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Girl Gone Travel

North America, Travel
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June 13, 2014

Taking an RV Vacation

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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.

 

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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.

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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

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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 and 2 puppies. 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

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I’ve been a mom for a really, really long time. I’ve been a mom for a really, really long time. As the oldest of all my many, many siblings, caring for littles started very early in my life. I have cared for, changed diapers for, fed, rocked to sleep, booboo-kissed, advised, reprimanded, worried for, been frustrated and given anxiety by more kids than I care to count. Because I started caring for children so young, I was convinced I wouldn’t have any of my own. But I had my three beautiful boys.

I miss the little babies they were, sometimes to the point where it aches, but I love seeing the men they are becoming. I am most grateful to them for the ways in which they continue to help me discover more about myself both as a mom and beyond motherhood. My identity was never fully in being a mom, I never wanted that for myself and they all have respected, accepted, and given me space for that. And I love them unconditionally for it. Because as they start to find their own paths in life, I am not left with an empty anything, instead I find myself with a life fulfilled. Of which being their mom has been the greatest adventure.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mother figures, caregivers, and humans who have provided for another in loving, maternal ways regardless of biology and traditional roles and societal expectations. ♥️ May you find fulfillment, love, and joy in the ways you have tried to give to others who needed it most.
The Village of Monticello is located right off NYS The Village of Monticello is located right off NYS Route 17 (future I-86), mid-way between New York City and Binghamton. It is also the largest community of the Sullivan County Catskills. Like many rural downtowns across the U.S., Monticello has experienced some hardships. However, what I found especially lovely was how there is a vibrant BIPOC community, especially Latino, thriving with their small businesses and eateries keeping Downtown Monticello alive.

Imagine my delight to have seen several Dominican- Puerto Rican eateries serving and sounding like a slice of home. Last night’s treat was had at @nellys_latin_restaurant. 

Roasted pernil, grilled chicken, rice and peas, yuca, sweet plantains, ox tail, goat….the list goes on and on. Right here in Monticello, NY. I ate and washed it all down with a cool papaya shake, just like from the islands.

So, if driving through, be sure to check out downtown Monticello for some good Caribbean eats…and wait till I tell you about breakfast!!! Thanks @nickfingdavis for the find! 🇩🇴🇵🇷

#monticellony #catskills #goodeats @sullivancatskills
Nothing like the beautiful golden hour in @flxwine Nothing like the beautiful golden hour in @flxwinecountry.🌞

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These days you will find me walking in the rain, c These days you will find me walking in the rain, chasing waterfalls, and anything nature filled. Such is spring in the Finger Lakes 🌷

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I sometimes can’t believe how easily I fell in l I sometimes can’t believe how easily I fell in love with this life.

There was a time when my DREAM was to be one of those old NYC ladies living in a 4 story walk-up, and who people would often see pulling around her shopping cart from market to market. And while I long for a NYC that barely exists anymore, I do have to say I am still often surprised at how dramatically that dream has changed.

Now I dream of uninterrupted days spent tending to my garden and growing food and other pretty greenery I never knew I could. Or figuring out new recipes and sitting by the fire with my puppies on my lap.

I crave mornings made foggy by the adjacent lake, and early wake-ups by the sound of the passing horse and buggy on Sunday mornings.

Yeah. The world is big and there is so much I want to see still but I also love this place where it feels like nothing else matters, not even the mud on my hands and boots.

📸 Gardening bliss on a rainy day at @theflxcottage.
Yesterday, we headed to @tanglewood_nature_center Yesterday, we headed to @tanglewood_nature_center to scout a photography location. The focus was work. But as we took the 3 mile hike to the overlook, through the mud, in the rain…and the sun, because spring, and as the birds sung, the woodpeckers pecked, and the deer strutted, I felt myself feel lighter, happier, and at ease. With just a walk, in this beautiful place. Alongside my beautiful partner.

If you call the Finger Lakes home, I hope you can also appreciate it and the gifts it offers, even when we least expect it. And if you need a reminder, just go outside.

#tanglewoodnaturecenter #fingerlakes

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