Monday, December 7, 2009

Are we there yet?

A phrase to terrify parents usually uttered within the first hours of leaving on any long driving trip. While a luxury motorhome has many amenities to help keep the kids occupied while traveling, sometimes you just need a little more help...

Well fret not. El Monte RV has put together a list of travel games that can be used to keep the kids amused and occupied for hours.

See: RV Travel Games

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Monday, November 16, 2009

Top Ten RV Camping Activities

Although the luxury of an RV might tempt you to stay inside on your next vacation, there are dozens of things to do outdoors, too! No matter what type of activity you enjoy, making a motorhome your home base gives the perfect blend of comfort and the great outdoors.

Use this list of the Top Ten RV Camping Activities to plan your next RV jaunt.
  1. Fishing: Whether angling for bass or hoping to land a trophy trout, great fishing can be found at many fantastic RV camping destinations. Check local lakes and rivers, or branch out to state lakes and national parks to hook a great campsite close to the water. For up to date fishing reports, try ReelReports.com, and to find nearby campgrounds, check websites like GoCampingAmerica.
  2. Boating: Love to hit the lake for a weekend of boating fun? Tow your boat behind a comfortable RV and you'll have a great place to relax back on-shore. Lakes and rivers throughout the US offer boaters a variety of experiences. Whether it's canoeing or kayaking at Delaware Water Gap or sailing on one of the Great Lakes, there are sure to be scenic RV campgrounds nearby.
  3. Hiking: Pick a trail, map your course, and park your RV in a wooded campground for a wonderfully relaxing getaway. Most US National Parks have hundreds of miles of trails to hike, so why not plan a vacation there? Many eastern National Parks include sections of the Appalachian Trail, and the hiking possibilities in Parks like Yosemite, Yellowstone and Bryce Canyon can keep an RV camper busy for weeks.
  4. Nature Photography: One of the favorite activities RV campers report is taking photos of their surroundings. Whether you're one of those shutterbugs who'll climb a cliff for a great shot, or you prefer to take wildlife photos close to your campsite, spending time camped in the woods with a good camera can be very rewarding.
  5. Horseback Riding: Spending time out in nature on the back of a horse makes for some wonderful memories, too. Many venues now offer scenic RV campsites and trail rides to campers. Here's one example in Missouri that promises plenty of family fun.
  6. Mountain Biking: For a real adrenaline rush, plan an RV camping vacation around mountain biking trails. Some perennial favorites? Try the trails around Snowmass and Aspen, Colorado, or Porcupine Rim Trail near Moab, Utah. Make sure you ride the trails around Lake Tahoe, too, for a once in a lifetime experience.
  7. Whitewater Rafting: If paddling through rapids and blasting past rocks in a raft gets your adrenaline pumping, whitewater rafting is one don't-miss RV camping activity. Use this site to find the right river for your next adventure, and get ready for some watery fun.
  8. Skiing: What could be more luxurious than coming home after a long day of skiing to the warm and comfort of a motorhome? Smart RV campers know there are plenty of places they can ski that have campgrounds near the slope. Leave time on your next RV camping trip to the mountains to get in time on the slopes.
  9. Golfing: Have a golfer in your camping group? Be sure to check out local greens when planning your RV trip. Or, plan an entire trip around playing eighteen holes at notable golf courses. Either way, golf is a natural activity for active RV campers. Here is a nice resource listing RV Camps with Golf courses.
  10. Scenic Drives: And, don't forget why we travel by motorhome in the first place! Viewing beautiful scenery from the comfort of a motorhome will give you a whole new outlook on vacation travel. The America's Byways website has in-depth information on the most scenic drives in America. As you plan where to camp, plan time seeing the scenery that makes America beautiful.

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Wednesday, August 5, 2009

How About RV Camping Historic Route 66?

"Now you go thru St. Looey...Joplin, Missouri!
And Oklahoma City looks mighty pretty.
You'll see Amarillo...Gallup, New Mexico.
Flagstaff, Arizona: don't forget Winona,
Kingman, Barstow, San Bernardino
"

- From the song (Get Your Kicks On) Route 66 by Bobby Troup

US Route 66

US Route 66 is a former semi-trans continental highway. Established on November 11, 1926 as one of the original U.S. highways, it's route spanned 2,448 miles miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Los Angeles California passing through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona along the way. Route 66 has also been known as known as the "Main Street of America" or the "Mother Road".

