Travel Blog

Palm Springs, California, is a fantastic destination for biking and hiking enthusiasts. With its beautiful desert landscapes, stunning mountain views, and a variety of trails, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Here are some suggestions for biking and hiking in Palm Springs:

Biking:

1. Palm Springs Bike Path: This 17-mile paved path runs along the scenic Tahquitz Creek and offers a smooth ride for cyclists of all levels. 
2. Indian Canyons: The Indian Canyons area, located just south of Palm Springs, offers several biking trails that range from easy to moderate difficulty. The Murray Canyon Trail and Andreas Canyon Trail are popular choices with beautiful landscapes and an abundance of native flora.
3. Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains: The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument offers challenging mountain biking trails for more advanced riders. The Cove to Lake Trail is a favorite, featuring a 20-mile loop with stunning views and diverse terrain.

Hiking:

1. Indian Canyons: In addition to biking, the Indian Canyons area offers excellent hiking opportunities. Explore the Andreas Canyon Trail, Murray Canyon Trail, or Palm Canyon Trail, each showcasing unique geological formations, lush oases, and breathtaking waterfalls.
2. Joshua Tree National Park: Just a short trip to Joshua Tree National Park, it is a haven for hikers. With its iconic Joshua trees, rugged rock formations, and numerous trails of varying difficulty, this park offers unforgettable hiking experiences. Popular trails include Hidden Valley, Ryan Mountain, and Barker Dam.
3. Tahquitz Canyon: Located near downtown Palm Springs, Tahquitz Canyon is a beautiful desert oasis with a 2-mile hiking trail. This trail leads to a stunning 60-foot waterfall and visit the Tahquitz Canyon Visitor Center.

Remember to stay hydrated, wear appropriate gear, and check trail conditions before leaving. Additionally, be mindful of the desert environment and respect any rules or regulations in place to preserve the area’s natural beauty. Enjoy your biking and hiking adventures in Palm Springs!

For more posts about Palm Springs and things to do there, click here.

The Gold Strike Casino Resort is a popular hotel and Casino in Tunica, Mississippi, in the United States. However, please note that my knowledge cutoff was in September 2021, so there may have been changes or updates since then. Verifying information with the official website is always a good idea, or contacting the establishment directly for the most up-to-date details.

The Gold Strike Casino Resort was owned and operated by MGM Resorts International, a well-known hospitality and entertainment company, until March 2023. The Casino was sold to an indigenous organization. The resort features many amenities, including a casino, hotel accommodations, dining options, entertainment venues, and various recreational facilities.

The Casino at Gold Strike offers a diverse selection of games for visitors to enjoy. They have a large gaming floor with numerous slot machines, video poker and keno machines, and table games such as blackjack, roulette, craps, bubble craps, and poker. The Casino also hosts regular tournaments and promotions for guests who want to test their luck or skill.

As for accommodations, the Gold Strike Casino Resort has a hotel with various room options to suit different preferences and budgets. The rooms are decorated with comfort in mind and include modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and spacious bathrooms. Additionally, the resort offers a range of services and facilities, including a pool, spa, fitness center, and business center.

Dining options at Gold Strike are diverse, with several restaurants and bars available on-site. Guests can choose from casual eateries, upscale dining experiences, and quick bites to satisfy their cravings. The resort also features live entertainment and nightlife options, including shows, concerts, and a nightclub.

It’s important to note that casino resort guests must be of legal gambling age to enter the Casino and participate in gaming activities. Additionally, policies and offerings may have changed, so visiting the official Gold Strike Casino Resort website or contacting them directly for the most accurate and current information is advisable.

For more casino-related posts, click here.

Hampton Inn is a well-known hotel brand that offers comfortable and affordable accommodations in various locations worldwide. While I don’t have access to real-time information, as of my last knowledge update in September 2021, a Hampton Inn is located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

The Hampton Inn Wilkes Barre Hotel is situated in the scenic Wyoming Valley near the Pocono Mountains. It is conveniently located off Interstate 81, making it easily accessible for travelers. The Hampton Inn hotel offers a range of amenities and services, including comfortable guest rooms, complimentary hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and an indoor pool.

Please note that it’s always a good idea to check the latest information, including the hotel’s availability and any changes in amenities, directly with the Hampton Inn Wilkes Barre or through their official website or customer service line.

The Palace Casino Biloxi Mississippi is updated and modern with a smoke free environment in the casino. We really enjoyed playing at this casino. Everything was so clean and glistening. The servers were around often offering drinks. In fact if you always tip the servers, they will make sure you receive great service. What more can you ask for when playing the slots or the tables. Well wining of course and we both did that as well. My wife and I both left he casino ahead, which is increasingly rare these days.

Palace Casino Biloxi Mississippi Check In

We did not stay at the Place Casino Biloxi hotel this trip, however we did check on the rates. They seemed very reasonable for walkins and most important, no resort fee. Almost all of the other hotels charge a resort fee. The resort fee can range from $15 to $20 a night including tax in the Biloxi area. They are much higher in Las Vegas. They even charge the resort fee on nights you are bing comp’d. The Palace Casino Biloxi hotel saves you paying this fee.

We also noticed that guests checking in are offered a free glass of champagne and there are munchies to choose from. This is a treat. The decor is very modern and it looks like it has been recently updated. Although we have not seen the rooms, one guest told us they were very nice. We are definitely staying at this hotel the next time we come to Biloxi.

If you have stayed at this hotel please leave us your comments. We would really like to hear if you have the same impression. We would also like to hear comments about the rooms and what they are like.

The buffet at the Palace Casino Biloxi Mississippi

We also went to the Buffet at the Palace Casino. It was a little on the pricey side, however the food was really great. Lots of shrimp and other local sea food delicacies. If you have a Palace Casino slot card, they will provide a small discount. Of course if you are a high roller, you may be eligible for additional discounts.

We cannot wait until we return to Biloxi and try out this hotel Casino combination. You can easily walk to the Golden Nugget and also to Harrahs. We fel quite safe during the day, however I would not recommend walking at night. Both are about a 10 minute walk from the Palace Casino. A cab or Uber ride will be less than $10 including the tip

We spent four nights at Harrahs Casino Biloxi Mississippi hotel in the fall of 2018. We were pleasantly
surprised by both the casino as well as the hotel. We drove and found that it was easy to get to and we
were able to park in the hotel parking garage close to the hotel entrance. There is a relatively small
casino floor compared to some of the larger casinos. However it has all of the games and slots we look
for. There were many keno and poker slots which we enjoy playing. Harrahs allows smoking in the casino. There were several restaurants and we tried three of them including the buffet. The buffet has recently stopped serving crab legs on Friday nights and also lowered the price as well. You will have to go elsewhere if you want crab legs. There were lots of shrimp dishes available.

Harrahs Casino Biloxi Mississippi Hotel Rooms

We stayed in a room on the 12th floor facing the gulf. The view was great. We looked down on the pool
area and out to Deer island and the Gulf. It is interesting to see the fishing boats heading out at night to
fish. We could also see what we think were dolphins swimming in the inter-coastal area. There was also a coffee machine and a fridge in the room for guests to use.

