The RV Furnace and Cold Weather Camping

With the end of summer many people either head south or put their RV in storage until spring. But for winter camping, or cool mornings in the spring and late fall, a well maintained RV furnace is the easiest, safest and most effective way to heat your RV.

The older your RV is the more important routine maintenance becomes. Furnaces more than 5 years old should be inspected yearly by a certified RV technician.

Routine monthly inspection is a simple process, and can be done by you. The following is a list of what to inspect, and how to do it:

• Check your exterior vent If you find soot, your furnace is experiencing improper combustion. This is a sign of a carbon monoxide problem. Take to a RV service center for inspection and repair before you use the furnace again.
• Check your interior return air vents. They should be free of dust and not obstructed.
• Look at the furnace case (remove the return air vent). Vacuum any dust and dirt you see. Dust build up here will work into the interior switches and furnace blower motor and will prevent your furnace running at top efficiency.
• Check the heating ducts. They should be clean with no obstructions. Pay special attention to the duct connections at the furnace and the condition of the ducting. Cracked or loose ducting will cause warm air leaks, and inefficient heating. Dried or cracked ducting should be replaced.
• Test your carbon monoxide detector. If your RV is not equipped with one, get one! It is a cheep life insurance policy.

Your RV furnace operates on the 12 volt system so you don't need to be hooked up to electric to use it. Remember to have a generator, a charger, or an extra battery available because the furnace will drain the battery. The furnace is the biggest user of LP of all the appliances in your RV, so make sure your tanks are full before leaving on your trip, and check your propane level often while your furnace is in use.

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Using Stuff Sacks For Your Sleeping Bag

When I was just starting out hiking and camping I used to pack my sleeping bag loose into the backpack or even tie it on the outside. It took me 3 trips before I started using stuff sacks to store my sleeping bag. These cylindrical shaped nylon, usually waterproof, enclosures protect your bag from unnecessary wear and tear and also from the rain.

Material

Most stuff sacks are made of newer fabrics like coated polyester and ultralight silicone-impregnated nylon.

While the material itself is waterproof, the drawstring closure in most stuff sacks is not so be careful about getting it into water and if you tie your sleeping bag to the outside of your backpack make sure you at least cover the drawstring closure with a waterproof material to protect against rain. A plastic bag will do in most cases.

Newer stuff sacks like the eVac Dry Sack from Sea To Summit don't use drawstring closures but instead you roll the sack down and then close the buckle. This accomplishes two things. First, when you roll the sack down air is pushed out of the base so water can't get in. Second, it allows you to save both space and weight. The weight saving though is not such a big deal. You only save a little bit of weight but the space saving is much appreciated.

The lightest stuff sacks are made of silicone-impregnated nylon parachute cloth. It can be as light as 0.5 oz or even less. GoLite employs this type of material and they made an improvement to the drawstring closure by adding a collar instead of just a drawstring and flap configuration. Outdoor Research on the other hand uses a good waterproof fabric called Hydroseal. This fabric is tough and can handle rough use but still limp enough to mold itself to the contents of the sack. This stuff sack is available in the drawstring-flap configuration as well as roll closure secured with Velcro bindings.

Compression and Size

Most stuff sack suppliers have some sort of compression model with straps, laces or double drawstrings that reduces the volume by up to half. You can also stuff in your down jacket or parka together with the sleeping bag into the sack. Make sure that yours is big enough for you to easily put in whatever you intend to put in.

Don't get a small stuff sack just because you think it would save you space because in most cases you'll just have unused, wasted space in your backpack as a result. Another problem is that even if you can cram your sleeping bag and other stuff into the sack when you're at home, doing so in less than ideal conditions on an empty stomach with the cold wind biting at you can turn it into a monstrous task. Get one that's big enough to take its load with extra room to spare, leaving it soft, malleable and easy to stuff. I use Outdoor Research Hydroseal DryComp Sacks but I'm thinking of getting the eVac Dry Sack from Sea to Summit for myself.

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Camping Water Filters - What To Look For In A Portable Water Filter

If you are travelling a lot around the world and never certain whether the local water will be safe to drink or not then getting a portable filter can be a great solution. Not only will you be able to drink the water safely but it'll also taste a lot better too!

