by T Byrd

Created on: February 16, 2008

What do you do when the call of nature beckons and you don't know how to answer. Nature filled getaways can be very refreshing, relaxing and oh the stories you'll have to tell when you get back home. The key is to figure out how down to earth you want to get. Should you be tossing hiking boots or a bathing suit into the luggage.

Some of the best resources for this type of vacation can be a few miles from your home. State parks and campgrounds have much to offer. You could have your car packed up with tents and supplies and reach your destination within an hour. If you are not a fan of sleeping under the stars then find a park or campground with cabins. Activities such as hiking, kayaking, fishing can make for busy days. A major bonus of this type of vacation is that it is easier to bring the family pet along. If you are a member of AAA then you can pick up a state park book or a campground guide at your local office. The guides will help you figure out which park best suits your needs especially if you will be traveling with some type of trailer or motor home.

Some of us are lucky enough to live near a national park or monument. People come from all parts of the world come to see the wonders that some of these have to offer. The western part of our country holds quite a bit of this beauty but you can find one in a state near you. Everyone knows about the Grand Canyon but make sure you visit in the summer to guarantee yourself a chance to see both rims. The Great Smoky National Park and Yellowstone are two other favorites but you may want to avoid the crowds with some of the lesser visited parks. Especially if these are summer vacations. A few suggestions would be Big Bend in TX, Acadia National Park in Maine and Glacier National Park in Montana. If you are 62 and older and a US citizen or permanent resident then take advantage of the America the Beautiful senior pass. They are a plus to have but you must visit the park to purchase one.

If you want to gear your nature filled getaway towards a certain activity then skiing and the mountains go hand in hand. Once the seasons start to change we Floridians love to head to the mountains of NC for that very reason. Boone, Banner Elk and Beech Mountain are are popular areas. You will also be very close to the Blue Ridge Parkway when visiting this area. A very beautiful drive but it only has a 35 mile per hour speed limit. Take in as much of it as you can with a slow pace.

If you truly want to be one with nature then just spend as much time outside as you can. It doesn't always require you to take a road trip to make your getaway. Nature can be as close as your very own backyard. A good day can be spent at home with a simple barbecue and pool time. Pack up your swim gear and head to your nearest beach resort and spend the weekend.

Most of my getaways that involved nature and getting away from the norm have been the most economical. So you can apply those dollars to your next big vacation and decide if you want to go big or stay home.

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