The 12th floor is the top floor. The rooms are well insulated so we did not hear any other guests. There
was a coffee machine in the room along with a fridge. We found it very comfortable. The bathroom has
been updated as well, very clean and had everything we needed. The room might be considered a little
on the small side, however most people do not spend a lot of time in their rooms anyway. The rooms and hallways were looking a little tired. They could use an upgrade.

The only real complaint that we have is the resort fee charge of $16 plus tax per night. This fee was
added to our bill for all nights including those that we were comp’d for. Many hotels will waive this fee on nights you are staying for free.

The staff is friendly. They all acknowledge you as you pass, saying good morning or whatever. We
enjoyed staying at Harrahs Casino Biloxi hotel and will probably stay here again depending on the rates
we are offered compared to other hotels in the area.

Whether it is your first time or you are a seasoned visitor to Las Vegas, check out these tips. Las Vegas tips for first timers  was put together through a combination of online searches as well as personal experience. The tips have been sorted gamblers, vacation only and business people. Most will find that there is something for everyone in each of the categories. Above all have fun when you visit Las Vegas. Control your gambling and the amount of alcohol you consume to ensure that you have a wonderful time while in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas Tips for First Timers

There will also be some tips that are captured under several headings. They have slightly different meanings for each category.

Tips for Gamblers

• Take gambling lessons – learn the basics of playing and understand the odds of winning. Spend some time reading up on the best games to play. The casinos are there to entertain you and most of all make money
• Manage alcohol consumption – free drinks are part of the package while playing, however too many can cloud your judgement and ability to decide when to stop
• Downtown Las Vegas – has better odds according to the roomers. There is also unique entertainment and less expensive rooms on average
• Sign up for players clubs – whether you play the slots or the tables, always obtain a free player club membership. They track your play. The casinos award comps based on your play and can be worth hundreds of dollars
• Rewards programs – they include free rooms, discounted rooms, free meals etc. Take advantage of these benefits to enhance your stay and reduce your overall costs.
• Off-Strip hotels – they tend to be more competitive and perhaps a little quieter. Many offer shuttles to the strip
• Maximize your comp’s – depending on your play talk to a slot host to understand what is available to you. Often they will offer a little more to get you to stay at their casino.
• Gamble were you like to stay – If you enjoy a particular hotel, obtain a players card and play at the hotels casino. You may be offered free rooms in the future. Or perhaps free meals or a show while you are there.
• Cash in when ahead – always walk away with cash when you are ahead. Over the long run casinos are betting you will lose all of your cash. The odds are in their favor.
• Tipping – always tip the server. Good tips will ensure repeated service whenever you need your drink freshened up.
• Restaurant reservations – ask your host to book a reservation and also obtain a line pass to avoid long lines at the buffet

Las Vegas Tips for First Timers & Consumers on Vacation

• Plan your attack – there is lots to see in Las Vegas. Prepare a plan to ensure that you get to see the items high on your list
• Bring walking shoes – even just walking in the hotel and casino involves lots of walking. These are big places. It is easy to put in 10000 steps just walking along the strip.
• If possible, avoid peak dinner times – during busy times such as conferences and holidays, restaurants are full, wait times can be long other wise.
• Happy hours – drinks can be expensive if you are buying, take advantage of the happy hours
• Tipping – tipping is standard, however if you are playing the slots, drinks are free. You should tip for each drink you receive to ensure continued service
• Downtown Las Vegas – take in the night time show on the street. It is closed off to traffic
• Free attractions – there are lots of free attractions along the strip and downtown. The Mirage Volcano, the Bellagio fountains and the light show on Fremont street downtow to name a few
• Don’t gamble – it is pretty hard not to. If you do set a limit and stick to that limit.
• Convenience stores – there are several drug stores along the strip that sell just about everything you need for a quick snack and even a meal if you have the means to cook it.
• Public transportation – buses run a regular schedule along the strip, downtown and thougout the city
• Off-Strip hotel – take a shuttle to some of the off strip hotels, a taxi, Uber etc.
• Visit at off-peak times – Everything is more expensive during peak times which include major holidays as well as large conferences. Shop around or pick another date to come to Vegas.
• Carry a light jacket, water and sunscreen everywhere – It can be cool at night and it is very dry. You will need water with you especially in the summer when temperatures exceed 100F.
• Anticipate resort fees and parking fees – most of the strip hotels are now charging a resort fee which is over and above the room rate you were quoted. There will also be taxes to pay as well. If you drive, there will be a daily parking fee.
• Take lots of photos – this is one of the best way to remember your trip to Vegas
• Understand the costume character game – if you take a photo of a costume character or a with one, expect to tip. That is how they earn their living.

Tips for Business Travelers

In addition to all of the above, here are a few more for business travelers to consider.

• Distances are further than they appear- stay in the same hotel as your conference, meetings etc. It took the writer over 30 minutes to walk from his hotel to the one across the street on  one trip. walking through the casino, up escalators to cross the street and into the next casino and finally into the hotel conference area which is located at the back of the property.
• Don’t buy drinks in the casino – drinks are very expensive in the casino if you are not playing. Take advantage of offers from your conference coordinator.
• If possible, avoid peak dinner times – large conferences place a strain on restaurants. You may want to book a reservation before you even arrive in Las Vegas
• Allow waiting time for cabs – the same applies to getting a cab. There are lots of them, however the lines can be long too.
• Budget for resort fees and parking fees – make sure your budget includes up to $45 for resort fees and $20 per day for parking along with normal taxes on everything.

If you have tips you would like to add, feel free to leave your comments.

The Beau Rivage Biloxi phone number to call is +1 888-567-6667 for all reservations and slot comps. Call and speak to a hotel reservation host who can help you with anything you need. Don’t forget to give them your slot number. Your slot number identifies you. The casino determines what if any comps you may be entitled to.

Many people will call and book reservations from Sunday through Thursday nights. Rooms are often priced at casino rates. They may even free for some players. Every night plus meals may be included as a comp. Some nights  are blocked out. Large events fill up the hotel quickly. On these occasions, the hotel reserves rooms for paying guests and high rollers. Always check before you book. Request various dates. Select the date and rate that matches your schedule. Flexibility will get you the best room in the house. Avoid weeks with large conferences. Rates can get expensive. Large conferences drive up rates.

Beau Rivage Biloxi Phone Number

Don’t be afraid to ask for comps. The agents will either provide you with a comp’d room or let you know what the price will be. The price will be based on market rates. Even a high casino rate is better than market rates.

Many casino players will find that the rates are much better than anything they see on travel and booking sites. If you are new to MGM or the Beau Rivage, you will pay market rates. After you arrive be sure to obtain a free slot card. Use the card when playing the slots or tables. You never know just how much you can earn in terms of points towards free rooms and meals.

