Time to Celebrate!

8 Tips for Happy Camping With Your Pet

Your pet is going to have their own idea of how much they like or dislike your imposing a move or trip on them. What we can offer here are ways to help them acclimate to their new situation.

1. Keep Things Familiar

Your pet usually has a schedule at home. A food schedule, walking schedule, a time that you come home, entertainment time and so on. When you go on a trip, try to keep some of that schedule the same. Bring the things they use from home such as their bedding, food and water bowls and any toys that they like to play with. Make an effort to feed them around the same time you usually do at home. ​This isn't rocket science, but it might not cross your mind until it's too late. Your pet(s) will appreciate your keeping some things familiar to them. Your payback just might be that they don't bark or meow incessantly. They will also settle in faster.

2. ​Exercise Your Dogs As Much As Possible

Dogs need stimulation. The best stimulation you can give them is a structured walk. No, we don't mean taking them out to a dog park and letting them run around with crazy energy. This is akin to letting kids out to play at recess. When they come back in, they are even MORE wound up than they were before recess. Dogs need a mental challenge and a structured, calm, LONG walk is the #1 best way to achieve this. It will get you off of the couch at the same time. What are you doing on the couch on a camping trip, anyway?

3. Don't Put Them In Your Trailer While Driving​

We understand that not many dog or cat owners out there use a harness/seat belt for their pets when in transit. This was going to be our #1 recommendation, until we saw a video about how many of them fail. We still believe the car will be safer and more comfortable than in your trailer. Why not in the trailer? First, you aren't there with them so their fear factor is likely to rise​. To them, they are riding alone in what to them could be a building having an ongoing earthquake. They don't know what's going on really, so why throw them back there to be alone and scared?

4. Watch Where You Leave Them

As you hopefully are already aware, most RVs can quickly get hot in the sun, much like a car can. If you are camping in an RV park, and you have your A/C on, be aware that the power can shut off without notice, leaving your pet(s) in a very deadly situation if your windows are all closed and it's a hot sunny day. What can you do to prevent disaster for your pets? ​First, never leave your windows closed and fans not running if the temperatures are going to be even as high as the low 70's. You should have a good idea of how quickly and how much hotter than the outside temperature your rig gets before you ever leave your pets in your rig at temperatures over 70.

5. Get Them Ready

If you never take your cat or dog in the car for trips, it's a very good idea to acclimate them to the motion and feeling by taking short trips before your big one. Start with a simple around the block drive. Don't get all excited before asking them to get in the car, stay calm and assertive. Praise them if they are behaving properly but don't get too overzealous about it. Once they realize the car isn't going to kill them, start extending the duration of your trips. Treats may help them learn to associate the vehicle with positive things, but only give the treats when they are being calm, not if they are shaking or are barking/hiding.

6. Bring Their Medications And Vaccination Records

This may seem like another no-brainer, but people do forget these things. If your dog or cat needs a daily medication at home, he's going to need it on the road as well! Don't forget these items. It's just a good idea to have their vet records as well. Don't want to haul the paper? Scan it into an app on your phone.

7. Get Them Microchipped

If you haven't done this already, now is the time. If your pet gets out and runs away, their collar with name and phone number is their best friend. However, if they lose their collar somehow or you had it off, say to give them a bath, then the chances of you ever getting them back is extremely low. Microchipping will be the only hope if someone finds your pet and takes them to a vet to see if they are microchipped.

8. Be A Good Neighbor

Let's be honest. If you have a dog  that you KNOW barks incessantly when you leave, you shouldn't be bringing them  with you to an RV park if you plan to leave them in your rig. It's just totally inconsiderate.

How to Take a Digital Detox Vacation

When airlines first started offering Internet access on planes, there was an outcry from many folks who were connected almost around the clock and therefore cherished the precious time in the air when no one could call, email or text them. Many saw this quiet time as one of the most enjoyable elements of what were otherwise arduous business trips.

Similar debates raged over whether or not to allow cell phone use on planes. Do we really want to interrupt the relative quiet of an airplane with ringing phones and inane conversations?

Most of us know at least one person who has posted something to Facebook or Twitter along the lines of "Aircraft doors closing, stack of magazines and neck pillow at the ready," with some sort of anti-digital hashtag.

The fact that so many folks announce delight in time away from devices and social media via a device on social media seems as good an indicator as any that there may be something to the growing popularity of digital detox vacations.
Why Do a Digital Detox?
Should I Do This While Traveling -- and How?

