1 . How to Make Family Fishing Trips Fun for All

There’s something truly special about fishing trips, especially when they involve the whole family.     1     But how can we make fishing trips enjoyable and memorable for all family members?

The first step in planning a family-friendly fishing trip is selecting the right destination. It’s important to consider places that are safe, easily accessible, and suitable for families. Destinations like lakeside cabins, or coastal towns are often perfect spots that offer great fishing opportunities.     2    

For many families, fishing trips are not just about catching fish. They’re also about teaching and learning new skills together. When it comes to introducing beginners, especially children, to fishing, it’s important to keep the techniques simple. Begin by familiarizing everyone with the basic parts of a fishing pole and reel (卷轴). Show them how to hold the pole, cast the line, and reel it in.     3     Encourage them to enjoy the experience and the surrounding nature while waiting for a catch.

    4     But it’s still important to have other activities planned. This could include exploring nearby trails, having a picnic, or playing simple outdoor games. These activities ensure that the trip remains engaging for family members who might not be as interested in fishing.

Safety should always be a top priority on fishing trips. This includes making sure everyone has a life jacket.     5     Also, having a first aid kit on hand is essential for dealing with any minor injuries or accidents.

By choosing the right destination, preparing adequately, engaging in various activities, and prioritizing safety, your fishing trips can become a cherished family tradition.

2 . Wild camping is simply camping outside of a developed or regular campsite. Camping at a music festival, in your backyard, or at a developed campground (营地) is just regular old camping.     1     You don’t have to pay a fee or reserve a spot in advance.

    2     For example, when you set up a tent at a developed campground, you will usually stay in the same place for a few days. On the other hand, wild camping allows one to spend most of the day exploring the wilderness before they put up their wild camping tent for the night and move on in the morning.

There are many mental and physical benefits of spending time in nature. Modern-day life can be stressful, so many people head out into the wild for relief.     3     Also, you can enjoy a sense of primitiveness that regular camping can’t give you. It’s a cheerful way to tackle multi-day hikes in remote areas, allowing one to spend nights under the stars in breathtaking locations.

Wild camping generally requires checking if you can legally camp at a particular place and in some cases, getting permission to do so. Leaving no trace is essential. Take what you bring with you when you depart.     4    

Most safety problems about wild camping arise from not dressing up and preparing properly for camping in the wild.     5     Additionally, ensure someone knows where you are wild camping and when you will return.

3 . In some countries, many families are choosing camping as an affordable way to vacation due to the cost-of-living crisis (危机).     1     Here are several tips to help make your first camping trip a success.

Camping needs careful planning. Making a detailed list of what to bring ensures nothing important is forgotten. It is advised to pack light and easy-to-set-up tents (帐篷). It’s also important to choose equipment suitable for the season. For families, bringing comfort items like favorite books or toys can make the new environment more welcoming for kids.     2     Other necessaries like wet wipes (湿巾) are must-haves.

Camping is more than just setting up a tent.     3     Group camping trips can simplify things, especially when it comes to meals. Sharing meal responsibilities with other families not only reduces the load but also improves the shared experience. Choosing simple and easy-to-prepare foods helps too.

    4     Activities like treasure hunts, campfire stories can turn camping into an adventure. Nature itself offers endless enjoyment, from bird watching to plant recognizing. Moreover, camping is also an opportunity to teach kids valuable life skills and safety lessons. From cooking over a campfire to learning about nature, these experiences are both educational and enjoyable. Safety lessons are also important, like staying within campsites and recognizing dangerous plants.

All in all, camping is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors and spend quality time with family.     5    

4 . One great way to spend time outdoors is to garden. Here are some benefits you can get from gardening.

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Studies have found evidence that being in nature is linked with less anxiety, less depression and many other positive effects. The nice thing about a garden is that it can be right in your yard.     2    , you’re much more likely to be outside when the work of a garden requires it.

Eat healthfully

A garden can make the freshest and healthiest foods available. And the types of foods can have a great impact on your mental health.     3    .

Practice acceptance

Most suffering comes from trying to control things that you can’t. The more you can accept the limits of your control in your life, the more peace of mind you can find — and gardening is a great way to practice.     4    . You just bring your best efforts to what you can control, and let go of the rest.

Develop a growth mindset (思维模式)

Psychologist Carol Dweck developed the difference between “fixed” and “growth” mindsets, and gardening is a great opportunity to develop the latter.     5    . When something doesn’t work out the way you hoped, you view it as a learning opportunity rather than as a failure.

5 . Do you long to escape to the great outdoors and experience the thrill of nature’s beauty? If so, then tent camping is the perfect adventure for you! One of the most important “dos” when planning a tent camping trip is to choose the right campsite.     1    . So it’s essential to consider several factors before making a decision.

