With international travel on hold, folks are discovering the joys of local exploration. From the U.S. to Canada, England, Europe, and New Zealand, people are hitting the road in cars, campervans, and RVs. It’s a great way to maintain social distancing while still enjoying the great outdoors!
My friends Mike and Anne from HoneyTrek, who are full-time RVers, have some great tips for starting your RV adventure on a budget. A few years ago, the van life trend sparked curiosity about traveling across North America. But with the onset of COVID-19, the idea of having a mobile home suddenly became very appealing.
RVing is a safe and convenient way to travel. You don’t have to worry about crowded planes or questionable hotel rooms. You have the freedom to explore and the comfort of your own space. Mike and Anne have tried all sorts of travel styles, but they fell in love with RVing when they rented a campervan in New Zealand. For the past three years, they’ve been traveling full-time in their 1985 Toyota Sunrader, "Buddy the Camper," covering everything from the Baja Peninsula to the Arctic Circle and 47 states in between.
They’ve learned a lot and are eager to share their insights. Here are some key points to consider before setting out on your RV journey:
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Choosing the Right Size RV: A camper around 21 feet long is recommended for the best balance of adventure and comfort. Bigger RVs may look tempting, but remember that size can limit mobility. A shorter rig allows you to access rugged terrain, fit in regular parking spaces, avoid length restrictions on winding roads and ferries, get better gas mileage, and have fewer things to break.
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Powering Your RV: RVs and campers have a house battery to run lights, water pumps, fans, and power electronics. You can keep it charged by driving a few hours per day, plugging in at a campground, running a generator, or using solar panels. If you’re planning to travel long-term, consider installing a solar system.
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Getting Internet: Your smartphone can serve as your router. Choose a carrier with a broad national network to ensure reception in remote areas. Monitor your usage and save big downloads and uploads for free Wi-Fi zones.
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Finding Places to Camp: There are plenty of free campsites scattered around the U.S. on public lands. You can find these spots using apps like Ultimate Campgrounds, iOverlander, and FreeCampsites.net. Traditional campgrounds can also be a great way to meet other campers and enjoy extra services.
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Urban Boondocking: You can also camp in cities if you follow a few simple rules: obey all street signs and curb markings, don’t overstay your welcome, and don’t draw attention to yourself.
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Saving Money on Gas: Use the GasBuddy app to find the cheapest gas prices along your route. Sign up for gas station rewards programs and keep your tires inflated at the recommended PSI.
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Finding the Back Roads: Set your GPS to "avoid highways" to discover the beauty of the country. America’s Byways, a collection of 150 distinct and diverse roads, are protected by the Department of Transportation for their natural or cultural value.
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Taking Glamping Breaks: Treat yourself to the occasional glamping getaway to avoid burnout. Creative outdoor accommodations with a plush bed, hot shower, and friendly host can provide a refreshing change of pace.
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Protecting Yourself and Your Ride: Consider getting RV insurance, travel insurance, and roadside assistance to be ready for whatever comes your way.
Mike and Anne are passionate about RVing and have a lot to share about road trip itineraries, buying a vintage camper, and lessons learned from three years on the road. The RV and #vanlife community online is also a great resource for help and advice.