Before leaving talk to the casino slot hosts. They will tell you how to use your comp’s. There may be a pleasant surprise to the end of your stay. A free room? Perhaps meals looked after? Always charge your meals to your room. This shows that you spent dollars at your hotel. If the host cannot give you a free room, perhaps they will write off some of the meal charges. Every little bit helps. Enjoy your time in Vegas.

Does ambiance at casinos make a difference? For my wife it absolutely does. We suspect that for many others this is true. The atmosphere in a casino really makes a difference for many people. The moment you walk into a casino, we all have an immediate impression of the building, the casino and the hotel.  It either makes us feel good or ambivalent towards the casino. The ambiance factor is huge in terms of whether we feel we will have a good time and enjoy ourselves. For example, there is something about Hard Rock Casinos that does not appeal to us. The casino appears to us as a cold, dark place devoid of excitement. We do not like the machines they offer and the people working there appear stand offish to us. We are not picking on the Hard Rock casino. Many people prefer this casino to others. For some it appears dynamic and exciting especially with its nostalgic design including many mementos from famous artists.

Ambiance at Casinos

Does the ambiance at casinos make a difference in terms of winning or not? Probably not. But you feel better and more confident about the place. You may still lose money, but at least you were entertained and enjoyed the experience. More and more, visiting a casino is about enjoying yourself while there. If you happen to win a small jackpot, even better. It is the icing on the cake.

This is a feeling that we all tap into. Many cannot explain what makes us like a place or not. It is all about atmosphere, decor, music, colors, slot machines, tables and entertainment areas. Many people like the type of people that frequent a casino. Some places attract a particular clientele. For example the Hard Rock as far as we can tell is focused on a younger crowd. While many others focus on the older crowd. It is a tough challenge to be something for everyone.

Let us know what you think about ambiance at casinos and how it affects your decision to go to a casino.

We have just been made aware that along with Hotel Fees Increasing at the Aquarius Casino in Laughlin, they are adding a resort fee and they are not as free with giving out river view rooms. First as of May 1st, the Aquarius hotel is charging a $10 resort fee on all rooms per night. While this is far less than the $35, hotels in Las Vegas, this will come as a big surprise for many patrons. It will not be long before they also charge for parking. But so far as at the time of writing, there is no word of a parking fee yet. If you are a slot card member, you may have these fees waived.

Hotel Fees Increasing at the Aquarius Casino in Laughlin

We received complimentary rooms the last time we stayed at the hotel and the resort fee was also complimentary. If we had to pay for the room, $10 would have been added to the cost of the room along with associated taxes as well.

Many patrons will be upset over this increase especially since there will be no decrease in the cost of the rooms per night. If you are comp’d for the room, there will be no resort fee charged. At least that was our experience the last time we stayed at the hotel at the beginning of May. Parking was still free, however we are not sure how long this will last.

Some patrons will clearly move to other hotels to avoid paying these fees. However we suspect that all of the hotels have banded together and will be charging this fee. In the case of the Aquarius, the hotel was purchased last year by a new owner. They have to generate added income to help pay for the debt they incurred as part of the purchase.

We will provide further updates as more information comes available.

There are Changes at the Aquarius Casino in Laughlin and it is going to cost you more money! The Aquarius Casino and hotel was sold to a new owner last year and while it took them a few months, changes are now beginning to happen that will cost patrons more money. After all the new buyer must pay for the debt they took out to make the purchase.  For starters, anyone staying at the hotel will begin paying a resort fee of $10 per stay beginning May 1st, 2018. This is following the trend in Las Vegas and other locations. Many high end hotels in Las Vegas are charging as much as $35 resort fees per night stay.

Changes at the Aquarius Casino in Laughlin

What other changes are coming. Although there was no mention of parking fees yet, but it is just a matter of time before they begin charging parking fees as well. Laughlin has an entertainment venue where thousands of people come to listen to entertainers. Many use the parking garages, but do not go into the casino at all. The parking garages were built for the casino patrons. Many  casinos will start charging for parking in our estimation.

Those casino patrons who have a slot card and perhaps have a higher value slot card will likely be comp’d for rooms and meals. Patrons receiving free rooms will not be charged the resort fee as of the date this post was prepared. The same likely will apply to parking fees.

Casino hotels who charge resort fees may initially find that customers will complain and some will stay away from hotels in protest. Casino management find that this is temporary and customers just want to have a good time and they believe that their clients will just absorb it as part of their vacation costs or business costs.

If Las Vegas is any indication, occupancy rates are higher than ever and patrons have just ignored the extra charges. It is just part of the cost of doing business or going on vacation.

Whether you have noticed or not, the answer to the question, are slot machine payouts declining, is yes. Reports suggest that payouts in the industry have declined. Known as slot hold, the percentage has increased to 6.4% on average. Average amounts wagered by gamblers declined. Yet revenue from slot players has increased as a result because the slot hold increased at the same time.  Many gamblers are staying away because of the perceived tightening of the slot payout.

Are Slot Machine Payouts Declining

Applied Analysis examined the casino markets of 16 states, including Nevada. The report they prepared found that the amount gamblers wagered and the revenue casinos earned from slots declined by double-digit percentages between 2007 and 2014. Slot hold is the amount that casinos keep from every dollar wagered. At the same time, slot hold percentage increased 6.2 percent.

Some states diverged from the overall trend. Most notably, Florida’s hold percentage declined from 9.5 percent in 2006 — when slot machines began operating in the state — to 6.41 percent in 2014, according to the report.

Nevada has much more competition and the results suggest better payouts overall. Nevada’s 6.4 percent slot hold last year was higher than it was when slot revenue peaked in 2007, but it was still the lowest of any state examined in the report.

Generally speaking, casinos that are in highly competitive locations such as Vegas have better payouts. Reports suggest that old Las Vegas or downtown, typically will pay out better returns, sometimes as much as 3% more than the strip. Averages suggest the strip pays out around 90% to 91%, while downtown is more competitive with approximately a 94% payout rate.

For more thoughts and ideas about slot machine payout ratios, click here.

We have certainly noticed a decline in payouts from slot machines in terms of large jackpots. There have been lots of small payouts. They keep you going and playing on the casino’s money, but really not enough to stop playing and go home with. We usually go with $100 and if we win $100, we usually keep playing. We are chasing the big win over $200 or much larger. They are very difficult to get. Frankly, most people just play and lose all of the money they came with. Our question to readers, Have you noticed a decline in slot machine payout?, if so let us know.

We did a little research and found that on review boards there is a mix of comments and thoughts about this subject. Some people have won and are quite excited, while others have noticed the same trend we have. Almost everyone I talk to at the slots says they are not winning as often as they used to. We are going to see if we can find any industry stats on this subject, however, based on state requirements in Nevada for example, the casinos must may a minimum on average. This payout varies by the casino and by state.

Have you noticed a decline in slot machine payout in Your State?

Our theory is that there are a lot more small payouts than there used to be and less large payouts. The casinos can manipulate the payout tables to pay a lot more small jackpots and less large ones and still meet the payout guidelines of the state they are in.

