Staying at a hotel or motel can be nice, but bringing your home with you is a much better deal if you are a spontaneous traveler. Specifically, Recreational Vehicle (RV) travel is a great option for many people who enjoy spending time on the road whenever their schedules allow.

@hellolovelyliving

Having a house on wheels has many benefits, but if this is your first time preparing for this type of travel, here is everything you need to know to ensure a positive experience. 

No. 1

Looking for the right RV

If you are looking to buy your first RV, there are several things you need to consider. First, think about how many people will travel with you. Your party size will dictate the size of your vehicle.

Also, consider the amount of time you will be spending on the road. If you are just planning to use your RV on the weekends, you will be able to pack all of your necessities in a smaller one. On the other hand, if you are planning cross-country tours, you will need more room for not only your luggage but for tanks and generators as well.

Finally, before you pick your new RV, consider how you will use it in the future. Are you planning to park it somewhere and then explore your surroundings by bike? Are you going to spend plenty of time indoors, or do you plan to use your RV just as a place to crash? Answers to these questions will help you determine the size of your future home on wheels. 

No. 2

Making it a home

Whether you are planning to remodel an old RV completely or enjoy your new vehicle as it is, it is recommended to add RV insulation for extra comfort. This is especially important if you are planning to travel during summer or winter when the temperatures are extremely high or very low. 

No. 3

Setting a realistic budget

Traveling with an RV includes plenty of expenses, some of which are rather obvious, and some of which are not. For instance, besides gas and insurance costs, you also need to leave a place in your budget for hoses, wheel chocks, and other RV-specific purchases. 

No. 4

Finding the best insurance option

Your RV is just like any other vehicle, and you will need to insure it. Most insurance companies offer insurance for RVs, so shop around and look for the best rates. If you are buying an RV from a dealership, you will probably get an offer from an insurance company they work with. 

No. 5

Planning the route

To plan your next getaway in your RV, you must find roads that can accommodate the height and weight of your vehicle. Also, make campground reservations in advance. RV travels are very popular right now, so it is better to book reservations at parks or private campgrounds a few weeks before your trip than to end up having no place to park.

When it comes to packing, focus on the essentials first, and do not stress out about things you didn’t bring, which you can easily replace while on the road.

Keep in mind that getting from point A to point B takes longer when you are traveling with an RV, so look for gas stations that accommodate RVs, bring along extra gas in a gas can, and look for any roadside stops. 

No. 6

Storing your RV

Since you won’t spend every day on the road, you need to think about where you will keep your RV during those days when you are staying at home. If you live on a property where you can store your RV, you are in luck. You can save on storage fees and use your vehicle as a guest house.

If this is not an option, you will need to look for an RV storage. The costs of this storage will depend on the size of your vehicle, and sometimes these places even have a waiting list. Bear in mind that you will need a proper RV cover, tire covers, and locks to properly store your RV.

Takeaways

Traveling with an RV means traveling in your home away from home. No matter where the road takes you, you will have everything you need for a remarkable vacation. So long as you do a bit of planning and preparation, you can settle into the ease of taking off whenever you decide to go exploring. So, slow down, take a deep breath, and enjoy your next RV adventure.

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We’re two weeks into 2019, and I’m making it a point to explore a lot more of California and hopefully travel out of state a few times this year. I love to travel, and I am already getting antsy from keeping still for too long, and I’ve only been in California for a year. I believe traveling and getting beyond your comfort zone is so important for growth and in realizing that there is so much more beyond us and outside our little box that we create for ourselves sometimes.

Over the weekend, we took a drive to Oceanside, which is around an hour from where I live. You don’t need to hop on a plane to travel - just hop in your car! I was absolutely blown away by the colors of the sunset and the water when I arrived. I did not want to leave! I’ll be sharing a few photos from that day and a brief writeup from one of my Hello Lovely Living contributors about why traveling is so good for you.

Have you booked your next vacation yet? You should, as traveling is good for your mind, body, and soul. If you know you are long overdue for a holiday, let this article offer you the incentives you need to book your next flight and escape into your nearest getaway. You might then reach new levels in your life, giving you a sense of renewal in a holistic and meaningful way.

Traveling is good for the mind

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You probably don't need us to tell you this, but for your mental wellbeing, traveling is a must. It will sharpen your mind, and you will be forced to think on your feet, such as when you're trying to navigate new places or make sense of foreign languages.

According to this article, traveling is also a number one mood booster because getting away from it all is an effective way to alleviate the symptoms of stress and depression.

You will also increase in knowledge since while traveling, you will get to experience new cultures, tastes, sights, and sounds, each of which will grow your mind and your perspectives on life.

Traveling is good for the body

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This depends on you, of course. If you spend all of your vacation time sunbathing on the beach and eating and drinking anything that is an escape from your usually carefully-prescribed diet, then you are doing your body a disservice.

On the other hand, if you explore your surroundings by hiking on foot or by using a bicycle, spend some of your days swimming in the sea or in the pool, and make use of the exercise facilities at the hotel, then you are going to do your body a lot of good.

That mixed with the health benefits of the sun in more tropical climates and the courage to try some of the more healthier cuisines will ensure your body feels the benefits while away.

Traveling is good for the soul

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We aren't necessarily talking about the religious benefits of traveling, although many people do find the ability to connect with their faith when away. Rather, we are suggesting that traveling is a good way to help you connect with yourself.

This is your opportunity to get away from it all, so while you might still keep in touch with friends and family back home through phone or this physical address service, you might also want to remove yourself from the chaos and people of your life by finding time to be alone.

It's while you are away that you will be able to gain a new perspective on your life and on who you are as a person. You might spend time meditating on mountain tops or on a secluded part of a tropical beach to ponder life's bigger questions.

You will have the opportunity to think without your usual distractions getting in the way. As you learn new things about yourself, and as you get a better sense of reality away from life's worries, you should return home with a renewed soul and vigor for life.

So, what are you waiting for? For both body, mind and soul, getting away from it all could be the best thing you do this year. Book a flight away, and renew every aspect of your life. It could be just what you need to do to feel complete again.

If you are looking for a place to stay while traveling, I highly recommend Airbnb. You can find really affordable and convenient places to stay within the area you want to explore while still feeling at home. Get $40 off your first Airbnb trip with the link below!

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where are you wanting to travel to this year?

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