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Frugal RV Traveling Tips:
Keeping an Eye on the Road - and Your Budget by John Noble
(Paso Robles, California)
Hitting the road in your RV and the RV lifestyle can be
one of the most economical ways to travel. If you do a little planning
and research ahead of time, it's easy to save even more - without ever
feeling like you're pinching pennies.
One obvious way to take the frugal
route is to plan your RV travel during the "shoulder seasons" - before
and after prime travel time - when discounts are often offered at
various campgrounds and attractions.
Here are 5 cost-cutting RV travel
tips that are good any time of the year:
1. RV Travel On One Tank of Gas
Remember the ending to The Wizard of
Oz, when Dorothy says she doesn't have to look any further than her own
backyard to find her heart's desire? Well, we're not suggesting camping
out right outside the house, but think about going to places not too far
away that you've always meant to check out.
You'll be surprised at how many new
and interesting destinations are just one tank of gas away. A lot of
territory can be covered in just a few hundred miles, and you're bound
to discover exciting locations you never knew existed so close to home.
Tip: Your neighborhood library is a
terrific resource for researching local and state information and
attractions - and most of it is free!
2. Put Your RV On A Diet And Get
Better Gas-Mileage
It's a simple fact that the less your
RV weighs, the more mileage you'll get on the road. Look around for
places in your rig where you can institute a "less is more" policy.
For example, you don't have to set out
with a full, fresh water tank for your RV excursion. Take what you need
for the first day's travel, plus a small reserve, and fill up once
you've reached your day's destination.
Forget that bulky, economy-sized can
of coffee: empty a smaller amount into an airtight plastic container
that you can refill later. (One place not to cut back, though, is tire
inflation: riding on fully inflated tires is a sure way to increase your
gas mileage.)
Tip: When buying food staples,
consider dehydrated items like soup and dried fruit, and transfer cereal
and pasta from bulky boxes into heavy-duty plastic bags - not only do
they take up less space, you can reuse them once they're empty!
3. Plastic not Paper Dinnerware - A
More Economical Approach Overall
Sure, the eat-and-toss approach of
paper plates and cups is the easy way to go - and might even seem
economical when you buy in bulk. But lightweight, inexpensive plastic
dishes are easy to find, and while they might not last forever, they'll
certainly see you through the duration of a long-distance RV excursion.
Choosing plastic over a big stack of
paper goods is also another way to save on weight, especially when
you're starting out on your RV trip.
Tip: Buy your plastic ware in a
mix-and-match variety of vibrant colors, and these snazzy dishes will
brighten up even the simplest road fare!
4. Drive Less, Stay More - Save on
Gas AND Get Campsite Discounts
When creating your RV travel
itinerary, consider making fewer stops and spending more time at each
destination. This will save on fuel and campsites costs as most of them
offer discounts for lengthier stays.
By driving less and staying more,
you'll receive an additional benefit: It's much more relaxing to know
that once you've turned off the ignition you're settling in for a while.
Also, by spending more time in one place, you'll be able to do some more
in-depth exploring of the area.
Tip: Look online at the local
newspaper for the area you'll be visiting. Check for listings of events
that you might not hear about otherwise . and don't forget to look in
the classifieds for yard sales and flea markets, too!
5. Stop and Shop - At Local
Discount or Dollar Stores
When you need to refill on groceries
avoid supermarkets and convenience stores where prices are at a premium.
Instead, look for local discount and dollar stores and roadside fruit
and vegetable stands -- depending on the season. You might not save much
money there, but there's nothing better than freshly picked produce.
Keep an eye open for discount outlets
in the area. And stop at flea markets and yard sales where you might
find a one-of-a-kind treasure. Not only do these unconventional choices
offer the opportunity to find unusual items, it's a great way to get to
know the local neighborhoods and people.
Tip: Keep your birthday and holiday
gift list handy - you might spot the perfect knickknack for a family
member at someone's yard sale!
Some Final Frugal RV Travel Tips:
Make use of the cheaper parks,
like state parks
Join Good Sam Club for 10%
discount at their parks
Subscribe to RV magazines for
great ideas on RV travel
Shop around for best prices on
camping stuff like Wal-Mart, K-Mart, GI Joes - instead of RV stores
Avoid buying your RV "supplies" -
like toilet paper - that claim to be for RVs/motorhomes. Save money
and buy the cheap stuff.
Save money and cook all your meals
in the RV; don't eat out. You can even make dishes ahead and store
in your RV's refrigerator
Ask for senior discounts
everywhere you go
If members of AAA, see if any
campgrounds give discounts. Look at a "Trailer Life Campground
Directory" at your local library to compare camping fees.
Plan!!!
Article submitted
by:
John Noble Sky River RV Inc
2525 Theatre Drive
Paso Robles, California 93446 805-226-9292
John Noble is the Marketing Consultant for Sky
River RV Inc - a California-based sales and service RV dealership
featuring Itasca and Airstream RV, motor home and travel trailer
units.
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