Cool Holidays : Caravanning?

Caravanning holidays have always had a less than cool reputation. Think of a caravan holiday and rainy weather, pink velour interiors and flasks of warm tea spring to mind. Not really the most inviting of images, especially when there are so many really cool holidays on offer across the rest of the world.

It has always been standard to sneer at caravan owners and those who take caravan holidays. So vehement is the opposition (albeit not entirely serious) that there are many ‘Anti-Caravan Clubs’ around who protest against the clogging up of the roads in the summertime.

Some people have insisted that caravans be banned from the roads from dawn till dusk imposed on the roads. Movements like these were fuelled by self appointed guardians of the British roads like Jeremy Clarkson who earned a living talking about the evils of caravanning and then blowing them up on his TV show.

Of course, there have always been people who have whole heartedly believed that a caravanning holiday is an oasis away from the modern world. A caravan is seen as a place where one could escape from a stressful working environment and somewhere to take family and friends for a well earned break. These people steadfastly maintained a way of life which became respected by the parts of society which at first mocked them. This element came to the realisation that timeout from day to day life is desperately needed and can be attained regularly by having access to a caravan and a good imagination.

These champions of the caravanning movement have worked quietly away, helping to maintain camping and caravan sites with their presence and extolling the virtue (and cheapness) of a holiday on wheels. Nowadays, more and more people are realising how much sense a good caravan holiday makes, spurred on by celebrities like Jamie Oliver and Kate Moss as well as the desire to explore their own country rather than fly abroad every summer.

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Much More Than Your Grandmother’s Motorhome

Traditional motorhomes are still popular. RVs, diesel pushers and travel trailers are being used by millions of people across the country. But there’s a new RV in town called the Park Model that is becoming a big seller. As summer approaches, campgrounds are stocking up with Park Models to make their campgrounds feel more like home to a new breed of traveler.

Park Model RVs pretty much resemble a log cabin or small house. The size isn’t much bigger than a regular RV at about 400 square feet, which includes a bedroom, kitchen area and sitting area. While the campground business has boomed during the recession because they are inexpensive places to stay, some people prefer staying in a guesthouse or Park Model RV as opposed to camping in a tent. Some can’t afford RVs but still want the camping experience.

In part, the reason for the introduction of the Park Model RV was to attract a wider crowd of camper. Many RV manufacturers have answered the call of the campgrounds and are now producing Park Models. Among these manufacturers you’ll find Damon Corp., Cavco, Forest River and CrossRoads RV. Campers looking to take advantage of a Park Model RV can find them at KOAs and Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts.

The Barn Yard has attracted many to its Park Model RVs. This Amish builder from the Pennsylvania area produced handcrafted motorhomes with 6 different versions of the Park Model including versions made from log, vinyl or lap siding. These impressive vehicles run between $20,000 and $60,000.

Once these models are delivered, they are ready to go. All they need is to be attached to water and electricity. East of San Diego, Sacred Rocks Reserve and RV Park is going solar with their models. Energy savings run from 25-75% off utility bills.

With a goal to provide for all kinds of customers, Forest River is a manufacturer that not only builds a high volume of park models but also continues to build traditional vehicles like motorhomes, 5th wheels and travel trailers. Park Models are becoming more and more popular each year but this does not necessarily decrease the demand for the traditional RV from the more traditional traveler. Many still long for the road and the ability to literally take their home with them.

Manufacturing companies are blending the environmental with the affordable to appeal to the younger environmentally savvy crowd that is starting to dabble in RV trips. Green initiatives include solar charging systems, lightweight towables and motorhomes with increasingly better fuel economy. Campgrounds are following suit.

Even traditional RV parks are modernizing their amenities. Some resorts have heated swimming pools, hot tubs and wellness and fitness centers. Dog walks, bocce ball and horseshoes add to the fun, not to mention on-property catch-and-release fishing. Restaurants and service departments are often on-site or close by for convenience. Weddings, parties and rallies can be held in tents complete with staging, lighting and a full kitchen.

