How RV Trips Can Fit Your Budget and Schedule

Traveling by RV is getting more and more popular across a wide segment of people. Although it can be seen as a luxurious way to take a trip, there is a lot of room for flexibility. The versatility of taking an RV holiday is perfect to fit any budget and schedule. From long-term RV adventures to a short weekend away or even as a place to live for some time, there are ways to accommodate all of it and more.

Outline Your Route

Outlining a route isn’t just about marking all the fun stops.

It’s just as important to plan how to avoid paying tolls, the quickest route if that’s a priority and avoid the middle of nowhere in case of emergency. Planning places to stay along the way is also important as you can’t always depend on there being space available, especially if you are traveling during the busy months. Winter RV trips are best done in the southern part of the country, which means parks/stops may be busier, whereas summer trips are more flexible in that area.

Further north the opposite is true but the weather is a factor in what route you take.

Create Your Timeline

Once your route is planned, create a timeline. Plan the desired amount of time/miles you want to drive each day, the stops you want to make, and the time of day you’d prefer to arrive at your destination. Don’t forget to leave room for stops to gas up and stretch your legs!

An RV offers so much flexibility in this way.

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It is easy to make unscheduled stops for roadside attractions. You can also plan for the exact length of stay you need with the ability to change it up spontaneously. Creating your timeline is often what draws people into the RV life once they realize the freedom of having the comforts of home, on the road.

Build a Budget and BE REALISTIC

A budget will help you determine how often can eat out, how much to spend on groceries, and how much can go into your emergency fund in case something expensive breaks. This will also help narrow down the campgrounds or RV parks you can afford to stay at. Here are some fixed expenses you need to calculate:

• RV payment (or rental fees)
• Entertainment
• Food – groceries and restaurants
• Gas
• Propane
• Laundry
• Campgrounds
• Internet
• Health insurance
• Phone
• Household items such as toilet paper, soap, etc.
• RV insurance
• RV maintenance
• Know Your Electrical Load

An RV isn’t designed to run all the appliances at one time. Label all appliances so you can be aware of power usage. For example-if your RV is 30 amps, label your appliances with the number of amps they draw. If your toaster is 14 amps and your coffee pot is 5 amps, then you can’t run a 15 amp air conditioner while making breakfast. This type of system keeps the RV running while keeping you safe.

Find Ways to Save

There are so many ways to save money while traveling in an RV. These ways include:

Choosing campgrounds and parks that only have amenities you know you’ll use. Typically, the more services and amenities a campground has, the more expensive it is. Camping doesn’t have to break the bank. State parks are normally a low-cost option. There are also free campsites available in some areas.

Travel at the posted speeds. Fuel is usually one of the biggest costs. Traveling at posted speeds will cut down your fuel consumption.

Limit impulse and un-budgeted purchases. It’s somewhat easy in the sense that RVs can only hold so much. However, the temptation is still real some sure to consider whether or not an item is truly needed.

Meal plan! Local farmer’s markets are perfect for a family outing as well as some delicious, and typically more affordable, grocery options. Try fresh in-season options, and new foods, and even try sharing meal prep with your neighbors. Home-cooked meals are healthier and cheaper. One of an RV’s greatest benefits is the ability to bring food so you can stock up on favorite snacks before you go.

Earn Money on the Road

Not retired but want to travel? Find ways to fund traveling! Conveniently, there are many ways to make full-time traveling a reality without retiring. Jobs at campgrounds, national parks, and online can usually be easily found. Don’t count out working remotely through your full-time job, as many RVers have been able to take their current job on the road.

If your dream is to own an RV, go for it! There are so many ways to make this lifestyle affordable so don’t put off your dreams. Set a budget, find ways to save money on the road, and fund your traveling and you’ll have no problem enjoying RV life!