So what you might say. Well, human nature is to continue playing when you win a small jackpot of twenty or thirty dollars. You are at the casino for the evening and you are not ready to go home yet. These small wins allow you to keep playing without using your money and you may even have the feeling that you are on a hot machine. Before you know it your wins are gone and so is the stake you started with.

The casinos are playing this psychological game and reaping the rewards by increasing their overall take from slot machines. They have been successful at changing the gaming environment from one of trying to beat the casino to being entertained by interactive games that give us thrills and excitement. More and more people feel that they had a good night if they were able to paly for a long time and were entertained even if they lost their stake.

Comments?  For more thoughts and ideas about slot machine play, click here.

Casino slot payback percentages vary by casino, location and even within the casino across various machines. However, they all must adhere to local state or provincial regulations that govern payout rates. The minimum appears to be 85%, although some locations set it to 88%. Typically, most casinos do not go that low, preferring to remain competitive with other forms og gambling and other casinos in the area. There is a lot of pressure on casino operators to remain attractive to their customers, while at the same time paying out taxes to local governments and making a profit. The payout based on our research typically ranges from around 92% to 95%, with a few machines advertised at 99%. Overall the casino must maintain an average payout of greater than 85%, which means that some machines will be set at this level, while others will be higher.

Casino Slot Payback Percentages

In Nevada for example, the minimum required payback is set at 86%. Some machines will be set to 99%, while the majority will be much lower. Penny slots are set at the lowest which is around 90%, while dollar slots and some video poker machines such as deuces wild have the highest payback at nearly 99%.

These payback amounts are an average and if you play long enough the average will be achieved. Of course you might experience long runs of losses in the process. That is what gambling is all about. The casino and the government agencies that benefit from gambling really do not care. Over the long run they know that they will collect their share of the amounts bet in line with the payback they have set the slot machines to.

Let’s assume you are playing a twenty-five cent video poker machine that is set to 99%. You are betting a total of $1.25 per hand. If you play 20 hands per hour, your betting $25 an hour. If you play for four hours that’s $100. In theory you should have lost only $1.00 on average. Some days you will lose the entire $100, while other days you win a jackpot and go home happy. That’s how gambling works, but on average the casino will always win.

For more details about slot machines, payouts, hold backs etc. Click here.

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Casino slot machine payback rates can vary a great deal however they are governed by three main requirements. The first is that local governments set the payback rate. This is done at usually the state level in the US and the provincial level in Canada. In some locations, it is as high as 88%. The lowest rate is 85%! What does this really mean? For every $100 you gamble, patrons can expect on average to see a return of only $85. While some may appear to pay out much more than this amount at times. The average will always be 85%.

Slot machine technicians set the payout rate. It cannot be varied without written approval from the gaming authority in the state. Random number generators determine the payout rates. Further programming limits the payout to 85% or higher. Depending on other factors which we will discuss in the next section. Rest assured that the casino will always get its share of the bet on average every time. There are two other pressure points that will govern the average payout actual rate. Profit, politics and local programs that may benefit from transfers of retained earnings to the city or county.

Casino Slot Machine Payback – Profit

Every casino is in the business to make a profit. The amount they can get away with in terms of payout really depends on the local competition in the areas. If the same owner owns them all, there is really no competition. They like to pretend that there is a competition between the several casinos, but there really isn’t. A casino will gauge the market and set the payback rate accordingly usually in the range of 88% to 92%.

The other factor that will influence the slot machine payback rate is the agreement that casinos have with local government. Many cities will receive a portion of the proceeds. This puts a lot of pressure on casino operators to generate revenues to pay this additional tax.

An additional layer of expense is added when a casino is sold. The new owners must pay the additional interest charges. It subtracts directly from the number of funds held back from payouts. Casinos can lower the payout or push volume or both to generate sufficient slot machine payback. Recently there has been a lot of pressure on casinos to increase profits. Paybacks have been declining, much to the distress of gamblers.

For more details about slot machines, payouts, holdbacks etc. Click here.

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Solo backpacking means peace and quiet. No one to talk to means no words are put between you and the beauty around you. The miles just flow. It’s entirely up to you to say when you eat or take a break. Want to jump in that alpine lake? It’s your decision alone. It’s a unique experience. Here are a few Solo Backpacking Tips.

A solo backpacker also is vulnerable. Twist your ankle, and there’s nobody there to help you. Have you ever been stuck alone without food for days? How can you make your solo backpacking trip safe? You can’t. It’s inherently more dangerous to go alone into the wilderness. What you can do though, is make it safer.

Some Solo Backpacking Tips

1. Tell someone where you’ll be, and when you expect to return.It’s probably best if you leave a map with them, and let them know who to call if you don’t return on time.

2. Bring a cell phone. I don’t do this yet myself, but manylives have now been saved by cell phones. Turn it off and put it in the bottom of your pack so it won’t bother you.

3. Bring the usual safety items (matches, 1st aid, iodine tablets, etc), but double-check to see if they are there and in working order, as you’ll have nobody elses supplies to back you up.

Solo Backpacking Tips

4. If you’re not sure of your abilities, or have a bad knee or other potential problem, stick to well-traveled trails. On many routes, another backpacker will be by every hour. That’s good to know if you’re in trouble.

5. Learn well how to read a map and use a compass. If you are two miles off route and can’t get a signal on your phone when your knee gives out, you’re in trouble. Even if you like to wander, you should be able to know where you are on the map for safety.

6. Know your abilities. Don’t plan on twenty-mile days if you haven’t done them before.

7. Learn to lighten your load. When you’re alone, you lose the efficiency of sharing the load for stoves, tents and other common items. It’s easy – and dangerous – to become over loaded when yours is the only backpack. You might want to read up on ultralight backpacking.

Solo backpacking is riskier, but for some of us, it’s well worth the risk. Try it, and you might agree. Just be sure to take the necessary precautions.

Have you ever had a backpacking trip that was a disaster – even though you brought everything you needed? Maybe you had matches,but couldn’t get that fire going. You need more than good gear to assure a safe and enjoyable wilderness experience. You need to know how to do a few things, and the following list will get you started.

1. Learn fire making. Practice in your yard if you have to, but try to start that fire with one match. Try it the next time it’s raining too.

2. Learn to pitch a tent. Do it wrong and the rain will come in, or the the wind will tear the seams. Tents should be pitched tight, and you should be able to set your tent up in a few minutes.

A Backpacking List – Things To Learn

3. Learn how to stay warm. Practice camping in the yard, to see how blocking the wind, wearing a hat, and eating fatty foods before sleeping can keep you warmer.

4. Learn to cook over a fire. It’s not as easy as it seems.Block the wind, cover the pan, keep the fire small and concentrated. Practice, and time yourself. Faster is better in a jam, and it’s always possible your stove will break.

5. Learn about edible plants. Knowing how to identify cattails and three or four wild edible berries can make a trip more enjoyable, especially if you ever lose your food to a bear.

6. Learn how to walk. Also learn how to pace yourself and how to move comfortably over rocky terrain means you’ll be less tired,and less likely to twist an ankle.

