Here's Why Nothing Beats a Family RV Trip

This article originally appeared on RVshare.com.

One of the best, most fun ways to create memories as a family is by traveling together. Travel pushes everyone out of their comfort zone, and as a family, you have to work together to get places, prepare meals, and even entertain each other. It gets rid of the daily distractions at home and plunks everyone down in a new environment together. It also creates touchpoints, stories and memories that only those traveling with you during that time will have.

There are so many reasons why seeing the country by RV is a great option. We think this is pretty clear, but in case you still need some convincing to book that trip this summer, here are a few reasons why.

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Let’s face it – kids need a lot of gear, and babies need even more! On a road trip, where you’re stopping at hotels on the way, having to load and unload everything you’ll need for your stay can be an exhausting chore. Managing all that gear on a plane trip is challenging as well. If you rent or purchase an RV, you only have to load everything once and then you have it at the ready for your whole trip.

Related: How to Pack for an RV Trip

An airplane trip takes you to your destination, but an RV road trip is part of the destination! Your vacation doesn’t start when you land, it starts the minute you leave your driveway. If you’re headed to a final spot like a beach, you can still stop off or even detour to see state or national parks, museums, and other sights along the way. You can even be spontaneous and decide when you get up in the morning if you’d like to see something nearby or continue on your journey.

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Traveling through airports and checking in at hotels can mean you’re around other people at a higher rate than you will be if you travel with your family in an RV. You won’t even have to use public restrooms when you stop and you can keep exposure to germs much lower than if you travel by car or plane. Even if you do meet new people, chances are it will be outside at your campground where you can all stay well-distanced from each other while you chat.

Related: 10 Reasons Now Is the Perfect Time for an RV Vacation

While younger kids like new experiences and the fun of vacations, they also like to have a routine and a little bit of normalcy. RVs can offer both! Unlike car trips where you’re changing hotels, traveling by RV means you have a familiar spot for tired kids to nap at any point on your journey. They also know where they will sit to eat, and there’s room for them to bring their favorite books, stuffed animals, or other comfort items from home. Traveling by RV also means you have an easy way to wash bottles or dishes, and a convenient place to store snacks.

While it’s fun to try new foods when you explore, it’s good to combine that with some tried-and-true family favorites, especially on days when you know your kids will be tired and possibly cranky. You can even bring along an RV slow cooker and start a meal before you head out for the day.

Related: How to Realistically Cook Every Meal in Your RV

Many RVs are pet-friendly, so you don’t have to leave an important part of your family at home while you travel! If you are renting an RV, you’ll want to make sure the owner allows pets. When you’re searching for campgrounds, look for ones that have pet amenities like dog parks or areas for them to run. You may also want to consider getting a hose to hook up outside your RV, or see if the campgrounds have pet wash areas if you plan to take your furry friend hiking or to the beach.

Related: 16 RV Parks Your Pooch Will Love As Much As You

Many families took 2020 as a chance to reimagine school and work for themselves. As a result, roadschooling is on the rise. With many schools still offering virtual learning, it’s easy to take kids on the road for a few days, or a week, without having them missing classes. Many campgrounds have also been upgrading their WiFi and making other improvements to accommodate the increase in people working from the road.

If you do take a vacation with your family, it’s easy to work in some educational stops while you travel. If your child is learning about your state’s history, or the history of the country, you can plan to visit parks or national monuments to bring their studies to life. Science classes also come alive when you visit nature centers, or an observatory or museum. 

If you’re feeling especially adventurous, you could even let your kids plan part of the trip! Kids are thrilled when people pay attention to their ideas.

Related: Roadschooling: Meet the Parents Turning Their RVs Into Classrooms

There are three basic RV sizes, and several options for trailers that you may want to consider depending on the size of your family, the activities you’re planning, and where and how long you intend to travel.

Related: RV Classes: RV Motorhome Classes Explained

Class A RVs are the large, bus-style motorhomes that range from 21- to 40-feet long and can sleep anywhere from four to 10 adults. They usually have many of the comforts of home, including at least one bathroom, a kitchen, comfortable chairs for lounging and watching TV, and sometimes even laundry machines or fireplaces. Generally, Class As are the most expensive motorhomes.

Related: The Most Outrageous Luxury RVs Money Can Buy

Class Bs are campervans. They are between 8 and 20 feet long and can sleep two to three adults. Because of their smaller size, they’re easy to drive. If you’re intimidated by the idea of driving a large trailer or motorhome, a Class B may be for you! Sometimes they have a small cooking area in the back of the van, and they can even have a very small bathroom.

Related: Creative Van Conversions to Simplify Life on the Road

Class C campers are built on a truck chassis. They’re the Goldilocks of RVs – not as big as the Class A nor as small as the Class B. They usually have bathrooms and a kitchen, and they’re between 20-38 feet long. Class Cs can sleep from four to eight adults.

Related: The Best 8 Class C Motorhomes Under 30 Feet

Fifth-wheel trailers can provide a surprising about of room. They’re 22-40 feet long and can sleep up to eight adults — sometimes even more. They have bathrooms, a kitchen, and sometimes room for extra amenities. If you’re considering a fifth-wheel trailer, you’ll want to make sure you have a vehicle big enough to tow it – in most cases, a 1-ton truck.

Related: The 10 Best SUVs for Towing a Travel Trailer

Toy haulers are great if you want to bring along your own bikes, kayak, or even ATVs or dirt bikes. They are 20-40 feet long and sleep four to six people.

Related: Cargo Trailer Camper Conversions That'll Have You Revving to Renovate

Pop-up campers are a fun option that combine the ease of traveling in an RV with the fun of camping in a tent. They’re about 8-16 feet when they’re closed and 16-32 feet when they’re completely set up. They can sleep two to four adults.

Related: A Deep Dive into Pop-Up Campers

So now you know what makes RVs family friend and what kind will work best for you. Now all that's left to plan is where and when to go! Don't let us keep you any longer — go out there and make some wonderful family memories on the road.

Related: 22 Important Things to Consider Before Buying an RV