Our colleague Vincent is planning his camping vacation for later this month, so we were discussing the cost of camping. Is it a cheaper alternative than using inexpensive hotels? Thinking through the costs, we listed the obvious:
-         tent or tent trailer or RV,  either purchase or rent
-         camping fees,
-         the gas (which might be very high for pulling a trailer or using an RV),
-         the various bits of camping equipment from stove to lantern to lawn chairs.

Then we began to list the items so often forgotten:
-         the higher-priced convenience foods
-         the extra toiletries, especially bug spray this year
-         the entertainment budget for movies or swimming pool or the local attractions in addition to the great outdoors
-         the restaurant cost when rain makes cooking over a fire unappealing
-         a hotel or other accommodation if pitching a tent in the rain is unappealing
-         alternate accommodation if the campground is full
-         new equipment if the folks in the campsite next door have just displayed a new item of camping gear you can’t camp without

So what can be done about keeping the costs within budget? Here are our Money Mentors tips:
1. Start with a reasonable budget, remembering to include all of the items that might apply
2. Rent instead of buying equipment items that are only used once a year
(Our Money Mentor coach Alison says that her favourite place to rent tents is from the U of C Outdoor Centre)
3. Share costs with a friend
4. Borrow equipment from friends
5. Check the thrift stores  (Our colleague Brenda suggested that maybe it is donated when camping doesn’t work out well — often it is in great condition)
6. Pack the board games, Sudoku, cards, or other free entertainment, or simply enjoy nature
7. Prepare some food at home, but be aware of food safety when transporting it.
8. Compare the camping budget to the cost of a hotel holiday, IF cost is the most important consideration.

Even on a holiday (maybe especially on a holiday) we need to stay within our spending plan – so that we can afford to go on a vacation next year too!