In honor of our recent summer movie conversations:
Susan Lanier has always enjoyed getting out of her urban home in Chicago, Illinois.
But her travel plan for this spring -- which includes riding on a Greyhound bus and camping in a national park -- is a new, more frugal version of how the 22-year-old would normally spend a vacation.
"I'm in school and usually I'll do some sort of trip, but usually I'll go to a beach or something or I'll fly to New York," she said by phone while hitching a ride on a band's tour bus, headed toward the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. "But [finances have] just been tight, and this is a cheap way to get out of the city and do something fun."
With the economy in a slump, camping seems to be grabbing a new foothold in the travel industry. Once considered by many to be an activity for nerdyfamilies, nature geeks and Boy Scouts, sleeping outside in a tent has become chic -- likely because it is so much cheaper than paying for a hotel room.
The activity also strikes a new chord with Americans who want to get back to basics after an era of excess and overspending.
Outdoor camping's popularity jumped 7.4 percent between 2007 and 2008, according to a report from the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association. Overnight backpacking is up 18.5 percent, the report said.
"That's a significant change," said Mike May, the association's spokesman. "One thing about camping is once you buy a tent, you don't need to buy another one for a long time. It can be an inexpensive way to spend some recreational time."
The group estimated there are 33.7 million campers in the country. May said he expects that number to continue to increase this year.
REI, the outdoor equipment company, said tent and sleeping bag sales are up this season, particularly when it comes to larger tents designed for three- and four-person families.
So far this spring, family tent sales are up 14 percent over last year, said Rick Meade, REI's product manager for sleeping bags and tents. For March, sales are up 28 percent over the same month in 2008.
"We have a great sense that there is a resurgent interest in [camping], especially on the family camping side," Meade said.
State parks are among the cheapest places to sleep under the stars...
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department began offering classes for first-time campers last year. Interest in the program, which teaches basic skills like how to pitch a tent and dispose of trash in an eco-friendly way, has been high, said Tom Harvey, spokesman for the department.
So far the state has offered the program to more than 1,200 people, according to the department.
"We'll hold them by the hand and we'll show 'em how to pitch a tent," he said. "It's been very popular."
Harvey said the camping movement is geared at more than recreation. People who live in cities often don't understand natural systems, which he said can lead to detached and unhappy lives.
"We are now, most of us, creatures of the urban jungle and we're losing our connection with the natural world, with reality," he said, adding that camping helps fix that.
In California, many state parks are booked well into the spring, said Sheryl Watson, spokeswoman for California State Parks.
On the first day reservations became available, 20,407 people reserved a July trip to a California state park, she said. That's up nearly 13 percent over last year's reservation numbers. By comparison, reservations were up 4 percent from 2007 to 2008.
Watson said parks near the state's urban centers are especially popular, because camping can be an inexpensive way for someone to visit a city like San Francisco, where hotels can cost 10 or 20 times the price of a camping spot.
That idea also applies to international level, where hotel costs can add up over a long stay.
Music junkies are crazy about their iPhones, and for good reason. Not only is it a phone and an iPod all in one, but several iPhone apps make it easy to find music clubs, hook up with friends at concerts and change plans on the fly.
One such app is Gigotron, a free iPhone download that lets music lovers search for nearby shows in their area. Concert listings large and small, aggregated from several public databases, are displayed in an elegant interface that's easy to browse.
Right now, Gigotron only has gig listings for a few cities (New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco) but the company is releasing an update this week that will provide info for shows all over the United States -- including Austin. Gigotron picked up the best mobile app award at the South by Southwest Interactive Web Awards.
Wired.com: How would you describe Gigotron?
Developer, Benjamin Satterfield: It's sort of like Fandango, but for concerts instead of movies. It's geared towards music lovers, and it tells you what's going on, and where.
Wired.com: What kinds of concerts do you target?
Developer, Tristan Kosmynka: There are tons of shows going on that are under the radar unless you have access to the right data. Generally the data that's publicly available is for the really big shows. Like, Radiohead is playing in a month, but I want to go see a jazz concert in half an hour. Normally, that kind of information isn't easy to find. So a lot of the work on Gigotron has been on getting the largest amount of data and making sure it's quality.
