Plan a camping trip with me!

Planning a trip but have no where to even start? No worries! There was once a time that I would want to go on a trip but truly didn't even know anything about being on the road. Simple things like free camping, how to find the best gas stations to stop at, what food to bring and places to go and see in general just aren't things they teach you about in school. From personal experience, trial and error from actually being on the road has been my best tool to go by. So let's get planning!

1. Where do you want to go?

2. Is the weather going to be worth it?

Now, these are the two big questions I always start with when I'm planning a trip and I usually have a couple destinations in mind just incase my first choice doesn't pan out. Weather is a HUGE FACTOR PEOPLE. Don't pretend or try to convince yourself that camping in extreme winds or rain is going to be a good time because it won't, I can almost guarantee it. I've personally been dying to check out the Colorado Sand Dunes for the passed two months and though it's been sunny and 75 down in Mosca, the wind has been wild with 40+ mph gusts and honestly, getting pelted by sand while trying to take in natures beauty just doesn't sound pleasing to me in the least. Check the weather for your destinations and if it's not to your standards, pick a different location and save that one for another day. The sand dunes will still be there for me on a weekend where there's minimal wind and I know I'll be much, much happier not eating sand during my visit.

3. Where do you want to camp?

You can find developed, pay-to-camp campgrounds basically any and everywhere in the states, but did you know that you can also find free camping just about everywhere as well? BLM land (Bureau of Land Management) is free land that anyone can camp on and there's tons of it! Though sometimes you won't get that right on the water campsite you want in those more populated areas, you'll definitely find a place to call home during your stay. Here's the best ways that I've found to find free camping.

4. What do you want to do?

Here's where the magic happens.. what are we doing when we get there? Some of you are going to pick your destination, find your campsite and straight chill for the weekend and I am SO down with that. Unfortunately for me, my brain and body doesn't sit still very well so for those of you like me, let's plan some activities! My first go to when I'm out camping is hiking. Though I've briefly heard of some other apps you can use to find hikes around the area you're out and about in, my personal favorite is AllTrails (and probably forever will be). If y'all are out and about because, yes, you're nature lovers, but really want to check out that small town next door because you've never been there, go for it! Walking around small towns and chatting it up with the locals is always a great time and you'll more than likely find out some interesting things to do. Even striking up a conversation with the local coffee shop barista. People tend to like helping others and give them something cool to check out, so don't be shy and tell people you're visiting! I love asking what they like to do when they're off work or what neat things there are to see around that I might not have heard about just yet. I've honestly found some of my favorite spots this way, so get to talking and enjoy your vacation! For my more introverted travelers, I've found cool things to do in new places best by simply Googling "events today (town)" and I've almost always found something going on. You can also add a "free" in there to narrow down your search to only the cheapest options available.. which is, if I'm being completely honest here, the only way I google things to do around me.

Gas on the low, please - not a problem! Here's a list of my favorite gas apps that I'm always using while I'm on the road.

• Gasbuddy

This app shows you gas prices in your area and also gives a range of the cheapest gas around to the most expensive. The app also gives directions and will automatically navigate you to the gas station of your choosing.

• GetUpside

This app shows you gas prices around the area, but with a catch. It gives you cash back every time you fill up! I've been using the app for two months now and already have gotten more than $10 back. It may not seem like a lot now, but trust me, it adds up. Use code APHAD to get an extra 15 cents off per gallon for your first fill up!