If you are going to be camping around the world then even seemingly simple this like cleaning your teeth in the morning can become difficult without clean and safe water. Sometimes you won't be sure whether the water is safe, and sometimes you'll know it is definitely not. In either case it pays to be on the safe side by using some sort of water purification system.

What To Look For In A Portable Water Filter

Water filters are not all as good as each other. Some will simply make the water taste better, while others will purify it. You need to make sure exactly what the filter does and what it doesn't do. While a filter that makes the water tastes better might be handy, one that makes the water clean and safe to drink is much more useful if you are going to travel the world camping.

You'll also need to make sure that the filter is compact and easy to carry around. It needs to be convenient as you'll probably b taking it everywhere, you don't want it to become a hassle.

Another important point is how much water the filter will work with before it needs to be replaced. If you are going to be going away for a long time you may need to take a supply of them to last you the whole trip.

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5 Tips On How To Save Money On Airfare ?

I don't know about you, but I just about drive myself crazy trying to find the best deal on airfare every time I want to take a trip. I bounce back and forth between all of the different discount websites, only to find a five dollar difference. Hardly worth all the stress, right?

Well, what if I told you that I do have some tried and true tips that I always use to save on airfare? These tips should help save you some stress the next time you have to search for plane tickets.

1.Be flexible. Nothing is worse on your travel budget than having to leave or come back on a specific day. This limits your choices and you're likely to be stuck with a high airfare price. But if you simply pick a destination and remain open about dates or times, you'll have a wider range of prices to choose from.

2.Avoid traveling on holidays. It's often difficult to get cheap airfare around the holidays because airlines know that there is a greater demand for tickets. Everyone wants to use that "free day off" from work to reduce the number of vacation days that they use up. However, you'll sometimes make up for that with cheaper tickets at other times.

3.Sign up for alerts. Many airlines and discount travel sites offer an alert program. When you sign up, you get emails letting you know when your favorite destinations go on sale.

4.Ask for a refund if the fare decreases. Some airlines and sites will refund a portion of your money if the fare on your flight decreases. This deal is only good if the fares on your specific flight drop, not if you simply find a cheaper fare.

5.Join rewards programs. Airlines have frequent flier clubs that can earn you free tickets. While it's often hard to get these tickets, you can also use your points to move up to first class.

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How to Plan Cheap Weekend Getaways

Most of the people love to travel and they spend a lot of money for their trips. However, there are some people who are highly-conscious about their budget. They always want to keep check on their traveling expenses. In the true sense, without spending much money, people can have enjoyable and exciting travel experiences. But for this, trip planning should be done in advance and have to select cheap weekend getaways.

Some of the most useful tips that can be followed while organizing a budget tour are mentioned below:

1. Chalk out your plan in advance- In order to have a hassle-free travel experience, it is always advisable to plan a trip in advance. This saves travelers' time as well as money.

2. Staying longer in a particular hotel- The more days you stay in one hotel, the more you can apply your negotiating power on the hotel staff. After staying for a long time in a same hotel, often it is seen that the hotel staff are offering some discounts on your accommodation bill.

3. Always have a backup plan- It may happen that due to some unavoidable circumstances, you are unable to visit a place, which was earlier included in your trip list. In that case you should be ready to switch to other destinations. So, it is always better to have a back-up plan, or else this newly-made plan may create a lot of trouble and will increase the travelers tour expense.

4. Try to visit those places which are closely situated beside your hotel- This really helps to save the travelers' transportation cost and time. There is no doubt in the fact that short trips offer pure entertainment at the most affordable price.

5. Try to understand your priorities- Some of the travelers like to stay at good hotels, whereas, some others may think that accommodation is not more important than food. On the other hand, there may be some travelers, who are not ready to miss out any of the tourist spots located at that particular city. So, first try to understand which are the things you will prioritize and then plan your budget accordingly.

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6 Tips to Save Money When Booking a Vacation Through Your Travel Agency

With an uncertain economy and, for many, an uncertain future, some people are opting to put off vacations. Despite the potential problems on the horizon, that does not have to be the case. When you work with a travel agency, you can save a lot of money. Almost anyone can afford to travel if they follow these six tips when booking a vacation through a travel agency:

Tip #1: Be clear that you're on a very tight budget.

