Tips for Planning Your Next RV Trip

Road trips are about as American as you can get, and it’s easy to see why with all the vast, dynamic landscapes this country has to offer. From endless coastlines to soaring mountains, painted deserts, endless forests, and inspiring landmarks, hitting the road in an RV is the best way to explore the natural and man-made wonders spread across the United States. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a novice to RVing, there is always something new to learn, so we’ve compiled some tips for planning your next RV adventure.

Make a Budget

Setting a budget and sticking to it is not only the first step in planning your adventure but could be the most important. The last thing you want when you’re on vacation is to find yourself miles from civilization, out of supplies and money, or worse, fuel. Food, gas, and fees are the biggest expenses when RVing. With a proper budget planned and route outlined, you will know how much food to pack, how much gas you will need along the way, and how much money to have for campground fees. Padding your budget with some extra spending cash is a good insurance policy and eliminates stress so you can enjoy your trip. Keep in mind that some places won’t accept credit cards, so having some cash on hand is always a good idea.

Plan Your Trip

Having a budget set will influence many of the decisions you make down the road when planning your vacation, like the length of your stay, where you can go, and what you will need to pack. Planning these steps will pay dividends so you can truly enjoy traveling. Having a destination in mind is an essential piece in the planning puzzle. If you’re still not sure where to go, Rjourney has locations throughout the country so you can experience the best vacation possible. Try one of the free planners specifically designed for RV trips like RV Trip Wizard, RV Life, and RoadTrippers.

Essentials for Your Next Adventure

The advantage of traveling in an RV is being able to have everything you need with you at all times. To truly reap this benefit, you need to make sure you pack accordingly. Being ill-prepared, you could find yourself paying the price, literally and figuratively. Luckily, when you stay at an Rjourney destination, you can find convenience stores at many sites just in case you forget something. Make sure to check your location before arrival.

Bring Navigational Tools

Most people who RV do so to venture into less traveled areas for amazing experiences they couldn’t have otherwise. Finding destinations off the beaten path can be difficult by its very nature, so we suggest having multiple ways to navigate with you. In the modern age, a designated GPS is a great, convenient way to get around, and these devices can have better reception than a standard cell phone. 

Remote areas are breathtaking, but given their isolated location, mobile service is not always available. We suggest packing a few maps or a road atlas of the places where you’re traveling to guarantee you can find your destination. Familiarize yourself with these maps as well as the route and roads you will be taking to avoid getting lost and any dampers on your outing. For the ultimate safety backup, pack a personal locator beacon if you plan on traveling far beyond the beaten path.

Pro tip: Access to some places may be limited by vehicle size with low clearances and weight limits. Check ahead or use an RV-specific GPS to be sure your RV can go where you want. 

Pack Enough Food and More

Packing enough food is an important but easy step in planning for your trip. A quick trip to the grocery ensures everyone will be fed and no hunger-induced arguments occur. Plan for three meals a day for everyone traveling. Be sure to pack a little extra in case of spoilage. Having some snacks on board can help fend off hunger and provide extra variety in food options. Most RVs have a place for cold food storage, but check vehicle capacity before shopping. Stocking up on dry foods is a good way to ensure enough meals are provided and be sure to take everyone’s dietary restrictions in mind.

Cooking and Grilling Supplies

Many RVs are equipped with the comforts of home, like refrigerators and kitchen appliances, but there are RVs, like camper trailers, without those comforts. Rjourney even has plenty of sites for adventurers who travel without an RV. For those of us who enjoy roughing it in the wilderness, packing the right cooking equipment can be the difference between eating a warm, hearty meal and snacking on granola. Grilling is the go-to choice for cooking while camping, and many manufacturers make small camping grills perfect for travel. Make sure to pack your fuel source like charcoal or propane as well as cooking utensils and enough skillets to prepare your meals. Many Rjourney locations have grills on-site and charcoal for sale, so be sure to check before arriving if you want to forgo packing a grill.

Pack Appropriate Clothing

When you can travel virtually anywhere, you will almost inevitably encounter many different weather conditions. Check the climate in your destinations and check the weather forecast to plan what clothes you will need. Weather can change quickly, so be sure to have alternate and backup outfits for any climates you may come across. Layering is also a great way to adapt to changes in the weather. You may not always have access to laundry while traveling, but many Rjourney sites have laundry facilities. Checking your site first is always recommended.

Hunting and Fishing Supplies

Traveling by RV can take you to some amazing places and lets you experience all nature has to offer. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, hunting and fishing are prime activities for these adventures. If this sounds like your type of vacation, be sure to take a look at Rjourney’s locations. Many of our sites are located next to state parks, hunting grounds, great fishing spots, and are even adjacent to places that offer excursions.

Additional Tools and Supplies

When preparing and packing, it is always a good idea to be over-prepared. Packing a few tools and other utility items can be the difference between a vacation to forget or one to remember forever. Here are some items that could save the day while on the road that aren’t bulky and are easily packed.

Plan Your Next Outdoor Trip With Rjourney

Whether you love to plan or not, booking a stay at Rjourney can take a lot of the guesswork out of your vacation. From family-friendly activities at our resort to nearby local attractions, you’re sure to have a memorable experience at Rjourney’s RV resorts. We even have all the comforts of home, like showers and laundry rooms, plus a convenience store if all your best planning couldn’t keep you from leaving a few essentials behind. If you’re ready to embark on your next adventure into the wilderness, reserve your stay at an Rjourney resort today!

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