Must Haves

Preserving the Magic: The Significance of Documenting Trip Memories

Traveling has an uncanny ability to awaken our spirits, broaden our horizons, and create cherished memories that last a lifetime. The sights, sounds, and experiences we encounter on our journeys are uniquely special and can be relived through documentation. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of documenting and writing down all trip memories, whether through tools like the national park passport, journaling experiences, or other creative methods. Preserving these moments not only allows us to reminisce about where we’ve been but also provides a tangible legacy to pass on to future generations.

Embracing the National Park Passport

The National Park Passport is a wonderful tool for avid explorers who love to venture into the heart of nature’s wonders. This small, pocket-sized book allows travelers to collect stamps and cancellation marks from each national park they visit. The simple act of stamping the passport creates an indelible memory that serves as a physical token of your journey. Over time, the pages fill up with cherished memories, serving as a testament to your adventures and a reminder of the beauty that exists in the world.

Check out this beautiful National Park Passport by Anderson Design Group. We personally use this Park Passport and absolutely love it!

The American National Parks site also has great options for adults and junior rangers.

The Power of Journaling Experiences

One of the most profound ways to document trip memories is through the art of journaling. Keeping a travel journal allows you to capture the essence of each day, from the exhilarating highs to the reflective lows. Through vivid descriptions and personal reflections, you can record not only what you saw but also how you felt during the journey. This practice allows you to relive those emotions when you revisit your entries years later. Additionally, journaling provides a creative outlet for introspection and self-discovery, making it an essential tool for personal growth.

These National Park Series Field Note Books are so cute they’ll make you want to write down everything. They’re so small and fit in small bags, the best on the go option!

We also have quite a few of these Paperage Bullet Journals, they’re inexpensive and come in so many colors.

Immortalizing Memories with Photography

A picture is worth a thousand words, and in the realm of travel memories, it becomes an invaluable treasure. Nowadays, with the advent of smartphones and high-quality cameras, capturing breathtaking landscapes and candid moments has become easier than ever. Photographs freeze time, allowing us to revisit the past, remember our emotions, and share our experiences with others. Organize and store your photos in digital albums or create physical photo books to curate your most cherished memories.

We LOVE this Kodak Mini Portable Photo Printer. We love the look of polaroid’s but since we are a couple traveling it doesn’t make sense for us when we want a photo together and the polaroid camera don’t have timers. Instead, we use our tried and true Tripod from Amazon. We take photos with our phone on a timer or video and then print later!

Create Captivating Travel Scrapbooks

For those seeking a more artistic and tangible way to document their adventures, travel scrapbooking is an ideal choice. Combining photographs, ticket stubs, postcards, and journal entries, you can craft visually appealing and heartfelt scrapbooks that encapsulate the essence of your journeys. Scrapbooking allows for personalization and creativity, making it a fun activity that can be enjoyed long after the trip is over.

Some may think this is old school, but scrapbooks are making a comeback! Get yourself a Large Photo Album off Amazon and you can fill it with so many things. We add photos, post cards, stickers, small notes, and even our receipts from our trips. It’s been so fun to look back on.

Sharing Your Experiences Through Travel Blogs

In the digital age, starting a travel blog has become a popular method of documenting memories while inspiring others to explore the world. Travel blogs offer a platform to share detailed accounts of your adventures, helpful tips, and stunning visuals with a global audience. Moreover, reading old blog posts can evoke nostalgia, transporting you back to the places you once roamed.

Instead of sending every photo to family and friends, create your own Instagram page just for travel things! We have loved doing this so much and our followers, mostly just our moms, have loved it so much.

Documenting and writing down all trip memories is a priceless endeavor that enriches our lives in countless ways. Whether you prefer stamping your National Park Passport, pouring your heart into a travel journal, capturing moments through photography, creating scrapbooks, or sharing your experiences through travel blogs, each method serves to preserve the magic of travel. These tangible memories act as time capsules, allowing us to travel back in time, relive the joy, and share our tales with loved ones. So, let us embark on every adventure with the intent to document and cherish our journey’s footprints, for they are a gift we give to our future selves.

Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to us at no cost to you if you decide to purchase something. These are products we’ve personally used and stand behind. We have put hours into creating a guide for our audience for the little percent we receive in return is appreciated. This site is not intended to provide financial advice. You can read our affiliate disclosure in our privacy policy.

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The Perfect Camping Companion: Solo Stoves for Adventurers

Are you an avid camper and outdoor enthusiast searching for the ideal cooking solution? Look no further than Solo Stoves! These compact and efficient portable stoves are designed specifically for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of benefits that make them a must-have for any camping trip. In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons why Solo Stoves are perfect for camping, highlight their ease of travel, discuss their benefits, and provide an overview of a few of our favorite available options on their website.

Portability and Easy Travel

One of the primary advantages of Solo Stoves is their exceptional portability, making them a breeze to travel with. Whether you’re embarking on a multi-day hike or setting up camp in a remote location, Solo Stoves are compact and lightweight, ensuring they won’t weigh you down during your outdoor adventures. Their sleek design allows for easy packing, fitting snugly into your backpack or camping gear. Moreover, Solo Stoves are designed to be easy to set up and dismantle, making them ideal for campers on the move.

Environmental Friendliness

Solo Stoves are celebrated for their eco-friendly nature. These stoves utilize an innovative combustion process that burns wood efficiently, resulting in reduced smoke emissions and minimal impact on the environment. Unlike traditional campfires, Solo Stoves consume less wood, while producing less smoke and ash. This means you can enjoy the warmth and comfort of a fire without leaving a carbon footprint behind. By opting for a Solo Stove, you contribute to sustainable camping practices and help preserve the natural beauty of the great outdoors.

Efficient and Effective Cooking

Campsite cooking becomes a delightful experience with Solo Stoves. These stoves are designed to maximize fuel efficiency, ensuring you can cook your meals using minimal wood while achieving excellent heat output. Solo Stoves feature a unique double-wall construction with air vents that promote efficient combustion, allowing you to boil water, cook meals, or even roast marshmallows with ease. The stainless steel construction ensures durability and even heat distribution, making cooking a breeze in any outdoor setting.

Safety and Convenience

Solo Stoves prioritize safety and convenience for outdoor enthusiasts. Their design incorporates a highly efficient airflow system that keeps the exterior of the stove cool to the touch while minimizing the risk of accidental burns. This makes Solo Stoves a family-friendly option, allowing everyone to gather around the fire without worrying about safety concerns. Additionally, these stoves are incredibly easy to clean, as the ash and residue can be quickly disposed of, leaving you with minimal cleanup duties.

Available Options on Solo Stove’s Website

Solo Stove offers a range of options to cater to different camping needs: In addition to their portable stoves, Solo Stove also offers fire pits, which are perfect for creating a cozy ambiance and gathering around a warm fire in the evenings. Some of the fire pit options available on the Solo Stove website include:

Solo Stove Lite

Perfect for solo backpackers or minimalist campers, the Solo Stove Lite is compact, lightweight, and ideal for cooking meals for one to two people.

Solo Stove Titan

With a larger capacity, the Solo Stove Titan is perfect for small groups or families. It provides ample cooking space without compromising on portability.

Solo Stove Campfire

The Solo Stove Campfire is designed for larger groups and gatherings. It offers a substantial cooking area, allowing you to prepare meals for multiple people while enjoying the warmth of a campfire.

Solo Stove Bonfire

The Solo Stove Bonfire is a compact, smokeless fire pit that provides a mesmerizing fire experience while keeping the smoke to a minimum. It’s perfect for small gatherings or intimate camping trips.

Solo Stove Yukon

The Solo Stove Yukon is the largest fire pit option, designed to create a grand fire experience. It’s ideal for larger groups or gatherings, providing ample warmth and a stunning visual display.

When it comes to camping and outdoor adventures, Solo Stoves are a game-changer. With their portability, eco-friendliness, efficient cooking capabilities, and emphasis on safety and convenience, Solo Stoves are a reliable companion for all your camping needs. Exploring the available options on the Solo Stove website, including their fire pits, will help you find the perfect stove or fire pit to suit your camping style. So, don’t hesitate to invest in a Solo Stove and elevate your camping experience to new heights!