If you want to save money when you vacation, your best bet is to tell your travel agent that from the start. There is little to be gained by hiding the fact that you want to travel on a shoestring budget. Furthermore, be really clear about what that budget is, since "inexpensive" to one person is not cheap to another. The clearer you are about your price range, the better. That way, your travel agent can put together a vacation package that you can afford, not work for a long time on something that doesn't even come close to your budget.

Tip #2: Have flexible travel dates and times.

The more options you give your travel agent when it comes to your vacation dates, the better. Flights tend to change prices drastically over the weekend, so moving your vacation just two or three days could save you hundreds of dollars. Avoiding holidays is also good. When you're flexible, your travel agent can also barter for hotel rooms, show tickets, and so forth with other companies in the travel industry. For example, if your travel agent knows that another agent is trying to fill rooms he or she bought in a chunk for a discounted price, you can get a better deal on one of those rooms. Give your travel agent a bit of wiggle room to negotiate. Likewise, if you are willing to travel at undesirable times, like in the early morning hours or overnight, you may be able to get a cheaper deal, at least on the transportation costs.

Tip #3: Ask for a cheaper version of your dream vacation.

During your initial meeting with your travel agent, have an open mind when it comes to destination. Talk about your dream vacation spot, but then hear out your agent on places that are similar but not as expensive. For example, say you want to visit Aspen for a gorgeous ski vacation. It might be less expensive (but just as fun) to go skiing at one of the resorts in Vermont. You might feel like your compromising too much, but think about your destination choices long and hard. If it is just the name holding you back, you might want to just let go and take a risk on the less expensive location. You might have just as much fun if you stay open-minded

Tip #4: Stay in the United States.

Work with a travel agent who books domestic trips so that you can stay in the United States. In most cases, you should save money on transportation since you will not have to travel as far. You may also be able to travel without documentation, as long as you have a picture ID. When you travel out of the country, you need a passport at the very least, and you may need a visa, certain vaccinations, or other travel documents as well. When you stay in the United States, you should also not have to worry about added cell phone expenses to make calls, losing money on the exchange rate, or paying top dollar to take your luggage with you.

Tip #5: Be willing to do some of the planning yourself.

The whole reason you use a travel agent is to avoid having to do the planning work yourself, but if you compromise on that a bit, you may be able to save money. Instead of working with a travel agent who plans every last detail, get someone that is a little less expensive and just book your flight and hotel through the agent. When it comes to the other stuff, like getting tickets to an event or making restaurant reservations, you can do the work yourself.

Tip #6: Organize a group tour.

A great way to save money on your vacation is to organize a tour through your travel agency. Group rates will apply, but more importantly, the person who organized the vacation typically gets to travel for free. The down side of that is that you have to commit to finding a certain number of people who will go on vacation with you, which can be hard. You are also responsible for them if they do not pay, and you have to, essentially, share you vacation. However, this is a great way to save money and make sure that you can still travel, even if you are on a budget.

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Finding cheap cruises - Internet Could Be The Source

Finding cheap cruises has never been easier than it is now. The internet has totally changed the way that all travel businesses are able to market and sell their services for less, and cruise carriers are leading the way in their pursuit to help travelers take affordable vacations. In the past, if you wanted to take a cruise you'd have to book your trip directly through a travel agency but now the internet makes it possible to skip the middle man and book your trip through an online cruise booking website or directly with the carrier on their own website. This means more savings and fewer headaches for you the traveler.

Should I use a cruise booking website or book direct?

Cruise booking websites offer an easy way for even the most inexperienced traveler to locate cheap cruise deals and take advantage of valuable articles and guides on how to make the most of your trip. These websites will allow you to select the carrier of your choice, the cruise liner, destination, and other specific information that you enter and get pricing feedback from cruise wholesalers or directly from the carriers themselves, in seconds.

The benefits of using a cruise booking site

- You have access to a large number of cruse companies

- You can take advantage of cheap cruise prices that are only offered online or directly through that particular site

- You may be able to purchase a last minute cruise package for a deal

Booking directly through the cruise company's website is also a great way to get your cruise information and to take advantage of exclusive deals. Often cruise companies will offer deals on inaugural cruises and cruises that are experiencing slow booking. You may also be able to take advantage of membership programs that can save you money, especially if you plan on cruising again in the near future.

