Posts Tagged ‘tips’
Long rides aboard buses or trains with children can be especially challenging. Even the best behaved children will struggle with the monotony of being trapped in the same rail car or uncomfortable bus seat for hours on end. The simplest solution is to schedule the trip during the night, allowing the children to sleep away the trip; but that’s not always and an option. Parents who think ahead will be better prepared to deal with the situation.
Technology can provide one answer. The price of Portable DVD players has dropped considerably. Mini CD players and hand-held video games will provide at least a few hours of entertainment for the kids (and peace and quiet for the parents). However, for those children too young for the gadgets, and for all children when the gadgets get boring or the batteries die, make sure to have other things on hand.
A stack of books is always welcome on a long trip. Pack a variety of books appropriate to the ages of the children, from picture books for the youngest to magazines or novels for the oldest. An added advantage of books is that one book can occupy more than one child – all of the children can listen while an adult reads aloud, or an older child can read a book to a younger one.
Make sure to bring a collection of toys, too. Younger children can entertain themselves for quite a while with a stuffed toy to cuddle or a doll to chat with. Art supplies are one thing most parents don’t consider, but for a child who loves to draw, washable window markers and cling plastic stickers are the perfect tool to turn their window into a work of art.
Most importantly, don’t neglect the value of “quality time.” Just a pleasant conversation or a rousing chorus of “Ninety-Nine Bottles of Juice on the Wall” might be all that’s needed to turn a boring train ride into a memorable family vacation.
Are you in the process of planning a cross-country trip to see the United States firsthand? Or, are you in the process of planning a long distance road trip to visit friends and family? If you are, you will want to consider traveling by RV. There are a number of benefits to traveling long distances in a motor home. These benefits include luxury, comfort, and having many home-like features.
As nice as it is to hear that traveling by RV is a great way to travel long distances and with large families, many are unsure about doing so. One of the biggest concerns is the cost of buying an RV. If you are interested in traveling by RV, but cannot afford the cost of owning one, you still have options. RV rentals are an affordable way to gain access to a motor home. With that being said, RV rentals can get expensive if you are not careful. For that reason, five helpful tips for RV renters are highlighted below.
1 – Know All Of Your Options
Knowing all of your options is the best way to see success when renting a motor home. First, examine all of your options in terms of local RV rental companies. Many have multiple companies to choose from.
Next, examine the types of motor homes available for rent. For comfort, as well as safety, rent a motor home that is able to accommodate you and your traveling party. For example, a group of six travelers should not try and squeeze into a motor home built for five. Also examine features, such as number of electrical outlets, onboard television, movie players, and so forth.
2 – Compare Rental Prices
As previously stated, most individuals have multiple RV rental companies to do business with. To limit the cost of your next RV trip, compare prices. In addition to comparing the average rental price for different companies, also examine the different motor homes. As previously stated, size is not something that you will want to be short on, but by limiting additional features, you may be able to save money.
3 – Read All Fine Print
When renting an RV, you will be required to sign a contract. This contract is similar to one that you would sign if you were renting a car. With that being said, never assume that all rental contracts are the same. Always fully read an RV rental contract, including the fine print. Never sign anything that looks too suspicious. When in doubt, ask to take the contract home and review it first.
In keeping with reading all fine print, it is important to know all RV rental rules and restrictions upfront. Many times, these rules and restrictions are highlighted on a rental contract, but there is no harm in asking for additional information. Be on the lookout for any rules that may limit the number of guests allowed on board, age requirements for children, and so froth.
4 – Be Careful With Use
Being cautious is an important component of renting an RV. If you are not careful, you may be financially responsible for any damage that occurs. That is why you should always use caution. Some tips involve keeping all food and drinks properly covered or put up while on the road, don’t prepare foods while driving that can cause harmful stains, and so forth. Also, if you have children, be sure to set some ground rules.
5 – Return Your Rental On Time
Returning your RV rental on time is important for keeping your rental costs low and affordable. Late rentals may incur late fees. These late fees, should they exist, should be outlined on the RV rental contract. If you know you are running behind schedule and will be late, be sure to contact your RV rental company to inform them of your delay as soon as possible.
As a recap, RV renters are encouraged to examine all of their rental options, compare prices, thoroughly read through rental contracts, use caution, and return their RV rentals on time. These steps, when properly implemented, can not only help to improve the overall quality of your next RV trip, but they can also help to keep the costs associated with that trip reasonable.
Are you an RV owner? If you are, you may enjoy the freedom of being able to come and go as you please. This is a nice luxury that many motor home renters do not have. Since you, as an RV owner, do have the freedom to come and go as you please, you may be interested in taking a last minute RV trip. If so, the following tips may be able to help you do so.
One of the most important things to do for an RV trip involves mapping out your route. In all honesty, it doesn’t matter whether your trip is planned a few hours before you leave or a few weeks before, it is important to know where you will be going. Of course, you can be spontaneous along the way, like by taking a side trip, but having an intended route planned out is ideal for safety, security, and comfort. It can also help to prevent you from getting lost when you are unsure of your surroundings. Speaking of which, be sure to pack a map or having a GPS installed in your motor home.
Before heading out on a last minute RV trip, it is important to make all needed reservations. This is particularly important during peak motor home travel times, such as spring and summer. You will not want to assume that all RV parks and public campgrounds have available spots. This is particularly the case with public campgrounds, as many are already limited on the number of spaces they have that can accommodate motor homes. Once you have a destination in mind, you can quickly examine your options, in terms of RV parks or public campgrounds, online. Get the contact information and place a call to make reservations or at least see if they are needed.
It is also important to let someone know that you are leaving. Although last minute RV trips are typically planned one or two days in advance, you may have the urge to take a last minute trip and leave within a few hours. When doing so, notifying friends or family members of your travels is probably the last thing on your mind, but it is still something that you should do. Let those that you know, especially those who will notice if you are gone, when you will be leaving, where your intended destination is, how to get a hold of you, as well as when you can expect to return.
It is also a wise idea to quickly create a checklist for yourself. Even if you intend to leave in a few hours, a checklist is an important preparation step when traveling by RV. A traveling by RV camping checklist does not have to take hours to make. Simply write down the items that you need to bring, such as food, clothing, and toiletries. Next, write down your wants, such as a radio, a video gaming console, or movies. Then, check off the items as you pack them in your bags or place them in your RV.
In keeping with making sure you have all needed supplies, do a quick run through of your RV at the last minute. This will help you determine if you are missing anything of great importance. For example, look at your sleeping areas. Do you have enough sheets and blankets? What about items to cook? Do you have the needed food, pots and pans, and eating utensils? Missing supplies are easier to notice when doing a quick walk through your motor home.
The above mentioned tips are just a few of the many that can help you prepare for a last minute RV trip. As nice as it is to be spontaneous and hop in your motor home and leave at the last minute, it is still important to be prepared. Proper preparation, even for last minute trips, is not only important for your safety, but for overall enjoyment as well.