It’s Healthy to Get Away from It All.
RV travelers do more than just hit the road in their vehicles. RVing families get outside and walk, bike, jog, paddle, rollerblade, raft and hike – whether it's down small-town streets, over miles of trails, across pristine lakes, along raging rapids or through landscaped campgrounds. In fact, 86% of RVers hike or walk on their trips – just one reason they are happier and healthier than their non-RVing counterparts.
But the cardiovascular benefits of increased activity are not the only health dividends. Studies show that just taking vacations actually reduces the risk of heart disease, and that spending quality time with a spouse or significant other actually lowers a person's blood pressure.
Stress-free Getaways. Increasing activity while on the road, escaping stress, recharging batteries and bonding/reconnecting with family members all help to explain why RVers feel happier and healthier. RVs reduce vacation stress by allowing travelers to control their own schedule and timetable, by keeping the family relaxed in familiar surroundings and by making spur-of-the-moment getaways possible since the RV can be kept packed with the staples needed to head out of town with little planning. And since rest contributes to overall physical health, sleeping in a familiar, comfortable bed plays a major role in recharging the body's batteries, something most travelers say they can't obtain by staying in strange hotels along the way.
What's for Dinner? The fact that RVers can continue to adhere to their solid nutritional habits is also a factor in their healthier lifestyles. Maintaining everyday eating patterns isn't easy while in airport terminals, hotels or restaurants. But RVs make mealtime decisions a snap with on-board pantries and cabinets for non-perishable storage, ovens/stoves and microwaves for cooking and refrigerators/freezers to store your favorite meal ingredients. Plus, RVs boast sufficient power and storage for food processors, blenders and convection ovens. Traveling by RV allows you the flexibility to stop, pick up local delicacies and sample them that evening in the comfort of your own kitchen.
The Road to a Healthier You Is Calling. So stock the RV pantry and fridge with your favorite foods, grab your gear, a pair of comfortable shoes and your favorite traveling companions, and hit the open road, because good health can't be found in a bottle, but it can be found on your next RV adventure.
RVing is nothing if not kid-friendly. Think of all the “extras” sported by recreation vehicles. Comfortable beds. Fully stocked, on-board snack center. The kids’ favorite toys, games, books and videos – all within arm’s reach. And because of these comforts, there are certain things you’ll be able to do without – like the sound of “Are we there yet?”
Kids love to help. Get them involved in preparing for the trip by following the basic list under the "RV Travel Checklist" in the "Links" box to the right. Have them add their personal favorites to the list so everyone will arrive at the final destination with their most prized and important possessions.
Something happens when families spend time together. Something good. Bonds are built between the generations. Secrets are shared. Discoveries are made. Moments are frozen in time.
Sometimes the road to a happy family is an actual road. Nothing brings a family closer together than taking them away. Away from the daily distractions that can get in your way. On a whim, you can hop in an RV and spend a weekend with your kids after a hectic week at work.
RVs aren't just for camping – and they're not just for summertime either – they can open up a world of possibilities for adventure and travel. Escape the ordinary and enjoy the time away from work and the demanding weekday family schedules. Make the most of your downtime. Together.
No Need to Hibernate. Plan an active outdoor winter RV vacation complete with ice skating, sledding, snowboarding and snowmobiling. Plenty of storage means there's room to pack bulky winter clothing and accessories to keep warm. With a little cold-weather preparation and with water and central heat standard equipment on most RVs, there is no off-season!
Video: “Home Run Vacation” Video: “What’s for Dinner?”Follow the sun. For a few weeks in the winter. For months at a time. Perhaps for a year on the road. As our age increases, so, too, do our opportunities to experience all that RVing has to offer. Today's empty-nesters and retirees are on the go, and RVs can take them wherever their hearts desire, affordably, and that's important on a fixed retirement income.
Thousands are part-time RVers, weekend and vacation travelers or seasonal "snowbirds." Thousands more – some estimates go as high as a million – live full-time in their RVs.
Home on the Road. Today's RVs make travel and camping comfortable and extremely accommodating, even for those with physical restrictions. RV travelers enjoy home comforts like queen-sized beds and central air and heat. Many of these "condos-on-wheels" have slideout rooms that expand their interior space by about one-third at the push of a button. On-board closets and oversized basement storage space eliminate the need to pack, unpack and carry bulky suitcases. Fully equipped kitchens help older RVers follow special diets, vacation more economically and cut costs by avoiding fast-food eateries and high-priced restaurants.
RV travel fosters a sense of community, offering mature travelers a valuable network of friends who share common interests. Especially popular among seniors are camping clubs, which provide an active social network on the road. Camping clubs hold annual conventions, regional rallies, campouts and other events to bring RVers together.
Relax. While not everyone can backpack or tent-camp, anyone can enjoy outdoor living at a campground with an RV. And with so many RVs, there are models to fit every budget, lifestyle and interest. Many RV resorts and campgrounds offer expanded facilities and a variety of activities such as golf, tennis, tours and social events. The relaxed RV lifestyle can help add years to your life - and zest to those years.
Redefine Tailgating. Take along some friends to an outdoor concert or sporting event. And avoid traffic coming and going by hosting pre- and post-concert event tailgate parties. Cook up tasty delights on the grill or in your on-board kitchen. Play everyone's favorite tunes on your surround-sound stereo system or catch the pre-game show on your TV.
Discover Your Inner Explorer. Embark on a geocaching expedition and see what treasures or cache you can discover. It's a worldwide craze, following clues to treasure-hunting locations using GPS devices for guidance. And after a long day of trekking and searching, your own RV is an inviting base camp.
Are You a Horse Enthusiast? Horse Trailer Conversions make traveling to equestrian events easy and economical. Whether it's an afternoon horseback ride with one horse or a professional competition with more, there's an RV to fit your needs. Take along all the comforts of home, and save money by cooking your own meals and sleeping in your own bed instead of staying in a hotel. Each trailer offers modern conveniences such as kitchens, bathrooms and entertainment areas, as well as comfortable stalls for each horse. On-board dressing rooms make preparing for competition effortless.
Do You Brave the Cold for Ice Fishing? If the winter's sub-freezing temperatures make you dream of dropping a line in the ice, there's an RV for that, too. Fish houses are great way to stay sheltered from the cold. Today's models are easy to move and can be towed onto the ice with your ATV. They even come complete with heat, bathrooms and comfortable bench seating. You can cook up the catch of the day on the stove while listening to your favorite tunes on the built-in MP3 player.
Video: “Mountain Playground” Video: “RVing With Rutledge Wood and Family”