How to Enjoy Your RV Vacation

by: Jim Schneider

Traveling in a Recreational Vehicle is, by most accounts, a fun, relaxing and enjoyable time to create some incredible stories that your grandchildren will someday enjoy. Here are few myths and truths about vacationing in a recreational vehicle.

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Myth: Getting your own RV and using it for trips and vacations will save you money. Sorry, but by the time you buy/lease/rent your RV, you probably could have flown first class and stayed at 4-star hotels. There may be exceptions such as an inexpensive tent trailer or used slide in camper for your pickup, but for the most part the extra cost and expenses (gas, insurance, etc) usually are more than any savings which you may have.

Truth: RV'ing is fun! Getting the chance to see more of the country and being in a relaxed mode can make your trip or vacation way more enjoyable experience.

Truth: Your family bonds will strengthen. This certainly has been true for me. Since everyone should be involved in the decisions, a feeling of teamwork and togetherness is enhanced.

Myth: Your family bonds will strengthen. Unfortunately, discord can happen if not all traveling members are on the same page. Did one member of the family really just want to go to Disneyland and back while the others preferred the more leisurely approach? It's best to work these issues out in advance.

Myth: There's no planning involved. Unless you have more time on your hands than most, RVing requires just as much planning as any other vacation would. There is nothing more frustrating than pulling into an RV park late in the day with no reservations only to find them full. There is a "freedom from worry" idea that RV merchants will promote that is, to say the least, overstated.

Myth: Since you are on your own schedule, nothing can spoil the trip. Unfortunately, there are plenty of things that can go wrong. In addition to the possibility of vehicle problems (engine, transmission, etc), there are numerous systems that may cause delays or, worse, cancellations of your plans. These include your water, electrical, heating/cooling and other things that may cause you problems. The best solution is to become familiar with your RV before you embark on a long trip. That investment in time will pay off handsomely.

Truth: You have more control over your trip. While things can go wrong, they usually don't. The result is that your trip will probably go as expected and you aren't subject to airline delays, lost hotel reservations and other things over which you have no control.

Truth: There is a certain comfort in knowing that the bed you sleep in tonight will be yours. Maybe it's not the luxurious mattress you have at home, but it's yours and you are familiar with it. Of course, the same thing applies to other personal items as well. In many ways it's like taking an abbreviated version of your own home with you. Personally, I sleep better in my RV than I ever have in a hotel.

Personally, I love traveling in an RV. If I had to state just one thing that makes it my favorite way to vacation, it's knowing that, while I may be traveling to unfamiliar areas, I've got my "home" with me.

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