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The 5 Best and Affordable Camping Chairs from Costco

When it comes to enjoying the great outdoors, having a comfortable camping chair can make all the difference. Costco, the popular wholesale retailer, offers a wide selection of camping chairs that combine quality, affordability, and convenience. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best and affordable camping chairs available at Costco, ensuring you can relax and unwind during your outdoor adventures without breaking the bank.

1. Timber Ridge Reclining Directors Chair

The Costco Timber Ridge Reclining Directors Chair is a fantastic option for campers seeking comfort, versatility, and affordability. This chair offers a reclining feature that allows you to find your perfect lounging position, whether you want to sit upright or kick back and relax. The padded seat and backrest provide exceptional comfort, making it ideal for extended periods of sitting around the campfire or enjoying the beauty of nature. With a sturdy steel frame and durable fabric, the chair is built to withstand outdoor use and provide long-lasting performance. Despite its impressive features, the Timber Ridge Reclining Directors Chair is offered at an affordable price point, making it a budget-friendly choice for campers who want quality without breaking the bank.

2. CORE Padded Hard Arm Chair

The Costco CORE Padded Hard Arm Chair is an excellent choice for campers seeking comfort, durability, and affordability. With its padded seat, sturdy construction, convenient features, and budget-friendly price, it ticks all the boxes for a great camping chair. Enjoy relaxing around the campfire, lounging by the lake, or simply soaking in nature’s beauty in this comfortable and reliable chair.

3. Cascade Mountain Tech Portable Folding Camp Chair

The Cascade Mountain Tech Portable Folding Camp Chair is an affordable and reliable option for camping enthusiasts. This chair is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry and store. Despite its affordable price tag, it doesn’t compromise on quality. The chair features a sturdy steel frame, durable fabric, and a weight capacity of up to 250 pounds. It also includes a built-in cup holder and a convenient carrying case.

4. Swinging Hammock Chair

Camping is all about immersing yourself in nature, enjoying the fresh air, and taking a moment to relax. And what better way to do that than with a swinging hammock chair? Costco, a trusted retailer known for its quality products, offers a swinging hammock chair that is perfect for camping adventures. Get ready to elevate your camping experience and embrace ultimate relaxation in the great outdoors.

5. Coleman Oversized Quad Chair with Cooler

The Coleman Oversized Quad Chair with Cooler is a popular option that combines affordability and functionality. This chair features a robust steel frame, a spacious seat, and a weight capacity of up to 325 pounds. The built-in cooler pouch keeps your beverages cool, while the side pocket provides storage for small essentials. The chair also comes with padded armrests and a fully cushioned seat and back for maximum comfort.


Costco offers a range of affordable camping chairs that provide comfort, durability, and convenience for outdoor enthusiasts. The Timber Ridge Reclining Directors Chair, CORE Padded Hard Arm Chair, Cascade Mountain Tech Portable Folding Camp Chair, Swinging Hammock Chair, and Coleman Oversized Quad Chair with Cooler are among the best options available. So, head to your nearest Costco store or check their website to find the perfect camping chair that suits your needs and budget, ensuring you can relax and enjoy nature to the fullest without breaking the bank. Happy camping!

Note: The availability of specific camping chairs at Costco may vary, so it’s recommended to check their website or visit your local Costco store to confirm the availability and current pricing of the mentioned camping chairs.

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Essential RV Must-Haves on a Budget: A First-Time RV Owner’s Guide

Embarking on your first RV adventure is an exciting experience, but it can also be overwhelming to figure out all the essentials you need within a budget. In this guide, we, Kelly and Justin, share our firsthand knowledge and extensive research to help you navigate the world of RV essentials without breaking the bank. From electrical and water equipment to sewage essentials and leveling blocks, we’ve got you covered.

Electrical Essentials

1. Surge Protector

Protect your RV’s electrical system and valuable components with a surge protector. The POWSAF RV Surge Protector ($30 on Amazon) and ZIKOPOMI RV Surge Protector ($42 on Amazon) are budget-friendly options that prevent unpredictable power surges from damaging your RV.

