{"id":12374,"date":"2022-05-25T15:35:05","date_gmt":"2022-05-25T15:35:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/?p=12374"},"modified":"2022-06-01T16:13:48","modified_gmt":"2022-06-01T16:13:48","slug":"cooking-over-the-coals-on-the-open-road","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/spring-summer-2022\/cooking-over-the-coals-on-the-open-road\/","title":{"rendered":"Cooking Over the Coals on the Open Road"},"content":{"rendered":"

T<\/span>ravel is slowly coming back, and camping is one of the top 2022 choices.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s face it. We live in a different world now. Travelers are dipping their toes back into vacations, and many choose camping.<\/p>\n

Who is camping, and where are they going? Who better than Kampgrounds of America<\/a> (KOA) is the world\u2019s most extensive system of open-to-the-public campgrounds to tell us. With more than 520 KOA campgrounds, KOA has its fingers on the pulse of campers nationwide to tell us where we have been and where we are going camping.<\/p>\n

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Camping provided the perfect way to venture out during the pandemic and continues to be the vacation of choice for many. Photo: Deposit Photos.<\/p><\/div>\n

Here are some of their findings:<\/p>\n

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world, and the travel industry, to a stop in 2020. Flights were canceled, cruise ships remained at port, and leisure travelers shifted plans. Still wanting to plan vacations, the hunt for alternatives began. Camping, with its open spaces and natural social distancing, provided the perfect way to venture out.<\/p>\n

Already experiencing annual growth, camping saw an incredible rise in popularity among leisure travelers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Campgrounds achieved record-setting occupancy, glamping boomed, and RVs became more popular. Camping was big.<\/p>\n

These trends continued in 2021, with even more leisure travelers taking to the outdoors for various reasons. The re-emergence of different strains of COVID-19 resulted in many travelers changing their plans. Workers, used to the ability to work from anywhere, sought to maintain their newly found habit of exploring – and working – in the great outdoors.<\/p>\n

City dwellers, who had been cooped up for months on end, ventured out to connect with nearby natural spaces.<\/p>\n

Over the past two years, COVID-19 has significantly impacted travel. While much of this impact has been negative, camping has seen a dramatic increase in participation.<\/p>\n

Leisure travelers, who would otherwise stay home, have utilized camping as a preferred form of travel amidst pandemic spikes. Notably, many are indicating camping will continue to be a part of their travel plans in a post-pandemic world as we see an increase in camping, RV usage, and glamping.<\/p>\n

2020 and 2021 resulted in a great deal of stress for the average North American resident, and restrictions on travel \u2013 whether based on policy or personal comfort \u2013 kept many from being able to travel as they had in the past. Camping provided an opportunity for North American residents to seek solace in the outdoors, distancing themselves from the stressors of everyday life while spending quality time with family and friends. The pandemic pushed millions of new campers outside and the pull of the outdoors continues to bring them back.<\/p>\n

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RV’s continue to be a camping trend. Photo: Deposit Photos<\/p><\/div>\n

Where Campers are Heading<\/h3>\n

With most RVers previously choosing to rent or borrow RVs, 77% of RVers now indicate they own their rig.<\/p>\n

People who live in major metropolitan areas continue to increase their camping trips. Indicating COVID-19 as one driver of changing camping habits, 36% of urban campers noted the pandemic and avoiding crowds influenced their decision. Economic conditions are also pushing more of these guests into camping, including 44% who plan to replace a leisure trip with a camping trip in 2022.<\/p>\n

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Luxury camping or glamping is becoming more popular for weekenders.<\/p><\/div>\n

Glamping and Overlanding are Trending<\/h3>\n

In 2021, 36% of campers went on a glamping trip for the first time, and 27% took an overlanding trip (typically defined as travel in an off-road vehicle, no services\/amenities, self-sustaining) for the first time. This interest is expected to grow, with 50% seeking a glamping experience and 46% wanting to try overlanding in 2022.<\/p>\n

