Somehow I've managed to live long enough to get old. But, I still like to take one trip a year to some place amazing. The trips are usually around 10-12 days including travel days. These days I prefer to know where I'm going to sleep each night which is in a hotel room with a comfortable bed and a hot shower. But, you are correct, these destinations learned long ago that they are in demand and charge accordingly. Frequently the accommodations aren't even that nice. They just happen to be located somewhere incredibly beautiful. I like to travel at my own speed so I travel solo and I rarely take photo tours. When I fly into my destination, the trip almost always turns into a road trip. So, a vehicle is must for me. One of the first things I used to buy after I picked up my vehicle, which is most often a small suv, was a cheap styrofoam cooler. But, I found a cheap foldable cooler on one of my trips and that is what I use now. I'm working on reducing the size and weight of the gear I take. And these days I'm starting to revisit some of the places I've been previously.
Sounds like you've probably had some great experiences! I don't begrudge places like Furnace Creek and the high prices, but you are right - to my understanding the rooms are $300+ a night and more motel-like than resort like (there is another place in Furnace Creek that is more money, but I think more resort-like. Tourist area, tough logistics for basic supplies - the camping route just helps my money go a lot further in those scenarios. The cooler was nice to have for this trip. I think trying to keep the amount of gear in check - less of it, lighter helps make everything a little easier to manage. Thanks for watching!
@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography ... Several posts in the past few weeks on the Death Valley FB group about how run down and dirty Furnace Creek ranch has become... makes car camping in DV even that much more advantageous.
You are right about needed to pickup some items when you arrive via plane. Last week I made my first trip to Death Valley and ordered everything I needed ahead of time, for curbside pickup at a Walmart. That way I did not need to search for everything in a new store. Water, Gatorade, small cooler, etc., were all preordered and took less than 10 minutes to pick up and I was on my way.
I love that idea! Ordering for pickup would save me a bunch of time and let me get on my way sooner as well. It also solves the problem of me needing to lug my camera bag into the store because I don't trust leaving it in the car while I shop. I think I just might try that next time I fly - thanks for the tip!
@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography So this looks like a great way to see some of the warmer parks like Death Valley, maybe the deserts of Arizona... do you think it would be good for the high deserts or colder camping trips? Anything other than maybe a warmer sleeping bag necessary for a colder trip? Thanks!
When I am closer to home, I use my 4Runner for sleeping, it is just better setup for it than when I fly and have to rent. But, around here, I’ve spent 5 nights in it in West Virginia in temps in the mid to upper 20’s overnight. Definitely a warmer sleeping bag is helpful and on nights like that tend to wear a knit hat to sleep in as well to help keep warm. Really not too bad at all though. I also have window shades for all the windows for the 4Runner, super handy for more privacy and to keep light out (not a big deal in Death Valley, it is pretty dark even in the campgrounds), but they also offer some insulating factor as well. Maybe I’ll do a video on the 4Runner setup this spring!
@@gregl.7465 I'll put it on the list - I have a couple of spring upgrades to the 4Runner to finish as the weather warms up, and then I think it will be ready for video!
Great video, Jeff. Good food for thought if I fly out on a solo photo trip somewhere. Definitely great tips for traveling light and cheap. Great job buddy!
Thanks Jared! Hopefully it helps folks out who fly to their destinations and want to sleep inexpensively and be close to the scenes they want to photograph!
@@jaredboazphoto I fit back there pretty good, but I'm only 5'11" - once you break 6' I think there can start to be more chance of an issue. This was a Ford Edge (not my first choice) - I put the cooler behind the driver's seat and then my carry on bag (black backpack) on top of it to fill that space, which gave me some extra room. There would still be room for a 6'1" person I think, but you'd have had more of your head on that slightly less stable surface of the backpack on top of the cooler (which the sleeping pad was on top of as well at the head end). I suspect you might need to put both seats down, then do the slightly diagonal sleep thing to be a little more comfortable. I do carry the tent if needed. For example not all SUVs have fold flat seats, sometimes there is a hump or even the back of the seat doesn't fold down flat enough to be comfortable. (i.e. I've traveled with this setup and used the tent instead of sleeping in the car - though in that case it was more because I was staying 3 nights at a single location).
Yup. It's really not easy. I went back and watched your other video, which was helpful. I like that tiny stove! That said, my worst experience was in LA, but not LAX. It was Long Beach, I think, about a decade ago. I forget the carrier (Delta?). Anyway, the bag was fine, but the straps were a problem- a tripping hazard presumably. The choice was to either check the bag (zero chance), or buy a knife in the promenade (surprise), cut off the straps and waist belt, then toss the knife in a trash can- all before TSA's eyes. They did offer to send the knife to me if I paid postage! Fortunately, I was heading home. I use Shimoda bags because- among other things- I can remove the waist belt (goes in my checked bag), and I either tie up the shoulder straps or remove them before hand (also goes in checked bag). Since they are vertically adjustable, that makes them easy to take off. Shimoda doesn't mention that perk on their site!
