Imagine having all the comforts of your own home while driving to your favorite destination. Now may not be a good time to fly, but it is definitely a great time to roll! There is much to be seen on a great road trip and no better way to travel in style and comfort to the mountains, beach, desert, landmarks, and state and national parks. In an RV you can bypass the inconveniences of public facilities (if they are even open nowadays), and keep your family safe with everything you need just an arms-length away.
"There was nowhere to go but everywhere, so just keep on rolling under the stars." ~Jack Kerouc, On The Road
Forget the cramped quarters at Cousin Vinny’s or the questionable cleanliness of a roadside motel. Motorhomes are a popular choice nowadays for visiting family and friends without the hassle. With summer trips and family reunions postponed or canceled this summer, there’s still time to leave the grind behind and hit the road. In many states across the country the leaves are changing and beanie hats and scarves are coming out of storage, perfect for bundling up at a beach bonfire! With several California state and national parks open and receiving visitors, you can still find fun in the great outdoors while keeping your personal living space a safe distance from strangers (and less agreeable family members.)
Many local RV camping spots such as San Clemente, Doheny, and Bolsa Chica State beaches are a good place to try out RV life, and can provide much needed respite from city life. And for a little more adventure (but before you set up a cross-country trip), some top motorhome camping spots within a casual two-day drive from So Cal are Yosemite National Park, the Grand Canyon, and Mammoth. With current conditions in flux, be aware that reservations are a must, so be sure to visit parks.ca.gov online for updated information on the RV camping sites that are open, and to make a reservation for your RV.
RV’s come in many lengths and sizes, but, of course, someone needs to drive it. If at first it seems intimidating to drive a 20-36’ house-on-wheels, rest assured that just about anyone who can drive can learn to drive an RV and have fun doing it. Once you gauge how much space you’ll need, it’s good to know that all of the essential and many of the luxury amenities of a full-sized RV are available in a van-sized motorhome, just in a pint-sized package. You can expect standard RV’s to have convertible seating and sleeping areas, a bathroom and sink, kitchen with mini-fridge, eating area, and storage.
“Travel is not merely reward for working, it’s education for living.” ~Anthony Bourdain
The best way to find out if RVing is a right fit for your family, and what size, shape, and amenities are available is to actually walk through them. Michelle and Jeff Cottrell are the local RV experts with a large inventory at All Class RV in Yorba Linda. Each coach is inspected by a third party, priced competitively and firm for a no-hassle transaction, no hidden fees, and they do accept quality trades. The Cottrell’s believe that family comes first, which means giving each client the attention they deserve by appointment only. Visit AllClassRV.com and schedule an appointment at 714-905-4904 to let them help you step into the RV life of your dreams!
RV PACKING LIST
1. Aside from the usual food and drinks, clothing, toiletries, bedding, and towels, be sure to pack these MUST HAVES: First aid kit with ice packs, zip ties, paper towels, lighter, scissors, flashlights with extra batteries, Ziplock baggies, dish soap, pots and pans, cooking utensils, dishes and cups, and bug repellant.
2. Some OFTEN FORGOTTEN items are condiments, measuring cups, can opener, sponge, trash bags, basic tool kit, and hangers (for roasting marshmallows, of course!)
3. Some EXTRA items for long trips in large RV’s are a coffee pot, outdoor rug, skewers, games, toys, books, and a long rope and clothes pins for drying wet clothes.
4. GAMES for the road: I Spy (with my little eye) and The License Plate Game are classic games younger kids will get a kick out of. With older kids try Continue the Story--one person starts a story and everyone adds to it with new characters and shocking plot twists!
