Blog

  • How Staying Organized in Your RV Can Lead to Camping Bliss

    How Staying Organized in Your RV Can Lead to Camping Bliss


    When camping in an RV, you have a lot of gear and supplies to round up and keep track of. There are your clothes, food, cooking supplies, and hiking or fishing gear among many other things. All of it is important for camping success, but if you really want to make the most of your experience, get organized ahead of time.

    Even a little organization can go a long way. Here are some ways organization skills can help improve your camping trip.

    You’ll Make the Most of Limited Space

    storage and drawers in an RV

    Your RV obviously isn’t as spacious as a typical home. Instead of a big pantry or a huge closet, you get small storage spaces to use. You’ll be able to fit the most into these spaces if they’re organized.

    Consider adding some totes or dividers into your storage spaces so you can truly make the most of it. Have a place that everything goes. That way even if you don’t stay organized while camping, when you go to pack up and head home or to the next campground, you’ll know that everything fits and where.

    You Won’t Forget Things

    I don’t know about you, but it seems like I forget something every single time I go camping. It’s usually a small item or piece of gear that I can do without, but it’s still not fun to not have the gear and items you want to take along. One thing I’ve found that helps is getting organized before I go.

    Make a checklist and stick to it. As you put things in their place in your RV, check them off. Do the same thing when you leave your campground, too. That way, you won’t leave anything behind. There’s nothing worse than trying to track down gear that you know you had at one point.

    You Won’t Waste Time Looking For Something

    Kitchen of a teardrop trailer at a campsite in Redwood Forest

    On a related note to the point above, if you’re organized, you won’t spend a ton of time looking for gear and items you know you have. I have spent far too much time in the past trying to hunt down stuff either before I set off or on the last day of the trip.

    Instead of spending time hunting items down, it’s smart to have a place for everything and make sure to return it to that spot whenever possible. For example, if you use your favorite cast iron skillet, wash it and put it away when you’re done. That way, you always know where it is.

    Not everyone is good at organizing their clothing, gear, food and other camping items, but it is something that’s pretty easy to learn. It takes a little effort, but not so much that it negates the amount of time and energy you save. In general, taking a little time to get organized is well worth it. That means you’ll have more time to enjoy the great outdoors, which is what camping is all about.


    Have some tips for staying organized in your RV? Leave a comment below!



    Source link

  • Life on the Road // Crazy Family Adventure Episode 3

    Life on the Road // Crazy Family Adventure Episode 3


    Watch as Crazy Family Adventure stops in King’s Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park. There they see the second largest tree by volume, hike some of the most beautiful trails in the entire country, and drive through an ancient tree in their van among other experiences.

    You can learn more about the whole family on their blog.



    Source link

  • Robert Ide // 🎧 Podcast

    Robert Ide // 🎧 Podcast


    Born in the UK, Robert has been traveling in his camper with his white lab for the last three years, visiting approximately 33 states, Canada, and Mexico.

    Prior to going full-time, he had his own consulting business involved in mergers and acquisitions along with integrating global companies.

    ** Subscribe to Stories from the Road on iTunesSpotify, or Google Play **

    Some topics we covered:

    • 3:56 – Robert’s travel beginnings
    • 8:10 – Traveling in Mexico
    • 10:50- International RVing
    • 12:29 – Biking and tent camping in Europe
    • 15:00 – Safety on the Road
    • 17:30 – Robert’s RV
    • 22:06 – Shifting tides in the RV community



    Source link

  • 6 Tips for First-Time Snowbirds

    6 Tips for First-Time Snowbirds


    Are you planning to head south this winter and enjoy a few months on the beach or in a warmer climate? Taking the time to ensure you’re well prepared will help make your seasonal winter travel that much more enjoyable.

    Follow the tips provided below to help you prepare for a stress-free snowbird season.

     

    Sign Up For Mail Forwarding

    Head south for the winter! Make the most of your snowbird season with these simple tips!Most campgrounds allow seasonal travelers to receive mail. If you’re going to be at one location all winter, your mail solution may be as simple as signing up for mail forwarding at your local post office.

    If you will be traveling to more than one location, you may want to use a service that will hold your mail and only forward upon request.

