Leave when you’d like, stop when you feel like it, or stay a little longer. Loading up an RV and setting off with everything you need is the ultimate choose-your-own adventure. If you’ve never felt the freedom of heading down the highway in an RV, now is a great time to give it a try.
Insider Tips for Making the Most of Your RV Vacation
Renting an RV and planning a route that includes all the memorable sights, stops, and overnight stays is easier than you think—and we’re here to help make it all happen.
Choosing an RV
There are plenty of options for “rigs” to rent that offer varying levels of space, privacy, extra features, and maneuverability. Look for an RV that comfortably fits everyone traveling with you and supports the kinds of activities you’ll want to do at your destinations. Do you want to keep it small and nimble for a multi-stop journey, or would you rather drive to just one location and set up camp for a while? Would you rather have a tow-behind model or one you can drive? There are RVs to support all of those options. Some even offer all-inclusive rentals where everything (bedding, cookware, etc.) is included.
Planning your route and rests
If you’re setting out for just a week or two, planning in advance is essential for making the most of your time on the road. Start by deciding how many miles or hours you’re comfortable driving each day, then look for places to stay overnight at those intervals. RVs are welcome at many campgrounds (tip: book a pull-through site to avoid backing in), RV parks, federal lands, and even some wineries, breweries, and farms. RVs drive slower than cars, so make sure to leave plenty of time to explore the sights along the way and at your destination. We recommend booking RV overnights and timed-ticket attractions well in advance. While it’s not uncommon to find last-minute availability from cancellations, it’s best to avoid the chance and the worry.
Some of our favorite RV routes include:
Blue Ridge Parkway – an immensely popular driving route that snakes through nearly 500 miles of mountainous Appalachia. The route features extensive RV support infrastructure as well, making it a great choice for new RVers.
Big Sur Coastal Highway – a true gem for those looking to experience expansive ocean vistas. The route travels along the central coast of California, serving as a scenic connection between tourist-friendly urban centers in Northern and Southern California.
Columbia River Highway – an excellent Pacific Northwest RV trip that begins near Portland, Oregon, and continues alongside the renowned Columbia River Gorge with plenty of RV campgrounds and pretty points of interest, from dense forests to rocky waterfalls.
Route 66 – the quintessential cross-country road trip route, stretching all the way from Illinois to Southern California. It has been featured heavily in popular movies, novels, and music for over 60 years. Make sure to plan ahead—it’s a long trip!
Historic New England – a diverse experience that includes both natural wonders and historic sites. Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts have a lot to offer RVers looking for something different.
Yellowstone National Park – one of the world’s premier RVing destinations and worth a trip on its own. On the way, plan a scenic route that passes through other interesting points of interest in the region like Rocky Mountain National Park and Grand Teton National Park.
Traveling with kids
An RV is a great way for families with small children to experience a fun getaway while having the creature comforts needed for little travelers (like snacks, naps, and bathrooms). Look for routes with shorter drive times and stops that include an amusement park, water park, zoo, or beach. Florida is a good option with theme parks around Orlando and beaches on either coast. Many RV parks offer kids’ activities and family events like theme nights, outdoor movies, games, and barbecues. Nice weather and school breaks are prime time for families to vacation, so it’s smart to reserve your RV and sites early for the best options.
Riding with safety
In this current travel climate, an RV is the one escape that avoids airplanes, crowds, hotels, and—if you rent a vehicle with a kitchen—restaurants. RVs are cleaned and sanitized between rentals to CDC standards. There’s also a 24/7 traveler assistance line offered through our RV rental partner for added peace of mind, plus travel insurance and roadside assistance to cover all your bases.
The Travel Team is here to help make the most out of an RV vacation whether you’re roaming for weeks or just a few days. Our travel advisors can offer tips on:
- The “ins and outs” of driving, operating, and parking an RV for first-timers
- What to pack including gear, groceries, and nice-to-haves
- Customized routes that include everything you want to see and do (avoiding steep grades, low clearances, and other RV-specific roadway considerations)
- Controlling costs by accounting for food, gas, and camping budgets ahead of time
