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5 Best Holiday Recipes to Make On The Go

Hello and welcome to elevated van life meals! I’m Chef Corso, head chef and founder of MONTyBOCA, a company and community focused on helping you eat well on your journeys near and far. We share single recipes, pocket-sized cookbooks and full trip meal plans to put you on the path to amazing meals anywhere. I’m a classically trained chef, training in Napa Valley and Northern Italy with over 20+ years of restaurant and food development experience. I love going outside and sharing a great meal at a mountain ridge or alpine lake and I’ve partnered with Sekr to share some fast and easy recipes to help you elevate your cooking game this season. Let’s get to it!

Elevated Vanlife Meals by Chef Corso

5 Best Holiday Recipes to Make This Winter

The holidays are a great time to get together with your family and friends and share a great meal together.  But many recipes can be complicated, have a number of special ingredients and take a long time to prepare and cook. <a href="https://bit.ly/3ES0MYb" target="_blank">MONTyBOCA</a> recipes are created to be straightforward for any level of cooking experience. All recipes are ready in 30 min or less and require 10 ingredients or less.
Below we have a few tasty options for a full spread that is sure to wow your crew and provide some lasting memories. They also can be stand alone dishes or mixed and matched for your perfect combination.

Trail mix or some kind of nuts are probably in your pantry right now. I like to toast them up quickly and add a few spices to elevate the boring handful into something super snackable.

Full Recipe

 Boca Spiced Nuts

This one pot recipe is an absolute classic. It’s also very friendly on the wallet, easy to provision for and customizable based on your dietary restriction and perfect holiday plate. Check out this video for a  <a href="https://youtu.be/PRElTOSbnJw" target="_self"><ins>visual how-to</ins></a><ins>.</ins>

Turkey Day Stuffing Bowl

This recipe can be a side dish or stand alone meal.  I love it for it’s different flavor and easy preparation.  Try it in your rig or on the trail!
<h2>HOT INGREDIENT TIP</h2>
-while on the road, search for an Asian grocery store.  They have an amazing amount of cheap, tasty and packable ingredients including dried shiitake mushrooms, all the shapes and sizes of noodles plus some economical produce.

Sesame Green Beans w/ Mushroom Rice Bowl

If you have a handful of Craisins, 2 small oranges and some granola you can make a fast, warm and delicious dessert in just a few minutes.  Top it with some vanilla greek yogurt and you’re set!

Cranberry Orange Crisp

Don’t forget drinks!  Did you know a bottle of wine fits in a standard Nalgene bottle just about perfectly!? Throw in a chopped apple, a small orange, a couple strawberries or a handful of dried fruit.  Let it sit for a couple hours and you're ready to cheers at the Trailgate!

Trail Sangria

Yes, I said TRAILgate. Who doesn’t love dip! Whip up this shareable, snackable Bacon Brie Dip and you’ll be the hero of the trip. I DIP, YOU DIP, WE DIP.

BONUS: Trailgate Recipe

Cheers!
-Chef Corso 
Find more great seasonal recipes at <a href="http://www.montyboca.com/recipes" target="_self"><ins>www.montyboca.com/recipes</ins></a>
Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/montyboca/" target="_self"><ins>Instagram</ins></a>
Follow us on<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmY1o_LlD99cwGog6LRVnWA" target="_self"><ins> YouTube</ins></a>

Sēkr has partnered with Tread Lightly!, a non-profit whose mission is to keep America’s outdoor recreation areas beautiful, healthy, and accessible!

It only takes following a few simple principles to make all the difference in the world. Simply put…TREAD LIGHTLY!

Leave Only Tire-Tracks

How to Tread Lightly!

<a href="https://treadlightly.org" target="_blank">Tread Lightly!</a> and its partners lead a national initiative to protect and enhance recreation and public access by promoting outdoor ethics. Something we at Sēkr take extremely seriously and know is imperative to maintaining our ways of outdoor living.
<a href="https://treadlightly.org" target="_blank">Tread Lightly!</a> practices environmentally responsible outdoor recreation by adhering to a few simple TREAD principles that apply to the various outdoor activities including motorized recreation, water recreation, winter recreation, backcountry sport, hiking, camping and more!