Glad the videos were helpful! That little stove is pretty amazing for travel. So small and lets me have my hot coffee in the morning very easily! The crazy thing with all of it is that it seems like every trip through security has some different process or “rule” than the last time, or varies from airport to airport. I haven’t had to remove my straps yet, though the waist belt is always the one I suspect would catch attention. I’d forgotten about the shoulder straps being removable on the Shimoda as well (I had to replace one once ) - neat hidden feature!
Very interesting! Like one of the other commentators, I tend to stay in motels but, at 79, I’m starting to think that my load is too heavy - especially when running through the airport in Chicago!
If I'm switching planes I always debate do I want to switch in Dallas, Denver, or Chicago! The rolling duffel is probably one of my best luggage upgrades. The wheels on it are super smooth wheeling over rough pavement. I also like that its shape is more moldable - I can overstuff it and fit a lot in there or I can pack lighter and use the compression straps to cinch things down. And while not as big of a deal when staying in a motel, when staying in an SUV, it is nice, because as I take things out of it, the bag loses its shape, leaving me more room in the SUV vs a suitcase which tends to have the same shape empty or full.
Thanks! In Death Valley the campgrounds I stayed at had bathrooms - so toilets and sinks. No showers at the campgrounds though. I usually take 'Combat Wipes', essentially durable wet wipes, to maintain some sense of feeling semi-clean. They do a decent job. There is also an option in Furnace Creek to "rent a shower" at the Ranch near their pool area I believe. When I'm traveling locally and using my own 4Runner, I have some additional options for when I do more of the National Forest camping approach. Though - here in the east, it is harder to find dispersed camping, so sometimes campgrounds that have at least a toilet and sink is the best option, and they often have showers as well.
Great questions! I'll start by saying I am a bit on the high anxiety side when it comes to leaving things in a car or too visible, so this aspect is a challenge for me. I don't worry a lot about someone looking in the car after dark. Typically I am doing more of a campground route (usually small-ish or at the very least minimal service type campgrounds) and really haven't run into much trouble with that. You never know what you are going to get as a rental, so far I have been lucky and always had something with reasonably tinted windows. If I am using my own vehicle, I have a set of window shades I use for every window - and that is a little more "comfortable" feeling. Now the security aspect around theft I probably think even more about that and do a few things to hopefully help. First, if I am leaving the car for more than a couple of minutes, I typically will take my camera bag with me. For example, on my supply run after landing, I put my camera bag in the cart and went shopping - I might look weird, but my most valuable items are safe with me. I also tend to buy dark bags for things I know might stay in a car. For example, the REI duffel I use, I bought in black because it blends in more in the back of car (especially if there are tinted windows). Similar with my carry-on backpack, also black. When I leave the car, my really valuable stuff is with me (cameras), but I tend to hide my ipad or laptop (obviously a thief has potential to find it, but they'd be doing more than a smash and grab). I try to put my North Face backpack in a place where it isn't obvious there is a backpack in the car. The duffle is much bigger and can't really be hidden, but I try to put it on one side of the vehicle and sometimes toss a jacket or something on top. Not a perfect setup - but so far, so good. Most of the things left in the car would be an inconvenience to be stolen and not a a huge financial loss like the camera bag could be (my gear is insured as well). Hope that helps!
@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography great tips! One thing I try to do to hide luggage and other items in the back of a rental car is pack a small, black fleece blanket. Dual purpose - the wife uses it to keep warm in the car while I blast the AC, and I think it helps our junk blend in a bit more with the seats/carpet while hiking. I have also used a dark grey quick drying camp towel for the same thing. As long as it has multiple uses, it's worth packing!
@@hddrummer29 Oh! I like that tip! That towel I carry actually has a dark gray side to it, and probably just big enough to cover the two most likely bags to remain in the car when I am away from it for an extended period of time. And agreed - if you can get multiple uses from things, makes it easier to justify bringing along.
Somehow I've managed to live long enough to get old. But, I still like to take one trip a year to some place amazing. The trips are usually around 10-12 days including travel days. These days I prefer to know where I'm going to sleep each night which is in a hotel room with a comfortable bed and a hot shower. But, you are correct, these destinations learned long ago that they are in demand and charge accordingly. Frequently the accommodations aren't even that nice. They just happen to be located somewhere incredibly beautiful. I like to travel at my own speed so I travel solo and I rarely take photo tours. When I fly into my destination, the trip almost always turns into a road trip. So, a vehicle is must for me. One of the first things I used to buy after I picked up my vehicle, which is most often a small suv, was a cheap styrofoam cooler. But, I found a cheap foldable cooler on one of my trips and that is what I use now. I'm working on reducing the size and weight of the gear I take. And these days I'm starting to revisit some of the places I've been previously.
