3.Keep kids entertained! Traveling with young ones can be a challenge. You want to have plenty of activities and toys to keep them occupied. Try looking at CouponChief.com for some great coupons for toys and travel gear. Don’t forget books and magazines as well. The trip will go faster, and you won’t have to field as many “are we there yet?” cries.

4.Don’t forget tunes. Stock up on your families favorite CDs and tapes. Include a few titles for each family member to help keep peace. Try a discount music store, or look for a coupon on an e-coupon site.

5.Be easy on gas pedal. If you are driving, you may be concerned about high gas prices. You can save a significant amount of your gas budget by planning ahead. Make sure that your tires are properly inflated, and that your car is in good working order. Staying at a constant speed will also help you save on your gas bill.

We camped in our van for ten days at Williams Landing, east of Tallahassee, Florida, on Lake Talquin. It's a beautiful place, with hot showers. Our cost? Zero, and you can stay up to two weeks. There are free campgrounds scattered around country. Ask an RVer about this, or buy a Woodall's directory from any large RV dealer.

Note: Wal-mart seems to encourage campers, except in coastal areas where too many RVer's want to live in a parking lot. Don't roll out carpet and put out lawn furniture like one traveler we heard about, or you may ruin it for all. Some stay for a week at a time, going out all day to see sights (and so they don't wear out their welcome). Wal-mart gets business from campers, but they'll only continue their policy if they don't have problems, so keep it low-key.

To find a Wal-Mart in area you're traveling to, visit Walmart.com. Scroll down to "store finder" link to search. Thank you for camping at Wal-Mart!