Location

Consider the location of the campsite. Think about how far you’re willing to travel, whether you prefer a camp in the wilderness, near a lake or river, or other recreational activities.

Facilities

    2    . Some campsites offer electricity, laundry facilities or Wi-Fi. Assess your comfort needs and choose a suitable campsite for you.

Campsite Size and Privacy

If you prefer a quiet and private experience, look for campsites with greater distance or natural barriers between locations. If you are sociable, campsites with group camping options may be suitable.     3    .

Natural Surroundings

Take into account the natural surroundings of the campsite. Are you seeking breathtaking mountain views, peaceful forests, or unique lakeside landscapes? Consider the campsite’s aesthetic (审美的) appeal and natural beauty to enhance your camping experience.

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Evaluate the convenience of reaching the campsite. Consider the road conditions, distance from parking areas to campsites, and any required permits or passes. If you have limited mobility or are camping with young children, you may prefer a campsite that is easily accessible and doesn’t require extensive hiking.

Reviews and Recommendations

Seek out reviews and recommendations from other campers who have experienced the campsite.     5    . Pay attention to cleanliness, noise levels, and overall camper satisfaction.

7 . Planning the perfect memory-worthy camping trip can be overwhelming and often quite frustrating. Everyone wants to have a great time but everyone also knows there’s a lot of planning to be done to make a successful trip.     1    .

Most people decide to go camping in summer as that’s when they can usually get time off work.     2    . If you want some peace and quiet, go camping during the off season but take time and effort to research the location and weather conditions in advance.

Once you’ve planned out when and where, you can move on to planning your camp meal as well as all the camp equipment you might need.     3    . Be adventurous or keep it simple. If you’re a foodie, bring your favourite ingredients and spices and cook up a feast!

Making a good camping plan means reserving your campsite in advance. This is particularly important during the peak season when campgrounds are full. Also, some campsites have restrictions regarding the number of guests in an attempt to preserve the delicate balance of the natural environment. This means you might need to get a permit even months in advance.

    5    . Some people prefer to lounge around and enjoy the camping grounds whereas others love the call of the wild so they go out exploring, mountain biking, rock climbing , hiking and seeking adventures. Figure out what it is that you like and plan accordingly.

Going camping is a perfect opportunity to experience the outdoors. Hopefully, the tips listed here will help you cover all spots, from finding a perfect campground to bringing the right gear.

8 . How to Survive Your Weekends Alone Without Losing It

There can be many, many stories behind weekends spent alone. In the 4 years that I’ve been living on my own now, I’ve managed to spend 208 weekends alone.     1     . Here’s an honest and practical guide so that you, too, can deal with your weekends, alone.

Go to a free concert

Coffee shops, libraries and local venues often host free concerts, so see if there is anything going on in your area this weekend. You can really listen to the music, rather than worrying about where your friends are.

Visit a bookstore

If you live near a library or bookstore with seating, take a trip there for a fun day alone.     2     . This is the perfect weekend plan if you are a little low on money.

Take a shopping trip alone

Ease down your shopping stress.     3     , and you can end up missing out on the best clothes. Take a leisurely trip alone and take your time trying everything on: you are likely to have a great day and find something you love.

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The best part about watching television alone is that you can watch whatever you want. As a couch potato, you put on your cozy clothes and get some snacks, no matter how shameful and embarrassing it is.

Go on a long walk or a hike

Going for a long walk and experiencing nature is often more enjoyable if you are alone, as it is peaceful, quiet, and relaxing. You can stop to appreciate every beautiful flower you pass and you can take a break whenever you want.     5     .

9 . Nowadays, people are often very busy, working hard almost day and night. For a better life, many people think it’s worth it.     1     Undoubtedly, people need spare time to be free and do fun things, like winter camping. Most people are talking especially about snow camping when they mention winter camping.

    2     In areas with snow, campers can go skiing, climbing, or ice skating. And some people enjoy creating fun things from snow, or just horsing around in the snow. And a camping trip often requires hiking, although campers generally travel less far than they do in the summer.

There are many well-known places suitable for camping. Throughout the year, these places usually attract more campers in the summer. So, it can be more crowded in this season. Campers who don’t like a crowded place can instead choose to go camping there in the winter.     3    

But colder weather means more preparation. Winter campers should be sure that they have clothes which can keep them warm.     4     Besides, campers need to bring good tents and enough food. Other camping tools like cookstoves are also necessary.

While winter camping can be quite fun, the colder weather can make a camping trip more dangerous.     5     Winter campers should always check on weather reports before they leave. A small weather radio is an excellent tool to bring along. And it’s wise to take a guided winter camping trip for their first camping experience.