Blog - Chickery's Travels

How to Plan Your First Family Camping Trip

Camping is the ultimate family activity. It’s a great way to experience campfires, hiking, and outdoor fun while having a cozy place to relax at the end of the day. Kids can enjoy hands-on experiences like gathering firewood, roasting marshmallows, and exploring the outdoors, fostering a sense of curiosity and appreciation for nature. With endless opportunities for hiking, fishing, and storytelling around the campfire, tent camping encourages families to unplug from technology and bond in a simple, yet meaningful way.

Family enjoying a campfire in front of an RV.

Planning your first family camping trip can be exciting but requires some preparation to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are the key steps:

1. Select a Camping Style

Collage of the Cape Charles / Chesapeake Bay KOA resort

Cabin Camping: Cabin camping is perfect for beginners because it offers a comfortable and hassle-free introduction to the outdoors. Unlike tent camping, cabins provide shelter from the elements, protection from bugs and wildlife, and basic amenities like beds, electricity, and sometimes even bathrooms. This makes it easier to enjoy nature without the challenges of setting up a tent, dealing with unpredictable weather, or sleeping on the ground.
Tent Camping: This type of camping requires a bit of gear to get started, but it is an excellent choice for families because it offers an affordable, immersive, and adventurous way to connect with nature and each other. Setting up a tent together teaches teamwork and problem-solving, while sleeping under the stars creates unforgettable memories.
RV Camping: We think RVs offer the best choice for families because they combine the comfort of a cabin with the mobility and adventure of tent camping, offering a perfect balance of convenience and outdoor fun. Unlike cabins, which keep you tied to one location, RVs let families explore multiple destinations while bringing the comforts of home, such as a kitchen, bathroom, and cozy sleeping areas. Compared to tents, RVs provide better protection from weather, bugs, and rough terrain, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable experience for parents and kids alike. Be sure to visit a suitable and comfortable RV park that offers a variety of amenities and local attractions to check out. You want somewhere you can rinse off in a warm shower after a day of hiking. It will be fun to meet new people and explore new locations with your RV.

2. Choose a Destination

Tents and bison at Sage Creek Campground

For your first trip, pick a family-friendly campground with amenities like restrooms, potable water, and picnic tables. Be sure to do a little research. While national and state parks are great places to explore the wild at a reasonable price, many don’t offer any amenities. If you want to visit a national park, but want a full service campground, there are many options like Wind River View Campground near Grand Tetons National Park.

Take the time to compare your options. Narrow them down based on your preferences, and you shouldn’t have a problem figuring out the perfect one for you. It’ll take a little time, but will be well worth it. If you need a little help, check out our three simple steps for finding the best campground.

4. Gather Essential Gear

Start with a list of the essential gear you’ll need for your trip, then create a checklist to avoid forgetting essential items.

Shelter & Sleeping: Tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pads/air mattresses, pillows.
Cooking Supplies: Portable stove, fuel, matches/lighter, cookware, utensils, plates, cups, and a cooler with ice.
Clothing & Footwear: Weather-appropriate layers, rain gear, comfortable hiking shoes.
Lighting: Flashlights, headlamps, extra batteries.
Other Essentials: First aid kit, bug spray, sunscreen, maps, camping chairs.

If you’ll be tent camping, be sure to store gear in waterproof bins or bags. Also pack efficiently, keeping frequently used items accessible.

5. Plan Meals & Snacks

If you’re anything like me, food is key to a great vacation. When planning your first camping trip, keep it simple with easy-to-cook meals that use overlapping ingredients. If you’re just going out for a weekend trip, pre-prep as much as possible. For example, love baking a few simple at home and freeze them for the trip. They are super easy to heat up and will save time at the campsite. Don’t forget snacks and drinks too. While most campstores will sell these items, they are typically overpriced. See our tips for saving money on food while camping.