In some respects, a vacation is a perfect time to eschew all types of digital stimulation; you are out and around, often in an entirely new environment, and have far less exposure to the moments of boredom or distraction that lead folks back to their screens again and again.

On the other hand, most of us know how helpful our devices are when traveling in an unfamiliar place. In fact, it could be argued that a smartphone shifts from a source of distraction to a superb tool when navigating new cities, finding things to do and dealing with travel snafus.

- Be ready for withdrawal symptoms
- Plan to enjoy (and not regret) missing out on what everyone else is doing
- Be prepared with things like paper maps and written phone numbers
- Set small goals (maybe a 24- or even 12-hour detox instead of a week the first time out)
- Plan something that will occupy and entertain you

This last item in particular suggests that travel might be the perfect time to try a digital detox; spending your afternoon snorkeling can make it really easy to skip fitful checks of your phone.

Things to know about speeding & traffic laws

Some roadways are designated as low-speed zones. These include areas with high pedestrian traffic, such as school zones and streets lots of intersections close together. Driving over the speed limit can put you and others at risk of harm.
-Never pass a stopped bus displaying a stop sign to its left. That means children are crossing the street.
-If you hear a siren coming behind you, pull to the side if you can, stop and wait until the police car or fire truck goes by.
-Completely stop at stop signs and look for other drivers and pedestrians before you proceed.
-Obey the posted speed limit at all times. Speeding tickets are costly, and penalties for speeding can include fines, court appearances and loss or suspension of your driving privileges. Also, depending on your insurance policy, speeding tickets can raise your rates.
-When parking your vehicle, always be mindful of handicapped signs, fire hydrants, bus stop zones, parking restrictions for certain times of day, and parking spots that require permits. Just remember to heed all of the signs. Even if you have to circle the block a couple times, it sure beats getting fined or having your car towed.

Driving Safety Tips

Gifts for RVers

Another aspect to consider when RVing for the holidays is the purchasing of gifts for other RVers. If you are purchasing for a fellow RVer you may already know what types of items might be most useful, which can make great gifts. If you are not an RVer, but are purchasing for an RVer you may want to remember when purchasing a gift that RVs have limited space. Gifts should be small, or have a space saving purpose, or be an type of RV gear. If you want to give a type of RV gear to an experienced RVer you will probably want to be sure that you have the correct type of item. Gift cards are also excellent options to give to RVers since they leave many options open for satisfying all types of needs.

The holidays always present some special challenges, especially for those that spend the holidays in an RV, but the rewards are great and many.  Make the most of your holiday by celebrating with family and friends - new and old.  And always remember how blessed you are to be able to live (even if for just a few weeks) the RV lifestyle.

6 Things to Ask Yourself When Buying an RV

Is the road calling? Are you ready to explore the beauty and wonder of America from the comfort of your very own RV.

While the phrase "recreational vehicle" usually brings the iconic image of a luxurious motorhome to mind, there are actually seven types of RVs to choose from, each suited for different needs or uses.

So, when buying an RV you should ask yourself these six questions in order to choose the right one for you:

What Type of Camping or Travel Will I Do?

For many, a camping adventure can be as brief as a weekend, while others will opt for a few weeks at a time. And for the more enthusiastic (and fortunate) "full-timers," a real road trip is nothing less than several months…or forever!

Other considerations to keep in mind are who will be traveling with you and how many "essentials" you'll be taking.

How to Park an RV

You've finally made it to the campground. But before you can run off to the lake or go for a hike, the first order of the day is to park and level your RV so that your refrigerator will operate properly and you don't find yourself in bed at night with your feet higher than your head.

Never assume your site will be flat or level. That would make parking an RV too easy. Due to the nature of camping, chances are higher that your site will be rutted, gouged and somewhat uneven.

But don't fret. You can still get your RV into your spot, and leveled so it operates properly, with a few easy steps. Here's how:

How to Park an RV

With many campsites designed to accommodate smaller vehicles, easing your 30-foot long fifth-wheeler or even longer motorhome into some spots can be a challenge.

That's why it's important to:

6 Quick Tips for RV Beginners

Whether you're a family of weekend campers or a retired couple looking to travel full-time, every RV beginner has to know a few important things before making the maiden voyage. Here are six quick tips to consider before you pile in and head out.

