5 Ways to Rev Up for a Travel Adventure

(Family Features) Hitting the open road continues to be an increasingly popular vacation option for families. As spring approaches, the idea of exploring the country in full bloom encourages many families to begin planning an RV travel adventure.

With more than 18,000 RV campgrounds across the United States spanning everything from vineyards to beaches to mountains, there's something for nearly everyone. There are also campgrounds that cater to certain lifestyles, like family-friendly, rustic or lux, for the ultimate adventure that fits your personality.

Travel expert Misty Wells believes living the outdoor life helps her keep a healthy connection with her two children. From fishing to paddleboarding to kayaking, Wells and her family do it all. For travelers looking to experience the outdoors, she offers these tips:

1. Decide on the best model. One of the biggest decisions is what type of RV works best for your family. If you’re not sure where to start, begin with a list of must haves. Consider sleeping areas, number of bathrooms and space to haul larger toys like four-wheelers. Knowing what features are essential and having a good idea of the nice-to-haves, too, can help you narrow your options.

2. Rent first. Renting is a good way to test different models and discover what features and layouts work best for your family. More than 460 national chain outlets and local RV dealerships rent RVs, including state-of-the-art, late-model-year units. A growing number of campgrounds offer on-site RV rentals, as well.

3. Stay close. There are few better places than local campgrounds to talk to your neighbors about their RVs. Ask about the features and brands they like, what they’d do differently and what tips they have for someone new to the RV scene. 

4. Take a short trip. Think of your first outing as a trial run. Try a weekend away before diving into a longer vacation. This can let you figure out what you might want to do differently on a longer jaunt far from home. It’s a good way to test your supplies and see what should be added or left behind. It’s also a good way to get comfortable with the controls and operations so you can spend your first extended trip simply enjoying the experience.

4. Consider practical factors. One of the most important decisions is where you’ll store your RV when it’s not in use. It’s a big investment, so protecting it from the elements and vandals is a priority. Common options are local campgrounds, an RV storage unit or even in your garage. Be sure to weigh considerations like price, security and accessibility for each option before making a final decision.

To take the first step toward your family’s RV adventure, visit GoRVing.com.

Road Trip Ready

(Family Features) Whether you're planning a cross-country vacation or just a weekend getaway, packing for a road trip doesn't have to be a daunting task. Creating a packing list of essentials can be the first step toward avoiding unnecessary stress and making your trip one to remember.

Of course, that list should start with the items you should never leave home without like your driver's license and proof of insurance, but it should also include pertinent information about your destination, like the trip's itinerary and reservation confirmations. Don't forget a map or printed directions in case your GPS dies or your phone loses service.

While even the most experienced travelers have reached their destinations only to find they left a necessity or two behind, this handy packing guide can set you on the road to success and help you avoid buying a new set of sunglasses or portable charger en route to your destination.

Safety

• Roadside Emergency Kit. In addition to having your owner's manual and the equipment necessary to change a flat tire, including a lug wrench and portable jack, keeping some additional safety supplies in your vehicle can come in handy in case of a breakdown. Consider including items like jumper cables, a tire pressure gauge, road flares, a poncho, gloves, a flashlight, a small tool set, a small fire extinguisher, paper towels or rags and duct tape.
   
• First Aid Kit. Just as your car may need patched up while on the road, someone in the traveling party may need a little TLC between stops. Some items to include: bandages, aspirin or ibuprofen, antiseptic spray, cotton balls or gauze, tweezers, hand sanitizer, antibiotic spray and bug spray.

Entertainment

• Reading Material. A road trip is the perfect time to dive into a good book, such as New York Times best-seller and Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick "The Alice Network." The enthralling historical novel from national best-selling author Kate Quinn tells the story of two women - a female spy recruited to the Alice Network, an espionage ring operating during World War I, and an unconventional American socialite searching for her cousin post-World War II. They embark on a dangerous mission to discover the truth about the betrayal that tore apart the organization, no matter the cost. Learn more at katequinnauthor.com.
   
• Technology. While cellphones often fall into the "essential" category, there are other devices that can make the miles pass by a little easier, like a laptop or tablet, but don't forget headphones and chargers for any gadgets you decide to bring.

Comfort

• Toiletries. Regardless of where your travels take you, personal hygiene will rank near the top of the list for each passenger in the vehicle. Ensure you've got your bases covered with soap, shampoo, conditioner, a comb or brush, a toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, shaving supplies, lotion, sunscreen and any additional hair accessories you may need.
   
• Snacks. It's often cheaper to pack your own snacks at home than stopping at a gas station or a drive-thru, plus you can pack some healthier choices. Consider options such as trail mix, granola bars, crackers, and dried fruits and vegetables, or if you have room for a cooler, consider fresh fruits and veggies as well as some bottled beverages.
   
• Accessories. Long periods of time spent in the car can get uncomfortable, so consider bringing along a neck pillow and blanket to make the ride more enjoyable, and don't forget to grab an umbrella in case the elements decide not to cooperate.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (women with map)

5 Tips to Start Your Own RV Adventure

(Family Features) If you’re looking for a way to get away without the hassle of planes, hotels and an exorbitant travel budget, a recreation vehicle may be just the answer.

Whether you're traveling with family, your significant other or several generations of family and friends, these tips from world-renowned auto travel expert Alan Taylor can get you on your way to an unforgettable RV vacation adventure.

1. Put style first. The first step to planning an RV getaway is deciding what works best for you: a motorhome or trailer. Motorhomes are built on a motorized chassis and are designed as temporary living quarters for camping, travel or seasonal use. Towable RVs or trailer RVs are towed by another vehicle to be moved from place to place. Many are designed to be lightweight, so even family vehicles like minivans or SUVs can tow them.

2. Take time to plan ahead. Beyond the type of RV you need, think about how you’ll use it to understand what features you’ll want. What types of trips will you take? Who will be traveling with you? What's your budget? There are hundreds of models, so how you answer these questions will guide your purchase.

3. Try it before you buy it. There’s no better way to try before you buy than by renting an RV. Many people rent RVs simply for a change of pace by taking a trip to a special event or destination. You can rent near home and journey to your final destination or fly and pick up your RV at the other end. More than 460 national chain outlets and local RV dealerships rent RVs, including state-of-the-art, late-model-year units. A growing number of campgrounds offer on-site RV rentals, as well.

Most RV rental companies offer housekeeping packages (dishes, pots, pans, bed linens, etc.) for a fee, or you can bring your own. Even if you’re driving or towing an RV for the first time, features like automatic transmissions, power steering, large external mirrors and rearview cameras make it easy for inexperienced drivers to adjust to the difference in size, height and weight.

4. Do your research. You’ll find plenty of information online, but another source of knowledge is any person who owns an RV or regularly rents one. One way to get the scoop and gather tips from experienced owners is to stay at a local campground and talk to your neighbors about their RVs. Ask questions about the space, key features, expenses, tricks they’ve learned and so on. Also be sure to ask about any problems they’ve encountered or any decisions they’d make differently if they could.

5. Get practical. Unless you’re planning to make RVing a way of life, when the vacation is over and the real world beckons, you’ll have to do something with the RV. Before you buy, be sure you have plans for storage, be it a campground, in your garage or at a storage facility. Learn what’s involved in safely storing your investment while it’s not in use and take those needs into account when considering what type of RV you’d like to own.

As you work your way through the preparations, visit GoRVing.com to learn more about the different types of RVs, get ideas about what to do and find a wealth of information, including dealers near you, as well as campgrounds, manufacturers and rental companies.