Camping is a popular summer pastime.

The camping experience can change greatly depending on your personal preference. 

Some prefer spending a weekend camping in a tent, cooking on a fire for a full experience. 

5 US BEACHES YOU CAN CAMP AT AND WHAT YOU SHOULD PACK

For others, a more luxury camping experience, also known as glamping, is more suitable. 

If you plan on spending any nights under the stars this summer at a campground, here are tips to keep in mind.

1. General tips 

If you are camping this summer, follow these tips to make your trip memorable for everyone attending. (iStock)

2. Tips for camping with kids 

3. Tips for camping with a significant other who is not outdoorsy

1. General tips 

Create a shared camping playlist for the ultimate jam session

Ahead of your trip, create a playlist on a service like Spotify that allows you to share it with others. 

When you create a shared playlist, other people can collaborate and add songs. 

This way, everyone on the trip can add their preferred songs to share.

Stay close to the restroom

Be mindful of where the restrooms are located at your campground. 

You may want to choose a site close to the bathrooms to avoid long walks throughout your stay. 

25 CAMPING ESSENTIALS YOU NEED FOR VENTURING OUT INTO THE WOODS

When you head over to shower or need to use the restroom in the middle of the night, you’ll be glad to be close by.

Keep food secure to avoid unwanted visitors

Camping is more enjoyable when you’ve taken the proper safety precautions. 

To keep bears away, secure food and coolers out of sight in your car or in food lockers. Don’t eat inside the tent to avoid bugs as much as possible and toss trash often. Bring your garbage to wildlife-resistant trash containers.

All of these little things will lessen your chances of attracting unwanted animals during your camping trip.

Camping is a great activity that your furry friends can join in on and take part in the fun.  (iStock)

Look for dog-friendly campgrounds

Camping is favorable for those who have furry friends they’d like to bring along.

If you want to bring your dog on your camping trip, keep an eye out for pet-friendly campgrounds to visit.

On the flip side, if you prefer a pet-free experience, look for campgrounds that don’t allow pets.

Bring air mattresses

A traditional camping sleeping arrangement includes a tent over your head and a sleeping bag below you. 

BEST CAMPGROUNDS ACROSS AMERICA 

If you are worried about sleeping on the ground, bring an air mattress to place inside your tent. 

Sleeping arrangements can get tricky when camping, and it can be uncomfortable if you are sleeping on the ground for a long period of time.

Air mattresses will make sleeping arrangements much more comfortable.

Cook what you can on the fire

Cooking over a fire is a fun aspect of camping.

Get everyone involved by making meals like hot dogs or s’mores that can be toasted right on a stick.

While camping, plan your meals ahead of time and bring foods you can roast over the fire. (iStock)

Before you go camping, it’s important to meal prep ahead of time, especially if you are in more of a remote destination where there aren’t a lot of places to shop nearby. 

Plan out what you’re going to have to eat each day and pack all the ingredients you’ll need with you.

Find a campground with activities

Campgrounds are unique and include varying activities to participate in. 

These include crafts for kids or different hangout opportunities for adults.

SAFETY TIPS FOR HIKERS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF ON THE TRAILS THIS SUMMER

If you want many options for fun while you’re camping, look for campgrounds that provide a number of activities for campers. 

Cool down with water sports

Days spent at a campground in the summer can get very hot and sticky. 

Luckily, many campgrounds have lakes nearby to jump into, and some even have amenities, including swimming pools for guests to take advantage of. 

If your campground has a lake, you can spend hours participating in water activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding. Of course, don’t forget your fishing pole when you’re heading to the lake, whether that’s on the shore or out on a boat. 

When searching for campgrounds to stay at, look for one with lake access so you can enjoy water sports during your trip. (iStock)

Check the weather forecast

Unexpected rain can quickly make a camping trip uncomfortable if you aren’t properly prepared. 

Just before your trip, take a look at the weather forecast so you know what to expect during your travels. 

