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Travel without the Hassle
(ARA) - Family vacations are a tradition as old as travel itself. But these
days with far-flung family and dwindling free time, planning a trip that's fun
for everyone takes on greater importance. It can be challenging to juggle a
family's limited vacation time with the opportunity to relax and enjoy each
other's company. Often parents and kids are too tired, stressed, hungry or bored
to find ways to reconnect on vacation.
When deciding how to travel, parents often have to choose the lesser of two
evils: Endure the expense, hassle and dirty looks of fellow passengers by
traveling by plane, or take on the crowded, cramped car and stop for lodging and
meals? Many people are finding there's a better way: traveling by RV.
Hitting the highway in an RV is an increasingly popular choice for families who
want to arrive at their destination happy and relaxed. With an RV, families can
travel at their own pace and take in sights without worrying about finding
lodging and meals.
On-the-go Meals.
No more searching for a restaurant when hunger pangs strike. In an RV everyone
can eat when they're hungry -- without succumbing to over-priced junk food from
the drive-through. Picky eaters or those on special diets are no problem when
you travel with your own kitchen. Bring along a portable grill for barbeque
meals, or pop in a pizza. On-board refrigerators make it easy to stock up on
healthy snacks like fruit, veggies and dip.
Every Member of the Family is Invited.
RVs also mean comfort for every member of the family -- including the
four-legged ones. You don't have to choose between kennels and cargo holds. More
and more campgrounds and parks are pet-friendly (provided you follow the rules),
though you should double check before you pull in. Most pets enjoy traveling,
but do a few test-runs in the weeks prior to your trip to make sure your furry
friend doesn't have issues with motion sickness or anxiety. Remember to tag your
pet with your local address and to bring copies of vaccination records.
Bring What You Want.
Pack as much as you need. RVs have plenty of storage whether you're traveling
for a week or for several months. As airline carry-on restrictions become
tighter, it's becoming more difficult to bring all the items you need for a
family vacation. Packing cribs, car seats, toys and clothes can take up every
square inch of space in the family car, and all of it needs to be carted across
parking lots and up stairs at each stop. An RV means everyone can take along the
items important to them, and you'll still have room for fun extras like board
games, in-line skates, musical instruments, art supplies and craft projects.
Stop Mishaps before They Start
Prior to departure, ensure your safety and peace of mind by performing a
thorough check of your vehicle. Careful planning and preventative maintenance
can help you avoid bumps in the road, but it makes sense to be prepared, just in
case something does happen. A stocked toolbox could save you time-consuming and
costly repairs. For a real feeling of confidence, consider joining an auto
service club. The Good Sam Club, which began in 1966 as an association of RV
owners, offers many benefits to its members, including roadside assistance. Even
better, Good Sam members enjoy a 10 percent discount at 1,700 RV parks, access
to trip planning services and discounts on insurance rates.
Enjoy the Journey.
Remember to use your travel time as an opportunity to connect with your family.
Share stories, start traditions and make memories. Traveling by RV offers the
opportunity to explore the scenic vistas, national parks, vacation hot-spots and
top destinations with comfort and convenience. Hitting the road gives families
the chance to re-connect, relax and rejuvenate.
For more information on The Good Sam Club, visit www.goodsamclub.com or call
(800) 234-3450.
Courtesy of ARA Content