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Getting Your Pets Ready for RV Travel

Posted by on Apr 12, 2010

One of the true joys of RV traveling is that your pets can travel along with the family. No kennel fees, no expensive pet sitters, no worries about whether the kid next door will remember to let Rover out in time. When you buy an RV, your pets can come along when the family travels.

Not all pets take instantly to new environments. It’s wise to spend some time acclimating your pet gradually to RV life so that everyone will enjoy traveling together. To familiarize your pet with your RV, spend an hour or so in the driveway. If you have a dog, let him sniff around the exterior, then lead him inside. Catch up on travel brochures or work through your pre-trip check list while your pet noses around the inside of your RV. Put out his water dish, bed and toys so he can see where his special spot is in the RV. Dogs should have lots of chew toys to keep them occupied. If you have a cat, introduce him to the litter box. Encourage appropriate associations with familiar scents by spiking the box with a clump of waste from your cat’s home litter box.

The next step is to take your pet for a ride in your RV. You’ll want to have another family along to sooth and, if necessary, restrain your pet. Increase trip time gradually over the next week. A family overnight in the driveway can help your pet get comfy with RV life.

More Ways to Save Cash While RV Traveling

Posted by on Apr 09, 2010

Continuing our 10 tips for saving money while RV traveling:

4. Camp in state and federal parks which usually have cheaper fees than private RV campgrounds.Purchase an annual pass if one is available to save on fees. Most state and federal campsites are listed online so you can check availability and services and in many cases make reservations in advance. 

5. Cash in on off-season bargains. Visit the mountains in the summer and beaches in early fall. Enjoy bigger savings on activities and fewer crowds.

6. If your RV breaks down, ask the service center what you can try yourself before you pay for an expensive tow. Many RV service centers offer free advice over the phone.

7. Don’t let RV service problems ruin your RV vacation. Nip them in the bud by having your RV inspected before you head out on a trip. Taking care of maintenance problems before you leave will save time and money.

8. Check out RV camping opportunities close to home. State parks and regional festivals offer many enjoyable RV travel opportunities.

9. Part of joy of RV camping is spending time with your family. Take along bikes for a biking adventure or do some hiking. Ramp up fun with no-cost family game or movie nights.

10. Get your money out of your RV with frequent trips, whether for a quick weekend or a vacation. The more you use your RV, the more you save.

10 Ways to Save Money While RV Traveling

Posted by on Apr 07, 2010

RV fans already know that traveling by RV is the cheapest way to travel. Whether you’re a weekend RVer or enjoy hitting the road for months at a time, you can stretch your RV travel dollar even farther by following these handy tips:

1. Buy your RV online to get the best deals. Don’t wait to downsize after the family has left the nest. When you no longer need the extra space, traveling in a smaller RV will save you gas and money.

2. Don’t waste money on expensive restaurant meals. Stock your RV kitchen with your favorite healthy foods and snacks and cook your own meals. Carry a small portable grill in your RV so you can enjoy fresh grilled meals. When you need a break or want to sample the local delicacies, eat out for lunch when restaurant rates are nearly 50% cheaper.

3. Join a warehouse club like Sam’s Club or Costco and buy in bulk to save cash when you shop. Even local groceries usually offer bulk food selections where you can save by buying in larger quantities. Pack your RV with what you need for each trip and freeze or store the rest at home for the next trip.

More tips next time

RV Travel Allows Seniors to Travel Cheaply

Posted by on Apr 05, 2010

Getting used to living on a fixed budget is a challenge for many seniors. But you don’t have to shelve your dreams to travel during your golden years just because the economy has taken a bigger bite out of your nest egg than you planned. RV travel offers affordable travel opportunities for seniors on fixed incomes, families trying to reign in their budget and anyone who loves the outdoors and has an adventurous spirit.

On online RV classified ad sites like RVT.com, it’s easy to find an RV that fits your budget and travel style. Buying your RV online allows you make your deal directly with the seller, saving time and money. When you shop for an RV online, you’ll find plenty of RVs to choose from at very affordable prices.

For seniors and others who want to travel cheaply, RV travel offers affordable comfort. When you travel by RV, you take along your bedroom, kitchen, bath and living space. Hookup fees at an RV campground are far cheaper than hotel fees and many RV resorts offer the same amenities as first class hotels. Having a kitchen along saves money on meal costs, too.

But for many seniors the nicest part of RV traveling is the pleasant camaraderie found at RV parks. RVers are social, welcoming and happy to lend a hand. It’s getting to know other RVers that makes RV travel so enjoyable.

Planning Your RV Vacation

Posted by on Apr 02, 2010

A spell of warm weather and thoughts start to turn to summer vacations and RV camping weekends. With the cost of flying to Europe skyrocketing and Mexican drug lords making travel south of the border a serious safety issue, most families are planning to enjoy the exciting cities and stunning natural beauty of our own country.

America offers something for everyone. Travel experts say you’ll enjoy your vacation most if you sit down with your family and discuss your RV vacation goals are. RVing gives you the flexibility and time to wander wherever your interests take you. The cheapest way for families to travel, an RV vacation won’t break the family budget. 

Try these RV vacation ideas:

Want to kick back and relax? Head your RV for a week of camping at a nearby state or national park. Check RV facilities online. Most state parks offer full RV hookups and dump stations but some national parks have only limited facilities. You might prefer to park at a nearby RV campground and make day excursions into the park.

Want to show the kids how the early pioneers lived? The country is dotted with historic villages where you can watch reenactors demonstrate life in colonial days. The most famous is Williamsburg in Virginia, but you’ll find historic villages in every state with RV camping nearby. If you’re interested in the Civil War, attend a battle reenactment. Or head your RV out along an old west Conestoga wagon trail and relive history.

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