Don’t forget to pack any necessary gear you may need to keep yourself dry against the elements. 

2. Tips for camping with kids 

Bring games

Bring along a deck of cards or board games. 

5 TIPS FOR FAMILY TRAVEL THAT COULD MAKE THE EXPERIENCE HAPPIER, HEALTHIER AND MUCH MORE MEMORABLE

Your camping expedition might be a great opportunity to actually finish a game of Monopoly. 

Also, be sure to view camping as an opportunity for physical activity for the whole family. Organize a relay competition that involves a potato sack or water balloon race.

Get kids involved

Involve your kids in the planning process. Ask them what they want to see or experience on your trip. 

Offer different options for things to do on the trip and allow them to choose.

Get kids involved with your camping activities, like pitching a tent and telling spooky stories around the fire. (iStock)

Simple acts like pitching a tent and preparing the campsite for your trip can be fun for kids to work on together.

Spice up your s’mores

S’mores are the perfect camping dessert. While they are delicious when made the classic way, there are a few ways to mix up the recipe.

You can start by changing the chocolate. While Hershey’s is the classic chocolate in a s’more, you can use Reese’s, York Peppermint Patties or even a Kit Kat.

Instead of using a graham cracker, use Chips Ahoy, fudge stripe cookies or Eggo’s cinnamon toast minis.

PENNSYLVANIA TRAVEL GUIDE: 6 FAMILY-FRIENDLY DESTINATIONS FOR YOUR VACATION 

To make a s’more with perfectly melted chocolate, stick the chocolate inside the marshmallow before roasting it over the fire. 

Have a backpack full of toys

When traveling with children, it’s better to be over-prepared than under prepared. 

Along with games, bring a backpack filled with toys for your kids while camping.

Include a couple of new surprise toys to keep them occupied throughout your trip. 

Have popcorn for dessert

Another snack that kids will love is Jiffy Pop popcorn that comes in the pan shape. 

This can be made over the fire.

Popcorn made over the fire is a fun camping treat for kids. (iStock)

Kids will love the way the bag expands as the kernels pop inside. 

Make sure to pack along extra seasonings with you for extra yummy popcorn.

Give kids a bug catcher

You’re likely going to encounter insects on your camping adventure, and it may be fun for your little one to catch bugs. 

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle

You can get a bug holder and net for very little money.

Just be sure to put the insects back into nature after viewing.

3. Tips for camping with a significant other who is not outdoorsy 

Go ‘glamping’

For those who don’t want to sleep in a tent and want a bit of an elevated camping experience, glamping is the way to go. 

Bring your five-star hotel and amenities along with you and ditch your air mattress for a feather bed.

Glamping, or glamorous camping, can range from nights in climate-controlled tents to the cuisine of a personal chef.

Make it a group thing

It’s not always the wife or the girlfriend who is leery about pitching a tent in the woods; this can apply to men, too.

The more, the merrier: Camp with a group of friends for tons of fun this summer. (iStock)

Make your camping trip an event and invite a group. 

Good company can make all the difference.

Make a sleeping space comfortable

If you’re going to be tent camping with your significant other, make sure the sleeping arrangements are as comfortable as possible.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

Bring an air mattress, cozy blankets, pillows and a source of light for the tent.

Just these small extra accessories can make accommodations a lot more appealing.

Consider cabin or RV camping

If you’re bringing a first-time camper (or a significant other who is not a fan) to a campground, renting a cabin or an RV may be a good compromise for you both.

With these options, you can still enjoy the outdoors while also having amenities.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP 

Depending on the cabin or RV you buy or rent, there may even be a bathroom inside so that you don’t have to walk to the bathhouse to wash up or use the restroom.

Source

Holidays, especially Thanksgiving Day, are some of the most popular times of the year for Americans to travel.

Families and individuals travel by car, bus, cruise ship and plane annually, sometimes across the country for a quick Turkey Day trip.

