far, not come out of their hiding spot and you may not be able to find them.




[edit] TipsMany things that adults think of as drudgery is fun for young children. Find ways to let them help you and make them feel important. Thank them for helping.
Play with the children. They'll like it when you get involved and will ask for you as their babysitter. Neither parents nor kids like lazy babysitters who stay on the phone all day.
Don't make a mess. Leave the house as clean or cleaner than you found it.
Always clean up after an activity. But don't do it alone. Have the kids help, too. You can sing this song: "Clean up, clean up. Everybody do their share. Clean up, clean up. Everybody, everywhere," You can make up your own melody.
Don't just sit down and watch a movie. Keep the kids active. If it is a nice day, go outside play with a ball or your dog or your trampoline.
If it is dark encourage NOT to go outside =)
Also try to play games that are educational but still fun
Clean up

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which 2 person tent? please help?

Josh

need to buy a 2 person tent for some camping. Mainly car camping so not really backpacking. I am looking at one of these two:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0043HM5M2/ref=s9_simh_gw_p200_d0_i2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0W4AEST4BY4MPV5E260H&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016HMBN0/ref=s9_simh_gw_p200_d0_i2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=09V0JNX5ZMT0F5ZZA7JT&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

which one would you prefer? Thanks in advance!
figured amazon link would be sufficient enough, but here they are:

Eureka Apex 2XT FG Backpacking Tent

Coleman Hooligan 2 Backpacking Tent
Thanks

Answer
There is a big weight difference between these two, almost 4lbs. Also a 2 pole dome design verses a single pole both are 3 season tents the Coleman is a full mesh so for hot starry nights the better tent both have equvilant guarantees and reputations for me as a backpacker weight is criticle I would choose the Apex.

Fortunately, there are all kinds of tents for weekend car campers, Everest expeditions, and everything in-between. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Expect the Worst
In general, it's wise to choose a tent that's designed to withstand the worst possible conditions you think you'll face. For instance, if you're a summer car camper in a region where weather is predictable, an inexpensive family or all purpose tent will likely do the trick--especially if a vehicle is nearby and you can make a mad dash for safety when bad weather swoops in! If you're a backpacker, alpine climber or bike explorer, or if you like to car camp in all seasons, you'll want to take something designed to handle more adversity.

Three- and Four-Season Tents
For summer, early fall and late spring outings, choose a three-season tent. At minimum, a quality three season tent will have lightweight aluminum poles, a reinforced floor, durable stitching, and a quality rain-fly. Some three-season tents offer more open-air netting and are more specifically designed for summer backpacking and other activities. Many premium tents will feature pre-sealed, taped seams and a silicone-impregnated rain-fly for enhanced waterproofness.

For winter camping or alpine travel, go with a four season model. Because they typically feature more durable fabric coatings, as well as more poles, four-season tents are designed to handle heavy snowfall and high winds without collapsing. Of course, four-season tents exact a weight penalty of about 10 to 20 percent in trade for their strength and durability. They also tend to be more expensive.

Domes, Tunnels and Sacks
Tents are broadly categorized into two types, freestanding, which can stand up on their own, and those that must be staked down in order to stand upright. Freestanding tents often incorporate a dome-shaped design, and most four-season tents are constructed this way because a dome leaves no flat spots on the outer surface where snow can collect. Domes are also inherently stronger than any other design. Meanwhile, many three-season models employ a modified dome configuration called a tunnel. These are still freestanding, but they require fewer poles than a dome, use less fabric, and typically have a rectangular floor-plan that offers less storage space than a dome configuration. Many one and two-person tents are not freestanding, but they make up for it by being more lightweight. Because they use fewer poles, they can also be quicker to set up than a dome.

Size Matters
Ask yourself how many people you'd like to fit in your fabric hotel now and in the future. For soloists and minimalists, check out one-person tents. If you're a mega-minimalist, or if you have your eye on doing some big wall climbs, a waterproof-breathable bivy sack is the ticket. Some bivy sacks feature poles and stake points to give you a little more breathing room. Also, if you don't need bug protection and you want to save weight, check out open-air shelters.

Families who plan on car camping in good weather can choose from a wide range of jumbo-sized tents that will accommodate all your little ones with room to spare. A wide range of capacities is also available for three- and four-season backpacking and expedition tents. Remember, though, the bigger the tent you buy, the heavier it will be, although it's easy to break up the tent components among several people in your group. It's also helpful to compare the volume and floor-space measurements of models you're considering.

Tips for tent camping?

ishop2much

I am going camping. When I go I want my tent to be super organized what can I do to make it organized? What else are any good tips for camping? I am sharing a tent with 3 other peopel!!!!

