If you’re like most people, the thought of camping probably doesn’t fill you with excitement. It conjures up images of sleeping in a tent, eating soggy food, and being eaten alive by mosquitoes. But what if I told you that camping could be a lot more fun – and comfortable – than that? You just need the right camper trailer accessories.

Here are five trailer accessories that will make your next camping trip more enjoyable:

Awnings

If you’ve ever been camping in the hot sun, you know how uncomfortable it can be. But with an awning, you can create a shady oasis where you can relax and enjoy the outdoors. Some awnings attach to the side of your trailer, as well as freestanding options.

With so many different kinds of awnings available, it’s important to do your research to find the one that best suits your needs. For example, if you’re planning on doing a lot of cooking outdoors, you might want an awning with a built-in kitchen.

Whenever you desire a roof over your head yet need to be outside of your camper van, an awning will come into play. The weather may not be the best but you can still be sheltered from its extremes while you enjoy the fresh air. People and objects can be protected or shielded underneath the awning.

Bike racks

If you enjoy biking, a bike rack is a must-have trailer accessory. It will allow you to bring your bikes with you on your camping trip, so you can explore the local area or go for a leisurely ride.

A hitch-mounted bike rack is something of a must-have accessory that will allow you to easily load and unload your bikes. If you have more than one bike, you can find a rack that can accommodate multiple bikes.

If your idea of a relaxing holiday is to go biking as a part of it then you will need to cater for taking your bikes along too. Rather than take up much-needed space inside your camper van, you can, instead, have the bikes mounted outside.

Furniture

When you think of camping furniture, chances are you picture flimsy chairs and rickety tables. However, there is a wide variety of trailer furniture that is both stylish and functional. From comfortable recliners to sturdy picnic tables, you can find everything you need to furnish your trailer for a camping trip.

When choosing furniture for your trailer, it’s important to consider how much space you have. You also want to make sure the furniture is easy to set up and take down. Then if you’re planning on using your trailer in the off-season, you’ll want to find weather-resistant furniture.

Camping chairs

There’s nothing worse than sitting on the ground when you’re camping, but with camping chairs, you can be comfortable while you’re enjoying the great outdoors. There are a variety of camping chairs available, from basic to deluxe versions.

Picnic tables

If you enjoy eating outdoors, a picnic table is a must-have trailer accessory. With a picnic table, you can enjoy a meal in the fresh air. There are many different styles of picnic tables available, so choose wisely.

Storage solutions

If you’re like most people, you probably have a lot of stuff that you want to bring with you on your camping trip, but trailer storage can be limited. That’s where storage solutions come in. Several trailer accessories can help you maximize your storage space, so you can bring everything you need – and want – on your next camping trip.

Appliances

If you’re used to roughing it on camping trips, the thought of having appliances might seem a bit excessive. Trust me, though – once you’ve experienced the convenience of having a refrigerator, you will not want to be without one.

With the right trailer parts, you can transform your camping experience from drab to fab. So don’t wait – start planning your next camping trip today!

 

More than perhaps any other culture, the history of the Chinese cannot be told without including its history with food. Food plays an important role in Chinese families and traditions.

It’s not just about what you eat, but how you eat it. Today we’ll talk about the relationship between family and food in Chinese culture.

Togetherness: This is what forms the basis of food in Chinese culture, dating all the way back to Confucianism philosophy, according to Yum China. Food was meant not just as sustenance, but as a way of bonding with friends and family.

Time to eat means time to socialize: For the Chinese, the art of cooking while enjoying life takes primary importance. Whenever there is a gathering or party, lots of food is presented to be enjoyed by all. In fact, Confucianism teaches that food and friends are inseparable.

The Family Hierarchy

In China, how cultures consume their food is equally as important to what they consume. In Chinese food culture, family plays a key role.

While most tables in Chinese households are round, there is always a designated place of honor reserved — either for the head of the household or for the most esteemed guest at a gathering. These people will sit in the chair facing the entrance to the dining area.

The next members of importance will sit to the left and to the right of the head of the family, continuing this system of hierarchy around the table, resulting in the youngest family member seated directly across from the oldest.

In strictly traditional families, the youngest diner gets dinner started by inviting the elders to eat. The youngest diners go last. This isn’t seen as much anymore, especially in a culture of instant gratification that doesn’t escape even the most traditional fabric of Chinese society.

All diners, no matter where seated, begin the meal with the dishes closest to them. They add some of the food from the bowl to their plate using chopsticks, then pass the bowl to the next person.

It is considered rude to root around in a bowl with chopsticks looking for the best piece of meat or fish. Formal banquets and dinners may have as many as 16 dishes on the table. There is usually a cold dish, a hot dish, soups and staples such as rice or noodles, and a main dish of chicken, suckling pig or fish.

