One of the reasons we camp is because we enjoy maximizing experiences while also being frugal. But, being frugal is only one part of what we try to teach our kids about money.
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Author: Ryan McElhany
Ryan McElhany uses his expertise in marketing and public relations to help drive enrollment in higher education. During more than a decade as Director of Marketing & Public Relations, Ryan implemented campaigns to boost awareness for businesses and universities. He also served in management for public entertainment, promotion, and business-to-business marketing. Ryan also teaches business, marketing, management information systems and website design.
But, beyond the professional 9-5 is a guy who loves the outdoors. Pop-up camping, hiking and exploring are great ways to find clarity and inspiration. MacBeTrippin is a blog that documents those adventures and shares helpful tips with aspiring campers.
Trippin Cool: Crystal Kayaks
With our trip to Florida coming up this summer, including stops at Biscayne National Park, Dry Tortuga National Park, and Everglades National Park, I’ve been planning to take the inflatable kayak along.
If I had the discretionary income, or if they wanted to let me demo one, I would love to try one of these fantastic Crystal Kayaks instead.
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Camper DIY: Gash in the Front Corner
When I bought our second new-to-us pop-up camper, this gash was one of the blemishes on the front corner. I credit this gash for being the reason no one had purchased the camper before we had a chance. Some folks saw a major flaw. I saw an opportunity to save money.
This was after I had already put plywood backing to support the sheet metal.
In a previous post about buying used pop-ups, I talked about how to get a great deal on a used pop-up campers. In short, it helps to know a bit about how easy or hard certain repairs are to make.
This particular gash looked like someone had a 2×4 fly out of the bed of a pickup and pierce the metal and plywood.
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My first camp hack was a redneck air conditioner that went horribly wrong…
It was our first camping trip. We had planned for weeks, and we were getting ready to take Addie and Emmie on a quick trip down to the state park in Glenn Rose, TX.
LaShera had borrowed a family tent from a friend. The temperatures were warm. And we didn’t relish being in a tent during a Texas summer without some sort of insurance against the heat.
So, I decided to tackle my first, cheap, DIY camping project — a redneck air conditioner for $25.
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I hate those little green propane bottles. Here’s why…
The Little Green Gremlins
Did you know that an estimated 40 million 1-pound propane gas cylinders are sold in North America each year? The cylinders are used in camping stoves, lanterns, tailgating grills, welding equipment and more. You have probably seen those little green bottles lining the shelves at home supply stores.
Just like other conveniently packaged consumer goods, they are used and discarded without a second thought. The cylinders are left behind at campgrounds and parks, or worse, disposed of in dumpsters. Many people don’t realize the risks to others if disposed of incorrectly. Even a small remnant of liquid propane can lead to combustion.
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Video: Maiden Voyage of our New (Used) Pop-up Camper
It is always exciting to take a new pop-up camper into the wild. We upgraded our pop-up back at the beginning of January. After a few modifications and fixes here and there, we took a long President’s Day weekend to get use to the new digs.
Watch this special video for a look at the inside of our camper and a taste of how we kick it. In particular, watch to learn how Libbie’s first experience with Kayaking went. (Hint: not well.)
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The day after Valentine’s Day, I got rid of the old winch, and here’s why…
Playlist: Valentine’s Day — Travel, Nature, Distance & Longing
Beginning in 2013, I started crafting Valentine’s Day playlists for my lovely wife, LaShera. It started as a cute idea and has since become an annual tradition.
She waits patiently every year until exactly February 14 before peeking at the fresh list. That’s quite the act of self control, considering we share a Spotify account, and she has 364 days to watch its contents grow.
Those lists will only ever become public if she decides to share them.
However, revisiting the lists this year, I noticed recurring themes related to travel, locations, nature, distance and longing. So, I thought I would share a special list with you, pulling from those tracks related to those themes.
You won’t find the traditional love songs and ballads. These aren’t your typical “greatest of 90s love songs.” These are tracks specially curated for my one and only, from my eclectic musical tastes.
More than anything, this is a tribute to my greatest travel companion — my wife. The opening song is decidedly not related to the theme. However, it holds a special place for me, so I thought it would be worthy as the starter. Enjoy.
NOTE: I always promise to give warning if lists may not be intended for the full family. And, given the flirty nature of that special relationship of a husband to wife, a few of these songs, are not designed for a family car sing-along. But, if it’s you and your significant other, turn it up and enjoy.
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$1,145 is the average cost per person for family vacations!!! Here are 9 ways to save money…
According to American Express and Forbes, the average cost per person for a family vacation is $1,145 for a 7 day trip.
For a family of 4, that breaks down to:
- Average cost: $4,580
- Daily cost for the family: $654.29
- Daily cost per person: $163.57
If a vacation was that expensive, our family would most certainly stay home.
Of course, if you follow MacBeTrippin, you know that we don’t stay home. We take 3-4 weeks each summer to travel 4,000-5,000 miles.
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Oh how embarrassing! The most awkward moment of our California trip…
There are few pleasures in this world that rival espresso. Campfire coffee from the percolator is fine most mornings. And our little hand grinder does a fantastic job. But, sometimes I find myself craving a good, stout, fruity espresso.
Quite often, our 3-4-week camp itinerary includes local espresso joints. I meticulously scout the ones with top reviews and the best hipster vibes. Only 1 in 3 cups matches my expectations. But, I enjoy the hunt.
In 2017, we were on a 4-week journey through California. As we entered Fresno, I had that familiar craving. We stopped off to get groceries, and I wanted some caffeine.
I pulled out my phone and did a simple search. There were two choices near us. One of them was better reviewed than the other, and it was a drive-up espresso joint. Since we were towing the pop-up behind us, the drive-up seemed a better option than parking in a cramped lot.
So, off we headed to Bottoms Up Coffee.
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