Making time for RV adventures can be an arduous task when you’re working full-time. But with a little creativity, you might find you have more time to escape to awesome destinations than you think. This blog post will offer some advice to help you spend more time on the road. Follow these four simple steps, and you will be soaring to beautiful new destinations in no time!
1. Plan ahead
If you really want to travel, make planning your number one priority. You can’t be a slacker and wait for the trip to just happen. Take 30 minutes a day throughout the week and research destinations that interest you. What states have you always dreamed of visiting? Is there a national park calling out to you? Maybe you are in the mood for the beach. Need ideas? Why not start with the National Park Service’s online database.
Once you find the place you want to visit, create a price estimate that will include:
- Gas: Check out this handy gas calculator from KOA to estimate how much you will spend.
- Food: Looking for a special treat? We wrote about some delicious campfire recipes that will make your mouth water.
- Camping gear and any other misc. items: Real Simple magazine put together a great checklist of essential camping items. Make sure you have it all!
Once you’ve figured out how much the trip will cost, start creating a list of all the items you will need and pick the dates that you will leave and return. Remember Campers, planning ahead is the key to traveling success!
2. Escape for the weekend
If you’re working full-time, chances are you only get a couple precious vacation weeks per year (if that!). But just because you have to be in the office Monday through Friday from 9 to 5, doesn’t mean you can’t travel on the weekends! You may think to yourself, “Weekends are too short to travel somewhere.” But trust us, weekend adventures are so doable!
The key to great weekend adventures is to discover all the options nearby. The ideal weekend destination should be a maximum four hours away from your home. Break out a map to see what’s in range. You’ll be surprised by the possibilities!
Two days not enough? Extend your vacation time by strategically planning a getaway on a three-day holiday break. Escape during the height of the summer for the Fourth of July or the end of summer for Labor Day. There are a number of three-day holiday breaks throughout the year that you could take advantage of!
3. Be a local tourist
The world is huge, and there are so many places close to you waiting to be explored. Save yourself the travel time and take a trip in your own backyard. Hop in your RV and find a nearby campground. Check out local nature reserves, parks, beaches, historic sites, museums and restaurants. There’s always something new that's waiting to be discovered in your hometown.
4. Don’t try to see everything under the sun
Whether you’re going away for a week or a weekend, you won’t be able see everything you want. RV adventures are supposed to be relaxed and enlightening, so don’t stress yourself out by trying to see it all. Pick a couple favorite destinations and stick with them. Remember Campers, in travel, sometimes less is more.