7. Learn about animals. Can you tell if a bear is “bluff charging” or stalking you? If it’s the latter, playing dead will make you a bear’s supper. Hint: lots of noise usually means he just wants to frighten you, but you need to read up on this one.

8. Learn to watch the sky. Is that a lightning storm coming or not? It might be useful to know when you’re on that ridge. Learn the basics of predicting weather, and you’ll be a lot safer.

9. Learn basic first aid. Can you recognize the symptoms of hypothermia? Do you know how to properly treat blisters? Good things to know.

10. Learn navigation. Maps don’t help if you don’t know how to use them. The same is true for compasses

You don’t need to be an expert in wilderness survival to enjoy a safe hiking trip. It can help to know a little more though. Use the skills list above, and learn something new.

Anyone who won more than $1199.99 in a US casino needs to pay taxes on their winnings. If you are Canadian, the taxes were deducted immediately by the casino before you received your winnings. This can be very frustrating. However, in most cases, the taxes you paid can be eliminated entirely or at least reduced by a significant amount. US taxpayers typically will not have taxes deducted immediately. They are supposed to include the income in their IRS forms and pay whatever taxes are due at that time. Always ask for a casino win loss statement from the casinos after year-end.

Casino Win Loss Statements for Claims

Anyone who plans to claim a refund on the taxes that were paid needs to file an IRS tax statement by April 15^th of the following year. They are allowed to deduct any losses they may have incurred while they were gambling against their winnings. They can reduce the amount of tax they need to pay.

This is where win loss statements are very important. After Jan 1^st, call your casino or go to the player’s club to find out how you can arrange to receive a win loss statement. Some will send it by regular mail in a few weeks, while others will have it online for you to download.

These statements can be very enlightening. For example, they could say you wagered over $50,000, won $49500 for a net loss of only $500. The $500 is the important number and the one that can be used to reduce the taxes you will pay on your winnings. But the scary thing is that you may not feel that you have gambled so much. You win a bit and lose a bit when you go to the casino. It is this churn that generates the huge numbers quoted above.

Re quest all of the win-loss statements from the casinos you play at and use these numbers to help decrease the total tax you are paying on your gambling winnings.

For more posts about claiming tax losses on gambling winnings, click here.

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The qualities desirable in a backpacking tent are different from those tents being pitched next to a car in a campground. The biggest difference being that the backpacking tent will be carried with you and therefore, should be small and lightweight. This is one of the most important Backpacking Tent Fundamentals. Most modern two person tents weight around four to five lbs. whereas a roomy family camping tent can weigh twenty lbs or more. Solo or single person tents can weigh less than three lbs and are great if you are hiking alone. However, if you are hiking with someone else, it usually works out better weight wise to split the gear and take a two person tent.

Tent Quality

The quality of the tent is more important when backpacking. There is usually nowhere dry to go if the tent starts leaking. While a top quality tent is not necessary, cheap discount store tents should only be used if the forecast calls for clear weather.

Being tired, wet, and cold knowing the next dry place is at least ten miles away on a rocky trail will quickly put a damper on what should be an enjoyable outdoor experience.

Clips and Sleeves

There are two common ways that tent poles are attached to the tent. One is using sleeves that the poles slide through and the other is using clips that latch over the poles. Some tents even use a combination of clips and sleeves. In general, clip based designs are easier and faster to set up, while sleeve based designs are stronger and can be easily repaired with a needle and thread right at the camp site. For most conditions, I believe the clips are plenty strong and are generally better because of how quickly they allow the tent to be set up and dismantled.

Free Standing and Staked Designs

Free standing tents seem to have become the norm. Their primary advantage is that they can be set up without being staked into the ground. Stakes are still important to keep the tent from blowing around, but the stakes usually do not need to be driven far into the ground. Staked tents tend to be a bit lighter than free standing tents, but need to be staked solidly into the ground to hold their shape.

Backpacking Tent Fundamentals

Staked tents can be difficult to set up or keep up if the soil is hard or rocky. I’ve become a convert from staked tents to freestanding tents. This has come about after bending multiple tent pegs beyond repair trying to pitch the tent on hard rocky ground.

Single Wall and Double Wall Construction

Double wall tents are tents that require a separate rain fly to keep out water.They are slightly heavier than their single walled counterparts. They also take a bit longer to set up. Many are generally less expensive, warmer, and hold up better in wet conditions. While the lower weight specifications and small packing size of the single wall tents make them attractive. Double wall tents are generally a better deal economically.

Three Season and Four Season Specifications

Three season tents are just that; tents designed for Spring, Summer, and Fall camping. Few people go backpacking in the winter compared to the other three seasons. So the vast majority of tents sold are three season tents. Four season tents are built from heavier materials in order to hold up against the winter weather. They are bulkier and harder to carry. Some manufacturers offer a 3+ season tent if you are camping early in the Spring or late in the Fall. But unless you are planning specifically to camp in the winter months a three season tent is more than sufficient without undue bulk and weight.

Vestibules

You may not have room to keep your shoes in the tent with you. Vestibules are a great place to keep them dry and yet outside the main tent. Some vestibules provide enough of an overhang to allow the screen or even the door to be open during the rain. I personally enjoy feeling the breeze from a storm while I am dry inside the tent. Most people probably would not consider the vestibule worth the weight, but they are a nice luxury.

Conclusions

Different individuals will select different tents based on various factors. Understand the fundamental differences between tents. This information can help you pick the tent design that fits your hiking style and conditions.

How light is light? Lightweight backpacks weigh less than three pounds, a standard I just invented. There are good packs under three pounds for almost all types of trips. My own Golite backpack weighs just 14 ounces, and has a capacity of 2900 cubic inches, plus 1000 more in the extension collar. It’s more comfortable than any frame pack I’ve used, but then I don’t carry more than 20 pounds in it.

The mesh outer pockets are a great idea. I stuff my wet tarp in the large one in the morning, where it’s easy to take out to dry later. I’ve had my GoLite for ten years. I’ve used it from the rain forest to glaciers at 20,600 feet on two trips to Ecuador,as well as in the Rockies, the Smokies, and in Michigan. Packed right, it qualifies as carry-on when I fly (I don’t like to check luggage).

My next pack will probably be the tougher Go Lite Gust, which weighs 20 ounces. I just read seven reviews, all of them praising the pack. One reviewer used it for the weekend with a27-pound load, so a lightweight backpack doesn’t have to be light-duty.

Using Frame less Lightweight Backpacks

Like mine, many lightweight backpacks don’t have frames. I use a sleeping pad for a frame, as is recommended. Some backpackers just put the pad in

Lightweight Backpacks – How Light?

the backpack loosely rolled, with everything inside it. I’ve found a better way.

Take a closed-cell pad, like the cheap blue ones, and cut it across, halfway through the foam, on opposite sides. You can accordion it into a three layer thick (2 cuts) or four layer thick (3 cuts) back-padding frame. The “hinges” thus created last a long time. Put the pad in the pack, (against your back)and load everything in behind it.