Developer, Satterfield: You know all those free weekly rags in all the big cities that list all the shows? Those aren't really as relevant anymore because they're not aware of where you are and what you like. Ticket databases and concert listing sites aren't helpful, either. They really represent a small percentage of what's happening in the city.
Developer, Kosmynka: For example, a ticket seller site in Los Angeles would list about 20 shows happening on any given night. We're at the point now where we can show you up to about 60 shows that are happening.
Lucky Toes: A street style portal devoted exclusively to footwear, this lookbook site features photos of covetable shoes from both site visitors and boutiques. Industry insiders ranging from bloggers to store owners offer commentary about the styles and trends showcased, and those looking to purchase, say, a pair of wedges can see how they actually look on before surrendering a credit card number
The Foggy Monocle: Proof that some frat boys never really grow up, this satirical blog prides itself in revealing 'the true nature of the modern gentleman" through tales of "urban mischief." The site relies on reader-submitted conversations and anecdotes, the majority of which piece together boozy benders of the night prior. Part parody, part autobiography, the guys behind The Foggy Monocle perfectly capture the humor - and truth - in the exploits of young men today
As they gear up for the upcoming spring/summer concert season, promoters and festival organizers are looking to new recession-minded sales strategies. The good news for the industry is that when it comes to how they're budgeting their shrinking incomes, young consumers are still placing a high premium on experiences over material goods. While increasingly prohibitive ticket prices may be daunting to consumers, new payment plans and "gifts with purchase" may help soften the blow:
Catalog Downloads: Incentivizing fans to come to their upcoming reunion tour, No Doubt is offering a free digital download of their entire catalog with purchase of full-priced tickets ($42.50). Not only will the gift help get fans pumped for the live show, but should the band release a new album, it will also help them remain on the radar of more casual fans who wouldn't typically have them in heavy rotation.
Layaway Plans: Retailers aren't the only ones reviving the old school layaway plan. A number of music festivals are also giving concertgoers the opportunity to pay in installments. Coachella attendees who purchased the $269 tickets prior to the end of February had two layaway options. They could pay 50% upfront (plus Ticketmaster fees), then have the remaining amount automatically deducted on April 1. Or, they could pay 10% upfront (also with the additional Ticketmaster fees), then have the rest deducted in two equal installments on March 1 and April 1. Similarly, Bonnaroo attendees who purchased the $249.50 (plus fees) tickets by the end of last month could pay in five $50 installments.
Dirt on Your Shoes: Guys, and not just the hipsters who can't afford a new pair, are sporting shoes smudged with dirt this spring. Even sneakerheads who used to wear only the brightest, cleanest sneaks and tossed out pairs once they had a speck of dirt on them are going for a more "lived in" look. Notorious sneaker aficionado Kanye West sported some less than clean white canvas shoes in the March GQ "10 Most Stylish Men in America" spread, as did Jason Schwartzman and Ed Ruscha. But it's not just in the pages of magazines that this trend is taking hold; the streets are notably lacking the blinding effect of super clean shoes as the mainstream-grunge look expands beyond plaid.
Pleather Pride: Pleather, the brunt of many a fashionista's jokes, is going by a new name these days - vegan. Imitation leather used to be perceived as a way to save a few bucks, but these days it's being rebranded as a way to save the earth. Stores like New York's Moo Shoes are selling pleather, canvas and hemp shoes and labeling them as vegan/cruelty-free specialty items. While a vegan label on a pair of pleather heels might actually clarify that customers are buying faux cowhide, the same label is a bit obvious on a pair of canvas shoes. But, consumers feeling their pennies pinched by the current economy are looking for "added value" in every purchase they make. Although most savvy shoppers already recognize synthetics as vegan or cruelty-free, such labeling can help alleviate shoppers' guilt by reminding them they are making a conscious choice.
Slice by Karim: Bringing fashion and function together, one of our favorite product designers has released a new collection of kitchen tools that not only look pretty, but perform with excellence too. Instead of metal, Slice by Karims's products (peelers, a grater, and a precision cutter) utilize ceramic - one of the most durable substances on earth. In comparison to metal, it stays sharper longer, and also doesn't rust, dull, stain or bend. Bright green and white, with a comfy, non-slip ergonomic shape, Slice makes us smile in the kitchen.
