Need to Get Away? Pile into the RV!

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An RV adventure can be the perfect family vacation!

The thing I like best about the RV is that it you have a kitchen, a bedroom and a bathroom with you at all times. If someone needs to eat, you pull over. If you get tired driving or the weather is bad, you pull over. If one of your kids needs to use the bathroom, you don’t have to pull over…I know that gas prices are going through the roof these days, but if you are like me, ( 3 kids vs. 1 Dad) the RV can be a single parent equalizer, ( and container). Do the math. Compare the costs of family air travel, hotel accommodations, for a four night stay and you can see that the RV can be a good choice.

The Basics:
Do a little research on the local RV rentals in your area. You will have to choose between gas and diesel. Most rentals offer gas powered RV’s and the MPG’s will be in the low double digits. Make sure you go over the details with the rental agent on the terms of your travel.

Things that are important to mention to the agent would be the following:

  • Where you are going (distance)?
  • Do they offer roadside assistance?
  • What does your current Insurance cover on rentals?
  • Did you run a “test” on all functions of the RV?
  • Do they have a list on how to work everything in the RV?

The Plan:
I found that the destination on most RV trips with my kids wasn’t that important to them. We had just as much fun parking the RV on the side of the road by the beach, as our trip to Zion National Park in Utah. Choose a close destination for the first trip. A three or four day weekend (two travel days and two days parked) is a great way to start. Choose a destination that is fun for you too. Do you love baseball? Then take a trip to your favorite team’s spring training ground.

The Activities:
For the road trip, I recommend getting your kid(s) a disposable camera and a note pad. Ask them to be in charge of making a “picture story” of the journey. I found my kids’ journals fascinating – each of them had a different perspective. Offer to take their picture in front of the RV, but be careful not to become the “Director” of their project. Allow them to use the camera on whatever they want. Remind them that they have to take notes to tell the story behind every picture.

At the end of the trip, (On the way home is a good idea), have the film developed and purchase some larger writing pads and paste so your kids can glue the pictures and write their captions on the way home. Allow them to work together or separate, but keep them at task on completing the “picture story” before the end of the trip.

Try to avoid the video games and multiple DVD movies. Get your kids involved and have them connect with you. Take playing cards and other games that open the opportunity for family interaction. It’s amazing when your children are away from home and their friends, they actually like being around each other!

Food and Meals:
Keep the meal variety to a minimum. Take more water and dry goods; keep less perishables like vegetables, meat, and dairy products. Most of the time, you will be a freeway exit or short bike ride from a store to stock up on any of those items. Since I recommend a short distance on your first RV experience, keep your food options to tuna fish, PB&J, and cereals. Other dry goods that work well are Beef and Turkey Jerky, crackers and protein bars.

These trips are priceless when it comes to family fun and experiences. Having the “picture stories” will offer lasting memories for you and your family. I hope these tips will encourage and motivate you to try something new and I always look forward to your feedback!

Richard JaramilloRichard “RJ” Jaramillo, is the Founder of SingleDad.com,
a website and social media resource dedicated to single parenting and specifically for the newly divorced, re-married, widowed and single Father with children.
RJ is self employed, entrepreneur living in San Diego and a father of three children. The mission of SingleDad is to help the community of Single Parents
“Make Life Happen…Again!”

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Richard “RJ” Jaramillo, is the Founder of SingleDad.com, a website and social media resource dedicated to single parenting and specifically for the newly divorced, re-married, widowed and single Father with children. RJ is self employed, entrepreneur living in San Diego and a father of three children. The mission of SingleDad is to help the community of Single Parents “Make Life Happen…Again!”