2. Power Cord

Ensure a reliable power connection between your RV and the power source with a quality power cord. The DUMBLE 30 AMP RV Power Cord ($60 on Amazon) and VEVOR 30 AMP RV Power Cord ($60 at Walmart) are durable options that provide a secure and waterproof connection.

3. Dog Bone

For flexibility in connecting to different power sources, consider a dog bone adapter. The TOOLIOM 50 AMP to 30 AMP RV Adapter ($17 on Amazon) and MAXXIMA 50 AMP to 30 AMP RV Adapter ($15 at Walmart) offer cost-effective solutions for adapting to various campground hookups.

Water Essentials

1. Water Pressure Regulator

Ensure safe water pressure levels and protect your RV’s plumbing system with a water pressure regulator. The HOURLEEY Water Pressure Regulator Valve ($26 on Amazon) and BELVITA Water Pressure Regulator ($30 at Walmart) are essential for preventing damage and maintaining optimal water flow.

2. Fresh Water Hose

Choose a reliable and lightweight fresh water hose for filling your RV’s water tank. The TEKNOR APEX Zero-G Hose ($30 on Amazon) is easy to maneuver and saves space, while the RVMATE RV Water Hose ($28 on Amazon) offers a more affordable option.

3. Outdoor Water Filter

Ensure clean and safe water for your RV by using an outdoor water filter. The CAMCO Water Filter and Hose Protector ($19 on Amazon or Walmart) effectively removes impurities, providing peace of mind during your travels.

4. Indoor Water Filter

For additional water filtration, consider the BRITA Water Filter Pitcher ($23 on Amazon) or WATERDROP Water Filter for Sink ($19 on Amazon). These options provide clean and great-tasting water for drinking and cooking inside your RV.

Sewage Essentials

1. Toilet Paper

Opt for septic-safe toilet paper like the SCOTT Rapid-Dissolving Toilet Paper (starting from $7 at Walmart or $35 for bulk packs on Amazon) to prevent clogs and ensure hassle-free maintenance of your RV’s black tank.

2. Black Tank Treatment

Keep your black tank clean and odor-free with convenient treatment drop-ins like the CAMCO TST MAX RV Toilet Treatment Drop-Ins ($18 on Amazon or Walmart). These affordable treatments maintain proper sanitation levels in your RV’s sewage system.

3. Sewer Hose Kit

Invest in a reliable sewer hose kit like the CAMCO Rhino Flex Sewer Hose Kit ($37 on Amazon or Walmart) for efficient waste disposal. This comprehensive kit includes everything you need, including a clear valve for monitoring the waste flow.

4. Blank Tank Flush Hose

It is so important for you to have two hoses and do not interchange them. One for fresh water and one for flushing your blank tank. An easy cheap option is the POCKET HOSE Water Hose, Expandable ($25 at Walmart).

Leveling and Safety

1. Leveling Blocks

Ensure a level and stable RV setup with the CAMCO Fasten RV Leveling Blocks ($37 on Amazon or Walmart). These versatile blocks not only help with leveling but can also be used under stabilizers and tongue jacks for added stability and convenience.

2. Chocks

Maintain safety and prevent RV movement with proper wheel chocks. The HOPKINS RhinoGear Heavy Duty Plastic Wheel Chocks ($7 for 2 at Walmart) offer reliable grip on gravel surfaces, while the HOXWELL Heavy Duty Rubber Wheel Chocks ($35 on Amazon) or EXTREME Max Heavy Duty Rubber Wheel Chocks ($40 at Walmart) are ideal for flat surfaces.

As first-time RV owners ourselves, we understand the importance of finding budget-friendly essentials without compromising on quality. In this guide, we’ve highlighted essential RV must-haves and provided budget-friendly options for each category. By investing in surge protectors, power cords, water pressure regulators, sewage essentials, and leveling blocks, you can embark on your RV adventure with confidence and peace of mind. Remember, starting your journey with a budget in mind and prioritizing essential items will help you hit the road without unnecessary expenses. Safe travels and happy RVing!

Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to us at no cost to you if you decide to purchase something. These are products we’ve personally used and stand behind. We have put hours into creating a guide for our audience for the little percent we receive in return is appreciated. This site is not intended to provide financial advice. You can read our affiliate disclosure in our privacy policy.

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