There’s never been a better time to take up the RV life. Whether you’re a weekend wanderer, a snowbird or a full-timer, there’s an RV to suit any travel budget and any taste. With baby boomers starting to hit retirement age, more and more people are taking to the road with their motor home, RV or travel trailer. The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association recently reported that nearly 8 million American households have and RV, motor home or travel trailer and that there are as many as 30 million RV enthusiasts in the US.
Seeing the country in an RV offers many benefits to the traveler looking for an affordable and exciting way to spend quality family time. According to one study, a family of four can save up to 74% traveling by RV instead of more conventional ways. And with more than 16,000 public and privately-owned campgrounds in the US, there’s a site to fulfill everyone’s vacation fantasy, whether it’s an oceanfront view, hiking trails, casino gambling or tennis.
RV travel is easy to learn, and once you’ve got the hang of it, there’ll be no going back! Here are six helpful tips that will come in handy for both the beginning and seasoned RV enthusiast:
Map it Out
A large part of the RV appeal is the exhilarating freedom of the open road to go wherever you want, whenever you want. But it helps to have a solid travel plan in place. If you know where you’re heading, you can determine the best route, which offers the most interesting places to see. Look in travel guides, contact tourism boards in states you’ll be passing through, and search on the Internet. Make sure to have the correct road maps with you; a GPS system is a good idea as well, especially if you’re new to this kind of travel. If you’ve carefully designed the route you’ll be taking, it makes it easier to do spur-of-the moment things like checking out that oddball museum you just spotted on a roadside billboard!
Have A Checklist? Just Checking
During your pre-trip prep, in addition to working out what needs to be in the RV, put together a thorough checklist of things to do when setting up at a campground. There are the basics, like finding out where all the campground connections are, making sure your RV is level and properly hooking up your water, gas and electric systems but don’t forget comfort concerns, like making sure you’ve packed your favorite CDs and DVDs and those new lawn chairs. Equally important, you should have a second checklist of what has to be done when you break camp, both in terms of setting up your RV for departure (quick hint: when you think the job is done and everything is ready, check again).
Be Prepared – Have A ‘Just-For-The-RV’ First Aid Kit
Always make sure you have a fully stocked, up-to-date, just-for-the-RV First Aid kit, and keep it in an outside storage compartment. It should include basic medical supplies (bandages, ointment, OTC pain reliever, insect repellant, scissors, etc.) and items like a flashlight, paper and writing implements, and a disposable camera in case you have to take photos of an accident site. If you don’t feel up to the task of putting one together yourself, an extensive range of ready-made First Aid kits are available for purchase. Also include an emergency supply of must-have medications and a list of important contact names (family members, doctors, insurance agents etc).
Camping with Kids
If you’re traveling with children, make sure to set aside time during the day for outdoor activities, as even the roomiest RV can be confining for kids. And give each child his or her own space in the RV, no matter how small, for personal stuff and toys and games. RV traveling is a unique opportunity for your children to see new and different places and faces. There are often plenty of other kids at campgrounds but be sure to walk around a new campground with your children when you first get settled there. They need to know which campsite you’re in and how to find it from other places on the grounds. If you’re also taking the family pet, check beforehand to see if they’re allowed at the campground
A Little Help From Your Friends
When in doubt, ask your fellow RVer. However well-traveled you might be, odds are there’s someone you’ll meet along the way who has been somewhere you haven’t, solved a problem you haven’t yet encountered, or spotted an out-of-the-way delight you’ve never heard of. No matter how much research you’ve done, there’s bound to be a campsite you haven’t read about, a storage system that has escaped your notice or a funny anecdote that you’ll laugh about for years to come. The new folks you meet may or may not become close friends for life, but they’re an important part of the journey.
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Australia is a gigantic country, almost as large as the contiguous United States, and one of the most important tips for any tourist would be to give themselves enough time actually to see the country. Most international visitors fly into Sydney, the country’s main city, but the lean of this immense country, which also happens to be a continent, is well appeal visiting too.