Food Wheel: Eating healthy and eating local are still two of the biggest food initiatives among consumers right now. Making it easy to do both, the Food Wheel is a simple visual tool that makes finding fresh, local produce that much easier. Catering to NY-area residents, the Food Wheel features a catalogue of over 50 locally grown fruits and vegetables, along with the corresponding months to show peak season and availability for the freshest local edibles
Paracord Survival Bracelet: In times of financial uncertainty, values of precious metals such as gold and platinum tend to stay high even if the market for fine jewelry takes a downturn, as we're seeing in this recession. One piece of jewelry worth investing in, The Paracord Survival Bracelet, while not made from the earth's most precious natural resource, can potentially protect its precious inhabitants. Made from 15-26 feet of highly durable 550 lb. test paracord (originally used by the US military as parachute suspension lines), the bracelet can be unwound for use in multiple situations - from tying down a mattress to your car roof to securing a tent or temporary shelter to throwing a line to a person fallen overboard - in a pinch. Traditionally worn by US military personnel, a growing number of civilians are also now sporting the woven nylon bracelets (or some variation of it) in the chance that they find themselves in a bind. (Plus, even if you don't expect to find yourself in an emergency situation, its surprisingly hip look makes it look like the kind of high fashion accessory that would be sold in a concept boutique.
i/denti/tee: A new premium t-shirt line for music lovers. In collaboration with iTunes and EDUN LIVE (Bono's ethical clothing line), the shirts feature famous lyrics that start with "I. . ." Current selections include "I shot the sheriff" (Bob Marley), "I walk the line" (Johnny Cash), "I'm a hustler baby, I just want you to know" (Jay-Z), and "I still haven't found what I'm looking for" (U2). The interactive website allows users to search a database for their favorite i/lyric, as well as add their own. And as an added bonus, each purchase comes with 10 free iTunes songs
pickRset : Originally created as an interactive platform for bands to post tour dates and for concertgoers to make setlist song requests, pickRset is now ground zero for music fans. New features include show reviews, news, video, and merchandise for sale. Bands, and their managers, who want to stay in touch with fans in another venue other than MySpace would be wise to check it out.
Hibiscus: While drinks made from this magenta-hued blossom are common favorites in the Caribbean, Mexico, West Africa and Egypt, you can expect to start seeing products made from the tropical flower stock shelves here in the States. We love the sour sweet taste of this super flower, which is also packed with antioxidants and anthocyanins that help fight damage caused by free radicals. Both the petals and the calyxes of the Hibiscus flower are used to create beverages, although most call for the calyx as the main ingredient. Some of our favorite Hibiscus products include OOBA (spotted at Whole Foods) and Trader Joe's Dried Sweetened Hibiscus Flowers. Who said fruits get all the super powers?
Raw Chocolate: For those who still don't believe that chocolate has actual health benefits, give the raw variety a try. Raw cacao contains a pretty impressive nutritional profile, ranging from high amounts of magnesium (good for brains, bones, and depression), anandamide (a neurotransmitter known as the "bliss chemical," as it's released when we're feeling great), antioxidants (which help fight off disease and protect from free radicals), and low amounts of caffeine (compared to cooked cocoa). Check out Fine & Raw, a new Brooklyn chocolatier that combines raw cacao, blue agave nectar, coconut oil and Himalayan sea salt to create something to feel good about scarfing down; and for those times when you want to bake something up, Navitas Naturals Organic Cacao Power Raw Chocolate Powder is key.
Eskimix: This new yogurt spot takes blended sweet yogurt treats to the extreme. Variety is a huge draw at Eskimix, as they offer up four different yogurt bases for a picky, jaded public: Tart Frozen Yogurt (a la Pinkberry/Red Mango), Vanilla Frozen Yogurt, Dairy-Free Frozen Tofu, and Sugar-Free Frozen Yogurt. Then it's up to you to pick your toppings and/or boosters, which range from Prickly Pear Cactus, Passion Fruit and Acai to Espresso Beans, Red Beans, and Peppermint Patties to Super Antioxidant Juice Blend, Green Superfood Blend and Vitamin Mineral Complex. If it's too overwhelming for you, there are a number of readymade combos the kind people at Eskimix have created to help you out.