6. Prepare for Activities

When planning activities for a family camping trip, consider the interests and ages of everyone involved to ensure fun and engagement. Start by researching the campsite’s amenities, trails, and local attractions to take advantage of available opportunities like hiking, fishing, swimming, or wildlife spotting. Pack games, sports equipment, and creative activities like scavenger hunts or storytelling by the campfire. Plan a mix of structured activities, such as a nature walk or camp cooking challenge, and free time for relaxation and exploration. Always have backup options for rainy weather, like board games, card games, or simple crafts. Lastly, involve the whole family in planning to build excitement and ensure everyone has something to look forward to!

7. Safety & Emergency Prep

Campground safety starts with choosing a well-maintained site and setting up camp away from hazards like unstable trees, cliffs, or water bodies. Keep food stored in airtight containers or bear-proof lockers to prevent attracting wildlife. Always have a first-aid kit, know the location of the nearest ranger station or emergency services, and establish a meeting point in case anyone gets lost. Be aware that many remote campgrounds like those in national parks may not have any cell service. Follow fire safety rules by keeping campfires contained, never leaving them unattended, and fully extinguishing them before sleeping or leaving. Be mindful of local wildlife, avoid feeding animals, and learn to identify poisonous plants. Finally, stay hydrated, use insect repellent, and dress appropriately for the weather to prevent heat exhaustion, hypothermia, or bug bites.

8. Enjoy the Experience

To relax and enjoy your first camping trip, embrace the slower pace and let go of rigid schedules. Focus on simple pleasures like watching the sunset, listening to nature, and enjoying good food by the campfire. Avoid overpacking activities—leave room for spontaneous fun, whether it’s stargazing, telling stories, or just lounging in a hammock. Stay flexible and go with the flow, as things might not always go as planned. Disconnect from technology, be present with your surroundings, and savor the experience with family or friends. Most importantly, keep a lighthearted attitude—camping is about adventure, not perfection!

12:02 pm by J Chickery Leave a Comment

How To Spend A Great Weekend In Philadelphia

Philadelphia is famous for a lot of things. From Philly cheese steaks to the Liberty Bell, it’s no wonder that the City of Brotherly Love is among the most famous in the US. No matter the time of year you visit, a lot is happening, making it the perfect city for a weekend break.

Easily accessible by road trip, train, or airplane, adding a weekend in Philadelphia to your travel plans is easy. And if you want to know the best ways to spend 48 hours in the city, we’ve got the tips you need right here.

Visit Independence National Historic Park

Philadelphia is often hailed as the birthplace of American democracy, and nowhere is this more evident than at Independence National Historical Park. Rich with history, iconic landmarks, and cultural significance, the park is a must-visit destination for travelers and history enthusiasts alike. Known as “America’s most historic square mile,” the park offers visitors an opportunity to step back in time to the founding days of the United States.

Our favorite highlights were Independence Hall, a demonstration of Benjamin Franklin’s printing press, and the Liberty Bell.

Travel Tip: You’ll need a ticket to see the inside Independence Hall. It is only $1.00 and includes a ranger-led tour. This is a popular destination, so be sure to purchase it in advance through the NPS website.

Walk (or Ride) to See the City’s Iconic Destinations

One of the best ways to explore Philadelphia is on foot. Fortunately, Visit Philadelphia has an excellent selection of walking tours (30 of them!) to help you customize a self-guided wander around the city’s best sights. Prepare for an early start so you can take in the popular sites before the crowds build up. Remember to save a little energy for a quick run up the Rocky Steps – it’s a must during your visit!

If the weather isn’t great or you’re simply short on time, you could also try a bus tour to help you get around the city quicker. We love taking the popular Hop On, Hop Off buses that allow you to get an overview of the top sights and disembark when you want to spend time at one.