One of the biggest challenges is negotiating the colossal distances; the aloofness from Perth on the west coast to Brisbane on the east coast is almost 2500 miles. The easiest way to tour is to fly. QANTAS serves the chief cities as well as slighter seats with intriguing names, Wollongong, Lord Howe Island and Doomadgee.
If you mean to see as much of the country as potential, think business one of the many air passes existing which badge you to bank money by pleasing a certain number of flights within a given time stage. The detriment depends on the route. A label from Perth to Cairns to Alice Springs and Melbourne might outlay around $1200. You normally ought to acquire these tickets faint Australia, and regularly with your seaplane ticket to and from Australia.
If you have the time, pouring is an admirable way to see the country, and to appreciate the sheer bulk. Car payment is tranquil and convenient, you will basic a suitable driver’s card to rent a car and you essential to have it with you while heavy. Many travelers even find it more economical to get a car and then market it before returning home. Australian drivers are polite, and won’t tolerate drunk-heavy, heavy lacking a seat belt or talking on a booth call while powerful.
Roads are commonly good in Australia, though some roads in the Outback are unpaved (or unsealed, as they are known) and can only be driven carefully in a four circle hustle vehicle. If you are driving in the more apart parts of Australia, be alert for animals and “highway trains,” titanic tractor trailers up to fifty yards long. Never venture into the Outback lacking addition water and fuel, frugal tires, a rope and perhaps a satellite telephone. And don’t overlook, they thrust on the left.
There is also a surprisingly good rail and bus group in Australia, there are some long detach bus companies, while Greyhound Pioneer Australia covers the full country. Also, if you have the time, the point journey from Perth to Sydney is considered one of the world’s most spectacular; it also boasts one of the world’s highest even stretches of railroad path.
If you don’t want to fly or hustle, think an escorted tour. These can contrast seriously in the trait of accommodation, the span of the journey and just what you will see. Most tours take in the general destinations, Sydney and the surrounding Blue Mountains, the Gold Coast, Uluru, (Ayers Rock) and the Great Barrier Reef. Darwin makes a good root for exploring the humid north of the country and Alice Springs is convenient to exploring the Outback.
Many people visit Australia to experience native Aborigine ethos. If you proposal to voyage on Aboriginal land, other than on a designated street, you will first necessary to acquire a permit from the Land Council in that imperial. There are amply of places throughout the country to see Aborigines and get their art and crafts, but you are also probable to show point for their sacred sights.
The entity of currency in Australia is the dough; separated into 100 cents. At the time of this script, Australia is affordable to American and European visitors, due to the sooner approving switch time. ATMs can be found in all the larger towns and the foremost tourist areas, although they are regularly hard to find in the Outback.
Credit cards, particularly Visa and MasterCard, are broadly accepted. Tipping is not as customary as in the US, although it’s appreciated. An inexpensive lodge spaced might detriment wherever between $50 and $80; a more deluxe hotel span may cost in the extend of $260 to $300. Hostels and campgrounds are also commonly existing, reasonably priced and current with families and backpackers.
The internet has doomed that spree planning and care in upset has become easier. Australia is no immunity. Internet access is widely open, even in the remotest Outback settlements. Australians use 240 volts AC, so you will need to take an adaptor for electrical appliances.
One of the easiest aspects about wandering through Australia is that the language is friendly. Although, you may come across such novel gear as thongies, billabongs, sheilas and, as Australians are well known for their hospitality, probably an invitation to a shrimp on the barbie.
