5 Reasons Why Camping Should Be Your Next Vacation

5 Reasons Why Camping Should Be Your Next Vacation

Camping is a great vacation choice for families and couples. It is an activity that you can do on almost any budget regardless of where you live.

The world is full of beautiful places to explore and plenty of national parks, national forests, lakes, and more. Therefore, it’s easy to pick a camping location with a lot of scenic views. Plus, there’s always a level of tranquility when you get back to nature.

Even if your children or other family members are hesitant about camping at first, they are bound to enjoy their time outdoors with you. Listed below are five benefits you’ll enjoy if you go camping with your family or significant other.

5 Reasons Why Camping Should be Your Next Vacation

1. Affordability

Family Camping

If you’re strapped for cash due to rising costs, camping is an affordable way to take a vacation. If you already have camping gear, you won’t have to spend much money to take your family into the great outdoors. Cash for gas, food, and a few other supplies is all you need to make a long weekend into a fun trip your family will remember for years to come. Plus, once you purchase the necessary items, you’ll have all the gear needed for more fun trips.

You can find campsites that are free or for a minimal cost per night, depending on the location. There are some state parks that may charge a nightly fee per tent. A great place to find incredible camping locations by visiting campspot.com or simply searching on google “Camping Near Me”.


2. Teach Basic Life Skills

Kids Gathering firewood

Camping isn’t just fun; it can also be a great time to teach useful lessons to your kids. Your children can learn useful survival skills that they can utilize throughout their life and even pass on to their kids one day. Skills including building a fire, fishing, and other camping activities can be enjoyable ways for kids to learn and feel useful.

Have your children help you set up your camping tent, help you cook over the fire, or gather firewood. Children love to learn and enjoy helping when they feel like they’re a part of a team effort.

3. Enjoy Nature

Kids Gathering firewood

Living a life primarily indoors can be draining and can even rob you of your imagination or being able to problem solve. Getting out and enjoying the fresh air and natural views allows you to refresh and recharge.

Forget about your cramped cubicle, and stuffy home office, and head out into the great outdoors. Get in touch with nature again, breathe the fresh air, and find peace by sitting next to a calming lake or observing the wildlife with your family.

Many family vacations can be exhausting. For example, heading to an amusement park like Disney with children and fighting crowds of people is a difficult, expensive, and stressful endeavor. But if you go camping, you’ll return feeling refreshed, your kids will learn new skills, and all will have lasting memories of being in the great outdoors.

4. Exercise

Kids Gathering firewood

When you camp you won’t be spending your vacation time sedentary. Camping requires a ton of physical activity. Building tents, fires, hiking the trails, and bike riding are all intense physical activities that will keep you and your family healthy and alert.

Choosing a vacation with a lot of activity is especially important if you feel your children are spending too much time being inactive at home. Get your kids away from the television and video games and instill in them that activity and exercise can be fun. That brings us to our next reason to choose camping as your next vacation.

5. Break from Technology

Kids Gathering firewood

In the modern world, there is almost no place you can completely escape from technology. Therefore, going out into nature where there is little to no cell signal will keep your kids off their hand-held devices.

It’s important to take time away from technology to recharge and center yourself as well. Spending time away from technology will increase your focus, imagination, and attention span as well as your kids.

It’s time to allow your brain to feel refreshed in the quiet outdoors.

Final Thoughts

For your next vacation, choose to relax in nature and take a step back from the hustle and bustle of the modern world. Camping is a great getaway option to save money, get exercise, and come back home feeling refreshed.


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5 Reasons Why Camping Should be Your Next Vacation
5 Reasons Why Camping Should be Your Next Vacation
4 Ways to Paint Your RV Cabinets with No Prep Work

4 Ways to Paint Your RV Cabinets with No Prep Work

Paint Your RV Cabinets with NO Prep | If you’re on the market or just recently purchased an RV of any kind, you probably are aware of the outdated or dark interiors that have plagued RVs for years.

However, due to some very inspirational and talented individuals, renovating your RV has been a very popular task among campers.

One of the biggest renovations many choose to do is to re-paint the dark cabinets a different color.

