Commonsense ideas for making your next RV trip enjoyable for all ages.
By Steve Froese, F276276
My wife and I have a blended family, which includes two teenagers and two adult children. My eldest has a pop-up trailer of her own and camps with my son-in-law and grandson, thus carrying on the RV tradition. My son enjoys taking RV road trips with us when his schedule allows. The teens love the RV lifestyle, especially since they spent their childhoods tent camping.
Family run modeling masks.
Many RVers believe that the journey, and not just the destination, makes the lifestyle rewarding. But when families plan an RV trip, they sometimes fail to consider everyone’s needs during the travel portion. The simple tips I’ve outlined below should benefit parents and their offspring, from small children to young adults.
Road Food
A variety of snacks can keep kids of all ages — adults, too — content during long hours on the road. That includes the driver. At the least, they should help prevent complaints of “I’m hungry” between meal stops. My kids appreciate anything from raw vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, or celery sticks to homemade trail mix or baked items. Other possibilities include nuts, seeds, fruit, and packaged goodies. Some families may prefer more sugary options. It’s also nice to pack or prepare some “surprise” treats, such as smoothies (a Magic Bullet or similar blender is a great addition to your RV), or brownies or cookies freshly baked in the convection oven.
Let the kids help with meal planning, and have everyone share in the preparation and cleanup chores. For instance, let one child choose the main course and another the dessert; let them help make the meal, do the dishes, and tidy up. Older kids can prepare the entire meal, including setup and serving; you do the cleanup. The idea is to include everybody, thus sharing responsibilities.
Diversions
During the drive, make sure everyone has appropriate activities to keep themselves occupied. Although you undoubtedly will be traveling through some scenic landscapes, the kids will not be interested in looking out the window the entire time. It is important to maintain a balance.
Paying homage to Walt Disney.
If you have small children, allow each of them to bring along a small plastic tote full of their favorite activities. Spend time with each of them one-on-one and as a family, focusing on these games, books, toys, etc.
Give teens and older kids plenty of personal space, which, admittedly, can be challenging in the confines of an RV.
Both kids and adults likely are dependent on electronics, such as video games, tablets, or smartphones; have an adequate number of charging devices and receptacles to keep them juiced up. Establish rules regarding the duration and use of these devices. Remember, time spent as a family is the most important thing. Expect everybody to contribute positively to the trip while still allowing personal space and downtime for each individual.
The Journey
Take the scenic route whenever possible. Stop frequently, while still following necessary schedules. Research your route and destination; as a family, choose interesting and/or scenic places to stop, even for meals. This will help ensure that everybody feels motivated to get out regularly to stretch their legs. It also may provide memorable sight-seeing opportunities. And don’t be afraid to make spontaneous stops along the way. In my mind, these are some of the most exciting elements of the journey!
Family Time
Because the older kids will keep to themselves during much of the drive, and the driver is somewhat isolated, it is important to restore the family balance while sight-seeing outside the RV. Try to stop early for the night so you can have a leisurely dinner. Do things together, such as walks, bike rides, and campfires (when permitted). Take time to learn about the location you are in, perhaps including its name and history. Look for native plants and animals during a hike.
Older children can still enjoy RV travel time with their family.
Consider scheduling after-dinner movie nights or game nights. If the campground allows tents, give your older kids the option to pitch the tent and sleep under the stars. This is a good opportunity for them to “rough it” and get away from parents.
Try not to leave camp too early in the morning; you may want to explore the area further, especially if you arrived after dark the night before.
Educate your children about proper campground etiquette, and get to know your campground neighbors as a family; this is especially important if you will be staying for a longer period. Ensure that all family members follow the campground’s written rules. Also keep in mind the unwritten rules campers should always follow — principal among them, to respect other campers’ privacy and to never enter or cross occupied campsites uninvited.
Encourage your children to make friends with other kids in the park. This can provide an important social element to your RV trip and goes a long way toward keeping the young ones busy.
Memories For Life
In these days of busy social calendars and reliance on electronics, many of us are losing touch with our loved ones. If you are traveling with teens, one of the best things you can do is simply talk with them. Find a place to have a conversation with your child. You can go for a walk in the woods, by the river, or on the beach; or, just sit under the awning or on the couch in the RV. You can never get those years back. Enjoy them while you can, and remember that short trips can be just as rewarding, relaxing, and memorable as longer ones.
If you follow these simple tips, you will find that you can become closer as a family, and your kids will create wonderful memories of beautiful places. I’m sure this is why my daughter has continued the RV lifestyle with her family, and I’m sure my other kids will as well!