We use the baofeng uv5r for car to car communication in the deserts while off roading or can use it as a marine radio when im on the water.Simple and easy to use.For other camping trips i stick to FRS radios ill let the kids take one and ill keep one near us so they can call if needed.Normally they dont bother but i can call them back if i had to.
Like said earlier they can be found on amazon for 25bucks and up.
My uncle who is a licensed ham picked one up recently and said they have alot of features on them compared to the older days of handhelds.