Decline of Route 66

Over its history, starting in earnest in 1956 with the signing of the Interstate Highway Act, Route 66 was slowly replaced with more direct routes. The last section of Route 66 was decommissioned in Arizona with the completion of Interstate 40. US 66 was officially removed from the U.S. Highway System on June 27, 1985.

Portions of the old US Route 66 in many states are now designated as "Historic Route 66" and other portions have been designated a National Scenic Byway. In Southern California, portions of the road have been designated as State Route 66.

In 2008, The World Monuments Fund added US Route 66 to its World Monuments Watch list of 100 Most Endangered Sites.

Importance of Route 66

The National Historic Route 66 Federation characterizes traveling Route 66 as taking "the offramp into a bygone era." As Route 66 was decommissioned, entire communities declined or perished. What has been left behind is a microcosm of roadside America stuck in time. Traveling the route (and 85% of it is can still be traveled) is like driving into a time machine to see the U.S. as it was. Tourists from around the world come to the United States to travel Route 66.

RV Camping Along Route 66

Why not travel Route 66 in you own accommodations. An RV is a great way to see the attractions of Route 66.

There are many RV campgrounds along the entire distance of Route 66. The Campgrounds page at Route 66 News site lists 10 Illinois RV campgrounds, 22 Missouri RV campgrounds, 1 Kansas RV campground, 13 Oklahoma RV campgrounds, 12 Texas RV campgrounds, 33 New Mexico RV campgrounds, 24 Arizona RV campgrounds, and 9 California RV campgrounds. The resource does not claim to be a complete list but it does appear to be up-to-date.

How About a One-Way RV Rental to Travel the Distance?
How about renting an RV at El Monte RV's Chicago RV Rentals Location at the start of Route 66 and dropping it off at any one of several Southern California locations, including:
Other Route 66 RV Camping Resources
Other Route 66 Resources
And Remember...

"If you ever plan to motor west
Travel my way, the highway that's the best.
Get your kicks on Route 66!"

- From the song (Get Your Kicks On) Route 66 by Bobby Troup

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Monday, July 27, 2009

The Great American Road Trip

In case you missed it, NBC debuted a new reality series called The Great American Road Trip on July 7th. Over 8 episodes 7 families will travel to various destinations across the United States in Class-A motorhomes. At the destinations they will compete in "humorous challenges" that will culminate in one victorious family.

The Class-A motorhomes? See: Fleetwood, El Monte RV Provide Vehicles for NBC Show, in rvbusiness.com.

You can catch the remaining episodes of the series on Mondays at 8:00 PM / 7:00 PM Central.

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Monday, June 1, 2009

Beauty and Fun in the Illinois Valley of Southern Oregon


Thank you to Glenn and Lori Woodbury, owners of the Lone Mountain RV Resort located in O'Brien, Oregon, for sharing the following with us...

Lone Mountain RV Resort is a new upscale RV park located in the beautiful Illinois Valley of Southern Oregon. The park is located in O'Brien Oregon, a very quaint small town. The resort is owned and operated by Glenn and Lori whose Grandparents settled in the Valley in 1910. They and their families have enjoyed four generations in this safe and close knit community.

The Illinois Valley offers a little bit of everything, including:
  • Hiking
  • Golfing
  • Fishing
  • Rafting
  • Gold Mining (see: Oregon Gold Adventures)
  • Swimming in Crystal Clear streams, rivers and lakes
Crater LakeFor more ideas check out the Southern Oregon Vacation Guide put out by the Southern Oregon Visitors Association. There are also some very unique attractions, including:
The Illinois valley is also within the Rogue Valley Appellation which is part of the Southern Oregon American Viticultural Area (AVA). There are several wineries located within the valley including:
The Lone Mountain RV Resort offers seasonal rates and can easily be your home for a night, week or a month.

So if your travels take you to southern Oregon, visit the Lone Mountain RV Resort. They promise you will want to return again and again. For more information visit the Lone Mountain RV Resort website at http://www.lonemountainrv.com/.