What Does It Mean To Tread Lightly!?

TRAVEL RESPONSIBLY on roads and trails or in permitted areas.
RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS including private property owners and all recreational trail users, campers and others to allow them to enjoy their recreational activities undisturbed.
EDUCATE YOURSELF by obtaining travel maps and regulations from public agencies, planning for your trip, taking recreation skills classes, and knowing how to use and operate your equipment safely.
AVOID SENSITIVE AREAS such as meadows, lakeshores, wetlands and streams, unless on designated routes. This protects wildlife habitat and sensitive soils from damage.
DO YOUR PART by leaving the area better than you found it, properly disposing of waste, minimizing the use of fire, avoiding the spread of invasive species, restoring degraded areas, and joining a local enthusiast organization.

The Tread Principles On Land:

TRAVEL RESPONSIBLY on designated waterways and launch your watercraft in designated areas.
RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS including anglers, swimmers, skiers, boaters, divers, and others to allow them to enjoy their recreational activities undisturbed.
EDUCATE YOURSELF by learning rules and regulations, planning for your trip, taking recreation skills classes, and knowing how to use and operate your equipment safely.
AVOID SENSITIVE AREAS and operating your watercraft in shallow waters or near shorelines at high speeds.
DO YOUR PART by leaving the area better than you found it, properly disposing of fuel, oil and waste, avoiding the spread of invasive species, restoring degraded areas, and joining a local enthusiast organization.

The Tread Principles On Water:

To help promote responsible recreation and protect our public spaces, become a member of Tread Lightly! TODAY! Their membership tiers offer exclusive benefits for outdoor services and perks on the road.&nbsp;
And did we mention you’re giving to an excellent cause?
<h2>INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP LEVELS &amp; BENEFITS:</h2>
<ul>
<li>$25 Level</li>
<ul>
<li>Tread Lightly! decal</li>
</ul>
<li>$50 Level</li>
<ul>
<li>20% off Tread Lightly! Store</li>
<li>Up-to $100 Discount Tire rebate</li>
<li>20% off Outdoor4x4 subscription</li>
<li>10% off the Garmin Overlander all-terrain navigator</li>
<li>20% off Shear Comfort Custom Seat covers</li>
<li>Eligibility to apply for a Tread Lightly! Stewardship Grant</li>
<ul>
<li>Member T-Shirt</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<li>$100 Level</li>
<ul>
<li>All of the above plus Chrysler, Jeep, Ram, Dodge, SRT, and Fiat Affiliate Rewards Program Preferred Price, 1% below factory invoice on purchase or lease of new vehicles.</li>
<li>BFG Tire Rebate</li>
<li>$40.00 off Mid-Atlantic Off-Roading’s ¡Cuatro! 4-Way Tire Deflator/ Inflator 2.0</li>
<li>Save $15 off $100 or more at Overlander.com OR save $50 off $465 or more at Overlander.com</li>
</ul>
<li>$250 Levels</li>
<ul>
<li>All of the above plus $50 gift card to spend in the Tread Lightly! store.</li>
<li>Tread Lightly! Ambassador Branded Hoodie</li>
<li>Tread Lightly! and Black Hawk Beanie</li>
<li>2x Discount Tire rebate cards</li>
<li>2x BFG Rebate Cards</li>
<li>PLUS use discount code “TL!Life” at checkout and SAVE!</li>
<li>$10 OFF $50 Membership Tier</li>
<li>$20 OFF $100 Membership Tier</li>
<li>$50 OFF $250 Membership Tier</li>
</ul>
</ul>
By land or water, the concept is simple; travel responsibly, respect others, educate yourself, avoid sensitive areas and always do your part to protect nature and the lifestyle it grants us.&nbsp;
For more information check out this<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LZEAMItWYKAS6nQOTEZ_K4k2_ZoWArcM/view" target="_blank"> in-depth guide for Treading Lightly!</a> and see how you can be the change you want to see! 
 Join Tread Lightly!

Join Tread Lightly!