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Your Class A Unit And Traveling Tips

“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” This famous quote should be taken to heart often, but especially when you are planning an excursion in your Class A motor home. Take the time needed to plan ahead, so that you can prevent as many unknown mishaps before they occur. If you plan ahead and give your family structure, you will be able to have a most pleasurable experience in your Class A during the adventure itself!

First begin by gathering the others that will join you in your Class A RV to brainstorm. This session will be to get ideas of where to go and what to see. Once you have a list, look at an Atlas and see what destinations fit into your budget and timeline. Save the other ideas for another RV trip in your Class A.

Does your Class A RV have a GPS System? Use a real map, too.

Chart your directions first by using a Rand McNally or Triple A online program. They will allow you to plan out your distance and mileage, along with Class A RV accessible roads. This is important even if you plan to go off road and boondock. GPS systems are high technology and many folks rely on them, but the service may not be dependable in all locations.

Craft lists : for meals and for clothing

You can save money on your trip in your Class A motor home by planning meals and packing wisely. There are cookbooks that focus just on RV travel, so go to a library or bookstore to find one to base your menus on. Remember that there will be fresh fruits and veggies at farmer”’s markets found along the way.

You won’t want to over pack clothing when traveling by Class A RV. Think basics and keep your motor home uncluttered with excess items. Think about the weather of the final destination and towns along the road. Pack a hat and sunscreen, or a sweatshirt and bug spray.

Your clothing and menu checklists will help you plan and stay organized when on the road. Feel free to adjust the lists as you see what is working for you and what isn’t.

Take medications and a plan for medical needs

Look at the route you will be taking and see where your pharmacy branches are located. Fill your necessary prescriptions ahead of time, and pack a medical emergency kit with details. Keep this on hand.

Pay attention to the detail, and plan your RVing adventure ahead of time. Enjoy the vacation!

Julie Jacobs travels the U.S. writing about motorhomes, travel trailers, and other RVs. For more information visit PedataRVCenter.com

RV Sales And What To Take

Don’t let the RV sales showroom become overwhelming. Instead, when looking for used or new RVs, follow the nine suggestions listed below.

Mind your manners and be knowledgeable.

1. Manners are important on the RV sales floor. This rings true even if the RV sales people aren’t your favorite people. Let yourself be mindful and keep smiling.

2. Be aware and knowledgeable of what you want out of your RV sales experience. Know what you want as far as style or size in your new or used motor home. Think about your travel needs and take examples with you of photos of RVs you like.

Have proof of the dealer’s integrity and an array of solid questions to ask before visiting the RV sales showroom.

3. Don’t forget to research the dealer, and study its Better Business Bureau report. Make sure it is credible.

4. Be prepared with smart questions to ask the sales person. This ensures that the dealer knows that you know what you are talking about. Know the ins and outs of the type of RV you’re interested in.

Have a budget and have patience.

5. Don’t forget to breathe and remain patient during the shopping process. Allowing yourself to become overwhelmed can only harm you down the road. You need your wits to pay attention and listen. This will ensure you get the best deal.

6. Don’t forget a realistic budget. You don’t want to get lost in the moment and try to purchase what you can’t afford. Account for ticket price, taxes, amenities, and any added insurance costs. Stick to it!

7. It’s also wise to arrange for financing before shopping. You will want to have the chance to shop rates and find what works best for you.

Remember to have courage and don’t be afraid to take someone with you to help negotiate.

8. Take a friend or other trustworthy person with you as help in negotiating prices, unless you feel like you can handle this art on your own.

9. Don’t forget courage. It is up to you to ask the right questions and do your homework so that you’re knowledgeable on the topic of RVs. Don’t say yes to something you don’t truly want.

So, do you feel prepared to buy and ready to travel? Good! Go find the RV of your dreams.