The benefits of booking your cheap cruise direct

- You are getting your information directly from the company itself

- You can view itineraries, pictures, and even brochures that are current

- You will have direct access to the cruise line's customer service department and not a representative of the travel agency if you need to speak with someone regarding a cruise or your reservations

If you want to take advantage of cheap cruises then use the internet to book your next trip.

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Cheap Budget Manila Hotels Of Philippines in Asia

There have been many studies conducted about travel, and research shows that a good portion of the population make their travel plans on the fly, deciding at the eleventh hour where to go and what to do. If your last minute travel plans take you to the Philippines in Asia, then don't hesitate to book at Last Minute Manila Hotels: these budget hotels can provide guests with quality accommodations even moments before your flight.

Because last minute travel plans require spending less time on planning and gets travelers more concentrated on getting to their destination, it is imperative that the process of booking all of the necessities be as swift as can be. From the airline tickets to car rentals and to the hotel rooms, everything needs to be taken care of as quickly as humanly possible.

For the above purpose, the Internet is of great help. Travelers can look up sites that cater to booking last minute hotel reservations and last minute flights. Usually, such booking sites are partnered with each other, allowing the traveler to avail of special discounted packages that can cover their accommodation and transportation. The world wide web makes this kind of convenience possible.

It is, however, important for travelers to keep in mind that these last minute bookings are subject to availability, and the schedules could very well be tentative. This is why those who are traveling at the last minute should be flexible with their schedule. Their reservations could be bumped up or down by days or weeks, because rooms may not always be available due to advanced reservations by other guests.

Getting affordable last minute hotel rooms does not mean guests will have to make do with substandard accommodations. In fact, guests could be in for very surprising bargains as they can get hold of very high-quality rooms at a considerably lower price than the standard hotel rates. Such discount hotels in Manila guarantee the quality of their lodgings as well as the quality of their service.

Manila's cheap hotels have spacious and fully-furnished rooms that are sure to meet the expectations of the discerning guest. Comfortable beds, warm showers and bathtubs, and cavernous living areas await the weary traveler. To enrich one's experience, a bevy of multimedia and connectivity implements are put into place-cable television, broadband wireless internet, and international direct dial phones allow the guest to stay in touch with everyone and everything.

From the guest's hotel room, one can access the entirety of Manila and its surrounding metropolis, from Makati to Ortigas to Quezon City. Everything one needs is within reach, whether it's a restaurant, bank, shopping mall, or art gallery. These budget Manila hotels also have prime locations with convenient access to transportation and major city streets.

Last Minute Manila Hotels allow last minute travel plans leeway for improvisation without sacrificing quality and satisfaction. Nothing beats being prepared, and travelers can stay on top of their accommodations even if they so suddenly decide to leave for Manila. With quality and speedy reservations, there's no need to think twice-book now for your cheap, good and discounted Manila accommodation to experience the thrills of spontaneity.

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How Can You Get The Best Discount Travel Deals in 2009

Back in the day travel was generally considered a luxury but today things have changed dramatically. Everyday you will see discount travel deals being advertised. With that said, just because there are lots of discount travel deals does not mean that you may end up paying more than you need to. There is also the possibility that where you would like to travel may be expensive.

So if like me you love to travel, then what can you do to get best travel deal possible? During this article I am going to cover some discount travel tips that may be of use to use. Flexibility is one of those tips, the more flexible you are the more likely you will get the better deal.

Many of the discount travel sites will even ask you if your travel dates are flexible in order to get you cheaper airline tickets or hotel reservations. The more flexible you are the more likely you will get a better deal. The point is this; if your itinerary is not fixed then you can get a better price.

It is also a good idea to visit forums or communities where discount travel is being discussed, some folks in these online communities have great ideas when it comes to getting good travel deals. You could also get a travel membership where you can be kept up to date on the latest vacation packages that are available at a discount.

In today's current economic climate demand for travel is decreasing and as a result prices are being reduced, it may be a good idea to sign up for Google news and input the keyword, "discount travel", then everyday you will get news results for various discount travel tips and packages.

Also do not rule out your local travel agent, they are in business to find good travel packages for their customers. Last but not least doing the opposite of what everyone else does can be a good idea when it comes to getting cheap prices on flights and hotels, in other words traveling in the off season.

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