RV Vacation with Kids: Tips for a Smooth Ride {Guest Post}

Want to take a family vacation that doesn’t empty your wallet? Traveling in an RV can save your family money –a lot of it. According to the Recreation Vehicle Association’s recent study, average RV vacations for a family of four are 27 to 61 percent cheaper than other family trips. If you plan on saving some money and making your next family vacation an RV trip, here are a few tips to make the ride run smoothly.

• Have a practice night. To make sure your children are adjusted to sleeping in your recreational vehicle, a few days before the trip, plan a family “camping” night at home and have the whole family spend the night in the RV. When you depart for the trip, little ones will be better acclimated to your vehicle’s sleeping arrangements – and will hopefully have an easier time sleeping on the road.
• Bring games and activities. Keep kids entertained during long stretches of driving with games and activities. You can spend little to no money on things to do; many RV games only require a pen and paper (or just your brain). Another idea? Get trinkets from the dollar store to use for prizes. And since many recreational vehicles come with televisions, you can play your children’s favorite movies for hours of peace while driving.
• Make periodic stops. While RVs usually include a restroom, remember to stop every few hours to give the group a chance to walk around and stretch their legs. Have a picnic at a campground or rest-stop, and allow little ones to release some of their pent-up energy from sitting in a vehicle for hours.
• Pack food from home. Since your RV will likely have a small kitchen, you will be able to make home-cooked meals and pack healthy snacks for the drive. You can stock the fridge as you would at home; kids’ tummies will benefit – and you will avoid paying for dining out daily.
• Schedule drive time wisely. To maximize daylight hours spent at campgrounds – and to avoid the “Are we there yet?” questions – consider driving during times when the kids are sleeping. The traffic will be lighter during these off-times, but remember to drive cautiously and make sure you and your family are protected with RV insurance. Check out affordable RV insurance rates to find an option that meets your needs.
• Bring something to do at campsites. Bicycles, roller blades or water soakers can keep kids active and entertained while off the road. And make sure to research what each campground offers; many cater to children with activities like hayrides and outdoor movies.

With these tips, you should be well-prepared for an RV vacation with your kids. Besides being major cost-savers, recreational vehicle trips are a fun and convenient way to take the whole family on an adventure.

Christina Miller loves to write, especially about business. She holds a B.A. in Marketing. Christina’s favorite things include traveling, reading and exploring new restaurants in Cleveland.

Guest post was created and provided by Nationwide Insurance.