One great way to save money on your vacations is by investing in an RV. Yes, there’s obviously an initial cost, but after that, you can travel around in relative comfort and save a huge amount on accommodation prices. You’re also much more free in your travels, whether you’re going on a road trip or you’re camping in an area for a while.
However, if you’ve never travelled in an RV before, you might not know how to get it ready for your first trip. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
If you want to try out an RV holiday without making a big purchase, you could consider renting an RV first. This allows you to get the feel for travelling in an RV, but with much less of a commitment.
Of course, the best way to save money in the long run is to invest in your own RV. You can buy one second-hand to make some savings, but in any case, you will end up spending a lot less on vacations and accommodation if you have your home away from home already.
When getting an RV, think about your budget and your needs. Smaller, cheaper RVs are much simpler than larger luxury RVs, but you do have to make some sacrifices.
If you haven’t travelled in your RV for a while, you should always do some simple maintenance checks and a short test drive to make sure it's okay. It might even be worth getting it checked out by a mechanic.
Otherwise, it’s a good idea to keep your RV well maintained. Make sure the tires are properly pumped up and have good treads, and check the brakes are functioning properly. Refuel before every journey and make sure to check the oil, brake fluid, and other fluids that keep your engine going. Nobody wants their RV to break down miles from home.
You also want to make sure that you’re stocked up with your RV essentials. This includes food, bottled water, spare blankets, flash-lights, and an emergency first aid kit.
As well as the basics for survival, you want to think about your comfort. Different people have different needs, but it’s good to have a few changes of clothes, a way to wash yourself, and depending on your RV kitchen, a way to store and cook food.
Finally, make sure you have board games or something else to keep you and your family entertained on rainy days.
When you’re travelling in an RV, you might be able to stay in different places depending on the local rules. Some countries and states allow park overnight in public areas, but it’s usually best to stay in an RV park.
As well as being legal, RV parks usually have other facilities and creature comforts to make your stay more enjoyable and more comfortable. This might include restrooms and showers or even nearby activities to keep you busy.
Getting an RV
If you want to try out an RV holiday without making a big purchase, you could consider renting an RV first. This allows you to get the feel for travelling in an RV, but with much less of a commitment.
Of course, the best way to save money in the long run is to invest in your own RV. You can buy one second-hand to make some savings, but in any case, you will end up spending a lot less on vacations and accommodation if you have your home away from home already.
When getting an RV, think about your budget and your needs. Smaller, cheaper RVs are much simpler than larger luxury RVs, but you do have to make some sacrifices.
Maintenance Checks
If you haven’t travelled in your RV for a while, you should always do some simple maintenance checks and a short test drive to make sure it's okay. It might even be worth getting it checked out by a mechanic.
Otherwise, it’s a good idea to keep your RV well maintained. Make sure the tires are properly pumped up and have good treads, and check the brakes are functioning properly. Refuel before every journey and make sure to check the oil, brake fluid, and other fluids that keep your engine going. Nobody wants their RV to break down miles from home.
Supplies
You also want to make sure that you’re stocked up with your RV essentials. This includes food, bottled water, spare blankets, flash-lights, and an emergency first aid kit.
As well as the basics for survival, you want to think about your comfort. Different people have different needs, but it’s good to have a few changes of clothes, a way to wash yourself, and depending on your RV kitchen, a way to store and cook food.
Finally, make sure you have board games or something else to keep you and your family entertained on rainy days.
RV Parks and Accommodation
When you’re travelling in an RV, you might be able to stay in different places depending on the local rules. Some countries and states allow park overnight in public areas, but it’s usually best to stay in an RV park.
As well as being legal, RV parks usually have other facilities and creature comforts to make your stay more enjoyable and more comfortable. This might include restrooms and showers or even nearby activities to keep you busy.
What about you, how did you prepare for your first RV trip? Feel free to share any tips & advice below! (Image credit: Unsplash)
