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The 2023 holiday season is anticipated to be one of the most hectic on record. Approximately 122 million individuals intend to travel between Thanksgiving and the New Year, representing 63 percent of leisure travelers. Among these, 20 million plan to travel in an RV.
The freedom and convenience of traveling in an RV are truly worth anticipating. However, many things can go wrong, especially for first-timers. So before the thrill takes over, staying mindful of the potential issues commonly encountered on an RV trip is crucial.
As a first-timer, it’s perfectly understandable to experience some mishaps along the way. However, proper planning and research can help keep them to a minimum, whether purchasing the vehicle or securing a long-term RV rental for your first trip.
For starters, here’s a list of the common mistakes you should avoid and prepare for when traveling in an RV for the first time. Learning from the experiences of others can help make your trip less stressful.
Driving an Inappropriate RV
There are many RV options available, whether you’re buying or renting. They range from motorhomes to travel trailers and camper vans. Don’t get carried away with the interior and amenities; getting overexcited about traveling in an RV and its luxurious features is typical among first-timers. If you’re not careful, you may rush into selecting the first one you come across without considering your needs.
Choosing and driving an inappropriate RV is a common mistake that can result in more frustration and difficulties. Determining which RV will best suit your travel needs and lifestyle can be overwhelming.
The RV size and the number of people you’re traveling with are great starting points to consider. Motorhomes with more space and amenities are more suitable for families and larger groups. Meanwhile, camper vans may offer enough space if you travel solo or as a couple.
Not Mapping and Checking Driving Routes
Having the flexibility to travel where you desire and at your own pace is one of the benefits of RV travel. The idea of going as you please without a planned route seems exciting. But it’s another mistake that first-timers commonly make and often find unenjoyable.
Not mapping and checking driving routes can lead to unexpected road closures and construction zones, which can cause unnecessary delays. Dealing with these situations can be more frustrating if you don’t have a plan for alternative routes.
Before hitting the road, map out your driving routes and rest stops. Take the time to research the destinations you’re visiting. Tools like Google Maps can make planning for your road trip easier. However, exercise caution when using your phone’s navigation system.
Depending solely on your smartphone for directions can lead you into potentially dangerous situations. Likewise, not all areas have internet or cellphone service. As a backup, ensure you have paper maps at your disposal.
Overpacking or Underpacking
Packing for an RV trip is often tricky, especially if it’s your first time. It’s typical for first-timers to feel uncertain about what to bring and leave behind. As a result, many end up packing unnecessary items and overlooking the essentials.
Packaging more or less than you need when traveling in an RV is not a good idea. Since RVs are larger than regular vehicles, it’s easy to overpack and make the RV feel at home. Overpacking is the primary enemy of most RVers everywhere.
Bringing more than you need can make the space cramped and crowded. It can also contribute to the excessive weight of the vehicle, which can damage the tires. However, being careless about underpacking is a bad idea, too.
Unlike a hotel, you won’t have access to complete supplies and amenities when staying in an RV. Therefore, you don’t want to miss packing some essentials. You can check resources online to learn how to pack enough for your entire RV trip.
Camping Without Advanced Reservations
Spontaneity is part of the excitement of an RV trip. But for first-timers like you, showing up at a campground and getting turned away because of full bookings may be challenging. Expecting that there will always be room is a mistake you should avoid, especially on your first RV trip.
Most RV camps or parks require reservations, and they fill up much faster, especially during peak season. If you don’t make early reservations, you’ll likely get stuck in a convenience store’s parking lot for the night.
Call ahead to avoid inconvenience and spare yourself unnecessary stress and disappointment. Suppose you still prefer not to make advanced reservations. You must check in as early as possible to get a chance for early campground registration.
Make the Most of Your First RV Travel Experience
There’s no perfect way to travel in an RV. Mistakes can happen anytime, whether you’re an experienced RV traveler or a first-timer. However, you can minimize the inconvenience and risks on the road through adequate planning and research.
The last thing you want is to ruin your trip or end it early because of costly yet preventable mistakes. Hence, being mindful of them is an excellent starting point. Otherwise, they may cost you time, effort, and money.
But remember to experience and enjoy the freedom and benefits of traveling in an RV. You also would not want to miss the fun because you’re afraid of making mistakes. RVing doesn’t always go smoothly. Just prepare beforehand and make the most of your first RV travel experience.
Image by Roadpass on Unsplash
