A Cross-Country Adventure for the Whole Family
In recent years, RV travel has become increasingly popular, with more and more people taking to the roads in campers, travel trailers and converted minivans. This slower-paced approach to traveling allows you to explore incredible, remote destinations without having to worry about the local amenities and the rising costs of hotel rooms. Whether you are embarking on your own or bringing your family along, read on to learn the essential facts about RV travel.
What is RV Travel?
RV travel describes any long-haul road trip that involves the use of a camper van or motorhome. Travelers embark with their accommodation, vehicle and luggage all in one place and have the freedom to travel anywhere at any time.
While RV travel was typically considered a form of senior travel, it has become incredibly popular among younger generations of travelers eager to explore all of the beautiful national parks and diverse cities that the United States has to offer.
Why Should You Travel in an RV?
RV travel comes with fewer associated costs - there is no need to pay for flights, hotels or countless meals out. Instead, your accommodation and transportation are built into your camper, which has the bonus of including a kitchen and a private bathroom.
Plus, there is no need to restrict your luggage or plan a rigid itinerary. Instead, you can explore the vast American landscape at your own pace, changing direction whenever you find an area you are eager to explore. The roads are your limit with RV travel.
Where Can You Travel in an RV?
National parks, lakes and beaches are all popular with regular RV travelers and, as a result, are typically supported by numerous RV sites. These campgrounds allow you to hook up your RV’s power, water and sewer lines. They also offer numerous entertainment amenities like swimming pools, fire pits and bars.
Or, if you are eager to get off the beaten track, you can simply park up for the evening and enjoy a night in the wilderness. Known as boondocking, this camping style requires campers to be self-sufficient but comes with countless benefits such as beautiful, untouched views and irreplaceable peace and quiet.
Tips for RV Travel
Buying or Renting?
When most people try RV travel for the first time, they’re torn between renting an RV or purchasing one. Ultimately, it depends on your future plans. If you know you want to explore America in an RV for years to come, then you’ll certainly get your money’s worth.
However, if you want to experiment with RV travel, there are numerous affordable rental options. Across the United States, several companies rent travel campers and motorhomes. Or, you can use sites such as RVShare which allow you to rent an RV from a private owner in a similar manner to staying in an Airbnb.
Follow the 3/3/3 Rule
The 3/3/3 rule stipulates that you should travel no further than 300 miles a day, arrive at your destination no later than 03:00 pm and stay in each destination for at least three days. This makes for an enjoyable, safe trip that allows you to get the most out of each place you visit.
While it isn’t a strict rule to arrive before 03:00 pm, it is advisable to always get to your campsite before it starts to get dark. This makes it far easier to connect your RV to the available power and water lines or to set up camp if you spend the night in the wilderness.
Bring Your Adventure Gear
Most RVs come with exterior racks upon which you can store bikes, fishing equipment and kayaks, so why not take advantage of the opportunity? Bringing your adventure gear with you is significantly cheaper than renting it from a local dealer and allows you to be spontaneous. Whether you’ve spotted a great mountain biking route or fishing spot, you can quickly set off on an unforgettable adventure with your own equipment.
Download Camping Apps
Camping apps such as Harvest Hosts and Campendium make finding somewhere to stay overnight significantly easier. While it is always advisable to book a plot in advance if you are planning to visit one of America’s many national parks on your cross-country travels, due to the flexibility of RV travel, there may be some evenings when you have decided to take a different route.
With these apps, you can quickly find somewhere to stay and indulge in a spontaneous additional adventure.
Be Flexible
The best tip when it comes to RV travel is to be flexible. There are numerous trip planners you can use to map out your route, but the best part about traveling independently in an RV is that you can give in to your whims to explore whatever you come across.
Mechanical issues and traffic jams are unavoidable, but don’t let them derail your adventure and instead embrace the slow, relaxed pace of RV travel.
Final Thoughts
When combined, RV travel comes with countless perks that create the trip of a lifetime. Set off across the United States and explore its beautiful national parks and countless hidden gems!