However, many of the cabinets are actually covered in contact paper that makes it difficult for paint to stick.

I’ve heard and read horror stories of RVer’s sanding, priming, and painting their cabinets only for their hard work to peel right off. This can be extremely frustrating!

4 Ways to Paint RV Cabinets with NO Prep Work

But have no fear!

There are ways to paint your cabinets without sanding or priming. You will probably want to tape to prevent paint from places you don’t want it, but other than that you can achieve an RV cabinet paint remodel without all the hard work.

Here are 4 ways you can paint your RV cabinets in no particular order because they all are great and will get the job done!

1. Chalk Paint with a Tough Coat Sealer

One option you can use is chalk paint.

We chose to use chalk paint on our cabinets because I knew I didn’t want to do any sanding or priming. Personally, I hate all that prep work!

Plus, chalk paint is very low in VOC and is great if you’re painting on the go or renovating while also living in the space. There are plenty of color options that you can also mix to create a color of your own desire. We chose to use The Spruce Best Home Chalk Paint by KILZ in white bead board and dark grey for our bathroom and kitchen island.

Now, chalk paint is a matte finish and can chip very easily as well as not being resistant to stains. This can make it difficult if you don’t seal the paint with a tough coat. This Tough Coat by Country Chic sealer is a chalk paint lifesaver. It provides a protective layer that provides a satin sheen, is stain resistant, and makes the cabinets easy to wash off any spills or dirt.

2. Beyond Paint

Beyond paint is an all-in-one option that can be used for furniture, cabinets, and even countertops. There are 16 matte colors, 3 metallic colors, and a satin sheen sealer to keep your project beautiful for a long time.

Just like the chalk paint, you don’t need to sand or prime to prepare your RV cabinets for Beyond paint. You do want to clean them and make sure they are free from dirt, oil, or wax to make sure the paint sticks and goes on smoothly.

Beyond paint is also an eco-friendly low-VOC option just like chalk paint.

3. Nuvo Cabinet Paint Kits

Nuvo Cabinet Paint kits are another great option to choose from. It is a little cheaper than the other two and comes with the tools that you will need to paint, however, it does require some sanding for the product to adhere properly.

The Nuvo does have some advantages including no need for a topcoat sealer because it is built into the paint, 1 kit covers 100 sqft of cabinetry, has a beautiful satin finish, and comes in a variety of colors.

You can purchase these kits on Amazon and other home improvement stores like Lowes and Home Depot.

4. Heirloom Traditions All-In-One-Paint

Very similar to Beyond Paint, the Heirloom Traditions All-In-One-Paint is a very popular option for many DIY’ers and RV’ers to use on their cabinets remodel. There is no need to sand, prime, seal or strip the surfaces before using this paint.

The only prep work is to clean from dust or grime. There is also no need to seal the paint with a tough coat because it’s built-in. Each color has a finished satin sheen that is perfect for cabinets and other types of furniture.

Final Thoughts

Remodeling your RV can be a time-consuming task to take on, however, I hope painting the cabinets seems easier than ever before with these amazing paint options.

I know for us, removing the need to sand and prime saved us so much time! I don’t know if I will ever sand or prime cabinets ever again when I know there are great options that don’t require it and offer beautiful and durable finishes.

If you would like to see some gorgeous RV kitchen remodels for inspiration, check out our post 30 RV Kitchen Remodels That Will Inspire the Interior Designer in You!

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4 Ways to Paint RV Cabinets with NO Prep Work
4 Ways to Paint RV Cabinets
18 Incredible Vacation Rentals on Lake Travis in Austin, Texas

18 Incredible Vacation Rentals on Lake Travis in Austin, Texas

Lake Front Rentals in Austin, Texas | Looking for a dreamy property to take your family or friends on a relaxing vacation with fun activities for everyone and gorgeous views?

You’re in the right place!

Below are 18 of the most incredible rentals that are right on Lake Travis.

If you didn’t know, Lake Travis is one of the prettiest lakes in Texas, situated in the Hill Country just outside of Austin.

It draws in thousands of people including Celebrities like Matthew McConaughey.