While it is always more convenient to travel alone, families tend to plan their trips with the whole gang while school is out and work is winding down. Thus, resulting in the busiest holiday travel weekend of the year.

Packing will require the everyday essentials — but you might also consider taking food to or from your trip.

3 THANKSGIVING DINNER RECIPES WITH 5 INGREDIENTS TO WIN OVER EVERYONE’S TASTE BUDS

Thanksgiving weekend is the busiest travel weekend of the year. Traveling with the essentials is a given, but if you plan to bring or take Thanksgiving food items with you, be mindful of TSA rules. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Whether you’re sharing in your culture with others by way of food, filling your bag with edible gifts for hosts, or taking leftovers home — especially on a short flight – be aware of what foods and drinks you can and cannot bring through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoints.

“Whether first-run foods or leftovers, the same rules apply,” the TSA said in a statement to Fox News. 

A general overview of perishables you can take with you can be found on the TSA’s website. The six-page list of permitted food items is available on the TSA’s dedicated “What Can I Bring?” webpage.

But you might be wondering, specifically, about Thanksgiving Day staple items like mashed potatoes, gravy, turkey and dessert.

“Anytime I have traveled during Thanksgiving, not sure it’s allowed, but left over turkey sandwiches are always good to eat with a lot of mayonnaise,” Dante Boccuzzi, chef and owner of a diverse lineup of restaurants in Cleveland, told Fox News Digital.

Boccuzzi recommends keeping the turkey and mayo combo refrigerated up until leaving, and then enjoying the leftovers while waiting to board.

“Apple pie probably would be another staple item that would travel well,” Boccuzzi added. “Any other item most likely could travel well for a short period of time if you are able to vacuum pack it.”

The TSA told Fox that no matter the food you choose to travel with, you should ensure the items follow this simple rule.

“If you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it or pour it, and it is in a quantity greater than 3.4 ounces, pack it in a checked bag,” the TSA said.

“For example, jams, jellies, cranberry sauce, gravy or beverages in quantities larger than 3.4 ounces should go in a checked bag. Cakes, cookies, pies, meats, casseroles and other solids can travel in carry-on luggage in unlimited quantities.”

SIMPLIFY YOUR THANKSGIVING SPREAD WITH THESE 1-PAN SIDE DISH DELIGHTS

Each airline passenger is allowed to pack a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in a single carry-on bag; however, individual containers cannot exceed 3.4 ounces. 

This rule extends to beverages, spreads and cooking sprays.

The TSA recommends packing away any liquid-like substance in a bag that will be checked-in. 

If travelers manage to find a liquid cooking essential that fits under the 3.4-ounce container threshold, it can be placed inside a clear quart-sized resalable bag within a carry-on bag.

Alcoholic beverages containing an alcohol content of more than 70% (more than 140 proof) are forbidden in carry-on and checked baggage, a TSA spokesperson told Fox News.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

Almost every solid food item is permissible as a carry-on or checked article, including cooked, uncooked or store-bought meals and powders. 

For foods that require refrigeration or freezing to prevent foodborne illness, ice packs are allowed, but they must remain frozen completely solid by the time you reach a TSA checkpoint.

“Frozen turkey soup would also be great to travel with if it’s not considered a liquid if frozen,” Boccuzzi said. “I would avoid any raw products.”

On longer flights, dry ice can be used — but it cannot exceed 5.5 pounds per passenger and the packaging should be clearly marked and vented according to FAA procedures, the TSA’s spokesperson told Fox News.

Flammable items are not permitted in carry-on or checked baggage for safety reasons. 

Cake sparklers are not allowed on flights, either, which fall under the same category as fireworks, according to the FAA.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Last but not least, to ensure you have an easier time getting your Thanksgiving food through checkpoints, the TSA recommends using clear plastic bags and similar containers.

That way, items can be safely removed from carry-on bags when inspection is required.

