Since the beginning of the pandemic, travelers have been increasingly looking towards RV & Campers as a safe and convenient way to travel. In fact, according to a report published by the Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA), there was a surge of 9.1 million first-time campers that registered for their campsites in 2021. Many of which cited the pandemic as the primary reason for their camping experience.1
So with first-time RV and camper trips on the upward trend, it’s never a bad idea to be reminded of a few helpful tips for your trip!
1- Make sure your camper or RV meets the requirements of your planned trip. When you are in the process of buying (or renting) an RV or camper for a long trip, make sure that your vehicle meets your size requirements, gas mileage preference and that it can handle the type of terrain you plan on traveling on. Asking lots of questions when going through the buying/renting process is important to get your trip off to a smooth start!
2- Plan your route well in advance. With the frequency and use of the GPS in today’s world, it is easy to become too dependent on the GPS when traveling. Unfortunately, you could run into bad reception areas and your GPS may not be available for you to rely on. Plan your trip far enough in advance that you can study and get sense of the route you are taking. The more familiar you are with the plan, the better.
3- Make campground reservations. Since the popularity of camping has been quickly rising, you need to make sure you have all your reservations set as early as possible! Especially, if you are visiting a popular national park.
4- Never leave food outside of your RV or camper! If you are first-time camper, this can be an easy one to forget, because you are not as familiar with nature and the safety procedures you should adhere to. Never leave food outside of the vehicle you are travelling in! Leaving food outside can attract animals and wildlife, which can then lead to serious safety concerns for your travelling party. Be vigilant!
If this is your first time spending a vacation in a RV or camper, please take the advice mentioned above seriously. While the trip and landscapes you will experience will be breathtaking, you need to remember that life in the wilderness is not something to take lightly. Value your preparation time for your first camping trip, it will make the experience that much more rewarding!
Source:
1- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/camping-hits-new-record-with-57-million-households-flocking-to-the-outdoors-in-2021-301531301.html