How to Take An Extended RV Trip Alone and Safely

Many single people would like to take an extended RV trip. It can be safe. It needn’t be lonely. Careful planning before going and thoughtful action on the road allow the traveler to enjoy the sights and handle the driving, eating, camping, and socializing with ease.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An RV
• Adequate supplies
• Adequate clothing
• RV insurance, including emergency road service
• Cell phone
• Global Positioning Satellite
• Maps
• Tour and guide books
• RV park catalogs
• Satellite radio

1. Know thyself. Emerson's admonition rings true. Ask yourself if you like to be alone. Are you resourceful? Can you read maps? Have you traveled in an RV before? Are you a happy person? Do you meet other people easily? Are you healthy? The answers should help you decide whether or not to take an extended RV trip alone.

2. 
   Writer and the Roadtrek Chosen for an Extended Road Trip

   Know your vehicle. If you don't own one, learn as much as you can before deciding what to buy. Choose an RV you can handle and that’s known for its reliability, safety, comfort. Length is the biggest issue. Obviously, the bigger it is the more space and luxury you have inside, but the more it costs to drive. Driving and parking a big RV is quite challenging for anyone who hasn't had experience.

3. Once you know what RV you'll be driving, become thoroughly familiar with all the systems. You'll be driving a house on wheels! Understand how to plug in the electrical system, the water, and the sewer.

4. Develop a general plan. How long do you want to be gone? Where do you want to go? Get an atlas or map of the area and highlight the places you want to see. Can you do what you want in the time you've allotted?
   Plan on driving about 150 miles a day. AAA TourBooks and Camp Guides are excellent. Read "1000 Places to Go Before You Die."

5. Decide what you will do with your home while you're gone. Consider renting it out. Decide how you will pay bills and how to get cash. Online banking makes this much simpler. RV insurance is different than auto insurance. Check it out. Get emergency road service!

6. Buy what you need for the road. A laptop computer is invaluable. You can make camping reservations from the road, stay in touch with friends and family thru email, and handle business online.
   Consider a gps, that is a device that connects to a global positioning satellite. Will the cell phone service you have serve you well while you're away? Check.

7. Make a list of household items you'll need. Beside the soaps, towels, cleaners, and groceries you have at home, there will be some items specifically needed for your RV. Take outdoor clothing with something for all kinds of weather.

8. 
   Covered Bridge in Fundy National Park, New Brunswick, Canada

   Go! Enjoy! Know where you plan to be at night. Take state highways rather than interstate where possible. Pull in for the night before dark. Study online and printed material before picking your RV park or campsite. If you want hookups, make sure the site has them. Is it situated close to the things you want to see and do?

Tips & Warnings

• Stop at state tourist bureaus. They have lots of information.
• State and national campgrounds are often the prettiest sites, but dry camping is often required. That means no hook ups. Make sure you are prepared.
• Sit at counters or bars in restaurants. Strike up a conversation.
• Take a couple of comforts from home, a pillow, a favorite book or album.
• Listen to local weather and news reports.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Stay where there are other people around.
• Don't move everyday.
• Keep your vehicle locked when you leave it.
• Don't park in isolated places.
• Be cautious at rest areas.
• Don't let gas, propane, or water run low.
• Stay in touch with someone and let them know where you are and where you are going.
• Use common sense. There's no substitute.

Resources

• reserve camp sites
• learn about and reserve camp sites
• Kampgrounds of America
• Info and camp catalog
• Canadian naptional parks reservations
• National Parks

[bmi57]

on 1/8/2008 This is a lot of great information. I will be traveling with my husband, but this is still excellent information to know. Thanks.