Life is busy and most of us fully embrace the hustle to get everything done. While this is fine for our day-to-day lives, the best thing about taking out an RV rental is that you get to take a break from that pace and slow down enough to smell the roses. If we’re not careful, though, it’s easy to slip back into rush mode during RV vacations, planning jam-packed trips that can leave you feeling wiped out when you get back home. 

With a little preparation, you can ensure that your vacation is both enjoyable and full of great adventures, whether it’s for a three-day weekend, a whole week or for the long haul. 

The Weekend Getaway

If you’re planning a quick weekend trip, we recommend sticking to one or two key destinations that are within a few hours from your RV rental location. That way, you get to spend more time making memories and less time en route. BLM campgrounds and national parks are great options for weekend getaways. While many of these don’t have full hook-ups, Cruise America RVers provide enough power for a 2-3-day trip, enabling you to get away from the crowds and further into nature.

We find it helpful to stay at the same campsite for both nights during a quick trip. After getting settled in your campground, you’ll have plenty of time to take in the natural surroundings, try out delicious camping recipes and snap epic selfies with your crew before you head home.

The Weeklong Vacation 

Since you have more days to work with than a weekend getaway, this is the perfect opportunity to choose a bucket-list destination that’s within 10 to 12 driving hours. (Anyone else thinking of that gorgeous national park that’s just one state over?!) 

Some people like to book it to their final destination to maximize their time there, but we love breaking up longer drives with stops along the way. Research local hot spots and try out hidden gems along the route. Stretch your legs, take in some unique eats and add something new to your road trip Insta Story. When you break it up this way, you can do some nights at places with full hook-ups and use the on-board generator at other sites, giving you the flexibility to choose the most beautiful, unique or convenient spots along your route.

If you plan on staying the night at one of your pitstops, choose a campsite that will accommodate a quick load in and out so you can get back on the road and on to your final destination the next day. 

Photo Credit: Priscilla Ann
Take breaks during long drives to check out new vistas.

The Horizon Is The Limit 

Whether you have a few weeks, a month or even more, long-term RV rentals make for relaxed exploration. If you’re a planner, you can certainly create a rough schedule and have a set timeline for reaching key destinations. But other than that, leave the calendar open. This will give you time to discover new and unexpected fun along the way. Maybe you’ll enjoy a small town more than you thought you would, so you stay an extra night. Or, if a drive gets a little long and you need more time to rest, you can do just that with no worries about your itinerary. 

On The Road To Success

When planning a road trip, just remember that at the end of the day, you make the rules. Kick back, slow down and find joy in the journey.