Julie Jacobs travels the U.S. writing about motorhomes, travel trailers, and other RVs. For more information visit PedataRVCenter.com

Use Your Toy Hauler This Winter

Don’t put away your toy hauler during the winter months, enjoy its use just as you would during the summer. A toy hauler is ideal for winter travel, carrying your snow mobiles, skis, and other fun winter items. Let the snow fall around you as you drive to your winter wonderland destination.

Don’t forget

As you travel with your toy hauler during the winter, there are important facts you should remember before hitting the road. First, make sure you call the destination campground ahead of time to find out if your RV unit and toy hauler will fit on the grounds. Typically, you need 60 by 35 feet of space to park or pull-through. Not all grounds offer this, so make sure yours does.

Also, see what amenities the RV campground offers for you and your aprs-ski adventures. You want to make certain that there are hook ups for your RV and toy hauler that provide electricity, water, and sewer. Some other added amenities that interest you may be wireless internet and cable.

Ask questions that are relevant to the purpose of your trip. Is it pleasure or sport?

Will you travel with friends this winter?

If you decide to travel with a group of friends, you will find that many RV parks offer group rates. Everyone will have ample space and room for his/her toy hauler. There are also parks available that are kid-free, if that is the route you and your friends would like to take. Before hitting the road, see what restaurants are near by or other apres-ski activities.

Reserve your spot

Once you have selected the winter RV spot that you and your friends want to visit, first select a date. Call and check with the RV park as soon as possible to guarantee a spot and that there are enough places for all of the group you are traveling with. Know that there may not be toy hauler space at every RV park.

Don’t forget. Before you leave, do the following.

- Pull out and assess your winter clothing and what you are missing. It is smart to purchase ahead of time, rather than waiting to arrive at your destination.

- Make sure you get the entire RV unit and toy hauler checked by a licensed mechanic.

- Once the toy hauler is packed, practice driving it around your community. This will get you used to the heavy load on the road.

Hit the road to your winter getaway

Make sure you plan your trip so that you aren’t rushing on the road, and enjoy the winter vacation of your dreams.

Julie Jacobs travels the U.S. writing about motorhomes, travel trailers, and other RVs. For more information visit PedataRVCenter.com

Travel Trailers And Vacationing With Pets

Most families that travel in RVs like to take their pets along with them. This is true still when traveling with travel trailers. Make sure your dog or cat travels well before hitting the road on a long trip.

Travel trailers can make any trip stressful because of their heaviness. You have to pay attention when driving, so before packing up the pets, assess the trip, the distance, and any of your pet’s needs.

Just like travel trailers, dogs and cats can be difficult traveling companions. Make sure you know your animal’s behaviors; likes and dislikes – before choosing to take a long trip with them.

Traveling with towable travel trailers and your pets mean you need to make plans ahead of time.

In order to plan a successful trip that includes pets, spend time prepping them by taking short trips around town with heavy travel trailers or fifth wheels. Make sure the dogs and cats are restrained and secure. Use travel trailers when preparing your animal on a regular basis to get them used to the way it feels.

All animals need to be secured, whether in a carrier or crate or belted. Some families go to visit the vet before going out of town to get prescription for sedatives.

Towing travel trailers can be an easy, peaceful experience, as can traveling with the family pet. Make sure you have the appropriate documentation for the animals, especially if you will be leaving the country to Canada or Mexico. Travel trailers are perfect for storing any extra items that you will need for the pets, such as food, bedding, and toys.

Know your pet’s needs

Before you leave your home town, feed the animals a light meal and lots of water. This should prevent them from getting motion sickness. Listen to your pet and pay attention to any physical signs that they may be emitting as either positive or negative reactions to traveling.

Most importantly, don’t leave any pet in an RV with or without a towable unattended. This is to provide safety precautions for you and those around you.

If you choose to definitely take your animal friends with you on your trip, make sure you lay out all of the details ahead of time. Planning ahead will ensure you and your pet’s tranquility while on the road and could lead to many more trips!