Become A Tread Lightly Advocate Today

The core principles of Leave No Trace are fundamental to keeping the outdoors accessible. With these simple guidelines, Leave No Trace helps you explore the outdoors sustainably every time you get outside!

Proudly Sponsored by Sēkr

The Core Principles of Leave No Trace

The core principles of <a href="https://lnt.org/" target="_blank">Leave No Trace</a> are fundamental to keeping the outdoors accessible. With these simple guidelines, <a href="https://lnt.org/" target="_blank">Leave No Trace</a> helps you explore the outdoors sustainably every time you get outside!

<ul>
<li>Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you’ll visit.</li>
<li>Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.</li>
<li>Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.</li>
<li>Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.</li>
<li>Repackage food to minimize waste.</li>
<li>Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.</li>
</ul>

Plan Ahead And Prepare

<ul>
<li>Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.</li>
<li>Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.</li>
<li>Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.</li>
<ul>
<li>In popular areas:</li>
<ul>
<li>Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.</li>
<li>Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.</li>
<li>Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.</li>
</ul>
<li>In pristine areas:</li>
<ul>
<li>Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.</li>
<li>Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>

Travel And Camp On Durable Surfaces

<ul>
<li>Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter.</li>
<li>Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.</li>
<li>Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.</li>
<li>To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.</li>
</ul>

Dispose Of Waste Properly

<ul>
<li>Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts.</li>
<li>Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.</li>
<li>Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.</li>
<li>Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.</li>
</ul>

Leave What You Find

<ul>
<li>Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the environment. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.</li>
<li>Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.</li>
<li>Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.</li>
<li>Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.</li>
</ul>

Minimize Campfire Impacts

<ul>
<li>Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.</li>
<li>Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.</li>
<li>Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.</li>
<li>Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.</li>
<li>Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.</li>
</ul>

Respect Wildlife

<ul>
<li>Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.</li>
<li>Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.</li>
<li>Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.</li>
<li>Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.</li>
<li>Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.</li>
</ul>
Visit <a href="https://lnt.org" target="_blank">LNT.org</a> to learn more about the Leave No Trace program.

Be Considerate Of Other Visitors

When it comes to living the vanlife dream, a vital question may be on your mind… where should I park and sleep? Luckily, we have assembled years of community experience on a mobile platform to help you find your way in the outdoors: Sēkr!

With our app in hand, use these tips to find your next home for the night.

Where to Park and Sleep in Vanlife

When it comes to living the vanlife dream, a vital question may be on your mind…where should I park and sleep? Luckily, we have assembled years of community experience on a mobile platform to help you find your way in the outdoors: Sēkr.

.Every good adventure begins with a destination, but when it comes to outdoor travel, where do you start? We say, start on Sēkr!
Browse any area of interest and get first-hand accounts, reviews and photos from your fellow vanlife community!
Access everything you need to know about about the destination, from lodgings and vehicle restrictions to amenities and cell reception (very important)—all using The Vanlife App!
Simply log on, click the explore tab and utilize our filters key to narrow down your search and find the destination you’ve been dreaming of!

HOW TO START YOUR VANLIFE JOURNEY

Whether you're looking for a safe place to park your rig overnight, a wilderness destination that only your wildest dreams could imagine, or the amenities that only a CampShare could offer—we've made it easy on you using <a href="https://sekr.page.link/fJc4" target="_blank">Sēkr</a>! Just familiarize yourself with our explore filters.
Overnight Parking: typically limited to singular overnight stays in rest areas and designated parking.
Campgrounds: often offers full hookup services, facilities and sometimes tent sites.
Dispersed Camping: camping on undeveloped campsites and state land.
CampShare: private property campsites that range from free overnight parking to resort-style lodgings.

WHERE TO FIND OVERNIGHT PARKING AND CAMPGROUNDS

So whether you’re looking for your next dreamy destination, a simple place to park or a way to make some extra money—we’ve got you’re greatest needs covered on <a href="https://sekr.page.link/fJc4" target="_blank">Sēkr</a>.&nbsp;
And remember, no matter where you park for the night, respect your neighbors (both people and wildlife) and leave it better than you found it.

