How to Say Goodbye to Summer With a Glamping Trip

Young couple wrapped in blanket camping

Camping is not for everyone. The bugs. The heat. The agony. But your knack for modern conveniences doesn’t need to deter you from a wondrous weekend in the great outdoors. That’s where glamping comes in.

Glamping, a pithy mashup of glam and camping, is the new way to enjoy Mother Nature without giving up what you love so dearly. And with fantastic glamping gear on the rise, you’re bound to see more of it. You don’t have to hit up the sometimes pricey glamping resorts in order to enjoy the finer style of camping. DIY glamping is a welcomed alternative for frugal-minded readers at Ebates who love to earn Cash Back on every purchase. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the sights and sounds with the comforts you crave. Here’s our list of glamping essentials to get you started off right.

Big green camping tentSpacious Living

Who says camping has to be spent inside a sleeping bag in a cramped tent? Let’s face it, a 5-person tent will comfortably hold three at most. But space doesn’t have to be an issue with a multi room tent from Walmart. The larger spaces allow you to fit multiple air mattresses so you’re comfortably off the ground. You can even designate a space for inside eating, assuming you didn’t actually meet the 12-person capacity of some of the bigger tents. Some glamping tents even have vents that conveniently fit a small air-conditioning unit!

Culinary Cuisine

Building a fire is a hassle and a skillset not all possess. A camp stove makes life easier, but one that also charges your phone makes for a happy glamper. Use a promo code and score a sweet camp stove from Newegg that uses renewable energy (versus the cumbersome and costly canisters most camping stoves use) and features a convenient charging port for any USB device.

Clean & Carefree

If you’re not living large in glamping trailers, a nice shower will seem like a luxury. But walk into campsite showers and the thought of cleanliness may seem like a long shot. The folks over at Camping World have plenty of shower systems that even include hot water, so you can take warm water with you anywhere you camp out.

Camping movie screenWell Entertained

Even those who enjoy camping will tell you that when the sun sets, the good times kind of come to a stop. But the general lack of lighting can play in your favor if you wanted to set up a late night movie screening. Of course toting along the flat panel might be a bad idea. Instead opt for a great movie screen available at Cabela’s that you can hang from the trees or prop up on legs. Bring your projector and Bluetooth speaker and cast movies on your own private big screen. Just don’t forget the popcorn!

Decorative outdoor throw pillowsFrilly & Fanciful

No glamping trip is complete without a few homey accessories to liven up the spot. Score some outdoor throw pillows at Overstock.com to bring comfort and color to your new home away from home. All of the glamping essentials you need to breathe life into the space are just a click away. Pick up the glamping accessories you need for your next outing and tell us all about your outdoor glamping adventures in the comments below!

Gear and Gadgets for Men Who Love the Outdoors

gear and gadgets for menFather’s Day is right around the corner! Conveniently for you, it’s also the perfect time of year for sending dads or your other special guys out into the great outdoors with cool gadgets and outdoor gear from their favorite sporting goods stores. Whether you’re in search of electronic gadgets, outdoor gear or tech gifts for men, check out this handy list of awesome gift ideas that will help power outdoor adventures for years to come. Get ready to save a bundle with Cash Back from Ebates with any of these products. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for extra perks, like an early Father’s Day promo code, to stretch your tech and gadget gifts budget even further!

Asolo Men’s TPS 520 GV Anniversary Boot

Asolo Men's TPS 520 GV Anniversary BootThese 5-star hiking boots will have your favorite hiker heading off to the trail with top-of-the-line comfort and support for his feet.

SHADOW 40+10 Backpack

SHADOW 40+10 neon green backpackA versatile hiking backpack like this one from The North Face is an essential piece of outdoor gear for any backcountry-loving hiker.

Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 Elite Quadricopter

Parrot - AR.Drone 2.0 Elite Quadricopter

Shopping for cool gifts for your favorite guy? At the top of every man’s gadgets wish list right now is a drone. Add the ability to capture stunning aerial photos from mountaintops or waterfalls with a lightweight drone like this one.

Patagonia Men’s Piton Hybrid Hoodie

Patagonia Men's Piton Hybrid HoodyHaving the right outdoor clothing with you when you head off into the wilderness is a big part of what will make the trek a success. Check out this incredible wind blocking hoodie, available with Cash Back from Ebates online at Patagonia.