Fox News’ Alexandria Hein contributed to this report.

Source

If you have even the faintest interest in beer, you’ll know that brew lovers from around the world gather each year in Munich, Germany to celebrate Oktoberfest. 

The 16-18 day drink fest, depending on the year, serves only beers that conform to German purity regulations (the Reinheitsgebot) and are brewed within the city limits of Munich.

If you aren’t lucky enough to make it to the Bavarian capital, don’t worry. There are plenty of Oktoberfest events in the U.S. where you can raise a pint. 

MEET THE AMERICAN WHO INVENTED LIGHT BEER

But Germany’s original fest is a bucket list item for many.

Read on to learn just how massive it is and as they say in Munich, Prost. 

Oktoberfest is a multi-day celebration in Munich, Germany. (Johannes Simon/Getty Images)

1. The first Oktoberfest was in 1810
2. In 2022, 5.6 million liters of beer were poured at Oktoberfest
3. Oktoberfest is not really in October
4. Beer is made specifically for Oktoberfest
5. Over 4,000 items wind up in the lost and found each year
6. Only beer from six breweries are sold
7. Thousands squeeze into Oktoberfest beer tents
8. There is plenty of food at Oktoberfest
9. The mayor drinks first

1. The first Oktoberfest was in 1810

In 1810, the very first Oktoberfest took place in Munich, Germany, but it was not the beer fest it is today. 

The first Oktoberfest in 1810 was actually to honor Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. 

Residents across Munich were invited to attend the event, 

2. In 2022, 5.6 million liters of beer were poured at Oktoberfest

If you’re wondering how much beer is consumed by the six million people that attend Oktoberfest each year — it’s a lot.

To be precise, in 2022, it was 5.6 million liters of beer, according to Statista. 

In 2019, it was 7.3 million liters; and in 2018 it was 7.5 million liters. 

In 2014, Oktoberfest saw a record-breaking year with 7.7 million liters poured.

HOW TO HANDLE A HANGOVER 

It’s unclear exactly how many liters of beer will be poured at Oktoberfest in 2023, but it’s clear millions and millions are expected to be consumed. In 2022, there was a clear decline in poured beer at Oktoberfest, in fact, it saw the lowest number of pints served since 2001.

There are over 1.8 million gallons of beer consumed by Oktoberfest visitors each year. (Philipp Guelland/Getty Images)

3. Oktoberfest is not really in October

Well, kind of. Oktoberfest primarily occurs in September. The exact dates of the event vary slightly depending on the year, but it typically starts around Sept. 15 and runs just a couple of days in October, usually ending around the third.

4. Beer is made specifically for Oktoberfest

The beer served at Oktoberfest is made exclusively for the festival. All the beers have around 6% ABV and are served in one liter mugs.

AIR TRAVEL IS MORE STRESSFUL THAN GOING TO THE DENTIST, MANY AMERICANS SAY

5. Over 4,000 items wind up in the lost and found each year

At Oktoberfest, with so many in and out of the festival, it’s expected there will be items life behind.

Six breweries serve beer at Oktoberfest. (Johannes Simon/Getty Images)

Each year, thousands of people leave behind the usual, wallets, keys, IDs and sunglasses. 

Among the stranger items that have been left behind year after year are wheelchairs and dentures.

6. Only beer from six breweries are sold

The only beer that is sold at Oktoberfest is beer brewed within the city limits. 

There are six breweries to sell their beer at the event. 

The six beers sold at Oktoberfest come from Hacker Pschorr, Spaten, Hofbräu, Augustiner, Paulaner and Löwenbräu.

7. Thousands squeeze into Oktoberfest beer tents

Beer at Oktoberfest is sold in large liter glasses. (iStock)

At Oktoberfest, there’s a lot of standing, as there are fewer seats than there are visitors. The largest Oktoberfest beer tent of all time was the Pschorr-Brau-Rosl-tent in 1913, which held 12,000 people. Today, the Hofbrau-Festhalle hosts the largest tent, with 10,000 seats. But you better get there early.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

These tents fill up fast, but reservations can be made to secure your seat.