Other Backpack Options

If you want lightweight AND cheap backpacks, start experimenting. I’ve used an old aluminum pack frame and large duffle bag, to create a full-suspension pack that weighs just two pounds. Though it carried loads well in the mountains of Montana, it wasn’t the most convenient to use. By the way, it is lighter than any frame pack I’ve ever seen advertised. The 8-ounce duffle works okay as a backpack by itself too.

I recently bought a lightweight backpack at Walmart. It weighs six ounces, and it is actually comfortable. It’s a day pack, but large enough for overnight hikes, since I travel really light.It cost just four dollars. Light weight backpacking gear isn’t always expensive.

If you have ever looked at bivy sacks in catalogs or online, you know they can be claustrophobic and expensive. I can’t help you much with the first, except to say that you’ll get used to it.The expensive part, though, I have a solution for.

I didn’t want to spend $200 for a nice bivy, so I bought an”emergency bivy” for $20. It was basically a large plastic bag.I tested it on a rainy night, with a small umbrella over my head. I tried not to breath in the bag, but I still thought I’d be soaked by the condensation, like all the books warn. In the morning I was surprisingly dry.

Later, when I lost my bivy, it occurred to me that if it was basically a large plastic bag, why pay $20 or $200 to replace it? I got out two extra large garbage bags and duct-taped them together. After cutting open one end, I had a three-foot by seven-foot bivy sack. It weighed just four ounces.

Bivy Sacks – Making Them Yourself

Now, if you have looked at bivies before, you know that none arethat light. Even my “emergency bivy” weighed twice as much. It was a bit tougher, but then I use my four-ounce bivies as disposables. They are good for a week of nights if you’re careful. At less than a dollar each, it doesn’t hurt to throw them away at the end of a trip.

Like most bivy sacks, it will leave you a little damp in the morning. It is best used in dry environments, although I used mine in Michigan without any real problems. In any case, you’ll dry out in a few minutes once you start hiking. You will also get in the habit of taking a break to lay your sleeping bag in the sun to dry any dampness.

There’s our lesson on making ultralight bivy sacks. Four ounces,and they fit in your pocket. This isn’t my only disposable lightweight backpacking gear by the way, but that’s another story.

Akwesasne Casino Promotions are worth paying attention to. A friend of mine used to scoff at even obtaining a slot card. He did not want his name or personal information given to the casino. He was afraid that some of his friends would somehow find out that he goes to the casino once and awhile. I explained to him that some of the promotions are just the same as winning a small jackpot. Readers should note that at the present time the casino is closed on Monday and Tuesday as if 2022 07 22.

Whether it is free play or a free meal or a free hotel room, they have value just the same. He might as well take advantage of these promotions. Akwesasne has some of the best casino promotions in the area. Their big disadvantage is that they are an hour’s drive from many local cities in Canada and the US. They have to work a bit harder to attract patrons. All casinos offer some level of promotion. However, this casino is one of the best that we have come across.

Akwesasne Casino Promotions

The promotions change from time to time, however, we will list some of the better ones. These are promotions that we take advantage of on a regular basis. Note that to receive any promotion at all you must register for a free casino slot card. Always use it while playing the slots or tables.

Free play – They add free play to your slot card on a weekly basis. The amount is based on your play and can be quite a large amount for heavier players.

Point Balance Dollars – They add point balance to your account based on play. Use point balance for many items such as meals, hotel bills, gas, etc.

Free Hotel Rooms – Once a month they will send a newsletter along with personal promotions which will include reduced room rates. Or in some cases free rooms at specified times in the week or month.

Rooms at Par – Canadian guests pay cash using Canadian dollars. Depending on the exchange rate, this can be a savings of 20% to 40%.

Special Draws – are offered at various times, often coinciding with special events or times in the year.

Birthday Promotion

Free play offered on your birthday along with a free buffet

Anniversary Promotion – Free play offered on your anniversary date of signing up for a slot card

Silver Stars – Buffet prices are slashed by 50% on Mondays and Wednesdays for seniors. Add Free Play to your card

Drink Specials – Casino adds Ladies night, half-price deals, and special drink prices.

Promotions are offered from time to time. The best way to see them is to obtain a slot card. Add your name to their mailing list. Also, install the smartphone app. They will keep you up to date and prepare offers to entice you to return to their casino.

For more posts about this popular casino, click here.

Have you ever tried coming close to nature and experience the beauty of it with the help of modern technology? I guess not. That’s what I’m talking about, that’s why Essential 12 Volt Camping Supplies make it easier for you to come close to the nature with the help of modern technology and make the most of it.

First tackle the freezing of various body parts at night. Yes I am talking about the 12 volt electric blanket which is one of the most popular of all the 12 volt supplies. They are very handy as well. It gets plugged into your vehicles cigarette lighter and large enough to accommodate two people. Now I see no reason for not cuddling up with your significant other on a camp out.

Now this one is for coffee and tea lovers who understand the importance of that first cup of caffeine in the morning. You can say one of the most headache reducing 12 volt supplies out there is the liquid heater. Once again very handy to use. Plug the lighter onto the cigarette lighter. This heater is capable of heating any kind of liquid, be it water, coffee, tea or soup. Make hot chocolate. It’s very important much faster than rebuilding the fire and waiting for the water to reach the hot temperature.

Essential 12 Volt Camping Supplies

Now have you ever heard of packing the kitchen sink and carrying it along? Do you think it’s really possible? Yes it is with the help of 12 volt supplies. Most of these supplies are equipped with power cord and stove is no exception. Very easy to use and can help with quickening the heating of food, baby’s bottle and host of other meals. Also  sandwiches, soup and last night’s leftovers can be easily heated up after a busy day of hiking or swimming.

Many people don’t care about all these little things when they are camping. But sometimes a little more convenience is necessary after a busy day of adventure. That’s were 12 volt supplies come in and makes life less hectic. Travel is one of the modern family’s ways to escape. A weekend excursion, an extended fishing trip, or week in the mountains can offer a chance to reconnect. A rare commodity in today’s busy world.

But taking advantage of the bevy of technological advancements available to us means that a family getaway doesn’t have to mean “roughing it” in uncomfortable temperatures. Herein the12-volt travel products which include air mattress, heated massaging seat cushion, curling iron, electric blankets, cordless shavers, and hair dryers come into play thus maximizing our enjoyment and opening up a world of possibilities.

Why should you learn wilderness survival skills just for backpacking? They may save your life someday, and for ultralight enthusiasts like myself, skills replace gear, and therefore weight. The best reason, however, maybe that it’s just a good feeling to know you can deal with whatever comes up. It makes you feel more at home. We have collected a few Wilderness Survival Backpacking Tips that should cover the basics and help you survive.

To survive means to stay warm and dry, hydrated, uninjured, and to find your way out of the survival situation. Eating is nice too, but not crucial if the situation is for a few days. Below are some more or less random survival tips, just to get you interested.