Some places to add your sightseeing tour include:

Philadelphia Museum of Art – Art lovers and movie buffs alike cannot miss the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Besides its impressive collection of artworks, including pieces by Van Gogh and Picasso, the museum is home to the famous Rocky Steps. Run up the steps just like Rocky Balboa and take in the breathtaking view of the city skyline!
The Franklin Institute – If you’re a fan of science, innovation, and interactive learning, the Franklin Institute is a must-visit. Packed with hands-on exhibits, this institution is not your typical museum—it’s a thrilling experience that makes science engaging for all age groups.
Eastern State Penitentiary – This former prison, now a National Historic Landmark, offers a fascinating and slightly chilling glimpse into the history of incarceration in the United States. Wander through its crumbling cell blocks and hear stories about its famous inmates, like Al Capone. For those who enjoy a bit of thrill, the “Terror Behind the Walls” Halloween event is both fun and spine-tingling.
Rittenhouse Square – One of the oldest public squares in Philadelphia, it is surrounded by trendy cafes, high-end shops, and charming boutiques. It’s an ideal spot for picnics, leisurely strolls, or simply people-watching.
City Hall – Standing proudly in the heart of Center City is the stunning City Hall, a true architectural gem and one of the most iconic symbols of Philadelphia. Completed in 1901, this building is a masterpiece of French Second Empire design. Venture up the the clock tower for a bird’s-eye view of Philadelphia. At 548 feet tall, it’s one of the best observation points in the city.
Magic Gardens – Philadelphia Magic Gardens is a unique art installation by Isaiah Zagar. This mosaic wonderland is made of tiles, glass bottles, mirrors, and other everyday objects. Perfect for Instagram-worthy photos, this place is a testament to the city’s creative and artistic energy.

Treat Yourself to Luxury Accommodation

Get your trip off to the best start by finding somewhere special to stay for the weekend. Philadelphia is home to some great hotels, including some luxury options. Check out ROOST East Market for a hotel with everything you need, including a fantastic location to help you make the most of the city. It is across the street from Reading Terminal Market, which offers an array of excellent food vendors to fuel your visit. It is also a short ten-minute walk to Independence National Historical Park. You’re in for some busy days of exploring, so having a comfy bed to rest in at night will be a welcome treat. The hotel also boasts Philly’s largest rooftop pool, a private screening room, and complimentary bicycles.

Get Ready for Some Incredible Food and Drink

Collage of food vendors at Reading Terminal Market

Philadelphia’s food scene is as diverse as its history, and Reading Terminal Market is the perfect place to experience its flavors. This bustling indoor market offers everything from classic Philly cheesesteaks to international cuisine. Established in 1893, it’s not only a foodie heaven but also a historic landmark. There were so many vendors, we used the market for every meal! We grabbed coffee and bagels in the morning, purchased fresh fruit and snacks to take on the go, and returned for dinner each evening. Whether you are looking for Philly cheesesteaks, or bakeries.

Enjoy the Philadelphia Nightlife

We wore ourselves out walking around the city all day and turned in early, but the hotel concierge told us that the town comes alive at night. If you want to enjoy some city views by night, be sure to stop for a drink at some of Philly’s best rooftop bars like Attico and Stratus. Several of the tour bus operators offer nighttime sightseeing tours as well.

If you’re looking for the ultimate weekend city break, then Philadelphia has a little something for everyone. From family trips to romantic escapes, you’ll find a bit of everything in this fascinating city. And if you’re looking for a way to extend your Pennsylvania adventure, why not spend some time in Lancaster? It’s a charming city that’s worth the visit.

7:45 pm by J Chickery Leave a Comment

2024 Year in Review

2024 was another banner year. We had a few great trips, but didn’t travel quite as much as usual due to one momentous event…the arrival of our granddaughter, Lily! Born on June 13th, she’s been a joy ever since, and Jax has been such a wonderful big brother.

I haven’t had time to add photos for each of the trips below, but you can find them on our Instagram page.

January

We always have a weekend getaway for my birthday. This year, we went to Virginia Beach. We’re working on the Virginia State Parks Trail Quest challenge. The goal is to go on one hike in each of Virginia’s 40 state parks. On this trip we went to First Landing State Park and False Cape State Park. We enjoyed them both, but my favorite was False Cape. Located on the southeastern tip of Virginia, this park is a hidden gem that should not be missed by any nature lover or outdoor enthusiast. You can only access it foot, bicycle, boat, or a seasonal tram. We walked about three miles on the beach to reach the state park.