Sounds like you've probably had some great experiences!
I don't begrudge places like Furnace Creek and the high prices, but you are right - to my understanding the rooms are $300+ a night and more motel-like than resort like (there is another place in Furnace Creek that is more money, but I think more resort-like. Tourist area, tough logistics for basic supplies - the camping route just helps my money go a lot further in those scenarios.
The cooler was nice to have for this trip. I think trying to keep the amount of gear in check - less of it, lighter helps make everything a little easier to manage.
Thanks for watching!
@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography ... Several posts in the past few weeks on the Death Valley FB group about how run down and dirty Furnace Creek ranch has become... makes car camping in DV even that much more advantageous.
@@gregl.7465 I'm in that group as well and saw those posts! Given how some of those pictures looked, I'd much rather be car camping!
You are right about needed to pickup some items when you arrive via plane. Last week I made my first trip to Death Valley and ordered everything I needed ahead of time, for curbside pickup at a Walmart. That way I did not need to search for everything in a new store. Water, Gatorade, small cooler, etc., were all preordered and took less than 10 minutes to pick up and I was on my way.
I love that idea! Ordering for pickup would save me a bunch of time and let me get on my way sooner as well. It also solves the problem of me needing to lug my camera bag into the store because I don't trust leaving it in the car while I shop. I think I just might try that next time I fly - thanks for the tip!
Jeff You ‘Jet Setter’ Son of a Gun !!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😆 😊
Another worthwhile and informative Video from Jeffrey Tadlock !!!!!!!!!!!! Stay safe!!! 👍📷😊
Ha! Always on the move! Thanks George!
Thank you Jeff! Appreciate you sharing your tips for traveling light and inexpensively.
No problem! I hope it was helpful. The setup has worked out pretty well for me so far!
@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography So this looks like a great way to see some of the warmer parks like Death Valley, maybe the deserts of Arizona... do you think it would be good for the high deserts or colder camping trips? Anything other than maybe a warmer sleeping bag necessary for a colder trip? Thanks!
When I am closer to home, I use my 4Runner for sleeping, it is just better setup for it than when I fly and have to rent. But, around here, I’ve spent 5 nights in it in West Virginia in temps in the mid to upper 20’s overnight. Definitely a warmer sleeping bag is helpful and on nights like that tend to wear a knit hat to sleep in as well to help keep warm. Really not too bad at all though.
I also have window shades for all the windows for the 4Runner, super handy for more privacy and to keep light out (not a big deal in Death Valley, it is pretty dark even in the campgrounds), but they also offer some insulating factor as well.
Maybe I’ll do a video on the 4Runner setup this spring!
@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography Thanks! Would like to see that too.
@@gregl.7465 I'll put it on the list - I have a couple of spring upgrades to the 4Runner to finish as the weather warms up, and then I think it will be ready for video!
Great video, Jeff. Good food for thought if I fly out on a solo photo trip somewhere. Definitely great tips for traveling light and cheap. Great job buddy!
Thanks Jared! Hopefully it helps folks out who fly to their destinations and want to sleep inexpensively and be close to the scenes they want to photograph!
@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography you fit in the back of that suv okay? I feel like I’d run into a space problem. I’m 6’1” or so.
@@jaredboazphoto I fit back there pretty good, but I'm only 5'11" - once you break 6' I think there can start to be more chance of an issue.
This was a Ford Edge (not my first choice) - I put the cooler behind the driver's seat and then my carry on bag (black backpack) on top of it to fill that space, which gave me some extra room. There would still be room for a 6'1" person I think, but you'd have had more of your head on that slightly less stable surface of the backpack on top of the cooler (which the sleeping pad was on top of as well at the head end).
I suspect you might need to put both seats down, then do the slightly diagonal sleep thing to be a little more comfortable.
I do carry the tent if needed. For example not all SUVs have fold flat seats, sometimes there is a hump or even the back of the seat doesn't fold down flat enough to be comfortable. (i.e. I've traveled with this setup and used the tent instead of sleeping in the car - though in that case it was more because I was staying 3 nights at a single location).
