Michigan Camping Site Named ‘Perfect Getaway’ by Reader’s Digest
Camping season is upon us, and now is a great time to start planning your camping adventures. One Michigan camping site has been named the best in America by the experts at Reader’s Digest. It’s great to see this Michigan spot get national attention. What’s extra cool is that the camp sites featured in this article are all tried and true by Reader’s Digest, so they did their homework.
Michigan Camping Site Named Best by Reader’s Digest
In Reader’s Digest‘s new story, they note, “There’s no better way to appreciate the awesome splendor of our national and state parks than by spending a night under the stars.” If you’re a camping enthusiast, then this is very true. I love nature, and one of the best ways to enjoy nature is by camping.
Before we get to the Michigan camping site, let’s look at the No. 1 camping spot in America, according to the experts at Reader’s Digest. They gave Arches National Park in Utah that honor. They note that camping around Moab brings “incredible scenery, ranging from mountains and canyons to rivers.” They also add that even though there are a “limited number of campsites,” there are lots of places to “backpack your way through this park if the challenge entices you.” One of my good friends lives in Utah, and I often marveling at the photos she posts from Arches National Park and other beautiful spots. No. 2 on their tally is Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii, which gives visitors a chance to see two of the world’s most active volcanoes: Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. I studied volcanoes in school and would absolutely love to visit Volcanoes National Park in the future. No. 3 on their tally is the famed Joshua Tree National Park in California.
So, which Michigan camping site was named one of the best in America by Reader’s Digest? Ludington State Park, which is truly a beautiful spot. I’ve been to Ludington several times over the years, and it’s always a great spot. Ludington State Park has “more than 5,000 acres of sand dunes, ponds, marshlands, and shoreline vistas,” according to Reader’s Digest. They bill it as “the perfect summertime getaway for water lovers,” since Lake Michigan is right there. Also, don’t forget to visit the park’s incredible lighthouse, which sits on the shore of Lake Michigan. It’s legendary. I think it’s wonderful to see this Michigan spot get some national acclaim.
Tips to Maximize Your Vacation
1. Save Money
One great way to maximize your vacation is simply to save money. You’ll feel so much better on vacation knowing that you’re saving cash by doing things the right way. One major way to save money is to travel during an off season. Every vacation destination has its own peak time. So, look at the cheapest time to visit your destination, and go then. Find more tips on saving money on vacation, too.
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2. Don't Plan Every Minute of Your Vacation
Sure, you want to do some planning so that you don’t miss the big tourist stops in your destination. But, don’t book every blasted minute. Maximize your vacay by saving some time to be spontaneous. Take a day to just figure out what to do when you’re there. Maybe some locals will recommend a secret spot for you to visit during your “day off.”
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3. Do Plan Ahead, Though
While you don’t want to overbook your trip so that you’re always running from spot to spot, you do want to plan a bit. It’s not a good idea to do zero planning and just feel things out when you get there. Plan some big activities ahead of time so that you aren’t scrambling last-minute.
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4. Plan Regular Mini-Vacations
If you only have one big vacation every year, you might feel under a lot of pressure to make it the most amazing experience ever. So, take away that stress. Plan mini-vacations throughout the year, so you aren’t under as much pressure to make your big trip the best thing that’s ever happened to you and your family. For example, in the fall, if you live in an area with beautiful colors, make an annual fall color tour trip and just drive around the state.
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5. Stay an Extra Day
If time and money allows, adding just one day to your vacation can open up a world of possibilities. Many people plan too short a trip, not realizing just how much they’ll want to do in their destination. So, add an extra day. You’ll be glad you did at the end of your stay.
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6. Take Time to Sleep
Sure, you’re on vacation. You want to soak up every minute of your trip. But, if you’re up late every night partying in the clubs and then up early to enjoy the sunrise, pretty soon, you’ll be too tired to enjoy your vacation. So, take time to get some sleep and feel rested.
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7. Let the Small Stuff Go
They say, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” That’s certainly true on vacation. Nothing is going to go totally as planned. So, expect the unexpected, and roll with it.
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8. Plan Some Recoup Time
When you get back from your vacation, don’t plan to start work the very next day. Take an extra day or two off after your vacation to recuperate, so that you hit the ground running when you’re back at work. The extra time at home will also give you a chance to savor your vacation.
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9. Pick an Experience
People often find experiencing more rewarding that physical things. So, make sure to plan an experience with your trip. Maybe there’s a huge concert you want to see on vacation. Perhaps it’s a sporting event. Whatever it is, plan an awesome experience.
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10. Learn for Next Time
Finally, when you’re home from your trip, decompress and look back on your vacation. What went wrong? What went right? Take notes and learn from your vacation, so you’ll know what to do better next time.
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