If you’re thinking about embarking on your first RV adventure, we’ve pulled together a few tips that will make planning an RV trip a breeze. Whether you’ve camped before or are completely new to the RV life, this checklist will have you on the road in your RV rental in no time.
 

Choose an RV

 
Finding an RV rental that is right for your trip is easier than it sounds. Just like booking a hotel, there are a few things to consider. First is party size. Is this a couples’ trip? A family excursion? Are you planning to camp with a group of college buddies? Cruise America has a fleet of vehicles that can accommodate anywhere from one to seven people.
 
You’ll also want to consider the amenities of each RV rental vehicle. For a minimalist camping experience, the truck camper is great for small groups or families who are willing to go without all the modern conveniences. While it has a stove and shower, it doesn’t offer a generator, so there’s no microwave, air conditioning or extra power source. (All of these are available once you use campsite hookups, so it’s not really doing without in the long run) If you have a larger party that prefers more of a “glamping” experience, you might opt for a motorhome-style unit. Larger models feature more square footage, a generator, gas stove, refrigerator and more.
 
No matter your camping style, Cruise America’s got you covered when it comes to choosing the best RV rental for your trip.
 

The Cruise America C25 motorhome is a great option for those with
five or fewer people in their party.

Determine Your Destination

 
When traveling in an RV, the options are truly endless. If you want to soak in some sun and relax at the beach, find an oceanfront campsite near your favorite coastal city. Or take an educational trip to a national park where you can see some of the most beautiful sites in the world and learn about how you can protect them. You can even take your RV on a tour of major cities, iconic sports stadiums or famous concert venues. When planning an RV trip, you make the rules. We just recommend you make reservations in advance, especially during the busy season, to ensure a smooth arrival. Here are a few, fun trip ideas to get the creative juices flowing for your RV adventure:
 

• Visit epic California surfing beaches
• Get away from the crowds at one of these off-the-grid locations for RV camping
• Keep your cool by visiting one (or all!) of these awesome water parks across the U.S.

Map Out Your Drive

 
Once you’ve determined where you’re headed, it’s time to figure out how to get there. Using programs like Google Maps can help you find the best route for your trip. Maybe you just want to get there in a hurry. Or, you may want to see all the sites along the way. Whatever you decide, you are in charge! Just make sure to check for hazards like toll roads, which can be costly for large vehicles, and high-traffic times. Instead of getting stuck in traffic, find a mom-and-pop restaurant to stop for dinner or check out that hiking trail located just a few minutes from the highway.
 
Insider Tip: It’s not a bad idea to print out your Google Map directions before hitting the road. You never know when you might lose service for your cell phone or GPS device.
 

Photo Credit: Simon Migaj on Unsplash

 

Build Your Packing List

 
We won’t dive into this too much here, because we literally have an entire blog dedicated to the subject. Head over to our ultimate packing list for some insider tips on planning an RV trip.
 

Hit The Road, Jack

 
It’s time to hit the road! If you’re still looking for some road trip inspiration, check out our RV destinations blogs for amazing places that are calling your name!