Eureka K2 XT Tent

SHADOW 40+10 yellow tentPerfect for both summer and winter camping, this top-rated high-tech tent, made by Eureka will seriously up anyone’s camping game.

MSR Miniworks EX Water Filter

MSR Miniworks EX Water FilterBringing along a water filter is a great way to both cut back on the weight of your pack and make sure you can get clean water if you run out. This water filter makes a perfect outdoor gear gift for any guy.

Therm-a-Rest Self-Inflating Mattress

Therm-a-Rest Self-Inflating MattressA great sleeping pad can make a big difference in how much one enjoys an overnight camping trip. This lightweight sleeping mat from self-inflates and is an all around awesome outdoor gear gift.

Garmin Forerunner 235 GPS Watch

Garmin Forerunner 235 GPS WatchLooking for outdoorsy geek toys or cool tech gifts for men? This Garmin GPS wearable comes from a family of durable tech that specializes in building cool gadgets for men that will help any dude track his steps, elevation and activity levels on and off the trail.

 

 

The Ultimate Summer Camp Packing Checklist

Kids playing tug of war at summer camp

Heading off to kids camp for the summer is a rite of passage for many children. Learning independence and other essential skills, your kids will always remember their summers spent off at camp. While it means more free time for you, sending the kids off for a summer session of fun at camp can certainly trigger the helicopter parent in all of us. This checklist will help you make sure your kids have everything they need to be happy and healthy while they’re away and making the most of their summer camp adventures. As an added bonus, get fabulous Cash Back at Ebates on each of the featured items!

  1. Sleeping Bag: An absolute essential for sleeping away from home. Keep you eye out for a summer sleeping bag promo code at Ebates.
  2. Sunscreen: Keep your kids safe by sending them off to camp with an ample supply of sunscreen
  3. UV Protection Shirts: For when the sunscreen inevitably wears off, a UV protection sun shirt is a great way to block those harmful rays from kids’ sensitive skin.
  4. Sun Hat or Baseball Cap: A hat is another essential in the sun protection arsenal!
  5. Swim Suit: Lake, pool or ocean, summer swimming is a camp favorite!
  6. Beach Towels: Send the kids off to camp with a towel that can stand up to countless hours in the pool. Bonus points if it’s extra unique or labeled so they can’t mix it up with other kids’ towels.
  7. Medications: Pack any meds your kids may need in a watertight container that’s clearly labeled with their name.
  8. Toiletries: Depending on the age of your kids, they may want to pack these themselves but ensure that they take soap, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant and their toothbrush and toothpaste!
  9. Shower Caddy: Help your kid keep their toiletries and bathroom essentials together with a durable shower caddy.
  10. Reusable Water Bottle: Send your kids off to camp prepared to stay hydrated with a tough water bottle like a fun printed one.
  11. Bedding: Check with what your kids’ camp requires for bed sheets but be sure to send a pillow with a pillowcase from home as it can help to ease homesickness.
  12. Bug Spray: Many kids camps are perfectly situated in the great outdoors for fresh air – and mosquitos! Don’t forget the bug spray!
  13. Summer Clothing: Packing a variety of layers is a great way to ensure that your kids will be comfortable regardless of the weather.
  14. Sunglasses: Something fun and inexpensive will help keep your kids’ eyes safe without worrying about scratches or lost glasses.
  15. Deck of Cards: Pack some cards or other small, simple games to help your kid make some new friends!
  16. Camera: Help your kids capture their favorite summer camp memories with a camera. Pack them a durable waterproof camera like this one to avoid accidents and make sure they have the necessary batteries or charging accessories.
  17. Shoes, Sandals and Flip-Flops: Make sure your kids have the footwear they’ll need for whatever activities the camp has planned and don’t forget flip-flops for the shower!
  18. Laundry Bag: Help your kids keep their stuff organized at camp for laundry day with a handy laundry bag.
  19. Small Backpack: Day trips are an awesome part of the itineraries at many kids’ camps. Make sure your kids have a small bag to help them participate in and enjoy these trips.
  20. Spending Money: Double check camp policy before sending cash off to summer camp with your kid, but if it’s allowed, sending some allowance money along with them can be a fun way for them to get some practical experience budgeting money out across the summer.