Wilderness Survival Tips

1. Warmth: Sleep with your head slightly downhill to stay warmer. This may take some getting used to, but it works.

2. Food: In North America, there is no berry that looks like a blueberry, strawberry, or raspberry, which can hurt you from one taste. Just spit it out if it doesn’t taste right. If it looks and tastes like a blueberry – it is.

3. Firestarter: If you put dried moss or milkweed fuzz in your pocket as you walk, you’ll have dry tinder to start a fire, just in case it’s raining later. Experiment with different materials.

4. Direction-finding: Mark the tip of the shadow of a stick, and mark it again fifteen minutes later. The line between the first and second marks points east. A few techniques like this can save you when your compass is lost.

Wilderness Survival Backpacking Tips

5. Weather: In the Rocky Mountains you can see the clouds forming just before the afternoon storms. Being able to read the sky can keep you out of trouble. Lightning kills hikers in Colorado regularly.

6. Staying dry: Hypothermia is the biggest wilderness killer, and getting wet is the biggest cause. Watch for ledges or large fir trees to stand under if you see the rain coming.

7. Shelter: A pile of dry leaves and dead grass can keep you very warm in an emergency.

8. Hydration: Fill water bottles every chance you get, and you won’t have such a hard time with any long dry stretches of trail.

9. Injury: Pop a “blister” on the trunk of a small spruce or fir tree, and you can use the sap that oozes out as a good antiseptic dressing for small cuts.

10. Firestarter: White birch bark will usually light even when wet.

These are just a few of the wilderness survival tips and techniques you can easily learn. Why not practice one or two on your next backpacking trip? For more tips about wilderness survival and backpacking, click here.

Backpacking stoves have continued to get smaller, lighter, and easier to use. With advances in stove design, improvements in pre-prepared backpacking food, more people are choosing a backpacking stove. This has resulted in more choices for consumers, who are often uncertain about what advantages different types of stoves offer.

The two most common types of backpacking stoves are canister stoves and liquid fuel stoves. Canister stoves use pressurized disposable canisters that contain a mixture of butane and propane. Canisters are already pressurized. There is no need for pumps or heavy fuel bottles. This makes the canister stoves small and light. The canister stove simply screws onto the canister. If it is equipped with a Piezo ignition can be ignited reliably with the push of a button.

Liquid fuel stoves use small hand pumps to pressurize the fuel along with mechanical devices to atomize the fuel. These stoves have seals and moving parts that may need maintenance from time to time including lubrication and seal replacement. Liquid fuel stoves are generally heavier, but provide fuel options. Depending on the stove, liquid fuel stoves can run on various fuels including Coleman Fuel, Kerosene, or even Gasoline.

Choosing A Backpacking Stove

This flexibility can be a huge advantage; not only because liquid fuel is cheaper, but it is easier to find. Liquid fuel stoves also tend to heat better in temperatures near freezing. Canister stoves become stubborn to light. They take significantly longer to heat as temperatures drop near or below freezing. These are just a few of the factors to take into consideration when you are choosing a backpacking stove for your travels.

The type of cooking that will be done is also important in selecting a stove. If the sole purpose of the stove is to heat water to hydrate pre-prepared backpacking food and make hot drinks, almost any stove will do. If simmering of sauces, soups, or noodles is required, then the small torch like burner heads on many canister stoves should be avoided as they tend to heat unevenly and burn the food directly above the flame. Larger burner heads are generally better for simmering food even though they add size and weight to the stove.

Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of stoves will help in selecting the stove best suited for the conditions.

For more backpacking information and ideas, click here.

Maybe you don’t need to learn about survival clothing. Maybe you always hike with a spare jacket. Perhaps you never go out into the wilderness overnight, but just for day hikes. Or you bring lots of warm clothing when you do go backpacking. This post is about Survival Clothing For Outdoor Emergencies, something we should all know about.

Nonetheless, hundreds of people die or come close to dying every year from exposure. They thought they were prepared. They didn’t expect their clothes to get wet from falling in a stream, they didn’t think they’d be out there for the night, or they get lost for days.

Coming down from Mount Whitney I met several young men in t-shirts on their way up, determined to get to the top. They had no gear and not enough time, but they probably made it there by sunset anyhow. They also certainly didn’t make it the eleven miles back to their car before dark. It was below freezing that night, so I imagine they were uncomfortable at best. They were not prepared, with Survival Clothing For Outdoor Emergencies

Quick Survival Clothing

What survival clothing could they have made in that situation? One of them did have a light jacket. He could have used his t-shirt as a hat (a lot of heat is lost through the head) and filled his jacket with the fluff from the cattail seed heads for insulation. (Cattail down was once used to fill those old orange life preservers.)

Insulation is an important principle here. You can stuff a jacket, shirt, sweater or pants with dry leaves, milkweed down, bracken ferns, or almost anything that creates a lot of “dead airspace.” It’s better if you have two layers to sandwich it between, but being itchy is better than being frozen in any case. this is really what we mean when discussing Survival Clothing For Outdoor Emergencies.

Survival Clothing For Outdoor Emergencies

In a jam, you can also use the flat leaves of cattail plants to weave a vest that will block the wind and some rain. Two bread bags full of milkweed down or other silky plant fibers make warm mittens (tie them at the wrists). A plastic bag full of the same could be tied onto your head as a hat.

Usually, you’ll do better to look first at what you have, before looking to kill animals for their skins or weave grass skirts. If you have a sleeping bag, it can double as a coat – just wrap it around you. Socks can be mittens, and garbage bags can be made into snow pants.

A garbage bag can also be a raincoat. Otherwise, tie bunches of grass tightly together along a string or strip of cloth, and then wrap it around your shoulders. This will repel light rain. You can fashion a rain hood of birch bark as well.

In the desert, you can make a sun-hat of large leaves, like those from a fan palm. String some together to wrap around your shoulders to prevent sunburn.

You’ll probably never have to use animal skins for survival clothing. You might never lose your shoes and need to glue tree bark to your feet with pine sap, for hiking. Still, knowing how to improvise a few basic pieces of survival clothing can make you more comfortable, and possibly save your life. For more camping information and posts, click here.

This rotten winter might have you hankering to take a vacation. And the less-than-robust economy means you’d probably like to travel for the least amount of money.  It is time for money saving travel tips. Always look for deals and ways to save money, but you need to watch out for scams as well. If your planning a vacation check out all of the deals, take advantage of traveling in time frames that are not as popular.

Visit travel shows and pick up tips as well as coupons for discounts on various trips and places to visit.

Money Saving Travel Tips

To get an airline’s lowest airfare, try calling the carrier instead of booking online. You may think all the available inventory is on the web. Not even close. It’s only the inventory they want to put online. The same applies to hotels.

As an example, The lowest fare online: American’s $809. Calling American directly and asking if the airline had a “positioning flight” (when a carrier needs to get one plane from one city to another); netted a flight for $109.

If you searched for airfares on a site but didn’t buy a ticket, use a different browser or computer on your next visit or clear your computer’s cookies and cache. Otherwise, you may be shown a higher fare because you left cookies the first time and the site knows you’re eager to buy.