Additionally, everyone toasts at a Chinese table, saying “Gan Bei” while they raise their glass of wine or liquor. Drinking the entire glass shows your guests you are sincere and thankful for their efforts.

Food is the Glue That Holds Family Together

Sharing food is often a sign of love and sacrifice. China Daily points out an interesting take, saying that food is the glue that holds the social fabric of the Chinese together, acting as a strong symbol of community and culture.

It’s not uncommon while eating for diners to place little morsels of food on one another’s plate as an expression of affection, love and caring. In families where parents find it difficult to show their love for their children, for example, these expressions of affection are key signals.

While many food traditions in China have relaxed over the years, there are still some strong reminders of the connection between Chinese culture, food and family.

 

Whether it is a camping experience out of the city, or a vacation abroad, planning a family adventure is a great way to support your kids’ growth. Traveling gives your children the opportunity to learn new things and visit new places. From interrailing around Europe on a budget to flying with Jettly to a dream destination, all vacations create new and special memories. And if you want to have the best experience possible, it always helps to bring a few handy tools and accessories along!

Below, we’ve listed a few of the best gadgets you can buy to aid you on your next family adventure.

Mirrorless Cameras

These days, the perception is that smartphone cameras have nearly eliminated the need to lug around bulky DSLRs. Phone cameras are convenient, easy to use, and take photos of a decent enough quality. However, if you want to take your photography to the next level (and really capture those memories), it might be wiser to opt for a mirrorless camera, such as a Nikon Z 9 or Canon EOS. Like DSLRs, mirrorless cameras can take professional-quality photos. However, they’re called “mirrorless” because they lack the heavy mirror mechanism found in DSLRs –– which makes them lighter and more suitable for travel.

International Portable Wi-Fi

To keep your kids entertained during lull periods (waiting in airports, long car rides, etc.) you can rent or purchase a portable Wi-Fi hotspot. Aside from saving your children from boredom, portable Wi-Fi hotspots will also help you access useful information on the go –– such as translations, directions, and information about destinations. With this kind of information at hand via hotspot, you also don’t need to drain your phone’s battery using its built-in mobile hotspot. Nor do you need to scout public Wi-Fi hotspots, which leave your devices vulnerable to hackers and cybercriminals. There are plenty of affordable options available, too, such as the Urozetta Portable and TP-Link M7350.

Universal Adapter

Protective Phone Case

It goes without saying that travel involves a lot of moving around. And no matter how careful you are with your devices, accidents do happen. For the simple reason, it’s wise to mitigate the risk of hardware damage by placing your smartphone in a protective case. Phone cases made out of silicone or rubber can absorb shock in the event that your phone falls. If you’re confident about your carefulness, a translucent slim case may help keep your phone safe from bumps and scratches. And on top of these considerations (protection comes first), you might consider a battery case as well. These are a little more expensive, but it’s awfully nice to have the extra juice while you’re navigating a travel destination.

Traveling with your kids is memorable and rewarding no matter how you go about it. But with some of these tools and gadgets in hand, you’ll be able to make the experience smoother and more satisfying for all involved. And, if you’re going fishing or boating, be sure to be prepared with boat parts and accessories. Happy travels!

 

You may be unaware that just like humans, your canine companion can also suffer from common mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. To discover signs of dog mental health conditions and a guide to caring for your dog’s mental wellbeing, simply continue reading. Especially if you have a suspicion that your dog may currently be suffering from mental illness.

Caring for dogs mental health

The number one mental health condition which affects dogs:

The most common mental health condition which affects dogs is separation anxiety. As dogs are pack animals and often don’t like to be left alone for prolonged periods. If your dog has a habit of destroying items in your home when you go to work, barks or howls a lot when they are left alone or has toileting issues when they are left alone, there is a high chance that they suffer from a form of separation anxiety. If you notice that your dog is trembling when you get ready to leave, it’s also a clear sign that your dog becomes distressed when it’s obvious that they are about to be left alone.

If you believe that your dog may suffer from separation anxiety, it’s a great idea to ensure that your dog gets plenty of personal attention right before you leave your home and as soon as you get home. So that your dog learns that you are not going to abandon them. You may also want to consider dropping your dog off at a dog sitting facility while you’re at work or paying for a dog sitter, if your dog’s separation anxiety is severe. Alternatively, you may want to see if working from home more often is a viable option, so that you’ll be able to spend more time at home with your dog.

Other mental health conditions to look out for:

Dementia:

If you have an older dog, it’s worth keeping an eye out for signs of dementia. Dogs that have dementia are often disoriented or confused and have trouble responding to commands. Some may also forget that they have just eaten and may be prone to overeating. Further symptoms of dog dementia include dogs not being able to sleep through the night and frequently urinating. One of the best things that you can do to help an elderly dog, is to be patient with them and to spend lots of quality time with them.

