012: Family RV Travel Tips

Have you ever wanted to take an RV vacation or maybe even sell everything and travel full-time? Get some RV travel tips from Bryanna from Crazy Family Adventure as you learn how her family of six travels the United States in an RV. We talk about how to pick a campground, what you need to pack and how to cook during an RV trip.   ON THE PODCAST 0:44 Kim and Tamara talk about their "camping" and RV experience 5:46 Camping menu planner 7:23 Bryanna from Crazy Family Adventure 11:15 Where they have traveled 13:49 How they make it work financially 19:00 The difference between travel and vacation 20:01 Getting started camping/RVing 21:12 What to look for in an RV 22:12 What to look for in an RV park 24:00 Boondocking vs. State/National Parks 24:50 Hook up differences 25:45 What to pack for an RV trip 28:30 Other RV travel tips 31:10 When to book your stay 32:25 Bryanna's favorite travel outfit 35:13 Tips of the week 36:24 Stay tuned next week to hear about Iceland from a special guest! ABOUT BRYANNA FROM CRAZY FAMILY ADVENTURE Bryanna, her husband, four kids, and two dogs sold everything, bought an RV and are traveling full-time around the US for the past two years. They write about family travel and what life is like on the road at Crazy Family Adventure. They also post daily on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat. So far they have road tripped through the midwest and southeastern United States and also spent five weeks in Yellowstone National Park. RV TRAVEL TIPS If you aren't traveling full-time, just look for the basic necessities in an RV and go as small as you can for ease of travel because you will be spending your time outside and doing things Look to state and national parks if you want more of a camping experience, whereas if they have a pool, it is probably more of a resort feel Be sure to look at the size of the RV sites (60x80 +) to see how much space you will have between you and your neighbors Boondocking / Business Land Management -- no hook ups are available and there isn't anyone nearby Investigate what types of hook ups are available -- with a sewer hook up you can shower, go to the bathroom, etc.; whereas an electric only hook up will be more limiting When it comes to packing, don't overdo it. Bring things that are easy to grill and eat outside. Frozen veggies last longer but fridges/freezers are small so keep that in mind when you are shopping. Other good things to have include outdoor chairs, outdoor games/balls, flashlights and other things to keep kids occupied When planning your trip, be prepared that getting set up and situated can be very tiring and time consuming so plan on spending at least two nights in each location If possible, towing a car makes it easier to see more of the sights without moving the camper/RV If you are traveling during prime season, book your camping spot in advance. National parks may book up a year in advance FAVORITE TRAVEL GEAR Without a lot of space to store clothes, Bryanna's favorite travel outfit consists of black yoga pants from Target, Adidas sandals or Keen sandals for hiking, and a tank top or a t-shirt and a buff/headband. TIP/APP OF THE WEEK Taking firewood across state lines is illegal so plan on purchasing firewood after you arrive. Also, be sure to bring along cash or a check because many campsites do not accept credit cards. MENTIONED ON THE PODCAST Camping is Cool Pinterest Board Camping Menu Meal Planning Camping at the KOA   Follow Along and Spread the Word! If you liked this show, please be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher or the podcast app of your choice and leave us a review! Have a question or comment? Send us an email or leave us a voicemail at +1.641.715.3900, ext. 926035#   You can also follow our travels on Stuffed Suitcase and We3Travel, or follow the Vacation Mavens on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Thanks for listening!