So grab your favorite people, check out these incredible VRBO rentals, and plan your fun-filled vacation to Austin, Texas!
Vacation Rentals on Lake Travis (1)

 Exploring New Sights is a VRBO Affiliate. I earn from qualified reservations and stays at no extra cost to you. All images are provided by VRBO.com.

1. Little Lanai

Perched high above the main basin of Lake Travis, the Little Lanai is a perfect spot to get away from it all or be near the lake and close to Austin. A great house for family and friends to get away and enjoy each other’s company.

Accommodations

  • Stunning Views
  • Sleeps 10
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 3 Baths
  • Fireplace
  • Hot Tub
  • Pool
  • Outdoor Grill
  • Wrap Around Deck w/Outdoor Seating
  • Chef Service & Masseuse available for extra

Hosted by: James Alvarez – VRBO Premier Host

2. Home on the Main Basin

A fantastic 4,000 sqft home located right on the water of Lake Travis is perfect for a summer getaway with fun-filled activities for everyone.

Accommodations

  • Sleeps 8 guests
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 4 Full Bathrooms
  • Dock with Diving Board
  • 27′ Sea Ray 250 SLX Boat (qualified driver required)
  • Wakeboards/Water Skis/Tube
  • Paddle Boards
  • Swimming Pool & Hot Tub
  • Pool Table & Ping Pong
  • Outdoor living space with TV
  • Chef Service & Masseuse available for extra
  • Much More!

Hosted by: Shawn Bradley – Premier Host

3. The Cottage at Paradise Cove

A perfect getaway for small families, close friends, or even an intimate special occasion. Enjoy a gorgeous view while relaxing by the pool or at the outdoor stone fireplace. You’re guaranteed to love every bit of this property!

Accommodations

  • Sleeps 14 guests
  • 4 Bedrooms – 7 beds
  • 3 Full Baths
  • Pool/Spa Hot Tub
  • Outdoor living space w/ Grill
  • Outdoor Stone Firepit
  • Lake Access
  • Boat Rental Nearby

Hosted by: JW Properties – Premier Host 

4. Heart of Spicewood

A gorgeous modern farmhouse situated right on the lake with impeccable views and fun-filled activities for the entire family or group of friends.

Accommodations

  • 18 guests
  • 7 Bedrooms – 13 Beds
  • 5 Bathrooms
  • Hot Tub & Pool
  • Lake Access
  • 2 Sea-Doo Sparx Trix
  • Paddleboard to rent
  • Fire Pit
  • Boat Rental, In-Home Chef, & Child Care Recommendations are Available

Hosted by: Austin – Premier Host

5. A Resort Style Vacation Home

Rest and relax at this magnificent resort-style home with amenities that will have you and the entire group never wanting to leave with the gorgeous lake view, pool, hot tub, games, and more!

Accommodations

  • Sleeps 17 guests
  • 5 Bedrooms – 13 Beds total
  • 4 Bathrooms
  • Hot Tub
  • Swimming Pool
  • Pool Table/Ping Pong
  • Kids Area/Bunkbeds
  • Outdoor Living space with Firepit
  • Shared Amenities including Golf, Fitness Center, & More

Hosted by: Walker Luxury Vacation Rentals

6. Villa Soleil

The Villa Soleil is the perfect getaway for large gatherings to have an incredible vacation. This rental on Lake Travis has tons of fun activities for all ages including a Pool Table, Shuffleboard, Cornhole, and much more!

Accommodations

  • 2900 sqft
  • Sleeps 16 guests
  • 4 Bedrooms – 11 Beds
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • 11 Person Hot Tub
  • Swimming Pool
  • Outdoor Fire Pit with seating for 10
  • Shuffleboard
  • Ping Pong/Pool Table
  • Cornhole
  • Outdoor Living Space
  • Lake Access and More!

Hosted by: Jackie W – Premier Host

7. Gaigerosa del Lago

Rest and relax at this Spanish-style rental on Lake Travis. Enjoy the gorgeous views with a drink in your hand as you relax in the pool. A great home for an Adult getaway!

