• About
  • Blog
  • Working together
  • Testimonials
  • Contact

Girl Gone Travel

Girl Gone Travel

North America, Travel
/
June 13, 2014

Taking an RV Vacation

Enjoyed this post? Give it some love and share!
Share

The first time I ever took an RV vacation was when I was about 6 years old. My father, mother, and I ventured from New York City to Florida. You would think I wouldn’t remember that trip, but there are a few things about it that I have never forgotten.

Like watching the sunsets during the long drives my dad would insist on. Or my frustration that our little black and white, portable television couldn’t get good enough reception for my favorite shows (though today, you can easily find an RV with an updated, fully functional color television set). I remember liking my bunk bed in the RV and my mom making food in the kitchen.

I always thought it interesting that my parents chose to travel with an RV. They weren’t really outdoorsy people who camped or hiked. But as newly minted American citizens, an RV road trip was as American as apple pie and they wanted every piece of it.

My second RV trip was with a group of 5 other women, two of which I knew and three whom I’ve never met before.

Six women in an RV for 8 nights together. What could go wrong?

Girlgonetravel RV tripGirlgonetravel RV trip

Well, surprisingly enough, not a lot. Our trip was an exciting one, starting from Las Vegas and going along various points of the Southwest including cities like Santa Fe, Grand Canyon, and Taos, just to name a few.

Campsites varied. The one in Las Vegas was located on a parking lot behind the Circus Circus resort and close to all the lights, action, and glimmer of the city and the one in Wahweap Campground in Arizona was on a beautiful hill with views to a gorgeous sunset and Lake Powell. I learned that for me the ideal park site is all about a destination with views or easy access to beautiful outdoor activities, as well as showers, laundry, and WiFi.

Girlgonetravel RV tripWe definitely enjoyed some RV parking sites more than others. Just research them carefully before booking to make sure they have what you are looking for.Wahweap Campground in Arizona_girlgonetravel

Girlgonetravel RV trip Girlgonetravel RV tripThe sunsets at Wah Weap Campground in Arizona were magical.

Some of the women cooked a few times, and we snacked often on food that we picked up at grocery stores along the way and I like that we could do that. Since the RVs come equipped with full kitchens (stove, oven, and even microwave) it’s easy to prepare food once parked inside. And if you find a campsite with a BBQ grill you can also prepare for that.

Girlgonetravel RV triprv vacation_girlgonetravelWe bought a lot of our own food at local stores and saved money on not having to eat out at restaurants.

I wasn’t able to drive because I missed the training video that renters have to watch if they want to be on the drivers list. But the ladies all took turns and we all learned that extra time should be allotted for schedules when driving an RV, as it is heavier and slower than a car.

What I enjoyed about RVing is what I enjoy about road trips in general. They allow you to cover a lot of ground, but also discover those in-between spots along the way. And though I can’t say that there weren’t times when we appreciated a bit more space out of the vehicle sometimes, we bonded and shared a lot of laughs. Even when we short circuited the RV (because, well, bloggers…), we were able to make the best of it, even worked on fixing it ourselves.

Girlgonetravel RV tripWe brought portable WiFi with us for working while someone else drive, but we also had of just enjoying each other’s company and conversation.

I liked how it’s a vacation with as few distractions as you’d like and with lots to see and do, if you want to.

I didn’t realize all the work involved in managing the RV. There are a lot of tubes to connect, things to flush out, and details to be aware of so that everything runs smoothly (like toilets and water).

When renting an RV is important to keep in mind costs beyond the rental itself and the fuel. Unless you choose to pack and bring it yourself, you have to rent everything else from plates, cups, and utensils to sheets, pillows, and towels. There are also campsite fees, that apply not just for the rental of the site where you will park your RV, but also for hook up facilities to dump out dirty water, recharge your generator, or get electricity, and fill up your clean water tanks.

Overall the cost for renting an RV can vary depending on the size, length of rental, and supplies needed. But when I take into account the amount I spend to fly my family of 5 to just one destination, it almost comes to about the same…and we don’t often get to see as much.

Like my parents before me, I would take an RV vacation with my kids in tow  It’s an experience I think every kid should have, at least once. Having gone on this trip with my girlfriends taught me a lot about what to look for, what to expect, and how to prepare.

It also reminded me of how much beauty there is to discover, much of which we often miss when flying.

Visit GoRVing.com for more information. Follow the conversation online with #GoRVing.

 

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

 

Related

Enjoyed this post? Give it some love and share!
Share
Pin this Post
Share this Post
Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

You May Also Like...

Christmas Tree Hunting in Long Island, NY

December 12, 2008

Fort Tryon Park, Washington Heights, NY

December 10, 2008

Winter afternoon in the Bronx Zoo, NY

December 16, 2008
2 Comments
  • Jody
    June 13, 2014

    Our first RV rental – before we made the big to buy one- was from a small, local RV rental company. It had everything in it- linens on the bed, utensils, plates, even pans to cook in. even included a little goodie bag with treats for the kids. But that’s what you get from a small, local business. My point: don’t automatically go for the big rental companies, look for something local first.

