Planning a Comfortable Travel Day

An Rv travel day can be a good part of the trip, but it can also wear you out if you try to do too much. Over the years, I've learned that the goal isn't to cover as many miles as possible. It's to get where you're going with enough energy to enjoy it. On our trips to see our kids in Oklahoma, Jeannie would always ask me not to be in such a rush. You don't have to drive 10-12 hours a day. I would be so exhausted when we arrived at our destination, that it would take a day or two to recuperate.

Give yourself room in your schedule

A route may look simple on a map, but driving an RV takes more attention than driving a car. Stops for fuel, food, traffic, and rest can add time. I try to leave room for those things instead of planning every minute of the day.

It also helps to think about how you feel after several hours on the road. A shorter drive may make for a more enjoyable trip than pushing on just to reach a farther campground. When I feel like I can't make it to my destination, I'll pull into a Wal-Mart or a Cracker Barrel. Most of them are accommodating.

Plan your stops

Before leaving, look for places along the route where you can stop safely and take a break. A chance to stretch, get a drink, or have a meal can make a long day easier. It's better to know your options ahead of time than to feel rushed when you need a stop. I try to make it a habit to stop when my gas tank is half empty. When you're getting eight miles to the gallon, the timing is about right. When you stop for gas or fuel make sure you have enough room to pull in and out safely. One of the best pieces of advice I can give is...NEVER PULL IN TO AN AREA WHERE YOU DON'T HAVE A CLEAR WAY TO EXIT. That is always on the back of my mind when I need to stop. This is especially important when you're towing a car or trailer. I've traveled miles out of my way at times just so I could make a safe in and out.

Try to arrive with daylight left

Arriving at a campground while its still light makes it easier to find your site and get set up. You can see the space, check your surroundings, and take your time with the hookups. I arrived at a campground around midnight one time and tried to back a 32ft travel trailer into a small site. It was too dark and I didn't have enough room to meneuver. I also disturbed campers around me. I ended up leaving.

If the day is running late, it may be better to stop for the night before you reach your destination. My wife tells me to be flexible. It will make the evening much less stressful.

Make the day easier before you leave

A few things done the night before can help the morning go more smoothly. Have your route ready, make sure the items you'll need during the drive are easy to reach, and leave the campsite with enough time to finish without rushing.

Most of all, don't expect every travel day to go exactly as planned. Traffic, weather, road work, and unexpected stops can change the schedule. Give yourself some breathing room and adjust as needed.

A comfortable travel day isn't about getting there fast. It's about arriving safely, setting up without a hazzle, and still having some energy left to enjoy the place you came to see.