RV trips may not have been an option for many, but with Covid-19 completely changing the way we live, many people are now looking for alternative ways to travel. RV trips are fast becoming a hot topic in many social media circles.
A few years ago, GoRVing and Camp Jellystone offered me and my family a weekend getaway in exchange for social media coverage. This trip was delightful and filled with joy. Taking RV trips amidst Covid-19 is a smart option, and here are 10 reasons why.
Why RV Trips Are Dope
Have you been pondering RV trips? I hadn’t done an RV trip since I was a kid and I truly didn’t know what to expect. I had an image in my head about traveling in an RV and I just never thought of it as a viable option for me or my family. I was wrong. From start to finish, this trip was far greater than any of us could have ever imagined.
I am an only child so my friendships are truly crucial to my life. My girlfriends are my sisters and their children are my nieces and nephews. My friend Sheilita, her two kids, and her mother agreed to accompany me on this trip. Three adults and two kids in the same space for a weekend. How would it go?
The four days allowed for bonding with all of our relationships. We had family time, mother/daughter bonding from both generations, grandma/grandkid, auntie time and we even had time for some girlfriend getaway bonding. Being in Camp Jellystone allowed precious moments to flourish and smiles to become the norm.
You may wonder, why isn’t grandma Nana in more pics? Because Grandma Nana just wanted to rest so she took full advantage of the queen size bed and relaxed as much as possible. She said, “This was the best vacation ever.”
10 reasons RV trips are fabulous
1. You can have luxurious accommodations
Depending on the type of RV you choose, you can be wrapped in comfort. From being in the driver’s seat and feeling like I could see to the ends of the earth, to my family being in their seat belts relaxing in the cushy seats, to fixing coffee in the morning and relaxing on the couch…everything was luxurious.
There were no planes and their dirty seats to worry about, no bags to deal, and we didn’t have to be worried about other travelers staying 6 feet away from us. We had 5 flat screen TV’s, a huge fridge, lots of seating and a kitchen that felt like we were in simple opulence.
2. You have privacy.
I was amazed at how private the RV was. On every window there were two types of shades, one to completely block out the sun and another to allow us to see out. However, the window covering didn’t allow for anyone who was walking by to see inside.
We were able to still enjoy the light from the outdoors without having to be concerned about anyone seeing our family going about their day to day activities.
3. You can let your kids take charge.
Because you are in a safe environment, you can let your kids make the plans and take charge of leading the family. It gives kids confidence and a sense of self to be able to make decisions for the family.
4. You will feel safe to let your kids roam.
Many times on vacation, you have to keep close tabs on your kids because there are so many dangers they can encounter. At Camp Jellystone, there were so many kids and families running all about that there was no fear that the kids would be in danger.
Of course you have to be diligent no matter where you go, but being able to let them run and play outside of the RV was such a treat.
5. You will probably see many first moments.
My niece Chloe had her first s’more, they both rode in a canoe, both kids went on their first waterslides (with Auntie, of course!) and they both hiked up a mountain for the first time. Seeing them experience such simply joys brought a smile to our faces.
6. You will see your kids exhausted.
There is joy in seeing the children exhausted from having a long day of playing. Actually playing outside, running and jumping and doing the things kids did back in the day.
7. You will have magical moments.
I sat on the steps of our RV and watched the stars with Chloe. We sang, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” while looking at the stars in the sky. Being able to talk about beautiful creations while basking underneath them was awe-inspiring.
8. You are cut off from technology.
We are all so attached to our devices, we sometimes forget about the simple things around us. The RV wasn’t equipped with WiFi and the camp only had limited WiFi near the office. Not having unimited access to the internet allowed conversations and imaginations flourish.
9. You’re guaranteed good food.
Traveling by RV allows you to fill the fridge and cupboards with foods the whole family will enjoy. Whether you take the time and do everything yourself, or you buy the type of food you want, you can have exactly what you want to eat and drink.
So many people love traveling but don’t enjoy eating different foods, so the fact that you can be in control of what you eat is a plus!
We had 3 types of baked chicken, pasta, sandwiches, all kinds of veggies, fruit, peach cobbler, ice cream,cookies, all types of snacks and of course, coffee and wine.
10. Watch a movie on the side of the RV.
Seriously, this was one of the coolest things EVER! Being able to sit outside of the RV with the awning covering us and watch a DVD was such a thrill! The kids got a kick out of it but us adults loved it even more! Not having to worry about where the kids were while we were enjoying our film was such a treat.
The kids were going in and out of the RV from the tetherball court to watching their own personal DVD players in their bunk beds. Of course, this all depends on the type of RV you choose to rent.
I asked Sheilita what she thought of the trip and here is what she said:
I think what continues to make the biggest impression for me, is that it was “the simple things” that brought the kids joy. Things I believe will become great memories of their childhood.
From overcoming your fear and sliding down the water slide for the first time, to seeing up close and person, the dragon flies you’ve read about, seemingly dancing and playing at the water bank.
Seeing the kids enjoying the calmness of riding a canoe with the gorgeous backdrop of trees and at night seeing the stars so clearly that you almost thought you could count them all. Knowing by the end of the day, everyone would be good and tired and “home” was just a few steps away.
A good night sleep awaited you as you slept with the windows of the RV open and the air lulling you to sleep…….excitedly awaiting to do it all over again tomorrow.
Are you ready to plan an RV vacation of your own? Where would you like to go?
This looks like an amazing experience! I have never done a RV trip but I have always imagined what it would be like. Doing one in a park is perfect so you have activities right there. I love to get away to nature and relax. I had no idea they were so roomy inside and I love the DVD players and watching movies on the side! Glad you had such great bonding time!
I loved this article and it gave me ideas for my family. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us.
I must say that the fridge was stacked My question is, was it hard driving an RV?
Nope! Not at all. I was a bit concerned at first cause I thought it would be scary but it wasn’t.