Accommodations

  • 11 Guests
  • 4 Bedrooms – 8 Beds
  • 5 Bathrooms
  • Pool Table
  • Swimming Pool
  • Hot Tub
  • Propane Grill
  • Outdoor Living Room
  • Gorgeous View and More!

Hosted by: JW Properties

8. Nestled in the Trees

Looking for a private vacation home right on the water with tons of activities? Then this home is the perfect place to get away with an acre of trees that will have you feeling secluded and relaxed!

Accommodations

  • 9 Guests
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Hot Tub
  • Swimming Pool
  • Kayaks for Adults & Kids
  • Ping Pon Table
  • Outdoor Grill
  • And More!

Hosted by: Kathy Langer – Premier Host

9. Picturesque Point

Picturesque Point is an impeccable rental home on Lake Travis that will have you never wanting to leave. With views that go on and amenities that will make feel like you’re at a resort.

Accommodations

  • 16 Guests
  • 5 Bedrooms – 11 Beds
  • 5 Bathrooms
  • Swimming Pool
  • Hot Tub
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Air Hockey Table
  • Outdoor Grill
  • Incredible Views

Hosted by: Renters-Club | Premier Host

10. ACME Ranch

Situated on 74 acres of lakefront property, it is the perfect getaway home for larger gatherings. You can rent the entire ranch and never get bored with all the games and activities on site.

Accommodations

  • 30 Guests
  • 5 Bedrooms – 26 Beds
  • 5 Bathrooms
  • Outdoor Large Chess Game
  • Horseshoe Pit
  • Basketball Hoop
  • Bicycles
  • Hot Tub
  • Swimming Pool
  • Pool Table
  • And, So Much More!

Hosted by: Kathi Miles – Reservation Assistant

11. The Estate on Lake Travis

The ultimate rental and location for a gorgeous and intimate wedding or vowel renewal. This estate has the ability to sleep up to 45 guests with separate suites for privacy and includes tons of activities for all ages.

Accommodations

  • 6,500 sqft
  • 45 Guests
  • 10 Bedrooms – 24 Beds
  • 8 Bathrooms
  • Swimming Pool/Hot Tub
  • Outdoor Fire Pit
  • Tetherball
  • Volleyball net
  • Pool Table
  • Yard Games
  • Boat Dock
  • And, More!

Hosted by: Robert Lopez – Premier Host

12. Waterfront Estate

A 6,000 sqft waterfront rental with direct access to the lake. Bring the family, invite the friends, and enjoy this incredible home right on the water.

Accommodations

  • 12 Guests
  • 5 Bedrooms – 5 Beds
  • 6 Bathrooms
  • Swimming Pool
  • Hot Tube
  • Lake Access
  • Boat Tie Off
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Firepit
  • Only 20 Minutes to Downtown Austin

Hosted by: Jonathan Morgan – Premier Host

13. Toro Canyon

While this gorgeous modern getaway isn’t directly on the water, it is perfect for a family vacation, a girls/guys trip, or friends gathering. Plus its only 10 minutes from Austin!

Accommodations

  • 15 Guests
  • 5 Bedrooms – 9 Beds
  • 4 Bathrooms
  • Swimming Pool
  • Hot Tub
  • Basketball Court
  • Fire Pit
  • Outdoor Living & Kitchen
  • In-Ground Trampoline

Hosted by: Jake Warren – Premier Host

14. Camp Sandy

This rental on Lake Travis is the ULTIMATE vacation spot! Fun-filled activities for kids of all ages including a sand volleyball court, swimming pool with basketball hoop, and so much more!

Accommodations

  • 28 Guests
  • 8 Bedrooms – 17 Beds
  • 5 Bathrooms
  • Sand Volleyball Court
  • Swimming Pool
  • Giant Hot Tub
  • Boat Dock w/Kayaks
  • Paddle Boards
  • Giant Floating Mat
  • Tree Swings
  • Canoe
  • Pool Table
  • Shuffleboard
  • Cornhole and Much More!

Hosted by: David Pikoff – Premier Host

15. Modern Retreat at Waters Edge

Stunning views and a perfect touch of modern living with full access to Lake Travis. This private home is situated on 2 acres overlooking the water so get ready for the most stunning sunsets ever!