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Monday, May 4, 2009

Tips for a Successful RV Vacation

An RV vacation can be a lot of fun! It can make for a great family adventure, and it is typically less costly than other types of vacations. According to PKF Consulting, a consulting firm with expertise in travel and tourism, RV vacations are 27% to 61% less expensive than other types of vacations studied.

While an RV vacation can be fun and relatively inexpensive, there are a few basic pointers to for a successful trip.

Plan Ahead

The key to a successful RV vacation is planning. Anyone considering such a vacation should think about:
Rent Early

Similar to vacation homes, RVs are in demand during peak vacation seasons. It is not at all out of the ordinary for an RV Rental company to have most or all of their RVs rented by early spring. Renting ahead also applies to space in RV campgrounds as well. The best RV campgrounds in the best locations also get booked early.

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Monday, March 30, 2009

The "Right" RV for Your Vacation

If the lure of convenient RV camping has captured your imagination, it's time to find out which motorhome will suit your vacation plans best. Today's RVs are a far cry from the tiny "Flintstone trailers" of the past. In fact, many people are opting to live full-time in their motorhomes, because they offer a luxurious lifestyle that can be moved when the mood strikes!

But if you're simply headed for a trip with your partner, friends or family, how can you pick the right one from your many RV options? The best place to begin is by asking yourselves two questions:
  1. Where are we going?
  2. How do we like to travel?
Let's look at the options that suit the most common answers to those questions.

What is Your Vacation Destination?

Some folks rent an RV for the thrill of tailgate parties and camping close to the big game or race. If you're headed for NASCAR or football fun, and you're taking a crowd along, why not look at a Class A motorhome? These specially-built full sized RVs feature slide-out compartments that double your living space once you've parked. Share the cost with your friends and camp in extravagant comfort when you come home from a day at the races or from cheering on your team.

If you'd like something a little smaller, but prefer the convenience of driving the vehicle you'll be camping in, take a look at Class C motorhomes. Sometimes called "cabovers", these RVs feature sleeping space above the vehicle cab as well as another bedroom, so they're great for families or two couples. Larger models will even sleep up to four adults and two children!

If you're setting up a base camp at a State or National Park, but want to use your vehicle for day trips, consider renting or buying a towable camping trailer. With special towing equipment that attaches to your vehicle (one rated for towing a trailer, of course) you can pull your "home away from home" to the campsite, detach it and set up camp, then visit area attractions easily in your own vehicle.

Your Preferred Camping Style

While you're looking at all the options, it's also good to keep in mind your preferred "on the road" lifestyle. For example, active campers who set up camp and take off for outdoor adventures may prefer the compact convenience of a towable camping trailer or one of the smaller Class C motorhomes.

On the other hand, if your group's vacation plan is to settle in to a first-class campground, read your whole summer reading list and hike a few gentle trails, you're great candidates for Class A RV luxury. Open a bottle of wine, cook a gourmet meal in the well-equipped kitchen and fall asleep to the sound of a nearby ocean, lake or river. Sound like your dream vacation? Sign yourselves up for a Class A motorhome soon!

It's All About You

As you can see, choosing the perfect RV to rent or buy is all about what you need and where you're going. Because motorhome camping is very affordable when compared to hotels, meals in restaurants and rental cars, you can plan any number of great vacations that include some type of camping.

Sit down with your camping crew and pick your destination, then create your "must have" list of camping conveniences. Armed with that of information, your RV selection is already half-way down the road!

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Thursday, March 26, 2009

A great time at Lake Cachuma

My friends and I rented a motorhome from El Monte RV in Santa Fe Springs and had a great time camping at Lake Cachuma (up above Santa Barbara, CA). The campground is really easy to get to, is laid out well, and has lots of great trees for shade and windbreak. The lake there is great (although you can't swim in it... I've never understood why you can drive a boat on it, but you can't swim in it!) - it's great to rent a boat and go out on the water.

I love the comfort and convenience of camping in an rv, and staying at Lake Cachuma makes it easy because they have a dump station, a convenience store (in case you forget something!) and lots of amenities.

