Travel
Like The
"Rich and Famous. . ."
Discover How A Pauper
Travels Like A King!
Enjoying Your Vacation in an RV
by: Jim Schneider
Traveling in a Recreational Vehicle is, by most
accounts, a fun,
relaxing and enjoyable time to create some incredible stories that your
grandchildren will someday enjoy. Here are few myths and truths about
vacationing in a recreational vehicle.
Myth: Getting your own RV and using it for trips
and vacations
will save you money. Sorry, but by the time you buy/lease/rent your RV,
you probably could have flown first class and stayed at 4-star hotels.
There may be exceptions such as an inexpensive tent trailer or used
slide in camper for your pickup, but for the most part the extra cost
and expenses (gas, insurance, etc) usually are more than any savings
which you may have.
Truth: RV'ing is fun! Getting the chance to see
more of the
country and being in a relaxed mode can make your trip or vacation way
more enjoyable experience.
Truth: Your family bonds will strengthen. This
certainly has
been true for me. Since everyone should be involved in the decisions, a
feeling of teamwork and togetherness is enhanced.
Myth: Your family bonds will strengthen.
Unfortunately,
discord can happen if not all traveling members are on the same page.
Did one member of the family really just want to go to Disneyland and
back while the others preferred the more leisure approach? It's best to
work these issues out in advance.
Myth: There's no planning involved. Unless you
have more time
on your hands than most, RVing requires just as much planning as any
other vacation would. There is nothing more frustrating than pulling
into an RV park late in the day with no reservations only to find them
full. There is a 'freedom from worry' idea that RV merchants will
promote that is, to say the least, overstated.
Myth: Since you are on your own schedule, nothing
can spoil
the trip. Unfortunately, there are plenty of things that can go wrong.
In addition to the possibility of vehicle problems (engine,
transmission, etc), there are numerous systems that may cause delays
or, worse, cancellations of your plans. These include your water,
electrical, heating/cooling and other that may cause you problems. The
best solution is to become familiar with your RV before you embark on a
long trip. That investment in time will pay off handsomely.
Truth: You have more control over your trip. While
things can
go wrong, they usually don't. The result is that your trip will
probably go as expected and you aren't subject to airline delays, lost
hotel reservations and other things over which you have no control.
Truth: There is a certain comfort in knowing that
the bed you
sleep in tonight will be yours. Maybe it's not the luxurious mattress
you have at home, but it's yours and you are familiar with it. Of
course, the same things applies to other personal items as well. In
many ways it's like taking an abbreviated version of your own home with
you. Personally, I sleep better in my RV than I ever have in a hotel.
Personally, I love travelling in an RV. If I had
to state just
one thing that makes it my favorite way to vacation, it's knowing that,
while I may be travelling to unfamiliar areas, I've got my 'home' with
me.
Todays Travel Tip
One of the biggest expenses on a cruise are those cocktails! Buy
liquor onshore or at the cruise-line liquor store. Drink in your
room or poolside. Get a steward to bring ice and mixers. Our
pauper hates to spend $10 for a glass of wine. If you add up the
price of a drink or two for two people over a 7-day cruise - ouch! Check back tomorrow for
another tip.
P.S.
If you have ever wanted to travel like the "rich and famous," here is
your opportunity. The Pauper's Secret Confessions alone, are
worth 10 times the cost of this book. Never take another trip
without being prepared!