    Plan For Health Care & Medicine

    Check with your physician in advance for any prescriptions that you will need to be refilled while you are away. In most cases, you will be able to get enough refills ordered that you can just have them filled as needed at chain pharmacies like Walgreens or CVS. However, some controlled medications will require you to see a doctor at your seasonal location.

    Make a list of your doctor’s and dentist’s contact information in case you need to contact them while you are away. Keep this handy in your RV while you’re on the road.

    Check your health insurance plan to verify portability. You will want to know in advance what the rules are for any required medical care at your seasonal location.

    Manage Your Money

    Make sure your finances are in order before embarking on seasonal travel.

    Consider using automatic bill payment for recurring expenses. That way you don’t have to remember to pay it on time every pay period. Also, let your bank and credit card companies know you’ll be traveling.

    Another good thing to do is to sign up for paper-free statements so you can access them online and have one less piece of monthly mail to worry about. You want to be able to easily see where you’re money is going while on the road.

    Prepare Your Primary Residence

    Prepare your house for vacancy during the snow bird season.

    You want your home to be just the way you left it, don’t you? Well, then follow the tips below to ensure you’ll come home to a beautiful home once the weather warms up.

    • Install motion-sensitive exterior lights and interior lights on timers and set them to come on at varying times to discourage prowlers. This is one of the best ways to deter would-be thieves.
    • Stop newspaper delivery. You’re not going to be around to read the paper anyway. Consider subscribing to an online version you can read anywhere.
    • Arrange for snow removal.
    • Perform routine maintenance like having your heating system inspected and serviced.
    • Clean your home thoroughly to help discourage pests from moving in while you’re away. Also, be sure to inspect your home for openings that animals could use to enter.
    • Store valuables that you are not taking with you in a safe deposit box or other secure offsite location.
    • Ask a trusted neighbor or family member to keep an eye out for your home. If they’re heading south too, consider hiring a property management service.

    Give The RV A Thorough Inspection

    If you haven’t taken your RV out in a while, you’ll want to take a little time to get it ready for the long trip. Here are some things that you should definitely take a look at before heading out.

    • Make sure your batteries are fully charged your batteries and have the correct water level. If they were removed for storage make sure they are reconnected correctly.
    • Check the tires. Inspect them for any signs of damage and ensure they are inflated to the recommended PSI.
    • Sanitize your water system and check for leaks.
    • Connect your RV to power and test all your appliances.
    • If your RV is motorized, follow the vehicle preparation steps below.

    Don’t Forget Tow Vehicle & Driving Considerations

    Follow these tips for a safe RV trip south for the winter.

    If your RV is motorized or you have a tow vehicle that you don’t regularly drive and maintain, then you need to take some time to ensure that the vehicle is in tip-top condition. The last thing you want is to set off for a relaxing time in your RV only to end up stranded on the side of the road.

    • Get a tune-up to be prepared for the lengthy drive.
    • Check fluid levels (transmission, engine coolant, oil, windshield washer, and brake fluid).
    • Have tires, brakes, and axle bearings inspected on your RV.
    • Make sure your registration and insurance are up to date and won’t expire while you’re away.
    • Consider joining a roadside assistance program, like Good Sam, for those unexpected problems.
    • Make sure you know where you’re going. Even if you have a GPS to help you with directions, having maps as a backup doesn’t hurt. Speaking of a GPS, be sure it is the RV type so you can avoid low clearance bridges.
    • Don’t overdo it when driving. Take frequent breaks, and take your time. A well-rested and alert driver is a safe driver.

    Is there anything left out that you think should be placed on the snowbird preparation checklist? Share your best tips and tricks to help others.

     



    Source link

  • How to Enjoy Halloween at the Campground

    How to Enjoy Halloween at the Campground


    Fall is a great time of year to go camping and Halloween is no exception! Changing leaves and cooler temperatures are perfect for making fun family memories around the campfire.

    Many campgrounds offer weekends of chills and thrills during the month of October. Check out these tips for enjoying your Halloween RV adventure and make your plans now.

    Fall is the perfect time of year and Halloween is no exception. Many campgrounds have themed activities throughout September and October.

    Hayrides & Haunted Trails

    These two activities are found at many campgrounds during October. Hayrides are fun for every member of the family, young and old! They often stir up nostalgia and memories of Halloweens past.

    If you’re looking for something a little more spooktacular, many campgrounds host haunted hayrides after dark or even haunted trails in spooky woods. Scenic Ridge Campground in Whitewater, Wisconsin, has been hosting a haunted trail for over 10 years.