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Jody
      June 13, 2014

      Good to know, Jody! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Previous Post
A Return to France
Next Post
Wine Adventures through The Loire Valley, France

Categories

  • Asia5 Post(s)
  • Caribbean17 Post(s)
  • Central America4 Post(s)
  • Europe54 Post(s)
  • North America318 Post(s)
  • Oceana1 Post(s)

About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

Contact

  • caincarol@gmail.com

Follow @girlgonetravel

Let’s be real: Halloween Season comes and goes t Let’s be real: Halloween Season comes and goes too fast, so if you missed it, I wanted to share this fun Halloween experience to add to your bucket list for next year: the @Naumkeag Pumpkin Show, in the Berkshires’ Stockbridge, MA. 

🎃 Book your tix and time slot online (later times are the most popular). 
🎃 Park at a designated spot in Downtown Stockbridge and take a short bus ride to Naumkeag, a 44-room Gilded Age “cottage” with 8 acres of awe-inspiring natural beauty, including public gardens.
🎃 Tour the gardens, and through some indoor space to view over 1500 mums, carved displays, and more!
🎃 This is a family-friendly experience, and accessibility is limited, including for strollers and wheelchairs. 
🎃 On non-events occasions and depending on weather, the property is available for pre-booked tours. 
🎃 Missed Halloween? Book a tour of their Winter Lights holiday displays which kicks off end of November!

#berkshiresma #naumkeagpumpkinshow #stockbridgema @visittheberkshires #halloween
The transition of light in my “front yard.” Pe The transition of light in my “front yard.” Perks of country living.

Keuka Lake beauty. Finger Lakes dream. 

#fingerlakes #fingerlakesregion #fallday #countrylifecitygirl
Check out our most recent staycation spot here in Check out our most recent staycation spot here in the Finger Lakes!

Nestled in a maple grove on the @flxciderhouse farm, is their latest lodging option, the Maple Grove Yurt. This cozy, handcrafted yurt, complete with a hobbit door is nestled in the woods offering a serene and peaceful stay, only steps from the cider house and restaurant, and a short drive from Ithaca, waterfalls, lakes, and more!

This is one of three stay options to choose from. Follow @ciderhousestays for more info. 

#fingerlakes #fingerlakesregion #flxvacation #farmstays #farmgetaway
Is a day enough to really experience Massachusetts Is a day enough to really experience Massachusetts’ Berkshire County? Not even close. But if you needed a quick little fix of mountain air, a day trip will do. 

Here were my stops on this 24 hour jaunt to the Berkshires:

📍Coffee and a morning bite at @wanderberkshires in Pittsfield, MA
📍@themountlenox author Edith Wharton’s home, for forest strolling, sculpture and flower garden admiring, and summer cottage touring - and for a light lunch in Lenox, MA. 
📍Mount Greylock for a drive up to Massachusetts’ highest point (at 3,489 feet) and some epic views.
📍Dinner and drinks at @touristswelcome in North Adams. 
📍Sunset views from Pontoosuc Lake near Pittsfield, MA. 

#bershirecountrymasschusetts #theberkshires #daytrip #roadtrip #intheberkshires @visittheberkshires
On my previous visit to The Berkshires, I shared a On my previous visit to The Berkshires, I shared a phenomenal dining experience at Tourists Welcome in North Adam’s, MA. 

And I have two more wonderful spots to add to my growing list….alreasy popular with those in the know, so I am just chiming in to further affirm all the accolades. 

Starting with @havencafebakery in Lenox, MA. Super friendly staff, killer chai (and an awesome tea selection) and a small but delightfully seasonal menu. Felt super “homemade” in the yummy, cozy way that makes you feel nostalgic. 

My mind was blown at @statefoodndrink in North Adams, MA. Come on Mondays and experience a Southern classics menu, which …zomg…so good! I cried a little inside to be missing out on their Vietnamese night (Tuesday) but promised Chef Tu Le I would be back for that and their weekend brunch 🙌🏾. The vibe is also welcoming, even for such a massive, factory space, and it felt fun with several community-focused happenings taking place in the surrounding spaces. An immediate favorite and a must on your next trip to The Berkshires! 

#berkshiresma #foodietiktok #goodeatsberkshires @visittheberkshires
Come with me on a little hike in the Berkshires, M Come with me on a little hike in the Berkshires, MA with no trending audio as distraction. 

The Cascades Trail is an easy 2.1 mile hike in and out in the City of North Adams. We all needed a quiet little escape into the woods along a rushing brook, over a few wooden bridges and fallen foliage and towards a  small cascade. 

There are countless hikes for every type of adventure-seeker, but when the goal is just a stroll and a moment of connection with nature and your thoughts, there are plenty of those trails too. 

#berkshiresma #hikeinma #easytrails #getoutsidema @visittheberkshires

Copyright © 2025 Girl Gone Travel | Privacy Policy | Copyright Notice