Renting an RV is the best way to explore Canada and United States. It is possible to rent an RV year round, for a day, week, month or even longer. If you are planning to rent an RV the following are ten things you need to know:
1. Choosing the Size and Type of RV
There are several different RV types. The most common is the motorhome, generally speaking, the larger the unit, the more space, privacy and comfort it will afford its guests. If you are planning to stay at one place for a long time and would like some luxury it would be a good idea to rent a Fifth Wheel. This will enable you to park your trailer and have the ability to use the truck for daily excursions. If you are planning to move around, drive on rougher roads or are travelling in Northern Canada or Alaska a camper would be a great choice. Your decision will depend on how many people are travelling, where you will be going and also your budget. Take your time deciding because your choice may make your holidays the most memorable ever or you will be so miserable you will never want to look at another RV again. Once you know which unit you would like to rent, visit your chosen RV rental office and check out the motorhome or trailer to make sure it will meet your expectations.
2. RV Rental Companies
Shop around, shop around, shop around. Check out as many rental companies as possible. When looking at prices make note of what is included in the daily, weekly or even monthly price. Some rental companies may have packages that include all mileage, kitchen kits and insurance. The only thing you have to pay for is gas. Others may give you a daily rate that includes just that, the daily rate. You will have to pay more for everything else. Take your time calculating all aspects of the rental price. Also, it doesn’t hurt to haggle the price, you may be able to get a better deal than listed especialy if you are traveling during low season.
3. Reserving Early
If you are traveling during high season and you know which RV or trailer you would like to rent it is a good idea to book your RV early. You will be able to secure the RV you want and you may even get a better deal. Many companies offer discounts for reserving a few months ahead of your travel date.
4. Basic Set Up
When you are going over the RV features and basic set up make sure you check the leveling system and gauges. Gate valves for emptying grey and black tanks should close all the way and work smoothly without sticking. You don’t want to be splashed by a bit of sewage when the dust cap is take off. Adjust mirrors to needed position and check to see if they are firmly mounted and that they can be adjusted to needed position. Make sure everything is in proper working condition.
5. Insurance
RV rental companies are specialists in the business and offer reasonably priced, comprehensive insurance plans. Purchasing insurance coverage is a good idea and will help ease any concerns about driving an expensive motorhome or trailer. A second option may be auto insurance, speak to your insurance agent to find out if you are covered for the motorhome you want to rent.
6. Being Safe on the Road
Pick up your RV early. Drive it around a few blocks and test all the features yourself. You could come across a problem the mechanics may have missed. If this is the case you still have time to swap the motorhome for a new one instead of finding out 300 miles into your trip.
7. Kits
There are many different types of kits depending on the rental company you choose. They could be called by any one of these names; housekeeping kits, kitchen kits, personal convenience kits, vehicle supply kits among others. If you are flying to a city where you will be renting an rv and the only items you are bringing with you is your camera, personal items and clothes make sure you purchase all the necessary kits. Some rental companies may even supply a flashlight and axe for the campfire. They may also rent camping chairs, barbecues, bicycles, TV, DVD and other items to add to your fun.
8. Campgrounds and RV Parks
Canadian and US campgrounds offer camp sites ranging from back-to-nature basics in a wilderness setting, full facility campgrounds for RVs, quiet scenic camping sites, or RV parks with full resort facilities and amenities for families with children. When selecting an RV campground, it is important to plan ahead. Otherwise, you could arrive at your destination, only to find no place to stay. During peak season it is rare to find a campground without reserving. It is a good idea to purchase a couple of campground guides. They will give you information about fees and facilities.
9. Alternative Transportation
Unless you are pulling a trailer that you can unhook from your car you may need to plan for another way of getting around when you finally arrive at your destination. It may be enough to pack a couple of bicycles, there are more and more foldable bikes on the market that are comparable to regular bikes. They are easy to store and fun to ride. A lot of experienced motorhome travelers tow a small car or bring along a small motorized scooter. Enjoyment of your vacation may depend on how you handle transportation needs once you park your motorhome at a campground or rv park.
10. Secure your Load
Make sure everything in your trailer is put away in cabinets and whatever is not in cabinets is safely tied down so it can’t move. Checking the fridge is a good idea to make sure there is nothing that will spill or be thrown around during the trip. You wouldn’t want to get to your destination and find a fridge full of broken eggs or spilled milk. Not a fun way to start your trip.
Happy Travels!!