Julie Jacobs travels the U.S. writing about motorhomes, travel trailers, and other RVs. For more information visit PedataRVCenter.com

An RV Means Flexibility And Comfort

We all want to travel in comfort and style, but for most of us, travel experiences have been less than comfortable at times. A seasoned traveler knows that few of today’s travel options can really be called a “fun time” as our options like planes, buses and trains have become increasingly hectic. However; there is one option that people love once they try. If you already own an RV or have ever traveled in an RV, then you know just how much more relaxing this kind of travel can be.

Traveling by RV means that you can travel in comfort and even customize your experience. You certainly can’t do that in an airplane or a car. Traveling by RV means that you don’t have to deal with all the hassles of traveling by plane or car.

All of these problems are not a factor for RV owners. An RV owner and his or her passengers can sleep, move around, have a meal and even go to the bathroom. You certainly can’t have that kind of luxury on a plane!

Then there is the issue of hotels. Even the best hotels have serious problems with cleanliness, as numerous news reports have verified. With an RV, you can make certain that your sleeping and living area is clean. If you have ever stayed in a dirty hotel bed, then you realize just how simply fantastic having a clean RV bed to sleep in is and just how much it can improve your trip.

You just can’t customize your comfort level in a hotel the way you can in your own RV. An inferior hotel bed or pillow certainly will affect the quality of your sleep and maybe even the quality of your trip as well. Frequent travels well know how poor quality bedding can affect your trip and your attitude as well, as it is tough to be chipper after a miserable night of sleep. Owning your own RV changes all of those variables. As the day comes to an end, you know that you can retire to your own bed in your RV.

Spending a little extra money on a comfortable mattress, for example, couldn’t be much better of an idea or investment. There are lots of options, of course, but few will serve you as well as a memory foam mattress. If you have ever slept on a memory foam mattress, then you already realize just how comfy they can be. You may even find that you are sleeping more soundly than when you are at home!

RVs have so many advantages but it is tough to top the advantage of creature comforts. Keep this in mind when you are preparing for your next trip, as your mind and body will both thank you.

Marcy Watkins is a lifelong traveler and travel expert. Once she reached retirement, she hit the open road and never looked back. Now Marcy blogs about travel destinations and necessities like RV mattresses.

RV Travel Gives You Reason To Hit The Road

People have always enjoyed traveling and exploring their surroundings. Back in ancient times, the method of travel was foot or camel, and they slept in tents. Romans traveled in wagons that satisfied their needs for both transportation and living. In modern times, we have the RV to complement such needs. The RV is ideal for traveling, living, and experiencing life’s adventures.

RV means freedom on the road, and it means you can get back to nature.

Traveling in an RV makes you feel free, as you linger away from the other run-of-the-mill cars or commercial entities. Your RV becomes your home away from home, where you and your pets can live a life that is clutter free of your original living quarters. It is your life on wheels.

Life on the road in your RV also means that you have the power to become closer to nature. You can choose to stay in camp grounds or you can choose to boondock, which means you stay off of the beaten path. Through the RV windows, you can see sunsets, wildlife, and nature as it was meant to be experienced. You can park the RV and stroll around, or you can safely sit and peer out from within.

Motorhome time equals family time.

Leave the everyday technological distractions at home. This means, no iPods, iPhones, hand held video games, etc. By doing so, you will allow you and your family to have quality bonding time day in and day out. Pack rainy day activities to be used even on non-rainy days. Take books to read aloud. Pack jigsaw puzzles and board games, and take a deck of cards. Don’t forget a camera, scrapbooking materials, and journals to document. The adventure and laughter will create memories that will last a lifetime.

Recreational Vehicle travel is as economical, if not more, than regular car travel.

Saving money is always nice, and traveling in a recreational vehicle may not be as expensive as you would imagine. Some ways to guarantee saving money when RVing is to keep your speed consistent while driving (55 mph), cook in the unit, and sleep/lodge in the unit. If you are even hesitant about purchasing the motorhome, itself, and making that long-term investment, try traveling in a rental.

Travel America in a Class A, B, or C motorhome. Meet fellow RVers. Control your destiny and live a life of freedom on the road. Start planning your adventure today!

