Do not be afraid of rising gas prices, a good old American Road Trip is still one of the best ways to have a great escape on a budget. Here are a few places to consider, and some tips to keep costs down and traveling fun along the way.
Why RV?
If you already own an RV, then you probably know that answer. However, with the recent rise in popularity of such road adventures there are many more places that rent RVs at very affordable prices. So you do not need to own one to experience the many reasons to consider your summer family trip in an RV.
First up traveling in an RV gives you the comfort of staying in a hotel without the expense. Also, in an RV you do not have to pack and unpack your clothes or live 'out of suitcase' while you travel from one destination to another.
Of course RVs save money by avoiding hotels, but perhaps one of the biggest savings you can experience in RV travel this summer is on dining expenses. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner for a family of four dining out on the road could easily run over 200.00 per day. You can cut that by half or more by using the kitchen in the RV. Plus there is no waiting in lines, or having to get dressed for dinner! Pack lunches for day trips, and when you run out of supplies ' stop into a local grocery store or supermarket, and stock up ' don't just 'fill in' at a convenience store or road stop.
Suggested Trips
RV trips to our National Parks provide adventure and some of the greatest opportunities for summer family memories. Some of the best RV campsites are located in and around our National Parks. Such as:
Madison Arm Resort, Montana
Located just a few miles outside of Yellowstone National Park in Montana, Madison Arm offers RV sites nestled among majestic pine trees, incomparable wildlife and mountain vistas. Besides being mere miles from Yellowstone, boating, fishing, and swimming are all available at the campgrounds. Hiking, biking, mountain climbing, horseback riding, and white water rafting are all only minutes away.
Squaw Flat Campground, Utah
Right near the Needles section of Canyonlands National Park, Squaw Flat is the home to an unusual array of stone pillars, rock formations, and Indian rock paintings.
Havasu RV Resort, Arizona
Havasu RV Resort is located on Lake Havasu, and is a very popular spot for an unforgettable RV vacation. It's close enough to spend some time visiting the Joshua Tree National Park, the Mojave National Preserve or to take a day trip to Phoenix. The campground itself takes the name' resort' seriously and even offers guests access to a clubhouse with a heated pool and Jacuzzi.
But a summer RV trip doesn't always mean travel to a national park - or out West for that matter. Try:
Boyd's Key West Campground, Florida A trip to Florida doesn't automatically mean the sprawling towers of South Beach or Ft. Lauderdale Hotels. Boyd's Key West Campground is located within the 'Conch Republic', Florida's Key West. Key West is known for the revelry of Duval Street and the sunset celebration in Mallory Square each evening. Boyd's is close to all of the major Key West attractions and also provides guests with saltwater fishing, a boat dock, and a unique Tiki Hut for every RVer staying in one of its waterfront campsites. You won't find that in Colorado!
Travel Tips
Of course one of the keys to having a safe and fun RV trip this summer is to plan ahead. Study a map or Atlas and learn about your route as much as possible. If you do not have a GPS ' you should get one, the prices have come down considerably, and this will prove indispensable on a road trip. If you are renting an RV it will likely have a GPS. Just be sure to program it with the right address for your destination. A GPS is only as good as the information that's put in it.
Planning of course is important, but don't stress over it. Remember the real fun of a family summer RV trip is its' freedom. Relax a little. Sometimes planning too much can make your family miss something really wonderful. Summer RVing is about making memories, not sticking to a schedule. Be prepared to stop frequently to soak up the scenery, even if that throws off your 'itinerary' a bit. Don't miss out on the beauty that might be right before your eyes... and enjoy the ride!
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