If you belong to a Frequent Flier program, check its site for fares using your number and without it. “Delta offered me a fare for $529 and then I went put in my Frequent Flier number, the fare suddenly jumped to $607,” They said there was a different class of tickets for Frequent Fliers.”

Train lovers with time on their hands should look into Amtrak’s 15-day go-anywhere deal. “You can get off and on anytime and see all of your dysfunctional relatives in one trip for $500; $250 for kids under 12.

Exploit the cruise industry’s bad publicity (the Costa Concordia and Carnival Triumph disasters) and excess capacity. “It’s a buyer’s market with rates as low as $149”.

Call a hotel directly for its best room rate rather than booking online or phoning its 800 number. “You can get more discounts from a phone call than from a website,”. Conversely, if the hotel rate is higher than usual, check the online price. Sometimes they forget to update the prices online.

When you call, ask for the manager on duty or director of sales, not “reservations,”. That’s the person who knows that a wedding just canceled and the hotel suddenly lost 30 booked rooms.

Ask value-added questions: Can my kids stay free? Can they eat free? I recently had to rent a car in San Francisco and asked the hotel if I could get free parking and I did. The parking normally costs $42 a night.

Consider alternative lodgings to hotels. “I love hotels, but they’re rarely the most interesting place to stay and they’re usually the most expensive,”. One person bragged about renting a two-bedroom apartment in Venice for $83 a night.

Scams

Watch out for “free” travel offers on Facebook. What may look like a giveaway of two free Southwest tickets from “Allison” is really a ruse to trick people into giving up personal information.

Never click through a link, even if it looks legitimate.

Don’t agree to rent out someone’s home until you speak, Skype or FaceTime with them. “Legitimate renters are happy to talk to you. Skype or FaceTime conversations are best because you can then insist on seeing the whole apartment or house.

Bargain destinations

Visit countries where few Americans vacation.

Go where the local currency has been pounded.

But perhaps the biggest bargain of all (once you get there): Bali in the South Pacific. You can almost live there on $5 a day.”

For more travel planning posts, click here.

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Maybe your favorite backpacking food is a freeze-dried turkey dinner. There really is no “Best Backpacking Foods”. There are reasons to bring certain foods, though. Here are ten foods, and the reasons you might want to consider them.

1. Nuts. This is one of the most calorie-packed foods you can take. That means less weight to carry. With lots of protein and other nutritional benefits, nuts are one of the best backpacking foods.

2. Olive oil. Add a little to your soups or dip bread in it. The best of the oils health-wise, you can eat it before sleeping, to stay warm, because fats generate heat when digested.

3. Trail mixes. Any mix with raisins and nuts is great for backpacking. Vitamins, minerals, protein, and the best reason -convenience.

4. Corn products. Tortilla chips or corn nuts are convenient, and they don’t seem to cause the tiredness that potato chips and other simple carbohydrates can cause.

5. Ramen noodles. When you need a hot meal fast, there isn’t much that’s better.

Best Backpacking Foods

6. Instant coffee. A necessity for caffeine addicts, and it’s good to have a stimulant available for emergencies.

7. Wild edible berries. Learn to identify a few, and you’ll have a nutritious excuse for a break along the trail.

8. Instant sports drinks. Pour a little in your water bottle and shake. Replacing electrolytes doesn’t get more convenient.

9. Instant re-fried beans. When you want sustained energy, eat beans.

10. Your favorites. Having your favorite foods can help salvage a rainy backpacking trip spent in the tent.

Always consider the nature of the trip when you choose your backpacking food. Hot meals are much more important in cold climates, and convenience is king if you want to make miles. A bottle of rum might even be appropriate if it’s a trip with friends. For more backpacking details, click here.

The Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Sticks restaurant is being updated in August of 2017. They have added slot machines at the bar for patrons to enjoy while they watch their favorite sports game on TV or grab something to eat. We posted this post in Oct of 2017 and will add an updated picture to the post to show the final result. The Akwesasne Mohawk Casino is busy making some changes to their facility to get ready for new competition in Ottawa later in 2018. They recently added a Starbucks themed coffee shop in the lobby area. There is free soft drink machines in the casino area as well.

Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Sticks restaurant

The Sticks restaurant is a great place to grab a meal. The food is pretty good although the service can be a bit slow at times. They never seem to be able to have enough staff on to serve all of the customers. As long as you are not in a hurry, you can enjoy your company and the various TV’s on the wall with various sports being shown.

The bar area in the Sticks restaurant is a long bar with a full suite of cold draft beer, bottled beer and of course all the mixed drinks you can imagine. The food is basic, fries, burgers, fish and all of the usual bar food that one would expect.

Customers can use their points on their slot card to pay for meals. Not sure if you can also use the points for drinks or not. We have dined in the restaurant for breakfast. The price is reasonable and there are large quantities of food on all of the dishes. They also have a small buffet for breakfast and the price includes coffee and juice in the price.

For more information about the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino, click here.

Ultralight backpackers want to give up weight, not comfort. Sleeping Pads For Lightweight Backpacking are pretty much a necessity for backpacking comfort, but who wants to carry those monstrous old inflatables down the trail? Try some of these lightweight options instead.

You can make four-ounce sleeping pads – then sometimes carry two of them. Start with the plain blue closed-cell foam pads available from any backpacking supplier. These are made larger than necessary, usually 24 by 72 inches. You can just cut them down to a four-ounce size.

It’s important that it reaches from your shoulders to your hips, so cut it to that length. Cut the width a little at a time, testing for comfort as you go. You want the pad as small as you can make it, while still big enough to insulate your torso from the ground. Your head can be on a pillow of spare clothes, and your legs on your empty pack to insulate them.

Sleeping Pads For Ultralight Fanatics

If you want it really light, cut pieces out of the pad. Half-inch holes in the pad don’t seem to make it less comfortable. Cut out a hundred little pieces of foam, and you get to save an ounce and join the ranks of the fanatical ultralight backpackers. That is what Sleeping Pads For Lightweight Backpacking is all about.

Sleeping Pads For Lightweight Backpacking

To be comfortable with a thin pad, or none at all, try sleeping where the ground is soft. You can also pile up leaves or dry grass to sleep on. Please do this only where it won’t harm the environment, and scatter the leaves in the morning so they won’t kill the vegetation they’re on. With fifteen minutes of work each night collecting materials, you can leave the sleeping pad home and be more comfortable. A thick pile of dried grass – now that’s a nice camping mattress.

More Comfortable Sleeping Pads

Do you need more cushioning? Inflatable sleeping pads are no longer out of the question for lightweight backpacking. REI’s Big Agnes Air Core Pad is a 3/4 length pad that weighs just 16ounces and is an incredible 2 1/2″ thick! I haven’t tried this one yet, so if you’ve slept with Big Agnes, let me know how she is.

There are also several self-inflating sleeping pads that are reasonably light. My old Therma rest is actually only 21 ounces, but both Therma rest and others now have self-inflating sleeping pads that are under a pound. Now that’s lightweight backpacking comfort!

For more backpacking and camping information, click here.