8. There is plenty of food at Oktoberfest

There is a variety of traditional, hearty fare to be had at Oktoberfest. 

Offerings include Hendl (roast chicken), Schweinsbraten (roast pork), Haxn (pork knuckle), Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick), Wurstl (sausages), Brezn (pretzel), Knodeln (potato or bread dumplings), Kaasspotzn (cheese noodles), Reiberdatschi (potato pancakes), Sauerkraut or Rotkraut (pickled red cabbage), Obatzda (a fatty, spiced cheese-butter concoction) and Weisswurst (white sausage).

9. The mayor drinks first

Beer tents at Oktoberfest hold thousands of guests at a time and fill up quickly. (Johannes Simon/Getty Images)

Oktoberfest can not officially begin until the major opens the first keg. 

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The festival officially begins with the mayor saying “O’ zapft” and popping open the first keg of the event during the ceremony on the first day. 

After this, the drinking begins.

Source

Having a fear of flying is very common. 

Also called aviophobia, a fear of flying can make traveling extremely nerve-wracking and unenjoyable. 

Luckily, there are ways of coping and easing anxiety for a peaceful flight. 

5 GREAT TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR NEXT TRAVEL GETAWAY

Below are fear-reducing strategies for your next flight that will keep you occupied and give you a plan for coping. 

1. Meet the pilot before takeoff
2. Put trust in your travel buddy
3. Bring things to distract yourself while in flight
4. Focus on different objects
5. Learn about the aircraft
6. Spend the flight asleep
7. Be strategic with seat choice
8. Strike up a conversation

Many people have a fear of flying. Watch your symptoms dwindle by following these tips for air travel.  (iStock)

1. Meet the pilot before takeoff

Captain Tom Bunn, a retired pilot and licensed therapist, established SOAR, a program aimed at helping everyone fly successfully, in 1982. He’s since assisted thousands of people as they conquer their fear. 

Bunn said there is a series of steps he works on with his clients. He encourages them to first try to meet the pilot when boarding.

TEXAS FLIGHT ATTENDANT REVEALS BEST TRAVEL TIPS FOR STRESS-FREE SUMMER FLIGHTS

“Giving up control is a major issue, and if you can meet the person that has the control, it’s kind of like you then have a kinship with the person who does have the control,” Bunn said. “You find out they’re real — not just a voice.”

2. Put trust in your travel buddy

If you are traveling with someone else, lean on that person for extra support.  

Before your trip, let the person know about your fears and whether there are things that you know help you. Share these things with your travel party, so they’ll know what to do if you get anxious. 

Lean on the people you are traveling with if you have a fear of flying. Make your fears known so they can help you in any way they can.  (iStock)

Just having someone else there that you are comfortable with can provide a calming presence for you. 

3. Bring things to distract yourself during the flight 

Being distracted can help you forget that you are even on a plane. Bring things with you on the plane that you know you will enjoy and can spend a lot of time using. 

For example, if there are movies or TV shows you have wanted to watch, download them to your phone or other electronic device before you board, so that they will be ready to go when you’re on the plane. 

TRAVEL SEASON IS HERE: 7 TIPS AND TRICKS FROM A TECH AND TRAVELING PRO

This can kill a lot of time during the flight. Just make sure to pack your headphones, too!

Books are another great thing to bring on flights, as well as crosswords and coloring books. 

Having movies and TV shows downloaded to your device during a flight can help the time go by faster.  (iStock)

If you are traveling with someone else, you could also bring a card game to play together. 

4. Focus on different objects 

Focusing on your breathing with different meditation techniques is another way to calm the nerves.

There is a specific exercise that Bunn encourages clients to practice in order to lower stress hormones once they build up. 

