Both the RV lifestyle and weekend RVing have become so popular that you'd think the new era of traffic jams will be back-to-back RVs. This trend makes sense all things considered. The RV promises freedom, flexibility, convenience, and the comforts of home no matter where you roam. However, uninitiated RVers may be wondering, where do they get the info to start joining in on the travel fun?
To help the new RV family find their footing and get started on their kid-friendly adventures, we've assembled a handy little guide that will make sure your future excursion rolls in the right direction.
Choosing the Right RV
The first thing to do before choosing a campground or destination and planning for every eventuality is to choose the right RV. It surprises a lot of people to learn that there are three distint kinds, or classes, of RVS:
- Class A: the biggest and most spacious, up to 45 feet long with full kitchens and multiple slideouts (compartments that can extend from the main area to create more space). They are built on the same frames as commercial trucks and buses and are generally not beginners' RVs.
- Class B: this kind of RV is between 18 and 22 feet, and is the go-to type for newer RV owners. They are reminiscent of a van turned camper, so not the best choice for a larger family or for families with a plus one or two.
- Class C: these RVs measure between 21 and 35 feet long, have a bunk that hangs over the cab area, and can fit four or more people.
Exploring Features
Just like any other vehicle, an RV comes with a wide array of features beyond the standards of electric and sewer hookup, a two-burner stove kitchen, a small fridge, a microwave, and a full bathroom. To be clear, before renting or buying a new RV, make a list of must-have amenities that will make time on the road with your family all the easier. The last thing you want is to find life on the road too difficult, uncomfortable and cost more because a feature was overlooked. The top tip here is to consider cooking and sleeping arrangements.
Planning the RVing Trips
One of the top perks of the RV life is its flexibility. No longer do you and your family have to depend on hotel reservations or restaurant waits, but while it's the ultimate DIY vacation, you should still plan, especially when needing kid-friendly adventures:
- Plan your route to include some rest time and family-friendly sightseeing, especially on long stretches.
- Make note of RV-friendly parking places, such as truck area rest stops, county parks, and smaller state parks. If in a crunch, you can check with big box retail stores to use their parking lots. Always ask first as you may get towed. Planning ahead, you'll be able to find plenty of spots to pull over for a night with some nice surroundings.
- Practice parking: driving an RV is different than a van, truck, or car, and parking can be an exhausting annoyance if unfamiliar. Part of planning your trip is practicing how to drive and park your RV to make it a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
Prepping for Travel
Like any other type of vacation, it's important to prepare for your travels. Luckily with an RV, you don't need to worry about how much can fit in a suitcase or the overhead, nor bathroom breaks. Though, there are other considerations that may not come naturally for families unfamiliar with RVing around the country.
Family Tips
- Don't leave all the planning to the parents, kids learn by doing to a degree and they can feel included on the family trip if they're allowed to choose some things to see or stay at; of course, you don't want to give them total control, but a pre-selected list can make for calmer kids on the journey.
- Pack plenty of snacks and quick meals that don't require you to stop and cook. Munching can do wonders for both the driver and the parent watching the kid while also saving you plenty of unnecessary stops at fast-food places. After all, half the fun of traveling is trying new cuisines in new places! So pack that cooler and keep the tummies at bay.
- Make the RV feel like home. Don't treat your RV like a temporary vehicle to get from A to B and your family won't either. Invest some time in creating a dedicated space for the kids that help it feel safe and familiar, decorate it to make it feel more like home, and watch as everyone relaxes because of the extra effort.
Keeping Kids Entertained
- Some RV trips are long and with boring stretches of land, kids can be forgiven for becoming frustrated. It's important to pack some family favorite games that can be played together along with the electronics they love at home.
- Audiobooks and podcasts can be great for keeping kids entertained while still promoting literacy and education.
- Road games like scavenger hunts and fun facts can keep the family engaged for long stretches while learning about the new environments you're passing through.
Welcome to the RVers Club
The RV life can be fun for the whole family, whether it's for a weekend or a regular part of yearly travel. Following the tips and tricks above will ensure a great time whether it's on the road for a day or hopping between family-friendly campgrounds. If you're looking to get into the RV life yourself, check out how to finance your RV with the lowest rates around Spokane below here.