Planning Your Route: Don't Over Plan

Whether you are an experienced RVer or a new RVer, there are many options available for you to enjoy a successful RV road trip. You always want to have a plan on your final destination, but remember the RV lifestyle is all about the flexibility that the RV provides you. Here are a few tips on how to travel on a plan without getting bogged down in the details.

1. Map your destination
Always have a final destination in mind, but don't be afraid to follow the road less traveled. There are many routes that are historical and can still be traveled and you will still end up in your ultimate destination. For example, do dream of driving the Old Route 66? Hop onto Interstate 40 and off you go. For much of the route, Route 66 is interstate, but there are still old parts of the mother roads that will take you through the famous small towns of Route 66. Taking old Route 66 may add to your travel time, but you will have the opportunity to see a unique part of the country. GPS navigation systems are also handy if you get a little too far off the beaten path.

2. Prepare a list of possible stopovers
Preparing a list of possible stopovers is always a good idea. This list will allow you to know where you can spend the night should you get tired of driving. This will allow you to stop and hook-up your RV and live off of its amenities. If you are unable to hook-up, remember that you are using your RV's batteries and water. These will have to be recharged sooner or later. Great stopovers include all the odd museums you see on billboards, visitor centers, famous restaurants, historical markers and other odd sites on the side of the road. Visitor center are great because they have information for the whole community and you will often find brochures for various attractions.

3. Prepare for safety
Always stock your RV with a first-aid kit or supplies. Keep the first-aid kit in an outside storage compartment just in case you can't get inside the RV. The kit should include some basic supplies:
- Bandages
- Ointments
- Pain relievers
- Insect repellent
- Scissors
- Any must have medications for specific medical conditions
- Flashlight
- Paper and pens
- Disposable camera in case of accidents
- Cell phone and charger (you can't always have a spare one, but if you both have a cell phone store one for emergency use)

4. Check your checklist
You are always going to forget something for a road trip, but hopefully you won't forget anything to important with a checklist. Pre-trip your RV and look for anything you might need to buy before you leave, anything that is broken, the levelness of your RV, tires, water systems, gas systems, and electrical systems. Also, don't forget comfort supplies like your hairdryer, lawn chairs, CDs, DVDs, etc.

5. Prepare your children and pets
Be sure to have stopovers planned for both children and pets. They will get cabin fever easily and will need to get out and stretch. Find parks, outdoor attractions and rest stops where children and pets can get out and play. Be sure that your children know how to get back to the campsite from various spots such as playgrounds and swimming pools.

6. Have a back-up plan
Sometimes your travel plans don't work out the way you expect them to. There will be bad weather or construction and you may have to adjust your plans. This is where the freedom of the RV comes into play. You can turnaround go somewhere else if you need to. You have many options in an RV. You may be disappointed in not being able to make it to your final destination, but at least you have back-up ideas. Use the brochures you picked up at the visitor center and let the kids pick something to see. Also, some models of GPS systems have attractions menus and they will give you precise directions on how to get them.

There are various resources available for planning your RV trip. Check out RV websites, magazines and books. There are numerous campsites and not all of them are covered online and in books. A lot of the sites you might find by accident. Make notes on all of your travels so that you can remember to use them later. Having a general plan is a great idea if you no what direction you want to head in but you are flexible about how you get there.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If you are a business owner get listed at Best Travel Site, part of Localwin Network.