Latest news with #campers
Travel Daily News
a day ago
- General
- Travel Daily News
The secret rooftop society: Are tent people the new nomads?
Rooftop tent users aren't just wanderers; they're redefining what it means to live flexibly. Whether it's a weekend warrior escaping the city or a full-time traveler working from the road, modern rooftop tents provide a unique blend of adventure and practicality. In the ever-evolving landscape of urban living and adventure travel, a new trend is emerging—one that blurs the lines between home and wanderlust. Rooftop tents, once a niche accessory for hardcore overlanders, are now becoming a symbol of a growing nomadic movement. From city dwellers seeking an escape to digital nomads chasing sunsets, rooftop tents are redefining what it means to live freely. But who are these 'tent people,' and are they the new nomads of the modern age? The Rise of the Rooftop Tent Rooftop tents (RTTs) aren't entirely new—they've been used by explorers and off-road enthusiasts for decades. However, recent advancements in design, affordability, and social media exposure have propelled them into the mainstream. Unlike traditional ground tents, rooftop tents mount on top of vehicles, offering elevated sleeping quarters that are quicker to set up, more secure, and often more comfortable. The appeal is clear: Convenience – A practical rooftop tent can be deployed in minutes, eliminating the hassle of finding flat, dry ground. Safety – Being elevated keeps campers away from wildlife, moisture, and uneven terrain. Mobility – They turn any vehicle into a mini-RV, perfect for road trips and spontaneous adventures. But beyond practicality, rooftop tents represent something deeper—a shift in how people view living spaces and freedom. The New Nomads: Who Are They? The modern nomad is no longer just the stereotypical van lifer or backpacker. Today's rooftop tent community is diverse, including: 1. Urban Escapists City living can be suffocating. High rents, noise, and congestion drive many to seek temporary refuge in nature. Rooftop tents allow urbanites to leave the chaos behind on weekends without committing to a full-time nomadic lifestyle. 2. Digital Nomads With remote work becoming the norm, many professionals are ditching leases in favor of mobility. A rooftop tent on a reliable SUV or truck means they can work from a lakeside one week and a mountain vista the next. 3. Minimalists & Eco-Conscious Travelers The tiny house movement has inspired many to downsize, and rooftop tents offer an even more extreme form of minimalism. They require fewer resources than RVs and leave a smaller environmental footprint. 4. Adventure Seekers Overlanders, climbers, surfers, and outdoor enthusiasts have long used rooftop tents to chase the best spots without being tied to campgrounds or hotels. The Secret Rooftop Society What makes rooftop tent culture unique is its underground, almost secretive nature. Unlike van lifers who often park in designated areas, rooftop tent users can blend in more easily—parked at trailheads, rest stops, or even stealth-camping in urban areas. Online forums and social media groups have sprung up, where members share tips on the best spots, gear recommendations, and stories of life on the road. There's a sense of camaraderie among those who've embraced this lifestyle, a silent nod of recognition when two rooftop-tent-equipped vehicles pass each other on a remote highway. Challenges of the Rooftop Life While the idea of sleeping under the stars every night sounds idyllic, rooftop tent living isn't without its hurdles: Weather Dependence – High winds, heavy rain, and extreme temperatures can make rooftop camping uncomfortable. Vehicle Limitations – Not all cars can support a rooftop tent, and fuel efficiency can take a hit. Stealth Camping Risks – Urban camping laws vary, and getting caught in the wrong place can lead to fines or being asked to move. Long-Term Living? – While great for short trips, rooftop tents may not be sustainable as a permanent living solution for everyone. Is This the Future of Travel? As housing costs rise and remote work becomes permanent for many, alternative living arrangements will continue to grow. Rooftop tents offer a middle ground—more freedom than a traditional home, but less commitment than a full-time van or RV conversion. Could we see rooftop tent communities forming, where like-minded nomads gather in temporary villages? Some campgrounds and even cities are already adapting, offering designated parking for vehicle dwellers. Final Thoughts: Are Tent People the New Nomads? The answer seems to be a resounding yes—but with a twist. Rooftop tent users aren't just wanderers; they're redefining what it means to live flexibly. Whether it's a weekend warrior escaping the city or a full-time traveler working from the road, modern rooftop tents provide a unique blend of adventure and practicality. As this movement grows, one thing is clear: the allure of waking up to a new view every morning is irresistible. And for those who've embraced the rooftop life, the world isn't just a place to visit—it's a place to call home, even if just for a night. Photo by Jorgen Hendriksen on Unsplash
Free Malaysia Today
6 days ago
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Lion kills man at Namibian safari lodge
Desert-adapted lions roam the remote northwest of Namibia, where mountains and sand dunes meet. (AFP pic) WINDHOEK : A lion killed a 59-year-old man at a luxury lodge in the remote northwest of Namibia, police said. The victim was camping with other tourists at the tented resort when the early morning incident happened. He was attacked when he stepped out of his tent to use the toilet, environment ministry spokesman Ndeshipanda Hamunyela told local news outlet Informante. Other campers managed to scare off the lion but the man was already dead by then, he said. Police were 'attending the scene and a full report will be submitted in due course', spokesman Elifas Kuwinga said. Desert-adapted lions roam the remote northwest of the country where mountains and sand dunes meet. In 2023, they were estimated to be around 60 adults and more than a dozen cubs. But their numbers have dipped in recent months following a drought-induced drop in prey and conflict with humans.