Higher-income Earners are Becoming Campers<\/h3>\n

Nearly 4-in-10 campers report a household income of $100,000+ \u2013 double the percentage since 2019 (19%.) This household income represents a divergence from the camper profile before COVID-19, which was solidly middle income.<\/p>\n

The \u201cgreat resignation\u201d allowed some campers to spend more time outdoors.<\/p>\n

Overall, 40% of campers stated they camped more in 2021 after leaving or changing jobs.<\/p>\n

So, where will the open road take you?<\/p>\n

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Cooking outdoors is half the fun of camping. Photo: Deposit Photos<\/p><\/div>\n

Cooking Over the Coals on the Open Road<\/h3>\n

Once you have planned where you will camp, the fun part comes in. What to eat? To the rescue are two new cookbooks from Fox Chapel Publishing Company.<\/p>\n

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(Clockwise from top left) Easy Campfire Cooking cookbook; Beer Can Chicken (Heather Nolan, mmmisformommy.com); Catch of the Day, The Stick Way (Photo: Carson Morgan, www.newworldseedcompany.com<\/p><\/div>\n

Easy Campfire Cooking \u2026 250+Family Fun Recipes for Cooking over Coals and In the Flames with a Dutch Oven, Foil Packets, and More!<\/h4>\n

The trick for enjoying an outdoor meal is the plan ahead and make it simple and delicious. Easy Campfire Cooking <\/i><\/a>has more than 250 recipes to whet your appetite. Ideas from breakfast, main dishes, and all the way through dessert are here. Directions are here from how to cook over a fire with a stick, make foil packets, use pie irons, Dutch ovens, and even a grate.<\/p>\n

Sharpen your camping cooking skills with Catch of the Day, The Stick Way<\/strong>. \u00a0Or, become a pro at how to roast a chicken on a beer can (Beer Can Chicken<\/strong>). Sorry, you\u2019ll have to drink the beer first!<\/p>\n

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(Left to right) Bacon & Cheddar Pull-Aparts; RV Camping Cookbook<\/em>, Bacon & Cheddar Pull-Aparts. Recipe and photographs (c) G&R Publishing DBA CQ Products<\/p><\/div>\n

RV Camping Cookbook \u2026 100+ Recipes to Make on the Road<\/h4>\n

Lucky enough to have an RV? You\u2019ll appreciate the handy RV Camping Cookbook \u2026 100+ Recipes to Make on the Road<\/em><\/a> cookbook. This little guidebook offers lists of essential pantry and refrigerator stuff to pack and lists of kitchen and campfire tools not to forget.<\/p>\n

Try the easy Bacon & Cheddar Pull-Aparts<\/strong> using refrigerator biscuits and the quick throw-together, delicious, Easy Sausage & Chicken Stew.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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(Left to right) Bacon and Potato Pancakes, Weekend Camping Cookbook, Cheesy Jalapeno Loaf.\u00a0 Recipes and photographs \u00a9 G&R Publishing DBA CQ Products.<\/p><\/div>\n

Weekend Camping<\/h3>\n

Sitting around an open fire and enjoying a meal prepared alfresco is a luxurious experience, but not when you have to be cooking for hours. Seasoned campers know the importance of pre-camping planning. For loads of tips and techniques for how to plan ahead, turn to the Weekend Camping Cookbook, Over 100 Simple Campfire and Grilling Recipes<\/em><\/a> by Fox Chapel Publishing.<\/p>\n

You’ll find everything you need for the perfect, streamlined weekend camping experience from Cowboy Camp Coffee, french toast recipes, grilled sandwiches, and all sorts of veggies like Asian Asparagus and Italian Snap Peas to fun desserts like S’more Burritos and Campfire Cones.<\/p>\n

Here are two we like: Bacon and Potato Pancakes<\/strong> and Cheesy Jalapeno Loaf.<\/strong><\/p>\n

With pre-planning and recipes like these, it’s a breeze to enjoy camping and staying out of the kitchen!<\/p>\n

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