Depression:

Dogs who are depressed may seem less enthusiastic about the activities which they used to enjoy such as going for walks, eating and playing. If your dog is depressed, it’s a great idea to try and find the root cause of their depression. For example, you may want to spend more time with your dog or to purchase toys that will stimulate your dog’s brain.

In conclusion, if you want to ensure that your dog is mentally healthy or will enjoy the best possible quality of life in their final years, it’s well worth using the guide above to make a few changes to your dog’s life.

For more family related posts like this one, check out these posts!

 

Whether you’re a first-time father or you have several kids and want to be the best dad that you can be, you’ve come to the right place. Simply continue reading to discover a handy list of tips that will help you become a super dad!

Don’t be afraid to show your emotions:

If you have a son, it’s important to show your son that he should feel open and free when it comes to displaying his emotions, so that he’ll grow up to be an emotionally mature, open young man. While if you have a daughter, showing your love, compassion and vulnerability, will show your daughter that boys and men have feelings too. So don’t be afraid to cry at a sad movie or to express affection to your kids and your partner.

Support your kids’ passions and goals;

Instead of placing pressure on your kids to follow in your footsteps, it’s important to encourage your kids to explore their own passions and to strive to achieve their own goals. For example, if you played football, don’t force your kids to play football, let your kids choose hobbies to pursue instead.

Do your fair share of cooking and housework:

A good dad doesn’t see household chores such as cooking and cleaning as women’s work and ensure that they do their fair share of cooking and housework. A great dad will even teach their kids about the importance of pitching in to help keep their shared home, clean and tidy. In order to raise responsible children.

Be a great listener:

One quality that good dads share are being great listeners. It’s a great idea to ensure that your kids feel as if they can come to you for advice at any time and that you won’t judge them for sharing their feelings and thoughts. If you establish this bond while your kids are young, they will continue to come to your for sage advice during their critical teenage years. When some kids may become hard to reach.

Help your kids with their homework:

Great dads take a keen interest in their kids’ schoolwork and will be willing to help their kids with difficult maths problems or to help their kids complete their science fair projects.

Create fun traditions which each of your kids:

A good dad also knows the importance of playtime and spending light-hearted quality time with each of their kids. If your goal is to be the best dad that you can be, it’s also a fun idea to work on creating fun traditions with each of your kids. In order to create memories that your kids will cherish for a lifetime. For example, you may want to read to one kid every night and to build pillow forts with another of your children.

Make sure that your partner feels appreciated:

A good dad also values his partner if he has one and goes out of his way to ensure that his partner feels loved, supported, and appreciated.

So if you want to become the best dad that you can be and for your kids and partner to see you as a super dad, it’s well worth taking all of the tips listed above to heart!

Contrary to popular belief you don’t have to spend a small fortune in order to enjoy fun-filled adventures with your partner and kids. If you’re lacking ideas when it comes to planning family adventures on a tight budget, don’t worry you’ve come to the right place. Simply continue reading for a few inspirational ideas.

Borrow adventure sports equipment from friends and family members:

While it may be expensive to hire adventure sports equipment such as kayaks, paddleboards, and skis, you can save a significant amount of money by asking around and borrowing adventure sports equipment from family members and friends. Just be sure to take care of the equipment which you are given as if it were your own.

Plan a camping adventure:

You can also borrow a large family-style tent from your social network in order to save money. If your family doesn’t own a tent. If you want to save money but aren’t too keen to stay in a tent, you also have the option of booking an inexpensive cabin at a resort-style camping ground. Where you’ll get to enjoy amenities such as swimming pools, sports grounds, and hiking trails.

If you have very young children who are nervous about the prospect of camping for the first time, you may want to try camping in your backyard or the backyard of a family member’s house.

Swap homes with a friend in another state or country for a week:

If the expense of accommodation puts you off planing more frequent family vacations, you can go on an out-of-state or out-of-country family vacation without spending a cent on accommodation. Simply arrange to swap homes with a friend who lives far away, for a set period of time. As a bonus, you’ll be able to trust that your home is being well taken care of while you’re traveling, so you won’t have to worry about finding someone to feed your pets or to collect your mail. Or that your house will be targeted by burglars.

Plan an epic staycation:

Even if you are unable to travel to experience a fun-filled family vacation, it’s possible to plan an epic family staycation. During your staycation, you may want to have a break from cooking and to each take turns to order in food from restaurants that offer different cuisines that your kids have never tried. For example, one night you may order Thai for dinner, while the next night you may order Indian food. During your staycation, you can also make a point of visiting local tourist attractions, that you’ve never visited before. Such as local hiking trails and kid-friendly museums.

Create outfits from a thrift store:

Another fun adventure involves giving each individual a set amount of money, which they’ll need to use to create a fun outfit from a thrift store. You may even want to award a prize for the best outfit.

So if you want to have more frequent adventures as a family and assumed that you would have to spend a fortune to do so, think again. There are plenty of adventures that you can have on a budget.