CTV News
7 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Camper warning others after being swarmed with ticks at Alberta provincial park
Gerri Kenneke's husband and one of their dogs can be seen on a walk in Gooseberry Lake Provincial Park. (Supplied) What started as a tranquil hike in an Alberta provincial park ended in what one camper called a horrific experience with a blood-sucking arachnid. Gerri Kenneke said she was horrified to find herself, her husband and two dogs covered in ticks during a recent trip to Gooseberry Lake Provincial Park, which is 243 kilometres southeast of Edmonton. It was a beautiful day in a beautiful place and Kenneke said the couple and their dogs took a walk. They didn't notice anything was wrong until after they had returned to their camper to wind down. '(My husband) said to me … 'I think I feel something in my hair, is there something (stuck) in my hair?' And I got up, and as I got closer to him, he looked at me and he said, 'Oh, you've got something stuck on your cheek. 'I think it's a tick.'' Gooseberry Lake tick Gerri Kenneke and her husband said they pulled dozens of these ticks off themselves and their dogs after a hike at Gooseberry Provincial Park, east of Red Deer. (Supplied) The couple soon stripped down naked to begin the search for more. And more they found – in their hair, on their bodies, on the dogs and the furniture. Kenneke said she felt violated by the experience and they decided to pack up and head home, where they continued to find unwelcome hitchhikers. 'In the end, we had between the two of us and two dogs, we caught at least 30 ticks,' she said. 'I, in a million years, never thought that this would be an experience I would have ever had in Canada,' she added. 'I come from Africa, I am used to ticks all my life there, but this was never a concern I had here.' Ticks Gooseberry Lake Gerri Kenneke's husband looks over one of their dogs for ticks after the couple were swarmed during a trip to Gooseberry Lake east of Red Deer. (Supplied) Ticks are parasitic arachnids that fasten themselves to a host and feed on its blood. In Alberta, native species can carry organisms that cause disease in people, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Powassan virus and tularemia – though the health ministry reports cases of those diseases range from zero to three each year. Entomologist and tick researcher Janet Sperling said, with climate change and more pets travelling, non-native ticks are increasingly coming into the province and extending the tick season. While black-legged ticks, which carry the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, are not found here, she said they can find their way here as stowaways on migratory animals. 'Birds can drop the ticks, and that's especially true of the Lyme disease ticks,' Sperling said. 'We don't run into it all the time, but because it's rare, people will often say it's not here at all, and that's not true.' Gerri Kenneke ticks Ticks can be seen in the toilet of Gerri Kenneke 's trailer. The couple said they found they and their dogs were covered after going for a walk in Gooseberry Lake Provincial Park, east of Red Deer. (Supplied) Sperling said she doesn't want to see people scared or put off enjoying nature. Rather, she recommends people educate and prepare themselves ahead of time. 'I have a little handy dandy tick removal kit, and I know I would keep that with me,' she added. 'I'm entering tick habitat, and it's just like when we go to the mountains and we enter bear habitat. 'Instead of saying I won't ever go, we say, 'I'm going to go, but I'm going to be prepared.'' Kenneke said she would like to see more signage in areas where there are known ticks. When asked if it had received reports of ticks at Gooseberry Lake, the province said 'Alberta is home to many species of ticks … including in provincial parks.' It said Albertans can protect themselves from ticks by wearing bug spray, a hat, long-sleeved shirt, socks and long pants when visiting wooded or grassy areas. When you return home or indoors, check your clothing and all over your body – including the groin, head and underarms. If you do find a tick, grab it as close to the mouth as possible with fine-tipped tweezers and pull straight out. Don't squeeze its body and don't worry if part of the tick's beak remains, as it will come out naturally in time. Sperling said people should take note of the kind of tick they are bitten by and hold onto it if it is a black-legged tick or Dermacentor tick, so they can test it if they should become sick. If you have been bitten by a tick, you can call 811 or visit the Government of Canada website for more information. With files from CTV News Edmonton's Nicole Weisberg
