Make your RV vacation a thrifty one.

RV Vacations are great when you end them feeling refreshed, happy, and high on life.  All is good with the world until you check your bank balance.  The dream vacation took a toll on the balance and now you're not feeling as content.

This is not the ideal outcome for your vacation, but it's alright.  Don't cancel your plans yet.  There are a few tricks of the RV renting trade that you can learn.

If you're fortunate enough to have interent access and a mobile phone on the road, this will come in handy, but is not necessary.  The internet access allows you to check when the next gas stations are and the corresponding prices.   Compare the cheapest prices and determine whether your RV will make it to that station to get the most for your money.  Don't go off the beaten track to find a cheap one as the difference in price could match the gas you used to get to that station.

The great thing about an RV is the freedom that comes with it.  Stay as long as you want in parks, stop on the side of the road and cook a meal or brew a coffee, or change your plans at your latest whim and your RV will take you there.

The reason I bring this to your attention is not to tell you how versatile your plans can be with an RV but to enlighten you on how you can stay in your favorite locations for the least cost.

If it's possible in the time your traveling (ie not peak season) don't book well in advance for your park accommodation.  If you change your mind and want to take the RV elsewhere, or stay longer on that pristine beach, then if you haven't booked, you won't have to pay your deposits and not be refunded.  When you definitely want to stay somewhere specific at the end of the days traveling, ring ahead that morning and book or just risk it and turn up.  Have a back up park further up the road though so you don't have to back track.

Now for the actual parks... A lot of Rv parks these days are extremely fancy with a plethora of luxuries like pools, hot tubs, recreation rooms, fitness centers, movie theaters etc etc.  This are frivolities that i'm sure you could spare in the name of thriftiness.  These kind of parks can charge anything from $50 up.

Stay on your bank managers friendly side and opt for the cheaper option.  The RV parks are really only  a base to explore the wider region anyway aren't they?

Find some less frivolous places to stay.  Often county fairgrounds have hook up areas, charge a lot less (more like $20), have clean showers and a welcoming host.  For example some great county fairgrounds on the west coast are Orange County fairgrounds in Costa Mesa - who have 24 hour security in place, the Monterey County Fairgrounds  - which are minutes from the bay.

Other options are Native American casinos where the operators welcome RV stays.  Just don't go and gamble away the money you're saving (you're under no obligation to)

Walmart stores also extend their parks to your needs.  If you arrive and leave out of shop hours, or check with the manager, then you're usually welcomed to stay in the parking lot.  They wouldn't have electrical hook ups of course, but if you've rented an RV that doesn't need a hook up for a day or two then you'll be fine.   Be sure to check for no-parking signs though as some stores aren't as marketing savvy.

Occasionally RV parks are understaffed and if you don't mind doing a couple of hours work for them (eg cleaning the bathrooms or mowing the lawns) then you may get a free or at least heavily discounted stay.

Now it comes to the meals.  Sometimes eating on the road can be expensive and other times it can seem cheaper than eating groceries from a supermarket.  If the former is the case make sure you have a well stocked RV pantry and fridge and create your meals from it as often as possible.

Now you may be doing your sums and calculating the cost of gas, the cost of your RV rental and the cost of RV parks and comparing it to a return ticket say for two people to your destination.  It may seem cheaper, but where will you stay that's cheaper than $20 a night that you'll feel clean leaving again in the morning.  And will you get to see as many amazing sites from your airplane as you will from your RV?  No.  Your RV allows you to stop and stay for a while in canyons, pretty villages, friendly fishing towns, coastal spots and many a scenic vista that you didn't know existed.

The trip will be well worth it.  A far cry better a vacation than a stressful flight and then expensive hotels in busy cities.  An RV vacation will leave you content and not taking out a second mortgage. 

To top off the thriftiness there are some RV rentals out there that won't cost you the earth.  Find some amazing RV deals at RV Rental Sale Finder and begin your RV journey! 

Travel safe!   

A Trip to Mount Rushmore in an RV.

Mount Rushmore
By Sebastian Bergmann - Flickr Commons

A rite of passage for every American and even every tourist to the U.S., is to visit Mt. Rushmore.  The incredibly sculpted heads of past presidents are carved into the granite of the mountain and hangs regally for all to see.  The sculpture stands for democracy, the country's birth, the greatness of the nation and it's leaders.

Take the kids on an educational vacation to see their nation's possibly most famous monument or for the foreigners, take a trip so you can tell all your mates you've seen the exceptional carving.  It truly is amazing.

The Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln are situated in Mount Rushmore, near Keystone in South Dakota in The United States.

