Are you getting ready to fly south for the winter?
Every year, RVers from all over the northern US flock to Florida, Arizona, Texas and other sunny destinations. If you are joining this annual migration, you likely have your plan for prepping, packing and traveling already established (if not, check out our 4 Quick Tips for First Time RV Snowbirds).
But, you have a long road in front of you, and sometimes your well-worn routine can start to feel a little stale. We’ve put together a list of four last-minute ideas to spice up your trip and make your journey a unique and memorable experience.
Make a playlist
You’ve got a lot of miles to cover, and nothing keeps you moving like a good beat and a strong melody. With radio stations playing the same old songs in between ever-longer ad breaks, creating your own soundtrack is the best way to hear the tunes you love.
Many RVs and cars offer Bluetooth compatibility for smartphones, so you can sync your music directly to your vehicle’s speakers. Inexpensive subscription services like Spotify and Apple Music offer access to vast libraries of songs. Some plans allow you to download music, so you don’t have to worry about using your data during the drive.
If you need a change from music, give podcasts a try. Many podcasts are free, and they cover almost every topic including news, sports, movies, comedy, hobbies and more. To find them, check out apps like Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. Podcasts are a great way to fill up your phone with hours of entertainment without spending a cent.
Take a detour
Find a map and plot out your route. Maybe you are driving down I-95 from Massachusetts to Florida. Or maybe you’ll be heading along I-44 between Ohio and Texas. Wherever you are traveling, you are bound to cross near some amazing cities, landmarks and natural wonderlands.
If you have some spare time, circle three to five attractions to visit within 20 miles of your route. Never been to the St. Louis Arch? Now’s your chance! Is Savannah on your bucket list? Time to cross it off!
If you need some ideas, check out the website Roadtrippers. Enter your travel details, and it will show you all the great stops on your way—from zoos to beaches to weird roadside pit stops.
Eat local
Forget truck stops and fast food. If you’re driving through several regions, you have an excellent opportunity to turn your voyage into a culinary tour.
Local specialties are an important point of pride for cities and states all over the country. Research the famous dishes in the areas you will be traveling, and plan your lunch and dinner stops around the grub that sounds the most delicious.
Crack open some crabs in Maryland. Fill your belly with BBQ in North Carolina. Chomp into a cheesesteak in Pennsylvania. Lonely Planet and Spoon University put together lists of iconic foods from each state to help you get started.
Buy unique holiday gifts
Many snowbirds begin their trips right before the holiday season. When everyone else is heading to the same big retailers, you can be the star of your holiday celebration by shopping at unique local stores as you head south.
Make a list of everyone you want to buy a present for, and brainstorm three things you know they love: hobbies, games, entertainment, etc. Then, start Googling local stores and small businesses that specialize in each category. If they are on your way, make a point to stop in and try to find something you can’t get anywhere else.
Larger cities often have tourism pages that list top local businesses. For smaller towns, try online resources like Yelp, Facebook, Manta, Antique Malls and the local Chamber of Commerce. You can even play it by ear: look up towns on your phone as you drive near them, or just find a place to stop downtown and explore on foot.
We hope you found some great ideas to make your snowbird trip fresh and exciting this year. Drive safe and enjoy the sun!
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