Sometimes life is not about the destination, but more about the trip. The same may be true for a staycation. Camping is both a staycation as a stay at a resort local. And it can be much less expensive.

The temperature hit 115 in Phoenix last week. That was enough for me and my friends to leave the city. Luckily for us cooler weather was only a few hours away. Arizona is all about elevation. It is a little known fact outside the state of Arizona that has three main stations ski (four if you consider the little-known Elk Ridge). Summer Phoenix at the barbecue, elevation can be a blessing for the Phoenicians.

Our camping trip we to a place hidden in the woods between Sedona and Flagstaff. While Arizona has a large of wonderful camps developed, it is also legal to camp on land more public away from developed recreation facilities.

If you choose to camp in an undeveloped or primitive camping area, be prepared. You need to bring all the water required as there will be no fresh water available. It is not advisable to drink from streams, waterfalls and lakes, as these can carry organisms that will make you wish you had bathroom. That brings up another point, you will not find restrooms, showers, or even a sink. This means that you must bring your own toilet paper, shovel and pan with environmentally safe dishwashing detergent. And do not underestimate the cooling power of a baby wipe. You should also bring their own garbage bags for garbage and recycling, and a small table and some folding chairs to make your experience a little more comfortable.

As for eating, you can pick one up fairly cheap camping stove or cooking over a campfire. Make a simple dinner of spaghetti or get more creative and serve a beautiful seared ahi tuna. If you are making a bonfire, and should, be sure to check href = "http://publiclands.org/firenews/AZ.php"> publiclands.org / firenews / AZ.php policies for timber harvesting and fire restrictions. Bring some marshmallows, chocolate, biscuits and bananas for a night decadent S'mores and banana boats. Or go to www.koa.com / recipes / campfirecooking.htm for some great food and treatment of ideas.

No need to spend a fortune on camping. In general, you can pick up everything you need at Walmart or Target. If you are looking for high-tech equipment can visit one of the specialty stores such as REI or sports authority.

If you decide to bring his friend of four legs do not forget the pet supplies. It is also a good idea to bring a long cable to connect to a tree so Fido can enjoy the outdoors without persecuting the Fauna or the family pets.

If you prefer a less rustic camping experience, there is always the option of staying at one of the wonderful campsites developed in Arizona. There usually are toilets, sinks, showers, a general store for last minute supplies. You can also find cabins, a pool and planned activities.

While still promoting a weekend in one of our fabulous resorts, the least expensive option will allow camp you an extra staycation this summer. And he could not use another weekend. As for me and my friends, we took the road less traveled and that made all the difference.

Carole has spent 19 years working in a variety of positions in the Travel Industry including cruise ships, hotels, adventure tour guiding, international tour management and corporate meeting mgmt. She has the inside scoop on the business of travel and the best information on business and leisure travel. Contact her @ crosen7646@yahoo.com. Visit her on http://www.examiner.com/x-15231-Phoenix-Tourism-Examiner

Arizona Camping Club & Outdoor Adventure Group