Avenue of Flags
By cheukiecfu - Flickr Commons

While you're visiting Mount Rushmore in your RV, we recommend you take a stroll of the Avenue of Flags and view the majestic carving from Grand View Terrace.  Visit the new Visitor center and museum and be sure to get the orientation film on the presidents and the carving.

To get the closest viewpoint of the faces, walk the Presidential Trail and at 9pm join the lighting ceremony in the amphitheater.   Shop for local arts and crafts in the gift shop and view the sculptor's studio where you can see the original model of the carving.

Granite Spires
By Navin75 - Flickr Commons

Mount Rushmore is encircled by many scenic drives, perfect for touring in your RV.  The needles Highway in Cluster State Park features the Black Hills scenery including the granite spires and the picture perfect Sylvan Lake.

The Wildlife Loop Road is an 18 mile loop ranging from forests to prairies.  Often to be spotted are Bison, Deer, Burros, Elk and Pronghorn.

The Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway includes the Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road.  Travelers can see Mt. Rushmore, drive tunnels and bridges and spot pretty lakes.

Spearfish Canyon winds it's way through an ancient, narrow canyon, harvesting mountain views and foliage of all colors.  Incidentally, this is a good spot to hike and fish.  So bring along your boots and rods and make a day of it.  

Sylvan Lake - Black Hills National Forest
By Carl's Photography - Flickr Commons

Other attractions in the South Dakota region are: the Corn Palace, the world's only corn palace which offer free guided tours; Falls Park, where Queen Bee Mill sits upon the Big Sioux River; Black Hills National Forest, if you're a keen hiker or brought your bike come and explore and camp in this area. There's so much to be found, grassy meadows, highest of granite peaks, deepest of canyons, cascading streams and clean, clear lakes.

Corn Palace - Mitchell
By swecias - Flickr Commons

If you're a fan of the "Little house" book series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, you can spend an entire day visiting the attractions devoted to the author and touring around the buildings and prairies where she received her inspiration from.

Have a look at this link to find a campground to park your RV in for the night.

South Dakota is a beautiful place with so much history and prettiness to explore.  Find an RV here and then get the road trip underway!

Have fun exploring!

RV trip to Gettysburg National Military Park

By Soaptree - Flickr Commons

It has a grueling and gruesome past as well as a monumental and influential one.  Gettysburg is now a pretty place, preserving the memorial of the battle of Gettysburg, the battle with the largest number of casualties in the American Civil War and also the turning point of the war.

Today the site is named the Gettysburg National Military Park and there also stands the Gettysburg National Cemetry.  Take the kids on an educational vacation in an RV.  Visit Gettysburg and it's surrounding area.  Begin your visit at the Park Museum and the visitor center.  There's ranger programs, guided tours, concerts and events that make Gettysburg avery informative and special place to come.

The Park offers a lot for the tourist. Take a guide in your personal vehicle and they'll show you the sites, or jump on the tour bus which drives through the park.  Use the self guided Auto Tour facility which can be picked up from the museum and visitor center or get an audio tour in CD form to play in the RV.

The Battlefield
By Ken Lund - Flickr Commons

Hikes are welcome through the battlefield as is easy bike riding and a more challenging bike ride.  Feel like you're in 1863 and take a horse back tour through the battlefield.  These are available through private local businesses.

The park is situated in Pennsylvania state.  Take a family road trip to get to the National Park, visiting other great locations on the way.

Spend the night in your RV in Gettysburg:

• Gettysburg Campground
• Battlefield Resort Gettysburg

Get an RV from your home town or from further afield, but definitely take an RV vacation to Gettysburg! Book an RV here.

Gettysburg town is a quaint town and a pretty place to explore when you've learnt all you can from the National Park.  The anniversary of the battle is nearing, what better a time to go than for that.

By Soaptree - Flickr Commons

Take an RV to 'Black Canyon of the Gunnison'

Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Black Canyon of the Gunnison may be overwhelming but it's still friendly enough to invoke a trip from the whole family.  The steep cliffs, ancient rock formations and craggy spires are incredibly breath-taking as is the Gunnison river and the flora and fauna.

The forces of weather have sculpted the rocks and trees leaving beautiful hiking routes and camping spots.

Rent an RV and take a trip to the canyon.  The North Rim campground doesn't allow hook-ups, water filling or vehicles over 35 feet but if you're well prepared you can still stay there from Spring to Fall.  On the other side, the South Rim Campground is available all year around, allows electrical hook ups and water fill-ups.

Stay in one of the campgrounds and hike the days to your hearts content.

There are several hiking tracks around the canyon ranging from 1 mile long to 7 miles long.  Many of them go along the rim of the canyon! Incredible views but slightly scary!! Keep an eye on your kids! Walk through nature and marvel at the incredibleness of the sights you'll behold.

