Everything about your RV adventure is about you, not somebody else’s idea of what a vacation should look like. You load up your vehicle with the comforts and accouterments that you want, and you decide where you park and for how long. It’s traveling on your own terms.
Taking a short break or even an extended vacation in a recreational vehicle (RV) is a wonderful way to experience a journey. Unlike traditional forms of accommodation like hotels, motels, and apartments, you are not beholden to a single location in the heart of a tourist spot; instead, you become the master of your own destination, choosing where you lay your head, getting off the beaten track and staying in what might typically be an expensive, complicated or otherwise in-accessible location.
Everything about your RV adventure is about you, not somebody else’s idea of what a vacation should look like. You load up your vehicle with the comforts and accouterments that you want, and you decide where you park and for how long. It’s traveling on your own terms.
Have you ever reached your vacation rental only to find the hotel is disappointing, the neigh-bors a little too noisy, or the food is underwhelming? Not so in your RV. You don’t have to compromise on comfort either, as some models will give you access to private toilets, kitchen appliances, and showers, which is a luxury if you are taking a short break to a music festival or a remote spot.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best places to take a road trip in your RV, along with some useful tips to make your trip safe and fun for the whole family.
Some of America’s best RV road trips
There’s no doubt that one of the absolute joys of taking a trip in your RV is not making any plans whatsoever and simply pointing yourself in a direction and seeing where the road takes you. Being a little looser with your planning can certainly throw up some exciting discoveries and fun adventures, but if you want recommendations, the following drives are packed full of beautiful scenery and plenty of interesting places to stop, explore and perhaps stay the night. In an RV, it’s up to you!
Blue Ridge Parkway
Imagine winding through nearly 500 miles of the Appalachian mountain ranges and taking in all that stunning scenery en route. With plenty of places to stop and rest, perhaps for the night and all those wide-open roads, it’s easy to see why this is such a popular RV route.
Big Sur Coastal Highway
If exploring California is your thing, then you can’t beat the Big Sur Coastal Highway for some stunning ocean views. This route makes it easy to visit all the popular Californian hot spots, and if the mood takes you, why not venture inland and head through the Nevada Desert and try your luck on the Las Vegas slots?
Columbia River Highway
If the Pacific Northwest is more your thing, then this route, starting near Portland, will take you through the scenic Columbia River Gorge. There are plenty of rest stops and well-appointed campsites on the way too, so you’ll always have somewhere to rest or stay for the night.
(Get your kicks) Route 66
Everybody has heard of this infamous cross country route, and it has become a bit of a cultural icon over the years thanks to popular music and movies. It’s a long old haul from Illinois to Southern California, so make sure you’re well stocked up. You can visit some extraordinary plac-es on the way too, including the bright lights of Las Vegas and the stunning views of the Grand Canyon.
Yellowstone National Park and the Rockies
One of the most beautiful places in the world, nestled in the state of Montana, is Yellowstone National Park. Don’t forget to take in Grand Teton and The Rocky Mountain National Parks too, and you’ll find yourself very quickly lost in nature; perhaps park up the RV in a quiet spot and sit out under the stars.
Top tips for a successful RV road trip
• Don’t forget to stock up on medical supplies, a fully loaded first aid kit, and a working fire ex-tinguisher, so you’re prepared for any emergencies.
• Whether you’re looking for RV rentals in Las Vegas or Illinois, make sure you book well in ad-vance to ensure you can rent the right vehicle to suit your travel dates.
• Some stretches of your trip can be long, so bring some entertainment such as board games, playing cards and music to keep the family occupied when they are bored or perhaps tired out from all the adventuring.
• Plan well ahead with your food, as eating out every day can be expensive, so prepare and store some ready-made meals and ensure you have all the gear and supplies to cook on the road. You may even have a fridge on board your RV so you can keep food fresh for a long time out in the wild. A campsite BBQ is a great way to unwind after a busy day.
• You won’t always have access to running water, so take some disposable (recyclable) bowls and cutlery so you can always be prepared. Make sure you don’t leave anything behind, though, and always respect the environment you are in.
Entertaining the family on your road trip
Just like regular camping, an RV break is perfect for the whole family. It’s ideal bonding time and a great way to spend some quality time together, away from screens and devices, in nature and exploring. There are all sorts of ways you can make an RV trip even more family-friendly; here are a few ideas:
• Take a look along your route for some family-friendly fun like a zoo, a water park or an amusement park
• Don’t forget to add in a beach stop for some fun in the water; take some snorkels and surf-boards just in case.
• Take your kids to museums and art galleries on the way, so you can learn together about local history and culture
• Look out for family-friendly music, food or cultural festivals en route and time your trips ac-cordingly
• Try to visit some historical battlefields in the areas you pass through and let your kids’ imagi-nations run wild
With some sensible planning with your route and the right supplies, you will have the most amazing vacation in your RV.