February

All three of our sons’ birthdays are in February, so we always try to have a fun celebration. This year we went to TopGolf and had a blast! We also had some fun adventures with Jax, from hiking to taking the train to Washington, D.C., to visit some museums.

March

We had two great warm-weather trips in March: Florida and Arizona. First, we went to Miami Beach and took day trips to Biscayne National Park and Everglades National Park. We’ve spent plenty of time in Florida and even lived there twice, but never made it to Miami. We really enjoyed our beachfront stay and can’t wait to go back.

Next, we went to Tucson, where Sean was podcasting at the FMCA Rally. Julie went out exploring at Saguaro National Park most days while he worked. We also had time to spend with our friends Kenny & Sabrina and Mark & Heidi.

April

Julie went on a girls hiking trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway in April. We put in a lot of miles and found the best spot to watch the solar eclipse. Julie & Jax also had a lot of fun outside exploring the local parks and nature trails.

May

Our big trip of the year was to Utah. Our first stop was a week in Park City. We took a tour of the Utah Olympic Park, went on a day trip to Antelope Island State Park, strolled along the Provo River to Bridal Veil Falls, and hiked in the Uintas National Forest near Sundance.

After Julie had an unplanned two-night stay at the lovely Salt Lake City VA hospital over Mother’s Day and Sean’s birthday, we headed to Moab. We spent time at Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park (both the Needles and Island in the Sky districts). We also took day trips to Bears Ears National Monument and Natural Bridges National Monument.

June

This was the best month of the year because we were blessed with another grandchild. This one was so different from Jax’s birth. He was born during the pandemic in 2020, and both of his parents had COVID. They weren’t allowed any visitors at the hospital then we had a major snow storm the day they were released. We finally met him one week after his birth. With Lily we could greet her at the hospital just hours after she was born.

July

Julie had her gallbladder removed in July so this month was spent recovering. Luckily, she was able to visit Jax and Lily. He was forewarned that Grandma wouldn’t be able to run around and play quite as much, but they played plenty of board games and put together puzzles.

August

We finished out the summer with our 2nd annual camping trip to the beach. Once again, the Chesapeake Bay KOA was fantastic! This year Agata’s finally rented a cabin as well. We also rented a kayay for the first time and had fun on the water too. We went up a day early so I could add Kiptopeke State Park to my Virginia Trail Quest list.

September

At the beginning of September, our daughter-in-law returned to work, and Julie started daycare duties. She splits the week with Agata’s mom. They did the same for Jax’s first year, too. These two are the reason we moved back to Virginia. Julie always knew she wanted to be a hands-on grandma and Sean made sure her dream was realized.

October

We took a quick weekend trip to New York City on the train. We’ve been to the city a few times, but this was the first time taking Amtrak and it was the way to go! We toured the Tenement Museum (highly recommend!), saw Harry Potter and the Forbidden Child, and walked 6 miles around Central Park.

And, of course, at the end of the month, we went to see Lily & Jax’s Halloween costumes.

November

We met our friends Kenny & Sabrina at Walt Disney World. This has become a biennial trip for us and we always have a great time catching up. We’re all Disney fans and especially enjoy staying at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground.

This year rather than taking our fifth wheel, we decided to rent a small Class C. The reason was that we are thinking of downsizing to one and thought this would give us a good chance to try one out and see how we like the space. By the end of the week, we were convinced and have created a “new RV fund” in our budget. Right now we’re leaning towards the purchase of a Winnebago Vita at the end of 2026.

December

Jax turned four this month! He had a wild animal-themed birthday party, the first one where he had a couple of friends his age there. We also closed out our year of travel adventures with a quick (and very cold) trip to Philadelphia to tour Independence National Historical Park. It was our first time, and we found it fascinating, especially Ben Franklin’s Printing Press. Finally, we wrapped up the year with a wonderful Christmas celebration with all our kids and grandkids.