Motorhomes or motor caravans (as RVs are better known as in the UK) are becoming increasingly popular in Britain and throughout Europe. For many Brits considering a family holiday in the USA, the motorhome or RV is often the best way to explore the fantastic scenery and sheer scale of such a magnificent country. Exploring the US in a motor home or RV is brilliant. You can sleep in comfort at stunning places so remote there are no other human beings for miles around. There are some practical tips you should follow though to get the most out of this way of experiencing the scenic and natural grandeur of the USA.
Booking your Motorhome
American RV hire companies will require you to have a full UK driving licence and a major credit card. You should also double check minimum age requirements as these can vary. Booking directly online is pretty straightforward and there are dozens of well-established and reputable rental companies. You can always find good deals if you shop around, but as with everything, you will get what you pay for.
What Size of Motorhome Should You Hire?
If you are a family of four, then something like at least a 25 foot vehicle with a cabover bed at the front and a large bed in the back will probably be adequate for your needs. Although a 25 foot RV may seem huge by UK standards, it’s a midget compared to the more typical 40 foot monsters often seen on American roads. A vehicle of either size will be a supersized step up from anything you may have driven in the UK (unless you’re an HGV driver) so ask about reversing cameras fitted as standard and be prepared for several wing mirror clashes in traffic!
How to Book Campsites
America has a fantastic network of stunningly beautiful state and national park campsites to choose from and each national park has its own website with information on the various campsites available. Services and amenities do vary dramatically though and while some have shower blocks and full power hook ups, others simply provide pit lavatories. Some don’t allow reservations and you simply take your chance by turning up, but the most popular sites can be booked in advance. Try to avoid August, which is generally the busiest time. Privately run RV parks are also available and while they do have fantastic services and amenities like hot showers, cinemas and internet access they tend to be nothing more than large regimented patches of tarmac – like spending a holiday at an NCP car park.
How to Survive The Children
Remember that you and your (currently) loved ones are going to be spending a very long time in a very confined space. No matter how fantastic the view, it’s all too easy for cabin fever to set in, especially if you have kids in tow. Building in plenty of time off is vital to sanity. Making time to splash about in a campsite swimming pool will make all the difference. An even better idea is to hire or buy inexpensive bicycles so the kids can charge around the campsite and wear themselves out of an evening!
The author, Rory Bruce, is a freelance travel writer and has worked with a company that helps clients with motorhome rental and assists those customers who may have motorhomes for sale.
Image Credit: Flickr.com/_escalade328s_
Freelance writer and veteran of ad agencies, PR companies and trade magazines