Accommodations

  • 20 Guests
  • 10 Bedrooms
  • 10 Bathrooms
  • Swimming Pool
  • Hot Tub
  • Movie Theater
  • Kayaks
  • Paddle Boards
  • Workout Room

Hosted by: Magdalena & Tony – Premier Host

16. The ABOVE Elite

Experience the life of Texas luxury at the ABOVE Elite rental on Lake Travis. With a private house manager, swimming pool, hot tub, and so much more you will have a relaxing getaway with your family or friends.

Accommodations

  • 18 Guests
  • 7 Bedrooms
  • 7 Bathrooms
  • Swimming Pool
  • Hot Tub
  • Boat Slip
  • Volleyball Court
  • Soccer Net
  • Basketball Hoop
  • and More!

Hosted by: ABOVE Vacation Residence – Premier Host 

17. Sunset Point

A two-level getaway that offers entertainment for all ages! Enjoy the amazing sunsets with your favorite people and make new memories that will last a lifetime.

 Accommodations

  • 20 Guests
  • 6 Bedrooms
  • 6.5 Bathrooms
  • Hot tub
  • Swimming pool
  • Gameroom
  • Shuffleboard Table
  • Boat Dock
  • Outdoor Living
  • Fireplace
  • Outdoor Kitchen and More!

Hosted by: ABOVE Vacation Residence – Premier Host

18. Sapphire Lakefront

The rental ABOVE all rentals with this impeccable 9,000 sqft estate! Experience luxurious amenities, amazing views, a private beach, two basketball hoops, and so much more!

Accommodations

  • 18 Guests
  • 6 Bedrooms
  • 7 Bathrooms
  • Swimming Pool/Hot tub
  • Private Beach
  • Ping Pon Table
  • Hammock
  • Outdoor Living
  • Outdoor Kitchen
  • Volleyball Net
  • and So Much More!

Hosted by: ABOVE Vacation Residence – Premier Host

 

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired and excited to book a trip soon to Austin, Texas to enjoy Lake Travis! It is the 5th clearest lake in Texas and draws in people from around the nation. 

Plus, these rental houses are impeccable and will make the most memorable getaway for the entire group. Have a great vacation! 

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Vacation Rentals on Lake Travis (1)
Vacation Rentals on Lake Travis
RV Remodel | Camper Turned ‘Pretty In Pink’ Glamper By Paulette

RV Remodel | Camper Turned ‘Pretty In Pink’ Glamper By Paulette

RV Remodel | From dark and dank to SUPER pretty and comfortable, Paulette’s ‘Pretty in Pink’ glamping camper is the perfect girl’s home away from home.

Her RV redesign includes just the right amount of pink with beautiful floral wallpaper, velvet pillows, and more.

Through time, sweat, and even some tears, she made the camper a beautiful place to enjoy and unwind.

Take a look below at the before images to get a glimpse of what it looked like as the dark and dank, then check out the ‘Pretty in Pink’ redesign!

 

 

RV Remodel - Pretty In Pink

Before Pictures

After Pictures

Now that you’ve seen what Paulette’s Camper looked like before, you will love the bright and inviting space that it is now.  Every small detail from the beautiful floral wallpaper to the new kitchen faucet and pink accents ties the space together perfectly.

Paulette, being a crafty creator said she made the curtains from a shower curtain cut in quarters for the bedroom area and dinette area, and flour sack towels from Target for the kitchen. You can find them from Target in the Magnolia Home and Heart collection and the tassels from Hobby Lobby.

She also made the stove cover from 24×24 plywood project wood, trimmed along the sides for height, and added beautiful handles from Hobby Lobby. The paint used is chalk and Annie Sloan brown furniture wax for details to match the wood accents around the dinette area.

Her craftiness has paid off in an amazing way! The camper is now a gorgeous ‘Pretty in Pink’ comfortable place to unwind after a long week.


RV Renovation Pretty in Pink

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed this Pretty in Pink DIY Camper turned Glamper by Paulette. She is an amazing and crafty woman to drive inspiration from.

You can check out more of your crafty designs on her Instagram and Etsy Shop.

