5 Tips for Traveling By RV

1 – Map Out Your Route Ahead of Time

You may know where you want to go but deciding how to get there is very important. One of the beauties of traveling by RV is you have the ability to change your mind or make side trips along the way, but you should always have a plan of where you will be going. This is important for a number of different reasons, including overall satisfaction and safety. For instance, depending on the size and weight of your RV you’ll find some routes difficult or impossible to travel.  One of the tools we user for planning our RV travel is RV Trip Wizard.  It’s a great website with many features to make your trip planning easier.

2 – Research Activities and Attractions Along the Way

As you map out your itinerary, make sure to research activities and attractions that are located along the way. When traveling by RV, half of the fun is making stops along the way. You can be spontaneous but having an idea of exactly what you can do and see while traveling by RV is ideal for making sure that you don’t miss out on any great opportunities.

When it comes to researching activities and attractions that are along your way, the internet is a great place to start. If you’re taking steps now to prepare for an RV trip that isn’t set to happen for another month or so, you may want to request free vacation guides.  These guides are easy to find online as well.

Our process involves two books: “1000 Places to See Before You Die” and “Off the Beaten Path: A Travel Guide to More Than 1000 Scenic and Interesting Places Still Uncrowded and Inviting.” Both can be found on Amazon.

We also use online resources like tripadvisor.com and roadsideamerica.com (an online guide to offbeat tourist attractions).

3 – Make Sure Your RV Is Stocked Full of Activities

If your upcoming adventure is an extended one, you may spend a good percentage of your time on the road.  Looking out the window is a nice, enjoyable activity, but it may not hold your interest for long.  Plus, there is a chance you’ll find yourself “stuck” inside the RV if you run into rain or bad weather.

Plan ahead by making sure you have activities packed – movies, laptop or iPad, books, cards, games, puzzles, or a fun hobby.

All RV travelers are encouraged to make sure that they have fun activities for the road, but it is extremely important for parents to do so.  There is nothing worse than being stuck in an RV with unhappy children.

4 – Pack for Your Trip Ahead of Time

All first time RV travelers are encouraged to start packing early. In fact, the earlier the better. Many supplies, such as food and travel size toiletries can be packed or put in an RV without disrupting your current daily needs.

To help ensure that your next RV trip is fun, as opposed to one that is filled with complications, create an RV trip checklist. This checklist should include specific items that you would like to bring, such as clothing, food, drinks, eating utensils, towels, wash clothes, and so forth. To help get you started, we’ve provided a checklist here.

Be sure to check off items from your list when you pack them in your bags or place them on your motor home.

5 – Always Keep Safety in Mind

As with any recreational activity, it’s important to remember that there are some risks associated with traveling by RV, especially in areas that you’re unfamiliar with.  For that reason, a number of steps should be taken to protect your safety.  Be sure to leave an itinerary with someone that you know and trust, always be aware of your surroundings, always keep a cell phone nearby, and be sure to have a fully stocked first aid kit.