By Tim Engleman - Wikimedia Creative commons

The river is far far below, some 2000 feet, and is by no means inaccessible.  It is however, reserved for only those hikers with excellent physical fitness and those who can self rescue.  Read more about the hikes and route to the river here.

Alternatively the river can be reached by your vehicle at the south rim, but is prohibited to vehicles longer than 22 feet.

The Canyon truly is spectacular, but you'll have to find out for yourself.  Book an RV and make the trip  to Colorado.

Hemingway Days Festival in an RV

Owned by John F. Kennedy Library - Creative Commons

If you think you look like Hemingway or if you just want to witness the hopefuls, get an RV and cruise on down to Key West, Florida

July 17th to 20th will see Key West in a deluge of white bearded, barrel chested 'Papa's'. The hopefuls will crowd into 'Sloppy Joe's Bar' where the famous literate spent most of the 1930's sinking daiquiris.

The occasion also hosts a "Running of the Bulls" with  Spain's fake counterparts as this was Hemmingway's beloved Fiesta and a competition devoted to the master's favorite sport, Marlin fishing.  Cash prizes total over $250,000 so don't let it get away!!

Other festivities include a one-man play about 'Papa', tours of his home and writing studio, and in true Hemmingway fashion a short story competition.  To add to the jovial feel , there may also be a wrestling contest!  The whole 4 days are a lot of fun and definitely worth getting involved in.  What better an excuse to head to the Florida sun and take a vacation.

Pick up an RV from your home city or elsewhere and make a road trip of it down to Key West! Find a special on the perfect RV for you and your friends or family at RV Rental Sale Finder!

Honor Hemingway and have fun!!

Cruise the Pacific Coast Highway in the summer sun.

Pacific Coast Highway
By 'TheDreamSky - Flickr Creative Commons

Road trips in the summer, driving alongside the sea is what vacations are made of.  The cool breeze blowing through open windows, where your arm is basking in the sun.  Friends fill the RV with great laughs and the music plays loudly.  This is summer.

Cruise in a  RV Motorhome rental from San Francisco down the gorgeous Pacific Coast to Cambria.

You'll be amazed by the beautiful crystal blue waters sparkling in the sun.  The horizon stretching out for miles and nothing but open roads and good times ahead.

By Adam Freidin - Flickr Creative Commons

Pick up an RV or Camper (a more young, hip and "cool"  version of the RV) in San Francisco and jump on Highway 1 heading to Santa Cruz, following the coast line.   Santa Cruz is located on the northern end of Monterey Bay, it has a beautiful coastline and a redwood forest that's worth a visit.  This summer vibe town is a great place to stop.

• Stay at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort

By Richard Sugden Photography - Flickr Creative Commons

Jump back on the Cabrillo HWY down the coast to Monterey.  This town is home to a lot of history, California's first theatre, public building, public library among others.  The aquarium is a must-see, as is the Fisherman's wharf and if you're there for the Jazz festival, you're in luck.

The temperate climate is perfect for kayaking, scuba diving, surfing, whale watching or just chillaxing at the many beautiful beaches.  Walk along the scenic trail to the Fisherman's wharf where you may just see seals, otters or pelicans.  

• Stay at Carmel by the River Rv Park. 

The stretch of coast south of Monterey hosts incredible views over the Pacific ocean and is free from the city hustle and bustle.  It lets you cruise your Rv and escape.  Pull into Parking spots along the way and sit and gaze out at the beautiful sea.  The awesome thing about having your accommodation (and kitchen) on wheels is you can pull out the coffee or cold drink and sit back and relax. 

Big Sur, CA
By s2kologist - Flickr Creative Commons

You'll come across Big Sur. Big Sur is a State Park with many place to camp and explore the beautiful surroundings.   Hike the miles of trails, find the River to meander through, and jaunt through the meadows, beaches and hilltops.  

• Stay at Big Sur Campground and Cabins (among many) 

Continue on down towards Cambria, stopping at any side of the road beaches, Reserves or parks along the way.  Kirk Creek Campground is a Campground off the highway right on the beach.  A nice place to stay if you're a keen beach-goer.

Kirk Creek Campground
By dret - Flickr Creative Commons

Cambria awaits you.  The town's primary economy is from Tourism, so they are ready for you.  It encompasses rocky cliffs and beaches and offers bicycling, hiking and many a beach spot to surf, boogie board, skimboard or relax.   

• Stay at Connelly's Road & Reel Trailer Park Cambria

It comes as no surprise that one of the best RV routes in the US is free of the grueling traffic,  lined with forests and beaches and is baked by the Pacific sun.  Book an RV or Camper to join this beautiful route.