If you are having trouble planning your next vacation, you are not the only one. Many people have had to resort to exploring alternatives for their annual family holidays. In the United States, many families are planning on revving up their RVs to go on a road trip since international travel has been put on hold indefinitely. If you are a newbie and are uncertain about how to plan an RV vacation successfully, we have come up with useful tips that can help you. Keep on reading to find out more.
Decide Whether You Want to Buy or Rent
If you are someone who does not use an RV to go on vacation more than two times a year, renting one could be an ideal option for you. Speaking to an RV dealer can help you make the best decision for your needs. The one significant benefit of renting an RV is that it gives you the freedom to enjoy its perks without spending tens of thousands of dollars to pay it off and maintain it. Moreover, it gives you the option to decide if the RV lifestyle meets your needs without committing to it. However, renting may have its dis advantages. The most obvious is having to rent a new one for every vacation that your family plans to take.
While renting may seem like an easier option that comes with fewer headaches compared to owning one, there are benefits to owning an RV. When you buy one, you liberate yourself because you are no longer limited to live only where your home is located. You can move whenever and wherever you feel like. Moreover, you can modify it to your specific needs. The only thing you need to ensure is that you find safe, secure, and affordable RV storage units.
If you are considering buying your RV to take your next family vacation, you can find cheaper alternatives such as used trailer for sale websites. These can offer you affordable RVs that are still in prime condition with reliable furniture for a lesser price than you would pay if you buy a new one. But it is important to understand that although buying can seem like a big investment, it can also have its advantages. For instance, when you are an owner you spend more money on your investment, and you have to ensure that it is maintained at all times. You are responsible for every cost that may affect your RV.
Whether you choose to rent or buy, it depends on your vacation needs. You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on an investment that you will not put to optimum use. However, renting can give you the same perks without the responsibilities to ensure that you enjoy your vacation with your family.
Take It On a Practice Run
Whether you rent or buy, you need to take your RV on a practice run before you make your way to your vacation destination. This will save you from unfortunate situations that could have been prevented through a simple practice run. You need to make sure that everything works well. Do you need new tires before your trip? Is the gas gauge functional? Are there any surprise signs that you need to be aware of?
When you take your RV for a quick spin, you will be able to ascertain whether there are any problems. It gives you time to pay attention to things such as the turn radius and the overhead clearance while you sort out how to plan an RV vacation. You can also practice parking it properly before you attempt to park it for the first time in a crowded parking lot. You can conduct a thorough inspection to assess the tire pressure and to make sure that the storage cabinets are fully functional. This is a great time to assess if there will be sufficient storage for all your luggage as well.
If you are an inexperienced RVer, you can consider taking a course to help you understand the basics before you figure out how to plan an RV vacation. You need to make sure that you know how to properly operate it, so find a professional who will weigh it and ensure that the tires are adequately inflated. Educating yourself on how to operate an RV will benefit you and your family, and it will ensure that you have a safe journey to your destination.
Map It Out
An array of RV trip planners include interactive maps that can be an ideal source when you think of how to plan an RV vacation. These help you find the ideal routes for road trips and highlight fascinating attractions that you can consider for your next vacation. Most of them offer you an opportunity to explore adventures such as food spots, undiscovered campsites and much more.
It is always important to book your campsites in advance to avoid disappointment. Most popular campsites are fully booked by the time the vacation season starts. When you map out your destination before your departure date, it makes it easy for you to find the best spot.
You need to consider planning out a route that is RV-friendly. If you are a seasoned road tripper, you will most likely select a route that offers you a scenic view. However, scenic routes and back roads may not be suitable for an RV trip, and you may have to consider looking for any restrictions on roads. Low clearances and restrictions on tunnels and bridges are common and should be avoided when traveling in an RV. Moreover, the gas stations that you use on the way to your destination should not cause parking problems. Other things that should be avoided are steep or narrow terrains that may make navigation almost impossible.
Always Be Prepared
Preparation is a significant part of the planning and execution of a successful road trip. Before leaving, speak with your insurance agency to find out what you are covered for. This should be included in every how to plan an RV vacation guide. Some insurance agencies do not cover certain damages. As a result, you may have to take preventative measures to ensure the safety of your RV. You may have to research parking in advance and find out about points of interest before you leave for your trip. You can do this by calling these places ahead of your departure date to find out specific details about RVs.
RV insurance is required before you take your trip. It works the same way as any standard auto insurance coverage. Your recreational vehicle may also require uninsured or underinsured coverage, and it will have to have minimum liability coverage when you take it for a long drive. However, RV insurance is more expensive because it doubles as your home and vehicle. As a result, many insurance companies see RVs as a higher risk, and they charge more for their coverage options.
Staying prepared for your trip goes beyond having insurance or making sure that your beds are comfortable. You need to factor in your estimated time of arrival. This includes having reasonable expectations when you are planning everything. You may have to account for expected travel times and delays. Driving an RV is more draining than driving a car, so when you prepare your trip well in advance, you leave room for unexpected events and plan accordingly.
Create a Budget and Stick To It
The rule of thumb is to plan a year ahead of your vacation. If you are a seasoned road tripper, you will know that you need to book your trip in advance to ensure that you secure the best camp site. This can help you save up throughout the year for when you have to travel. However, you cannot determine the exact cost estimates for an RV trip because many variables are involved. These factors depend on the distance of your trip, the activities that you plan to do, and the kind of campsites you plan on reserving.
Below are some of the costs you may have to consider before making your travel plans.
- Campground Costs: These fees are not fixed, and they are largely dependent on the location and amenities. If you are using state parks or off-the-hook resorts, there are average costs that you can find out about. But if you cannot estimate the average costs, you can use your previous camping experience to do a rough estimate.
- Gas: You can end up spending a lot of money on the gas that you will need for your RV. It’s important to plan for this cost as a separate expense because failure to do so can result in a serious budget deficit. The best way to plan this is by calculating the distance to your destination and figuring out how much the price per gallon is. But you should calculate it to be more than the current price.
- Food: The best thing about road tripping in an RV is the ability to buy your groceries and to bring them with you on your trip. This allows you more control over the cost of food than you would have if you had to book into a hotel. You have the option to budget for the nights that you want to eat out.
- Activities: If you are traveling, you want to do as much as you can, explore, have adventures and do many activities. The purpose of being on vacation is to try out new activities and to explore new things.
Advantages of RV Travel
Recreational travel is on the rise and if you are not fully convinced of whether you should partake in it or not, the following are some of its advantages.
- It is a much cheaper travel option that allows you to have maximum control over your vacation.
- You have the flexibility to carry everything that you need with you, even if it is your office equipment.
- It allows you to connect with nature and your loved ones.
- It is an ideal way to social distance and try out a minimalist lifestyle.
Learning how to plan an RV vacation successfully can be beneficial for your next family trip. Summer is slowly approaching and with travel restrictions in most parts of the world, finding a relaxing vacation location can be difficult. Having a how to plan an RV vacation guide is essential, but making the decision to rent or buy can help you make a big investment, or it can save you from recurring costs. Going for a practice run is crucial to assess any issues you may encounter while you are making your way to your destination.
Mapping out your trip can also help you know what to expect, and it makes it easier to stay prepared for any potential issues. Knowing the insurance requirements in your state can help you know how to plan an RV vacation and factor in any potential liability issues. Moreover, having a budget that you can stick to is an advantage, and it will help you plan and factor in a myriad of expenses. There are many benefits for opting to use an RV for your next vacation. It is a cheaper alternative to most conventional vacation options. So, knowing how to plan an RV vacation is essential during these times. It is the safest way to explore new adventures with your loved ones.