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Arkansas Storm Team Weather Blog: Multiple rounds of storms expected to impact Memorial Day Weekend activities
As we head into Memorial Day Weekend, many Arkansans are looking forward to spending time outdoors. Whether it's camping, boating, or just firing up the grill. However, Mother Nature has other plans. A series of strong storms are expected to sweep across the state, especially the northern half, bringing rounds of showers and thunderstorms that could put a serious damper on outdoor activities. To be clear, it won't rain all day every day through the weekend. But storms will come in waves. The northern tier of Arkansas is under a Flood Watch, which goes through 7 p.m. Monday night. Flash flooding will be a concern, especially in low-lying areas and near rivers and streams. Avoid these areas if you plan to be camping out. In addition to the heavy rain, some of these storms could turn severe. The risk is low, but damaging wind and hail will be possible. Lightning will be a hazard with nearly every storm this weekend, which is especially concerning given the number of people expected to be outdoors. Remember, if the thunder roars… Go indoors. If you're close enough to hear thunder, you're close enough to be struck by lightning. If you do plan to get out on the water in a boat, be prepared to get back to the marina quickly if or when you hear thunder. If you plan to go camping, even though it's strongly discouraged; consider finding higher ground away from rivers and streams. With weather conditions changing quickly, it's important to have the Arkansas Storm Team App available on your phone so you can keep up with storms as they move through the area. We will be here throughout the weekend to keep you up-to-date. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Sun
23-05-2025
- The Sun
UK's biggest campsite is right on the beach with 800 pitches and tavern bar
IF you haven't planned your summer camping holiday yet, then we've found the biggest campsite in the UK where you can still find a spot. Shell Island is found in North Cardigan Bay in Wales, within the Snowdonia National Park. 4 4 4 It became a camping destination back in the 1960s and has been welcoming guests ever since. The 450-acre campsite has a huge 300 acres of camping grounds, which includes 800 spaces for pitching a tent. If you want something with more walls, there are even chalets and flats you can rent on-site. Adults can head straight to the Tavern Bar which serves all kinds of alcohol, or head to the Snack bar throughout the day for food. A gift shop, supermarket, off licence and camping shop is also on-site. When it comes to activities, there are loads of things to do. Kids will love the playgrounds, as well as the Mini Boat Pool and strawberry picking site. And beach lovers can try out kite-surfing. fishing, and boat sailing as well. Some previous guests said you can even spot dolphins and porpoises playing in the sea sometimes. One person called it a "camping paradise" while others raved about the sunrises and huge beer garden. Super camping holiday keeps kids and adults entertained Another said: "We love Shell Island very much, we have been going for over 10 years. "Myself and my son adore it here, he has been going since he was 5 months old (he's now 7)." A second agreed: "Best campsite in the UK. Been camping here since I was about 7 years old." Otherwise there is on-site parking, shower and toilet blocks and a launderette all part of the complex. Prices cost £11 for adults in low season, or £13 in high season per night, while kids range from £5.75 to £6.50. Dogs cost £.250 a night while trailer boats are £7.50 per night. If you want to go exploring, the seaside town of Barmouth isn't too far. The town was listed as one of the UK seaside towns that is having a resurgence by National Geographic. They wrote: "It's easy to miss little Barmouth, reclining on the edge of the Mawddach estuary. "This is the sort of town that's full of visitors-turned-residents and it's that sense of pride and community that's powering its revival." Here's how to find the town's secret beach. 4