    Campfires

    Let’s face it, campfires are so much more fun when the weather is a bit chilly. Combine that with Halloween and October is the perfect time for telling ghost stories around the campfire.

    Campfires are especially fun on Halloween when there is a bit of a chill in the air and a thrill at telling ghost stories.

    For a special treat, substitute the marshmallows in your s’mores with Halloween Peeps. If you want to be more elaborate, prepare some Halloween candy bark in advance for your s’mores. Just melt chocolate chips, pour on a cookie sheet, and add candy corn, candy eyes, and M&M’s. Let cool, then break into s’more size pieces.

    Enjoy Halloween themed smores at your October camping trips.

    Trick or Treat

    Don’t forget to bring your costume to the campground! Halloween themed events typically include costume contests and trick or treating. If you’re going to a rustic location without planned events, bring your own goodies and surprise the other campers with treats!

    Halloween Camper Décor

    You can easily make your own inexpensive Halloween decorations like banners, flags, paper ghosts, and goblins. Carving pumpkins and creating your own jack-o-lanterns is a favorite family activity. Bring enough for everyone in your group, and you’ll have a friendly competition on your hands.

    If making your own decorations isn’t your thing, you can go all out like the campsite contest winner shown below with inflatable decorations and lights.

    Campsite decorating contests are a popular October camping activity.

    Find Your Halloween RV Camping Destination

    By now, I’m sure you’re convinced to go camping for Halloween. Here are a few suggestions for a great camping destination:

    Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at River Bottom Farms in Swansea, SC

    This park, which has six consecutive Halloween-themed weekends, features a haunted house. The attraction is set up inside an old 400-foot long barn with 20 to 25 actors and animatronics. Three of the Halloween-themed weekends are “no scare” weekends designed for families with younger children.

    Delaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA in Stroudsburg, PA

    The entire month of October boasts Halloween activities at this KOA. Join in the fun that includes site decoration, costume contests, campfires, and pumpkin decorating.

    Ponca State Park in Northeast, NE

    Annual Hallowfest offers a variety of unique activities that have made this event a fall tradition for many families. Activities include campsite and cabin decorating contests, a pumpkin roll, pumpkin carving contest, haunted hayrack rides, seasonal crafts, and much more.

    Lums Pond State Park in Bear, DE

    Harvest weekends include enjoying hayrides and making mini scarecrows. Halloween Hoot camping boast music, games, pumpkin decorating, crafts, trick-or-treating and more.

    Harbortown RV Resort in Monroe, MI

    Halloween fun at this campground lasts the entire month! Every weekend they host a pumpkin bounce house, costume party, haunted house, costume dance with DJ, and costume and campsite decorating contests.

    Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground at Walt Disney World in Florida

    Guests go all-out with site decorations at this popular campground. They also have an annual golf cart parade, pet parade, and pumpkin decorating contest. Weekly screenings of the 1949 Disney animated classic film “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” are held at the Tri-Circle-D Ranch Stables. On movie nights, guests are warned to watch out for galloping ghosts and be ready for an up close and personal encounter with the Headless Horseman.


    As you can see, there is plenty of Halloween fun to enjoy on your fall camping trips. So tell us, where’s your favorite Halloween camping destination?



    Source link

  • The Team Behind the Full-Time Freedom Week // 🎧 Podcast

    The Team Behind the Full-Time Freedom Week // 🎧 Podcast


    Looking to get out on the road full-time, but not sure where to start? Liz Wilcox, Julie Chickery, and Camille Attell joined us to talk about their online event, developed specifically for aspiring full-time RVers.

    Full-Time Freedom Week is a 5-day online event with over 30 speakers and industry experts giving you all the best RV information and inspiration in one place. Learn how to get and stay on the road, what RV you should buy, how to save money, how to make money on the road, and much more!

    Register today at fulltimefreedomweek.com.

    ** Subscribe to Stories from the Road on iTunesSpotify, or Google Play **

    Some topics we covered:

    • 3:43 – Assembling their “Dream Team”
    • 7:16 – The start of something bigger
    • 14:36 – Full-Time Freedom Week
    • 22:36 – Changing lives of RVers
    • 31:09 – Tips for starting your own group
    • 34:01 – Favorite experiences



    Source link