TEst

8 Best Adventure Getaways for This Summer

Sure, you could spend lazy days lounging by the pool. But there’s nothing like a shot of adrenaline to kick your summer into high gear! And adventure getaways offer the best of both worlds: long summer days and plenty of thrills. 
Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered. Check out our eight favorite action-packed adventure getaways for inspo.

Camp Here

Whitewater rafting down the Colorado River somehow blends excitement and tranquility, all in one. You’ll go through 19 major rapids during the 87-mile ride and experience the beauty of the canyon from a unique perspective. Afterward, explore the canyon on foot or by Jeep.

What to Do: Rafting 

Spanning 400 miles, Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave is hands-down “the world’s longest known cave system.” Check out the Grand Avenue Tour, which takes four hours and over 700 steps to complete.

What to Do: Spelunking

CAMP HERE

Moab, Utah contains five of the state’s national parks with cycling trails that are made for adventure. Trials range from challenging downhill paths (peak elevation: 11,000 feet) to easier beginner trails.

What to Do: Mountain Biking

Do you prefer your adventure getaways on the watery side? Jet skiing, sailing, parasailing, and even jumping on a trampoline in the middle of the ocean are all options in the Keys. We recommend snorkeling the healthy, vibrant John Pennekamp Reef in Key Largo.

What to Do: Snorkeling

Yellowstone is one of the best <a href="https://www.thevanlifeapp.com/blog/best-national-parks-to-visit-in-summer" target="_self"><ins>national parks</ins></a> to explore on foot. Dozens of trails will lead you almost anywhere you want to go in the park. Be sure to hike the Fairy Falls Trail, which gives you a stunning view of the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring.

What to Do: Exploring

Kauai is an adventurer’s paradise, with a seemingly endless selection of heart-pumping activities. Trek 22 miles up to the Waimea Canyon lookout point, zipline over the island’s treetops or (our favorite) take surf lessons.

What to Do: Surfing

While most national parks focus on hiking, Yosemite is known for its rock climbing and bouldering. El Capitan and Half Dome are best left to trained, experienced climbers. Newbie rock climbers can take lessons at the nearby Yosemite Mountaineering School &amp; Guide Service, then head over to the park for guided climbs.

What to Do: Rock Climbing

Well, maybe not all of it! The Appalachian Trail is a colossal, 2,160-foot long undertaking. But the White Mountains section in New England is perfect for a summer adventure getaway: strenuous, exciting, and not too hot. This trail is mostly above the treeline, offering some pretty spectacular views.

What to Do: Hiking

To find even more great summer getaways, explore 50,000+ campsites on <a href="https://thevanlifeapp.page.link/blogs" target="_self"><ins>Sekr</ins></a>.

The ultimate outsider-tool where guests and property owners alike can list, review and book private property campsites exclusively on Sēkr!

 Find Safe and Inexpensive Places to Stay

CampShare: Private Property Camping

<h2 style="text-align:center;">Find Safe and Inexpensive Places to Stay</h2>
​​We have turned the camping world on its head with CampShares!
The ultimate outsider-tool where guests and property owners alike can list, review, and book private property campsites exclusively on <a href="https://thevanlifeapp.page.link/blogs" target="_blank">Sēkr</a> .
Accommodations ranging from free overnight parking to resort-style lodgings—there's something for everyone and every budget.

Why limit yourself to the same old stays? A CampShare offers private experiences that were never possible before, and often at no-cost!
Most hosts offer free or cheap stays, to connect with fellow community members (which of course includes all outdoor travel enthusiasts, whatever vehicle you may drive).

Use our CampShare Filter on areas of interest to see what exclusive stays are in your desired neck of the woods!

The Steps To Booking Your Next Campshare Are Easy:

Narrow down your CampShare options by reading guest reviews, browsing property photos and exploring offered amenities!

Book a reservation for the stay of your dreams and securely process your payment directly on <a href="https://thevanlifeapp.page.link/blogs" target="_blank">Sēkr</a>.&nbsp;

If you’re a property owner interested in hosting campers, simply open the app, click the plus sign in the lower right-hand corner, and click “Become a Property Host.” Community members will be able to find your listing and contact you to stay overnight!

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