If you would like to have your RV renovation featured on our Blog, please email me at Nissa@exploringnewsights.com

 

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RV Remodel - Pretty In Pink
Pretty in Pink RV Re model for Inspiration
RV Furniture | Top Sofas to Replace The Seating In Your RV

RV Furniture | Top Sofas to Replace The Seating In Your RV

RV Furniture | Are you looking to upgrade and replace the seating in your RV?

Is it outdated, broken, and just flat-out uncomfortable to sit or sleep on?

If you answered yes, then this post is for you!

During any RV renovation, replacing your seating is a final touch to add character, match the new décor, and make the space feel new again.

So, if you’re looking for some sofa inspiration from other RV’er’s, where to buy and more than scroll on! 🙂

But, first a few tips on what you can choose from and how to get the old couches out.

RV Sofa Ideas

Tip #1 – Measure first!!

There are many different sizes of sofas you can choose from when replacing your RV Furniture. The last thing you want is to order a couch that is too large or too small for the space.

Our couch is 65 inches long, although we could fit a long couch in the space, 65 inches is a perfect size.

Tip #2 – How to remove the existing RV Couch

I remember reading a Facebook post about someone asking how to remove an existing couch from the tiny RV door, and I thought this was a great question!!

Usually, the couches are placed in the RV before the slide(s) or the walls are complete so they didn’t have to hassle getting the large furniture through the small doors.

Now, this also depends on the style of RV you have. If you have a toy hauler, it would be easy to replace a couch.

However, for an RV like ours, getting the couch in or out is a challenge. So, the solution; just like a couch is built, it can be taken apart.

So, if you have just a door and no toy hauler RV, I recommend taking the couch or all the RV Furniture out in pieces. You will need the proper tools, patience, and time to do this, but it will make it easier and possible to get the bulky and heavy RV couches out!

Tip #3 – Buy a couch that can be put together inside the RV

When you purchase your new couch, it’s recommended to purchase one that can be assembled.

Many places like Amazon, Wayfair, and Ikea offer this option to make it easier to carry and transport.

This also cuts out the “how do we fit it through the RV door” scenario.

Types of Seating you can choose

Regular Sofa – This option is best if you do not plan on having guests join you for your camping trips. There are also more styles and options if you choose from.

Futon Sofabed or Pull-out bed couch conversion – There are many options to choose from with a futon or pull-out bed. These are great RV couch options if you like to have guests while camping or if you’re full-time.

Day Bed – These are usually about 74 inches, so I would definitely measure the space before going the day bed route. The plus side of choosing a day bed is if you have a guest they will be able to sleep on a twin size mattress versus a futon or pull-out bed conversion. A day bed also has the option to have a trundle which you can have an additional twin mattress for another guest.

RV Couch – You can even replace the existing and probably worn-out sofas with a new couch that is made for RVs.

Build your own – I have seen some crafty individuals build their own seating in their RV. The nice option of building your own is you create multipurpose storage along with the seating. If you are wanting to go this route and really customize the space, I suggest checking out some Youtube videos.

Shop Our Amazon Picks

Where to buy the best couch options for your RV

Amazon is my first go-to when buying anything for our RV. We have Amazon Prime, so we can get free shipping on many items including sofas. They even have RV couches, if you want to swap your existing seating for couches or chairs that are made for RVs.

Ikea is the ultimate assemble yourself furniture store. Everything comes in boxes with instructions and tools to DIY your own. Ikea is a great place to buy a new couch for your RV because you can even customize the sizes to your liking and space.

Wayfair is great to shop for a new couch because they have many different options and sometimes you can find a great deal or sale.

Target, Costco, or Nebraska Furniture Mart are some of the other places you could take a look at to find the perfect couch for your RV!

RV Couch Replacements For Inspiration

Shop Our Amazon Picks

In Conclusion

I hope you have found some great insight and inspiration from the other RV’er’s in replacing your RV furniture.

A new sofa can make such a huge difference by completing the interior design of your camper.

Don’t forget to go check out these amazing RV’er’s Instagrams and follow them for more camper renovations ideas.

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RV Sofa Ideas
RV Sofa Ideas

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