Insuring Your RV Trip

The summer of 2020 was a year unlike any other due to the coronavirus pandemic. To adjust to the new world, travelers found fun and creative new ways to enjoy their vacation – even if those vacations looked different from years past. Many discovered the joy of the recreational vehicle, also known as the “RV”.

The travel industry reported a significant increase in popularity of this trend in 2020, and over a year later these unique vacation vehicles are still hot commodities. With continued interest in both road trips and camping trips, RVs are the perfect travel vehicle for those concerned about COVID-19 as they allow for social distancing, limited shared public areas, freedom to travel at your own pace, and comfort for the whole family. They are also often a more affordable option than traditional hotels, which can often allow for longer trips. RVs have proven themselves to be a desirable way to travel, and we’re sharing a few of our favorite tips for hitting the open road in safety and style.

Get Social

Getting involved with the RV online community is a great way to prepare for your trip. First-timers can gain valuable tips and tricks, experienced travelers can offer advice on favorite spots, and everyone can share photos and memories from their favorite trips. The independent spirit of mobile vacationers is contagious and sure to get you excited about your trip.

Plan Ahead

There’s more to an RV vacation than a road map and a large vehicle. While the spontaneity of going where the wind takes you sounds fun and freeing, many travelers will benefit from a well-planned vacation. Many great sites fill up early, particularly during holiday weekends, and if they are first-come-first-served, you likely need to be at the campground right when it opens. It’s recommended to book ahead of time or research to find out the best way to ensure your spot in the RV park of your choice. If you plan on visiting any National Parks, be sure to research the guidelines for visiting with your vehicle and consider purchasing any passes you may need in advance. Dining is also an important part of the planning process – while roadside stops are a great place to grab a quick bite, they might not be the best places for travelers with dietary restrictions. With so many great foodie cities around the country, dining locations can become their own destinations during your travel.

Be Prepared

Safety is always a priority when it comes to travel, and road trips, particularly in an unfamiliar vehicle, are no exception. Invest in a safety kit with essential tools and be familiar with how to use them. A safety kit for your passengers is important as well, keeping first aid supplies and emergency contact information on hand.

Before hitting the road, take your vehicle on a test drive to ensure you know how to handle it and there aren’t any unexpected surprises when you’re ready to go. Pay attention to the vehicle’s turn radius and overhead clearance, practice backing into a spot for those RV parks that don’t have pull-through sites. Two-way radios are a great tool for the driver and the person standing outside of the rig is to stay in contact with each other when getting in and out of tight spots.

Technology

Modern technology has made some aspects of the classic road trip easier, but you shouldn’t be completely reliant on it. Electronic gadgets can malfunction, batteries can run out, and service may not be available in the areas you need it most. Be sure to pack a paper road map and compass to be ready for anything.

Keep It Level

Keeping your RV level while you are parked is important. Not being level means you’ll be uncomfortable as you sleep, and worse, may cause your fridge to malfunction and spoil your food. Most RV’s have some sort of hydraulic leveling system. For vehicles without one, consider packing wooden boards or plastic leveling blocks. Get creative when parking in each destination. And don’t forget a handheld level – either a bubble level or a ball level will get the job done.

Pack Light

Organization and storage are important parts of traveling by RV. It will start to feel pretty cramped when things aren’t neatly stored away. Think of packing like a game of Tetris – square containers will almost always fit better than round ones. Stock up on ziplock bags, which pack small and have a wide variety of uses.

Travel Insurance for RV Trips

When considering travel insurance, travelers often think of coverage for flights, cruises, or international destinations. However, most trips that take you at least 100 miles from your home are insurable. As a result, RV travel insurance has become increasingly popular among vacationers who are hitting the road.

Travelers may consider travel insurance for their RV trip to cover unexpected delays, emergencies requiring medical evacuation, baggage loss, or trip cancellation. Many comprehensive insurance plans include driveway-to-driveway coverage, which begins the moment you leave your home and lasts until you return.

No matter how you are traveling, travel insurance can help protect the prepaid, non-refundable components of your trip from the unexpected so you can enjoy the journey.