I highly recommend this campground!

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Tuesday, March 24, 2009

RV Camping "Essentials"

You have booked your RV rental or purchased your first motorhome, but now have no idea how to outfit it for the perfect RV vacation. You're in luck, because this list of essential RV camping items will help you get on the road fast!

Keeping Things Safe and Comfortable
Love to travel, but have trouble adjusting to the road? Why not take along some of the things that make your own home a haven?
  • Battery-powered alarm clock - an alarm clock can keep busy families on schedule!
  • Comfy, durable bedding – check RV stores for sheets that fit odd-sized RV beds.
  • Don't forget pillows!
  • Comforters or quilts for cool mountain nights.
  • Towels and washcloths
  • Biodegradable toilet paper
  • Net bag or reusable shopping bags for laundry
  • First Aid kit
  • Insect repellent and sunscreen
  • Green cleaning supplies and washable rags for cleaning
  • Toiletries in refillable containers – Fill and store for the next trip!
  • Glasses or contacts and supplies
  • Medication and prescriptions
  • Cash and credit/debit cards
  • Comfortable clothes and shoes (remember swimsuits!)
  • Flip flops for showers and beaches
  • Reusable shopping bags for groceries and recyclables
  • Lawn chairs for campfire comfort
Personal Items Worth Packing
The point of having downtime is to relax and enjoy it! Remember to pack these things if they're important to your peace of mind.
  • CDs, mp3 player or tapes
  • Cell phone and calling cards (just remember that you are on vacation...)
  • Laptop computer/wireless card (again, remember that you are on vacation...)
  • Connector cable for cable television
  • Camera and batteries, film if shooting 35mm photos, download cable for digital
Keeping Your Trip on Track
There's nothing worse than driving on a dark two-lane, trying to find the campground. Here are some tips for items that will keep your trip on track. Some of the following items should be packed in resealable, waterproof bags in an easily-secured area of your vehicle.
  • GPS system
  • MAPS! Print from Internet sites or purchase a set for the RV
  • Campground reservation receipts and directions
  • Vehicle and health insurance information, vehicle registration.
  • Emergency contact information in case of accident or illness, list of known allergies
Vehicle Safety and Maintenance
We'd all like our vacations to be trouble-free, but vehicle breakdowns occasionally occur. Why not keep the disruption to a minimum by being prepared?
  • Roadside assistance identification and contact info
  • Good flashlight with built-in strobe
  • Toolbox with basic home and auto maintenance tools
  • Tire pressure gauge (a lighter operated pump might also be a good idea)
  • A set of jumper cables
RV Essentials
  • Waste water and fresh water hoses
  • Rubber gloves for handling waste water hoses
  • Bacterial additive for waste water tanks (no toxic chemicals, please!)
  • A LARGE roll of duct tape! (you'll be amazed what it can do in a pinch!)
  • Heavy-duty extension cords (at least 25' long)
  • Wheel blocks and trailer levelers
Kitchen Cupboard Packing
Packing an RV kitchen is as an art! The trick is to plan meals ahead and buy food items that can be used for more than one meal. Get creative and think of one-pan delicacies, you'll save dishwater and spend less time in the kitchen!
  • Favorite spices and condiments in labeled, refillable containers
  • Basic kitchen tools – can opener, stirring and serving utensils, spatulas, coffee scoop, knives and cutting board
  • Paper goods – aluminum foil, paper towels, trash bags
  • Dishtowels
  • Plastic, washable table cloth for picnic tables
  • Laundry and dish washing detergent in refillable containers
  • Plastic tubs with lids for dirty dishes, kitchen tools
  • Unbreakable dishes, inexpensive silverware (saves on trash generated!)
  • Plastic food storage containers
  • Food and drink items from your menus, packed to minimize breakage from shifting
  • Snack items in tubs
  • Small set of pots and pans—skillet, sauce pan, large pan for chili, pasta
  • Coffeemaker, tea bags, coffee, creamer, sweetener
This may seem like a long list, but once you've collected these items the first time, they can be packed, stored and labeled for the next trip. When you've fine-tuned this a bit, you will know just what you need for carefree RV camping. So don't just sit there - start packing!

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