Family Vacations: Seeing the Country from an RV
By Michele Blandino
There is no denying the fact that the best way to see our beautiful country is by taking to the open road. Indeed, many families opt to drive to their vacation destinations rather than fly so that they can get a better look at what lies between “here and there.”
While most of these families will use their own vehicle to make this trip, some more adventurous types rent an RV – recreational vehicle – to use as their home away from home. While renting an RV can certainly help to add an element of adventure to the trip, it is important to realize that living in an RV, particularly for long periods of time, is far different from staying in a hotel room. Here is a look at what you can expect.
The Comforts of Home
One of the biggest benefits of taking an RV vacation is that you will not need to pack and unpack your suitcase at every stop. Once you load your gear onboard, you can consider yourself “home” for the duration of your trip. That said, it is important to realize that in addition to packing your clothes and toiletries, you will need to also bring along items that you wouldn’t normally pack for a vacation including: bedding, towels, and pillows. If you intend to make and eat the majority of your meals in the RV, the list will grow significantly to include groceries, pots and pans, dishes and flatware, glassware, spices and condiments, and cooking utensils. Add to that toilet tissue, paper towels, cleaning supplies, entertainment (movies, books, games, etc.), and toys for the kids. Some people become overwhelmed with all that is involved in planning an RV trip and in doing so, realize that they are better suited for the traditional hotel stay.
Close Quarters
There is no getting around the fact that RV’s are not known for their spaciousness; even the larger models are typically no wider than a commuter bus. If you are the type of person who likes to have a little “breathing room” from time to time, it is important that you will be able to withstand long periods of times in this confined space. Likewise, even the smallest amount of privacy will be hard to come by, so be sure you are prepared for this before you decide on an RV vacation.
Careful Planning
Once the RV is parked in the campground, it will be difficult to make any trips to the store for needed supplies. As a result, unless you plan on towing a car, you will have to be sure to make you make any supply stops before you hit the campground. This will require careful planning as well as the flexibility to be able to do without certain items until you are able to reach a store.
New Adventures
Having said all of this, it is also important to note that taking an RV vacation can provide you and your family the opportunity to make some irreplaceable memories. The combination of being able to see more of our country, meeting people from other regions and spending more time in the great outdoors can make for a terrific vacation.
