The sun is getting warmer, the Ontario COVID-19 restrictions are slowly lifting and most importantly, campsite are once again open! We are all eager to escape to the great outdoors with our friends and family in our RV's, but it is still important to prepare for our journeys rather than run to book the first open time slot we find. Whether you're staying close to home, visiting your seasonal campsite or going on a cross-country road trip, these planning and campsite tips are guaranteed to make your summer travels the best they can be!
Plan
The first step to ensuring you have the best camping trip ever? Planning the best camping trip ever! Sit down and make a list of all the campsites and landmarks you want to visit while on the road. Make sure to weigh the pros and cons of each destination. Are you looking for something with amenities for the kids? Want to be by the lake? Need to be close to the hiking trails? By narrowing down what you're looking for in a campsite and in your trip in general, you already begin to make your journey the best it can be. Sometimes going with the flow while on your travels can lead you to amazing adventures, but it is always a good idea to have a solid foundation of what you want out of your trip on the back burner to ensure a good time on the road. A bonus planning tip that is sure to keep you calm, collected and organized is to write out a list of what items are currently in your RV and what extras you want to bring along with you on your travels. You can even plan out your meals while camping and write out what clothes you are all bringing. By writing these things out you are less likely to forget something important when you leave for your summer vacation.
Prepare
Before leaving for your summer road trips it is important to check and make sure you have all the necessary vehicle maintenance done and the essential RV tools you will need while on the road. For example, checking your tires before a big trip is a critical step in ensuring smooth travels. By checking air levels before you leave for the campsite you limit the chances of having to pull over to fill up your tires along the way. Properly filled tires also help you save on gas consumption! Other items that will prepare you for a successful trip are leveling pads. There's nothing worse than pulling up to your designated campsite spot and the ground being uneven. Having a leveled unit while in park is certain to make your stay more enjoyable. Another item to consider is a portable surge protector to protect you from any voltage issues you may run into while at camp. While in the planning process you can also plan out what other helpful items you can bring along with your to make your trip effortless like water filters and sewage supplies.
Patio and Campsite
Once you have mapped out the location and the accessories needed to make your RV trip a successful one, you can start to consider how you can make your outdoor setup the most enjoyable for you and your traveling companions. To spruce up the comfort levels outside of your unit and to make it feel more like home, consider adding a patio mat, folding chairs and LED lights or lanterns to your collection. All your campsite neighbours will be jealous of your awesome set up and how comfortable you are! If you are staying by the water bring along items like beach chairs and floaties that will up your comfort level while enjoying the rays and waves. The next step in ensuring a great time at your campsite is bringing your trusty campsite barbecue along. If you don't have one you can always make one with a grill plate and a fire pit! The key to happiness is a happy tummy, and nothing makes our tummies happier than a freshly grilled meal!
Pets
If your ideal summer vacation includes traveling with your furry friends, don't fret! We have great ideas to make their journeys just as enjoyable as your own. Of course you should bring their regular items like food, water and toys, but there are a few extra items that can make them feel like royalty inside and outside of your RV. Our first suggestion is to invest in a harness seatbelt or DIY pet crate within your unit. These items secure your pets safely with no threat of them choking if an accident does occur. To make this trip even more comfortable for them we recommend bringing them a folding bed, which is perfect for both inside and outside the trailer. Bonus points if their bed matches your folding chairs! Other items you can bring along for your animals is cooling items like a cooling mat or sweater, a hat and a misting bottle. Not only will these items keep them feeling cool and protected from the sun, but they will also be set up for a campsite photo shoot!
These tips are just the start of you having an amazing RV adventure this summer! Wherever you go with your friends and family is sure to be a good time, but these steps limit the amount of bumps in the road you may come across along the way. These tips are sure to grant you a great summer filled with RV fun! Don't forget to tag us in your travel posts @SicardRV, we can't wait to see the adventures you go on!