Editor’s Picks

 

 

Win an Ultimate Campers Set from Campmor

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It’s a great big world out there. Come out and see it! If you’re dreaming of an outdoor adventure just in time for the upcoming sunny months, you might need a thing or two to make camping just a little more convenient and comfortable. Let us help get you started with a chance to win the ultimate campers set from Campmor, worth approximately $449! Read on to see what’s included in this package that will make roughing it just a little less rough.

What You’ll Win:

win

1. Marmot Traillight 2-Person Tent (1)
This tent has all the space you need for a solo or intimate camping getaway with plenty of space for two people and their gear. Color-coded poles and clips make for easy assembly, which is perfect for newbies.

2. Grand Trunk Hammocks (2)
Lightweight with bold, bright prints, these double hammocks can hold up to two people at a time. With two hammocks, they’ll be no fighting over who gets more hang time.

3. Princeton Tec Headlamps (2)
Headlamps are a must for any camping trip. Stay hands-free and ready to take on whatever jumps out at you from the darkness. Or, just be able to find the trail mix for a midnight snack.

 

How to Enter the Campmor Giveaway:

1. If you’re not already an Ebates member, join over 8 million other savvy shoppers who earn up to 40% Cash Back on almost everything they buy. Joining Ebates is free and you’ll receive a $10 Welcome Bonus when you join today at www.ebates.com.

2. After you enter your Ebates email, you can earn extra entries for each type of entry. Comment, tweet, pin, follow us, like us, circle us — the more you do, the more entries you get! This sweepstakes ends on Monday, April 6, 2015 at 11:59 PM PST. The winner will be randomly picked through Rafflecopter, and will be posted on Facebook and this blog. Please be aware of the Giveaway Rules.

Be sure to keep an eye on your inbox, as the winner will have 24 hours to accept the prize before we will choose another winner.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

Staycation Success: Tips & Tricks

staycationsuccess

The word vacation brings up images of escape, relaxation, and fun. Most traditional vacations take place away from the home. But when a traditional vacation isn’t an option, plan a staycation instead! You can easily take a break in the comfort of your own home and city. Staycations are a great choice for singles, couples, and families alike!

marshmallows

The Ground Rules
A staycation is meant to feel like a real getaway, so there are a few ground rules that need to be set. Deciding a start and end time to the vacation (whether it be a weekend or a whole week) and guidelines to follow ahead of time keep everyone involved and on the same page. NOTE: Not all of these examples will work for everyone, so pick and choose what works for you and your family!

  • No working from home
  • No cooking, cleaning, or laundry
  • Only check your phone or email when you absolutely have to (preferably not at all!)

hiking

Plan Your Staycation
Destination vacations usually include fun plans for dinners, activities, and ways to relax, so make sure you do the same for your staycation! Set a realistic budget with money set aside for eating out or a massage. Try to prep around the house in a way that makes your vacation at home as relaxing as possible. You can make sure all your laundry is done ahead of time, gathering local menus, preparing meals in advance, and using disposable dishware to cut down on doing the dishes.

bikeride

Get Out and About
Just because it’s called a staycation doesn’t mean you need to stay in! There are most likely dozens of things to do around your hometown that you have never even thought of. Here’s a list of 10 ideas to get you started. Check out our Groupon and LivingSocial for coupons and discounts on local events, plus get 6% Cash Back at Ebates!

  • Visit your local museums
  • Check out your local library for activities
  • Root for your favorite major or minor league team
  • Have a board game tournament
  • Camp in the backyard
  • Catch a show at your local theater
  • Tour a local brewery
  • Take a painting or pottery class
  • Visit a local park
  • Go for a walk, hike, or bike ride

camping

Relax and Refresh
While you’ll probably be tempted to tackle a few chores during your staycation, remind yourself to kick back and enjoy the moment. Whether you have a list full of activities or one or two picked out, the attitude and commitment you have to making this time about relaxing and having fun is ultimately the most important key to a successful staycation. Take the time to let your hair down and spend time with your partner, kids, or even catch up on some “me time!”

Have you ever taken a staycation? What activities around your town would you do? Let us know in a comment below!

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Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.