Traveling is one of life’s greatest pleasures.
Having the ability to experience different cities, states, or even countries can bring countless memories into your life and makes for a great escape from the everyday grind.
Sure, you can buy plane tickets to almost anywhere in the world and be there by the next day, but you also can take the scenic route.
Trains or cars are a popular way to do this, but another means of seeing the sights at your own speed comes in the form of the RV.
An RV, or recreational vehicle, is like a small mobile home: most of them have bedrooms, bathrooms, a living space, and even TV.
The best part about them, though, is that they’re fully-mobile, allowing you to trek anywhere that has a road (or at least a drivable path.)
There are plenty of reasons to consider traveling around in one, and if you’re willing to take the plunge, we have some key tips for you.
Why You Should Consider an RV for Your Next Vacation
Beaches are overrated
Seriously, while a lot of vacations are all about relaxing and maximizing your time doing nothing, there are times when that’s not what you want out of an escape.
Sometimes you might want more quality family time, or to let the road take you to your next destination. Sure, you can rent a car and sort of do that same thing, but you’ll always have to return to your home base.
If your home base moves with you, the possibilities of where you can go and what you can do are endless.
Driving an RV isn’t as scary as it may seem, and if you can get over the (unwarranted) stigma people have against them, using one to travel around is a great option for an easy-going getaway. You get freedom, affordability, and the comfort all in one, so what’s not to like?
Our Favorite RV Travel Tips
As we’ve mentioned before, driving around in an RV isn’t an ideal vacation for everyone. That said, we feel you should try it once to see how it goes. Whether this is your first time, or you’re a seasoned RV traveler, you should find these tips helpful regardless of the end destination.
1. Don’t Get Caught Up with the Size
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Far too often we see people solely think of RV’s as big, hulking vehicles that need to take turns in a wide-right fashion.
This isn’t the case with all vehicles, and the idea that everything is a large motorhome-sized machine should be displaced. Your options range from a folding camping trailer and smaller travel trailers to standard fifth-wheel rides.
The point here is that there are quite a few unique types of RVs to pick from, so finding the best one for your needs is recommended.
Of course, you also can splurge on the large, motorized RVs if you really want a fully-capable ride.
2. Ease into the Game by Renting Your First
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Building off this, renting your first RV is a good way to travel. Tips for finding the best rental include scouring your area’s Yellow Pages, or even a quick Google will suffice. A lot of rental places will be old-fashioned, so they may even use the newspaper as advertising.
No matter what, make sure you ask about specials and rebates.
Renting may not be the best option if you’re under 25, though, as you might face extra fees due to insurance premiums.
Speaking of prices, while purchasing any camper, even the smallest of models, may set you back thousands, borrowing one from a company can save you money. The general price range of RVs can be found at $50-300 a night.
The point here is that even the most lavish of models may only set you back $300 a night, proving to be excellent value if you have a large family, having a big trip with friends, or if you want to bring your pets along for the ride.
3. Know Your Camping Options to Make Overnight Stays Easier
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Some people may find it hard to secure lodging, especially if it’s their first time with a camper. It’s all about searching and planning.
It may sound cliché, as anytime you travel there should be some planning ahead, but with campers and RV campgrounds, spots can fill fast. Places that allow RVs inside to stay overnight or for a few days often have a select number of spots available. Most are first come, first serve, and while you can get away with chancing it by rolling in before dark, it’s best to call ahead to reserve.
RV parks range in price, generally in the range of $10-50 a night. You’ll note that these are easier on the wallet than most hotels, and even some motels.
Plus, you’d be staying in the comfort of your own portable home or tent.
All this doesn’t matter if you plan to just drive and sleep wherever the road takes you, which is always a solid option. Hitting the road with nothing but a map and your friends or family is among the best travel tips.
There’s an abundance of open, free areas that allow you to camp and park your RV overnight around the country. One of the best travel tips? Use a Walmart parking lot in any new area for an easy one-night stay.
4. Fluids Weigh a Lot, So Skimp When You Can
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For anyone that’s driven or used an RV before, you know that water is heavy.
Anything that adds weight or bulk to your trailer can make it harder to get from point-A to point-B, often with bad gas mileage. All RVs also have a carrying capacity, technically speaking, and water adds needless poundage to your total count.
We aren’t recommending running on empty all the time, but simply dumping your tanks to level-off the water supply before it’s needed can save you time, effort, and money.
5. Skip the Heavy Items for Back Home
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Building off the idea of bringing only the necessities, there’s no need to bring anything heavy on your trip either. Paper plates, plastic forks, cans, and even paperback books are easy switches from their bulkier counterparts.
A bonus of items like this is that you can simply trash them when you’re done using them. Paper may not be helping the environment, but it can aid in your travels. No one likes doing the dishes while on vacation anyway.
6. Leave Any Work at Your House
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No one wants to see you working on the road, so keep your working necessities away from the RV.
Unless it’s necessary for you to work while your away, fight the urge to get stuff done. The point of riding around in an RV is to have more time for you and anyone with you. It’s hard enough to complete your work day in, day out, right? So why carry that burden on your time off?
Any work or job assignments you plan on doing can only stifle this interaction.
7. Expect Maintenance Issues and Prepare for Them
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One of our most important travel tips comes when caring for the RV itself.
As with any big, or small, piece of machinery, there is going to be jobs that needed to be completed to keep everything running in pristine condition.
There are a lot of different parts to an RV, some of which can be forgotten. Some common questions to ask yourself include: Are my fire extinguishers up-to-date? Does my refrigerator work? Do I have all my essentials for the trip? Do I know all the right practices for leaving the campground or lot?
These are just a few of the best questions to ask before leaving your home or camping area. Fixing any broken items can be expensive, so be ready for the unexpected.
Using an RV for Your Travels is All About Fun
Knowing some of the best travel tips before you embark on your adventure can ease any lofty expectations, while also knowing what awaits between you and the RV.
Seriously, we can’t tell you the number of times we’ve seen people go into an RV vacation with the wrong mindset. It doesn’t help you, nor anyone with you, so the expectations should be clear from the beginning.
Using an RV for travel should bring an exciting and valuable experience for you and anyone who you may share it with.
Why go through all of this without the best travel tips for that expedition? Beats us.
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