Tip 1: Decide Whether to Buy or Rent

This isn't always an easy decision, with pros and cons for both. However, when you consider a few key factors, the answer becomes clearer.

• Buy: You plan to go RV camping often or full-time and you have storage for the times when you aren't traveling.
• Rent: You plan to go on a single trip, or want to test the waters before making a purchase.

Tip 2: Get to Know Your RV

With little road experience, it's especially important that RV beginners take time to learn how the motorhome works, even if it's just a rental. If something breaks, you should be able to assess the problem, and potentially fix it. This saves time and money spent at a mechanic.

Tools for Your RV Toolbox

No matter how well constructed your rig might be, eventually something will have to be tightened, loosened, pounded flat, pried or cut. Here are some basics that can help you deal with everyday problems and annoyances:

• Socket wrench set (standard and metric) for tightening and loosening bolts and machine nuts.
• Phillips head and flat bladed screwdrivers (large, medium, small) for tightening and loosening screws; also for prying items apart.
• Standard pliers for holding machine nuts while installing or removing, or squeezing items together.
• Channel-lock pliers (medium and large) for dealing with oversized machine nuts or turning pipes 10-inch Crescent wrench-for when sockets won't fit properly.
• Small drill bit set with sizes ranging from 1/16- to 1/4-inch. Get the type that works with both metal and wood.
• Cordless drill with spare battery for turning the drill bits that make the holes. Also good for lowering and raising trailer stabilizing jacks.
• Sturdy claw hammer enables you to straighten what got bent, bend what got straightened, drive nails and stakes, and pull 'em out again, and provide "persuasion" where needed.
• Pocket knife for cutting rope and twine, stripping wire insulation, or just whittling if you're so inclined.
• Hobby knife with blade protector and extra blades, extremely sharp, for making very precise cuts in canvas, vinyl, tape, paper, wood and some plastics.
• Wire cutters for cutting electrical wire, or turning metal coat hangers into marshmallow skewers.
• Small tape measure to determine how much electrical wire you're going to need, or how much ground clearance you'll have while trying to get over that boulder embedded in the road.
• Mini hacksaw with extra blades good for cutting away twisted bolts, damaged metal work, thicker plastics...anything where a knife won't work.
• Small two-way bubble level to make sure your rig is properly leveled so you're not sleeping with your feet higher than your head.
• Folding tree saw for cutting trees that have fallen across the only road out and you can't back up.Emergency use only; rangers and camp hosts frown when you start your own tree service on government and private land.

Safety Tips for Your Road Trip

Cellular Security: To stay in touch with work and home, as well as handle unexpected events on the road, a cell phone is essential. Before leaving on your trip, ask your service provider about roaming fees and countrywide coverage.

Overall Checkup: Whether you do it yourself or go to a garage, pre-trip auto maintenance is key to comfortable cruising. Check the wiper blades, all fluid levels (oil, water, etc.), belt and hose connections, tire pressure, turn signals, horn and headlights. If your car is still not instilling confidence, consider an all-out professional inspection.

Trunk 101: Exactly how prepared you want to be as far as your in-car tool kit is up to you, but a few items go without saying (OK, we'll say them anyway). The following should always be within easy reach when you open your trunk door: a tire iron, bottled water, fire extinguisher, first-aid kit and reflectors/flares.

Spare Care: Just because you have a spare tire doesn't mean it's in working order. Give it a good look before hitting the road to ensure it's properly pumped and the treads are intact. If you've got the space, swap out doughnut tires for a full-size spare.

Packing Tips for a Road Trip

When you've got an entire motorhome for a suitcase, the impulse can be to bring along everything. Lighten your load (and increase your gas mileage) by keeping these tips in mind:

When it comes to clothes, less is more. You don't need every pair of designer jeans in your wardrobe, nor scores of socks. One perk of having your own wheels is that a fresh set of clothes is as close as the nearest coin laundry.

Stick to 1 bag per person. The 1-suitcase rule is ace for preventing over packing. Avoid bulky hard-case suitcases if possible; opt instead for soft duffel bags and backpacks, which can be more easily squeezed into limited trunk space.

Keep the essentials within reach. A sturdy canvas bag kept within easy reach of the front seat and stocked with items such as road maps, games for the kids kept in plastic baggies, a first-aid kit, sunglasses, handiwipes and a pocket knife will make dealing with surprises on the road easier.