Julie Jacobs travels the U.S. writing about motorhomes, travel trailers, and other RVs. For more information visit PedataRVCenter.com

A Fifth Wheel Trailer Could Be The RV For You

Fifth wheel RV trailers are RVs that are pulled behind a truck or SUV with a special hitch. They are large motor homes that many families enjoy as their RV lifestyle. Do you think that the fifth wheel trailer is perfect for you?

Hitch description

The fifth wheel hitch is a type of gooseneck hitch that makes it easier to pull. The hitch makes it turn more smoothly with added stability. The fifth wheel hitch is built to pull heavier loads, which is important with this RV. When looking at one, you will notice that the fifth wheel hitch takes up the majority of space in the truck bed and requires the truck to not have a tailgate.

Fifth wheel RV trailer

The fifth wheel RV is one of the most expensive and most luxurious of all of the RVs. These units sleep up to eight people comfortably. They are spacious and often have many different slide-outs. These RVs are weighty and cost more in gas than other smaller units.

The space within the RV is very large, and this includes the kitchen, the sleeping area, and the primary living area. Many full time RVers enjoy this type of motor home.

Once you have parked to camp at the RV site or campground, you have the ability to remove the trailer unit and leave it. This allows you to take the truck for easy to use transportation.

Towing vehicle description

Typical towing vehicles are large trucks or SUVs, as long as it has the appropriate hitch and the ability to tow heavy duty. Check your vehicle’s rear suspension capabilities, and make sure the 5th wheel weight is balanced before driving.

Which motor home is ideal for you and your RVing needs?

This specific type of luxury motor home may offer too much space for your traveling needs. If this is so, think about and test drive smaller units that are available on the market. Soon there will be smaller models of the trailer on the market that may fit your lifestyle better.

Try toy haulers, Class A, B, and C recreational vehicles, and you will be guaranteed to find the best RV for you and your travel needs. Toy haulers do just that; pull snow mobiles, skis, or even motorcycles. The other three are live-in RVs. Get out on the road and test drive today!

Julie Jacobs travels the U.S. writing about motorhomes, travel trailers, and other RVs. For more information visit PedataRVCenter.com

Should You Buy A Class B?

Class B RVs are the smallest type of RV on the market. These units are built on a van chassis, and are otherwise known as camper vans or van conversions. Class B motor homes have a raised roof and can be customized to suit all of your RVing lifestyle needs.

If you prefer large, spacious motor homes, then the Class B may not be the ideal unit for you. Take some time to look at the positives and negatives of the Class B RV before you commit to buying.

Class B Unit – Pros

- Class B units use less fuel, which saves you money. They are also easier to drive on mountain roads that often twist and turn.

- You can park the Class B RV in smaller spaces.

- The unit can be used as a second vehicle.

- Maintain your RV at most service and mechanics shops.

- This class can tow another small car or trailer, if needed.

- You have the option to travel to locations that larger RVs cannot venture to.

- You can park or store this size RV unit in your home driveway.

- It doesn’t take as long to wash and keep clean.

- There is easy access between the living space and the driving compartment.

- You have the option for more space with the purchase of slide-outs.

Class B RV Negatives

- There are limits on storage spaces, so you have to pay attention to what you pack to be stored.

- Sleeping space is ideal for one or two people, but it can sleep 6.

- Spending time in the unit can become cramped, but this gives you opportunity to venture outward.

- The beds are fold-outs, so you are forced to make the bed each morning.

- Bathroom space is limited.

- Some people don’t feel as though this size of RV is good for living full time in the unit, while others are fine with it.

- Prices vary, meaning some new models are more expensive than Class C units.

How to make the decision

Make sure you spend the time necessary to research your RVing needs and options. Look at various models, styles, and sizes before committing to one type of unit. Take test drives. You will soon be in the RV of your dreams!

Julie Jacobs travels the U.S. writing about motorhomes, travel trailers, and other RVs. For more information visit PedataRVCenter.com