Yup. It's really not easy. I went back and watched your other video, which was helpful. I like that tiny stove! That said, my worst experience was in LA, but not LAX. It was Long Beach, I think, about a decade ago. I forget the carrier (Delta?). Anyway, the bag was fine, but the straps were a problem- a tripping hazard presumably. The choice was to either check the bag (zero chance), or buy a knife in the promenade (surprise), cut off the straps and waist belt, then toss the knife in a trash can- all before TSA's eyes. They did offer to send the knife to me if I paid postage! Fortunately, I was heading home. I use Shimoda bags because- among other things- I can remove the waist belt (goes in my checked bag), and I either tie up the shoulder straps or remove them before hand (also goes in checked bag). Since they are vertically adjustable, that makes them easy to take off. Shimoda doesn't mention that perk on their site!
Glad the videos were helpful! That little stove is pretty amazing for travel. So small and lets me have my hot coffee in the morning very easily!
The crazy thing with all of it is that it seems like every trip through security has some different process or “rule” than the last time, or varies from airport to airport. I haven’t had to remove my straps yet, though the waist belt is always the one I suspect would catch attention. I’d forgotten about the shoulder straps being removable on the Shimoda as well (I had to replace one once ) - neat hidden feature!
Very interesting! Like one of the other commentators, I tend to stay in motels but, at 79, I’m starting to think that my load is too heavy - especially when running through the airport in Chicago!
If I'm switching planes I always debate do I want to switch in Dallas, Denver, or Chicago!
The rolling duffel is probably one of my best luggage upgrades. The wheels on it are super smooth wheeling over rough pavement. I also like that its shape is more moldable - I can overstuff it and fit a lot in there or I can pack lighter and use the compression straps to cinch things down.
And while not as big of a deal when staying in a motel, when staying in an SUV, it is nice, because as I take things out of it, the bag loses its shape, leaving me more room in the SUV vs a suitcase which tends to have the same shape empty or full.
@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography I follow the ABC policy: Anywhere but Chicago!
@@cmichaelhaugh8517 Ha! That seems like a good policy!
Good information, thanks, how about showers, bathrooms? Camping area had them? Gas station?
Thanks! In Death Valley the campgrounds I stayed at had bathrooms - so toilets and sinks. No showers at the campgrounds though. I usually take 'Combat Wipes', essentially durable wet wipes, to maintain some sense of feeling semi-clean. They do a decent job. There is also an option in Furnace Creek to "rent a shower" at the Ranch near their pool area I believe.
When I'm traveling locally and using my own 4Runner, I have some additional options for when I do more of the National Forest camping approach. Though - here in the east, it is harder to find dispersed camping, so sometimes campgrounds that have at least a toilet and sink is the best option, and they often have showers as well.
What about the windows and security? Do you worry about someone looking in after dark and when you are away from your vehicle? Thanks.
Great questions! I'll start by saying I am a bit on the high anxiety side when it comes to leaving things in a car or too visible, so this aspect is a challenge for me.
I don't worry a lot about someone looking in the car after dark. Typically I am doing more of a campground route (usually small-ish or at the very least minimal service type campgrounds) and really haven't run into much trouble with that. You never know what you are going to get as a rental, so far I have been lucky and always had something with reasonably tinted windows.
If I am using my own vehicle, I have a set of window shades I use for every window - and that is a little more "comfortable" feeling.
Now the security aspect around theft I probably think even more about that and do a few things to hopefully help. First, if I am leaving the car for more than a couple of minutes, I typically will take my camera bag with me. For example, on my supply run after landing, I put my camera bag in the cart and went shopping - I might look weird, but my most valuable items are safe with me.
I also tend to buy dark bags for things I know might stay in a car. For example, the REI duffel I use, I bought in black because it blends in more in the back of car (especially if there are tinted windows). Similar with my carry-on backpack, also black.
When I leave the car, my really valuable stuff is with me (cameras), but I tend to hide my ipad or laptop (obviously a thief has potential to find it, but they'd be doing more than a smash and grab). I try to put my North Face backpack in a place where it isn't obvious there is a backpack in the car. The duffle is much bigger and can't really be hidden, but I try to put it on one side of the vehicle and sometimes toss a jacket or something on top.
Not a perfect setup - but so far, so good. Most of the things left in the car would be an inconvenience to be stolen and not a a huge financial loss like the camera bag could be (my gear is insured as well).
Hope that helps!
@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography great tips! One thing I try to do to hide luggage and other items in the back of a rental car is pack a small, black fleece blanket. Dual purpose - the wife uses it to keep warm in the car while I blast the AC, and I think it helps our junk blend in a bit more with the seats/carpet while hiking. I have also used a dark grey quick drying camp towel for the same thing. As long as it has multiple uses, it's worth packing!
@@hddrummer29 Oh! I like that tip! That towel I carry actually has a dark gray side to it, and probably just big enough to cover the two most likely bags to remain in the car when I am away from it for an extended period of time. And agreed - if you can get multiple uses from things, makes it easier to justify bringing along.