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There is no experience quite like waking up in the wild. Whether it's a forest, desert, or beach setting, waking up to the sounds, smells and sights of nature are experiences that can not be duplicated in a resort setting. Vacationing with a family is an adventure in any venue, but the specific highlights that can be shared in a natural setting far outweigh any inconveniences. Imagine waking up to birds chirping in the trees above the tent, or hearing the waves crashing only yards away from your tent. There is no smell quite like a pine forest in the morning: fresh air and evergreen and just a hint of morning dew. The smell alone is enough to refresh and re-energize even the most hard-core urbanite.

In the modern age of Internet, satellite television, Podcasts and portable gaming systems, kids are increasingly losing their connection to nature. Even a trip to the neighborhood park may be accompanied by a Nintendo DS or games on the cell phone. Kids are increasingly spending huge amounts of time in front of screens, indoors or out, and less time in traditional outdoor play.

Taking children on vacation in natural settings is a great way to re-connect kids with the world around them. Natural settings encourage children's natural curiosity. A walk along the beach can turn into a nature lesson. Tide pools, for example, can offer the physical challenge of a climb with the reward of seeing the most amazing sea life surviving in the most challenging of conditions.

Vacationing in the outdoors can also inspire resourcefulness within the family unit. Parents and children are challenged to wok together to find entertainment. Children can take an active hand in planning the family's activities, whereas in a resort setting many activities are already pre-scheduled and inflexible.

Some may argue that taking children camping or vacationing in other natural settings can be more inconvenient than vacationing in resorts. It is true that taking children into nature can be challenging, especially babies and young children who may require more specialized care. It can be a challenge to plan for things like diaper changes and formula or baby food when vacationing in nature. For those who require a soft mattress and the comforts of home, many national and state parks have a range of facilities to accommodate every visitor, from rustic tent camping sites to full resort-style hotel accommodations, still surrounded by the wonder and beauty of the great outdoors. So you can have your pine trees and sleep on them too.

Learn more about this author, K.S. Carter.
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