Staying in a self-catering cottage or accommodations may seem like roughing it to some people.  Just the idea of cooking during a vacation will make some people’s skin crawl.  But for the real “rough” self-catering experience you have to take to the wilderness.  You can’t get anymore self-catering than camping.

Both camping and self-catering accommodations provide unique vacation experiences.  It all comes down to what you are willing to do to get a better price.  For every dollar you save there will be some sacrifice made on your part.  It may turn out that the sacrifice is less of a sacrifice in the end and more of a surprise benefit.

Self-catering Accommodations
Choosing to stay in a lodge, condo or cottage where you are responsible for all of your own meals is a great way to stretch your vacation budget.  There is a wide range of accommodations available – from the very basic cottage with minimal amenities to the high end condo.  What you choose will depend on what you need and what you are willing to pay.

It’s all dependent on what you want from it all..

Benefits
-    The dishes, pots and pans are usually provided for you which helps reduce the amount of packing you will need to do.
-    Most accommodations include modern appliances including microwaves, washer and dryers and even dishwashers.  Cooking is easier and clean up can be a breeze.
-    Self-catered accommodations are usually closer to towns and cities making a short trip to the store a possibility.
-    The weather might cause a bump in your vacation but you can still find ways to enjoy where you are even if it has to be indoors.

The rain might cause a problem

Downfalls
-    Accommodations are often in or near tourist locations which may make it difficult to get a lot of privacy.
-    The added amenities mean the price is higher than for other accommodations.
-    Electronic amenities (television, video games and even radios) can provide distractions from the vacation experience.

Camping
The great thing about the camping experience is that you can go from one extreme to the other.  There are camp sites for recreational vehicles, drive in camp sites for setting up tents, hike in camp sites and areas that allow tents through out the wilderness.  No matter which direction you choose for your camping experience there are some common threads that make these types of vacations stand out.

Looks pretty nice, doesn’t it?

Benefits
-    You will be closer to nature than you have ever been before.  How close is (almost) completely up to you.
-    Any people that might be around your camping area will be like minded people out to enjoy nature and save a few bucks along the way.
-    There is no limit to the things you and do and discover out in the wild.
-    Limited access to electronics means more time together as a family.
-    Most camping areas cost only a few dollars a night (depending on what type of sight you choose).  Some camping areas are even completely free to visitors.

Sing songs by the campfire, have a great time

Downfalls
-    Keeping items clean (including kids and you) may be a challenge.  Not all camping areas offer running water.
-    Cooking over a camp stove or open fire is as much an art as it is a skill.  You might want to practice some in your backyard before you find you and your family hunger, in the woods and far from the nearest fast food restaurant.
-    Most camping areas are a good distance from any stores, cities or even towns.  If you forget something then you may have to do without or endure a long ride to a place that sells what you need.
-    You will be closer to nature than you have ever been – which means sleeping with the bugs, dealing with the local wildlife and fending off the picnic ants!

Ants - mmmmm!

-    Everything that you will need you will have to pack.  That goes for dishes, water (for some camp sites), food, toilet paper, sleeping gear, and every imaginable accessory!
-    Rain could be an issue.  There is only so much you can do in a tent all day long, especially if the tent is packed with kids.  Have a plan B just incase the weather turns to the worse.

There are pros and cons to any vacation plan that you might make.  The best way to choose what is best for you and your family is to weigh the pros and cons and then see which vacation style falls short and which comes out top.

Self-catering vacations are a great way to stretch a travel budget.  Camping is the extreme end of the self-catering vacations and requires a little more adventure than some travelers are willing to take.  Both can offer you and your family a unique and wonderful experience that you might not be able to get through any other means.

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