Avoid a leaky wallet this summer

Just booked a family canoe trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Superior National Forest. From Minnesota's Gunflint trail, we're slipping a four-person family canoe into Seagull Lake for a four-day paddle chosen for its kid-friendly portages and variety of terrain. Lots of swimming, hiking, canoeing, fishing, shore lunches of freshly caught walleye and not one single motorboat buzzing the deeper we head in.

Besides the costs for gas and canoe rental, once we're on the water there's no more wallet leakage. We'll be in absolutely gorgeous surroundings not spending a single additional dime. No ice cream cones to buy, no go-cart tickets, no waterslide fees. No smoothies or lattes in the Boundary Waters, either. If we are blessed to see the dancing, glowing lights from the Aurora Borealis, this magical moment is free.

This is my husband's dream trip -- he's an experienced Boundary Waters guide. Our kids are finally old enough to not jump out of the canoe. I've assistant-led a Sierra Club paddle trip to Isle Royale, MI -- but I've never set foot in the Boundary Waters. We're ready. If you, too, are ready to get physical with your family this summer, like to fish in pristine waters and love the idea of avoiding a leaky wallet on summer vacation, check out Tuscarora Lodge and Outfitters. Staff and offerings are excellent. Or plan a basecamp or backpacking trip into the woods near you -- wallets stay watertight there, too.