Answer
Go to the laundry hardware housewares section of a place like K-Mart (even big drugstore chains like Walgreens have some of this stuff.) They sell collapsible nylon mesh laundry baskets with pop-up wire frames for about $5 each that are super for camping and traveling. Get one of the horizontal ones for each person. They fold flat when you aren't using them and are great for storing and toting gear. Put one at the foot of each sleeping bag to store clothes and shoes at night. Get one of the taller vertical ones and some tall trash can liners to use in it as a camp garbage can (be sure to put rocks in the bottom under the plastic bag or tie the mesh bag to a tent guy line so it doesn't blow away. ) And dedicate one horizontal one for kitchen gear and dishes.

Also, get some of the smaller flat mesh zip bags that they sell for washing lingerie and delicate clothes in the washer. These are good for stashing and organizing small items like toiletries, packs of Kleenex and other stuff you might want to keep handy near your sleeping bag. If your tent is big enough another handy storage item around camp is a backpackers net hammock (you can get them at camping and hunting supply shops or even army surplus stores.) Hang the hammock along the sidewall of the tent and you can keep clothes, towels and cooking gear off the ground and out of the way. Some camp stores even sell mini gear hammocks -- I have found a ton of uses for mesh hammocks in camp. I like to turn my sleeping bag inside out every morning and wrap it in a hammock and hang it out in the sun to freshen the bag up. You can do the same thing with laundry if you run low on clothes and have to wash out underwear, tees and socks.

In fact, I think I have so much mesh in my kit that somebody might mistake my set-up for a gill-fishing camp!

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Camping in Australia for New Years Eve?

Lexi :]

My friends and i are looking to go camping in south australia for new years eve this year (yes i know, we're planning early!). It will hopefully be a relatively big group of us anywhere from 10-15 or so 20 year olds. We'd probably be looking at somewhere down yorke peninsula, staying for about 5 days. Any ideas of what we will need to organise for this to happen? We've all been camping with school before, and we know the basics, tents etc, but is there anything specific we need for camping in south aust for a relatively large group?
Thanks :)

Answer
A list.

wilderness survival training?

Luke W

Interested in survival training, in australia. planning on a bit of a trek/camp on a friends property which is very large and runs onto a little beach. just after some ideas/advice for food/water, things to practice, starting fires, etc.

Answer
You want to focus on Water, Fire, Shelter, Food. I would bring tents, food, a lighter, and water with you so you have it in case you cant do any of the survival techniques. I`d try and get you hands on as many books as possible. Tom Brown has written several excellent survival books. The US army survival manual is also very good. Look online at amazon.com
http://m4040.com/Survival/Survival.htm

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How to assemble a big family camping tent?

Stella

I have ordered a 8 man family tent at an online store and I wonder how to assemble such a big tent? Will it cost too much time to setup?

Answer
1. Choose a level site that is free of rocks, sticks and other debris. Spread the tent out with the floor side down. Unzip all doors.

2. Extend the tent poles by pulling out each section and inserting it into the metal ferrules. Start in the middle of the pole to reduce tension on the internal string. Set the extended poles aside.

3. Locate the center hub on the center roof of the tent. If it is not already attached to your tent model, attach it with an "s" hook.

4. Take one tent pole and slide it through one of the sleeves on the tent wall. Insert the top of the pole into one of the openings in the center hub. Repeat with the remaining tent poles.

5. Enter the tent and lift the roof by raising the center hub. The roof and tent poles will be off of the ground. One adult stays in the tent while the other works outside. Flex one of the tent poles and place the free end into the metal pin at the base of the tent. The tent pole should follow the seam line of the tent. Repeat with the remaining tent poles.

6. Attach the tent to the tent pole frame. Clip the plastic clips that are sewn to the tent walls to the tent poles. If your tent has Velcro straps instead of clips, attach the Velcro straps to the tent pole frame.

7. Stake down the tent by inserting the tent stakes through the stake loops at each corner of the tent. Pull the tent floor even and tight. Hammer the stakes into the ground at a 45 degree angle.

8. Attach the rain fly. Place the rain fly over the tent. Attach the hooks on the corners of the rain fly to the metal rings on the tent corners. If your rain fly has an additional fly pole, slide it through the sleeve at the edge of the rain fly awning. Insert each pole end into the grommets on each side of the door.

How to choose a family camping tent?

Sam

I have never bought this kind of product before. What features should I look for when choosing a family tent?

Answer
How many people will be in
Excellent durability
Fully waterproof
Lightweight plus carry bag
Inner tents are made of breathable polyester and fully sewn in groundsheet
The door can be set up as awning
Good quality with years warranty
Easy to set up

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