4 TIPS AND TRICKS FOR FLYING WITH CHECKED BAGS: ‘LUGGAGE WILL GET LOST’

“It’s an exercise I call ‘5, 4, 3, 2, 1,’” Bunn said. “You will first find something to focus on, more or less straight ahead, and use that as your focus point.”

Count five things you can see, hear and touch, said the captain. Then, count to four things you can see, hear and touch — and so on, down until you get to one.

If you feel yourself getting anxious on a flight, breathing techniques can help calm you down.  (iStock)

“It takes about two minutes, and by the time you do that — the stress hormones are pretty much gone, maybe totally gone,” Bunn said. 

“And the particular thing about stress hormones is that when they’re kicking around, it forces you to focus on something that’s problematic. So if you keep focusing on it, you increase stress hormones. But if you can get rid of the stress hormones by using the ‘5, 4, 3, 2, 1’ — then your mind is free to focus where you want to.”

5. Learn about the aircraft

Taking time to do research about planes before getting on one can help you be more confident about your flight. 

WITH ALL THE RECENT HEADLINES ABOUT PANELS AND TIRES FALLING OFF PLANES, IS FLYING SAFE?

Look into how planes function and the safety features that are in place. This basic understanding of aircraft could make a big difference to you during your travels and help you feel safer when you are in the air. 

When it comes to the stats, there is a very small chance of a plane crash happening. The chances of dying in a crash are actually about one in 11 million, according to many sources. 

Before going on your flight, gain an understanding of things that could happen, like turbulence and what that means, to help ease your mind while you’re in the sky.  (iStock)

Another scary factor often involved with flying is turbulence. When turbulence occurs, depending on its severity, it can sometimes make for a scary and bumpy ride. 

Understanding what turbulence is can put your mind at ease. Turbulence happens when there is some sort of change in the air movement around the plane. Most of the time, a little turbulence is no big deal and very common during a flight. 

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

Finding the answers to questions you have about planes can help you feel a lot better about flying, once you know the statistics and have a general understanding of how things work.

6. Spend the flight asleep 

Falling asleep on a plane can be really difficult, especially if you are feeling anxious, but there are different things you can take with you to make it easier to fall asleep. 

One thing that makes sleeping on a plane easier is if you have a flight really early in the morning or late at night. At these times, you’ll be more tired, and the plane will be darker, making it easier to fall asleep. 

It can be difficult to fall asleep on a flight, but if you can, a snooze can help the time go by faster.  (iStock)

Also, bring a travel pillow and a blanket with you for extra comfort. Having an eye mask can also help you fall asleep by blocking out the light. 

If you have headphones handy, you can play calming sounds on your phone to help you fall asleep. 

7. Be strategic with seat choice 

Book your flight early, before the seats start to fill, so you can choose a seat that may help you put your mind at ease. 

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle

If you sit toward the back of the plane, that area is typically going to be louder, and there’s going to be a lot more movement with people passing you to use the bathroom. 

On the other hand, if you sit in the front sections, it will generally be a lot more peaceful and more quiet.

Book your flight far in advance so you’ll have a large selection of seats to choose from.  (iStock)

You may feel more comfortable sitting in the aisle, rather than at the window, where you could feel more restricted. 

If you are traveling with others, booking flights early ensures that you’ll be able to sit next to each other, which could bring you a lot of comfort. 

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP 

Keep in mind that many airlines require an extra fee to choose your seats, but it may be worth it for you to verify that you’ll be sitting next to a loved one. 

8. Strike up a conversation

Engaging in conversation during your flight can help ease the nerves. 

If you are traveling with others, talk with them, quietly, of course, so as to not disturb other guests. 

If you are a solo traveler, you may just find yourself sitting beside a fellow solo traveler you can start a conversation with, if they want to talk with you too, of course. 

Who knows? You could even make a new friend on your flight. Plus, talking while in the sky can keep you busy and help time pass. 

Kimber Crandall contributed reporting. 

Source