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RV travel is a fun way to adventure and spend quality time with your family. RVs provide comfort as they have a mini-home configuration that gives you access to essential amenities such as kitchen, washrooms, etc. They offer convenience in that you can go where you want and stop when you want.
Though a trip with a family is always a great idea, traveling can be somewhat stressful, and it takes careful planning to have fun. Below are tips to ensure that your RV trip becomes the best family adventure.
1. Choose the Right RV for Your Trip
You can either buy or rent an RV for your family trip. Each option has its pros and cons, and you should weigh in on both to determine what is most suitable for you.
Buying may be a great option if you intend to be Rving frequently. You can buy a new or used RV. It is expensive upfront but a worthwhile investment in the long term.
On the other hand, if you travel with your family occasionally, it is more affordable to rent rather than buy an RV. Besides, renting allows you to choose from a variety of recreational vehicles depending on your travel need for a given trip.
RV types range from small camper vans to luxurious motorhomes. Choose the most suitable RV type depending on the size of your family, duration of the trip preferred style and budget.
Whichever option you choose, do your due diligence to identify a reliable RV dealer or renting company. The most popular RV companies and brands include Camping World, Thor Industries, Inc., and Forest River Inc., among others.
Check these companies’ online reviews on RV forums and websites such as Pissedconsumer.com. For instance, Camping World reviews indicate issues such as poor RVs and RV parts quality, and unclear warranty terms. So, you’d want to look into the customers’ feedback before choosing an RV.
2. Plan Out Your Route
Although spontaneity adds adventure to your trip, it is best to have a clear sense of your route. You can drive cross-country or choose a shorter route.
Ensure that the route has accessible and safe roads for your RV size and type, and designated RV camping areas. If you are traveling during the high season, pre-book your spot at RV camps and resorts.
3. Plan Your Itinerary
Having a schedule for each day of your trip will make things easy. Outline the activities you would like to engage in and ensure to incorporate some fun ones, e.g., hiking, climbing, hanging out, playing family games, sightseeing, etc. However, do not be overambitious with the itinerary.
You want to have ample time to relax and interact with each other. Although it can be tempting to travel long distances continuously, it can be overwhelming and tiring. Instead, cover shorter distances and then engage in various activities in between.
For instance, you can plan your visit to include an extended stay at a fully-serviced RV park or resort. The parks have essential RV service facilities such as power hookups and social amenities such as swimming pools, game rooms, restaurants, playgrounds, petting zoos.
4. Pack Light
You want to pack light while ensuring that you bring all the essentials. The essential items include clothes, blankets, and soft pillows, food, water, personal hygiene items, first aid kit, physical map (if you are going off-road), a contact list of the various parks, toiletries bag, power cords, jumper cables, and emergency road kit, tire pressure gauge, and garbage bag among others.
Also, check your itinerary to determine if you need to pack particular items for given activities. For example, swimming costumes, binoculars, hiking boots, bikes, and biking gear. Don’t forget to consider the weather to pack specific items.
5. Ensure to Have RV, Health, and Travel Insurance
While you want to plan your trip in a way that minimizes risks, there might be things that go wrong. Ensure that your health insurance is up to date for the trip.
RV insurance will take care of RV repairs and road service issues that may come up. Some RV insurance covers offer the option of a replacement RV in the event that yours breaks down.
If traveling outside of the continental United States, it is mandatory to have travel insurance. It covers you against luggage loss, unforeseen travel expenditure, and illness.
RVing together as a family is a fun way to explore new routes and bond. It is also an affordable option for family travel as you save on hotel accommodation. Besides, it feels like you are home while on the road.
The key to having the best family RV trip is careful planning. Get the right RV for the size of your family, preferred travel style, and budget. Always check RV reviews before buying or renting. Plan out your itinerary and include fun activities. Bring along the essentials, including the relevant insurance.
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