Elizabeth Borer's Blog

Posted by Elizabeth Borer

Cruise America is a company to consider when planning a trip in a rented RV.

While the type of RVs that Cruise America offer are somewhat limited, the rental company has been in operation for over 30 years and has 127 rental locations across the United States and Canada - the company even offers one-way rentals at many of its locations. The company has a large and friendly staff with an easy to use website.

There are a few downsides to renting a motorhome with Cruise America as well - if you're new to the RV lifestyle they may not be an issue, but those used to certain amenities may miss out on their regular comforts. While pets are allowed on the Cruise America RVs, the unit does not come with an awning, television, pots and pans, or bedding. A personals package (bedding etc.) is offered by the company for $50 per person and a housewares package is available for $100 per trip - all items must be returned at the end of the rental period.

The company rents a variety of vehicles, but does not offer class A vehicles or pop-up campers. Motorhomes range in length from 22 ft to 30 ft while the travel trailers are 24 and a half ft. All of the rentals are in great condition and eventually the used vehicles are available for sale on the company's website.

Rental centers are open Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm. For reservations call: 1-800-671-8042.

Posted by Elizabeth Borer

Discounts alone are a great reason to be a member of Good Sam - with $.02 off of gas and diesel at Petro, and 10% off of a large number of campground and service centers, plus insurance deals - it is easy to make up the cost of membership in a year.

It is simple to join - all that's needed is basic personal information, a credit card and valid email address for access to the member website. Simply visit the sign up page to join - membership fees are as follows:

• 1 year - $19
• 2 years - $32
• 3 years - $45

Additional benefits to the club include: a free subscription to Highways magazine, new RV product testing, trip routing services as well as regional club chapters and rallies. The Good Sam Club is widely used by RVers and provides comfort to many travelers knowing that their fellow club members will be of assistance on the road if necessary. Being a part of the club is also a great way to get to know other RVers and get acquainted with the RV lifestyle.

Posted by Elizabeth Borer

I first started researching luxury RV travel when I came across a press release announcing a $2.5 million dollar motor coach from 2006. From there, I found more information describing how RVs are now appealing to a wider variety of people and budgets -- many celebrities and athletes rave about their motor homes.

While RVs and their owners may have once been stereotyped as a cheap way for families to travel or a lifestyle for retired couples, the image of an RV owner has now been expanded to include every type of traveler. Now child-free couples can park their rig next to homeschooling families who are right along side single retirees.

While traveling in a recreational vehicle is still a great way for families to afford to take many vacations throughout the year, it is also an option for those looking for an exclusive travel option.

Posted by Elizabeth Borer

As a teenager I remember a friend's grandparents would park their RV in the driveway for a few weeks in the summer to hang out and have fun before packing up and heading out - and I always thought that was such a cool way to live.

Now that my parents are getting older, they're not that old, but they are at a point where thinking about maintaining a house when their bodies aren't as strong is of concern. I can see first hand how RV living during retirement is possibly the perfect way to spend time while young enough to have adventures into a time where maintaining a home is a challenge.

Retiring doesn't have to mean living a quiet life in a retirement home - there are many benefits to having a different kind of home, on wheels. Now that so many people are retiring early, eliminating the stress of keeping a large traditional home and simplifying life in an RV is a great way to save money and see the world.

Posted by Elizabeth Borer

With GPS units and cell phones in the hands of so many people, is it really necessary to carry emergency services while RVing? Couldn't you just depend on a friendly person to stop and help, or a car driving by to call for you? Not likely. Even though communication has become faster and easier through the years, it doesn't mean you should put the wellness of yourself or your family in danger to save money.

Carrying some type of emergency service can only benefit you -- and many insurance companies even have the service built right in to many plans, you just need to be aware of what your specific provider offers. It is one thing to need coverage while driving a car locally, but a whole other issue when traveling in an RV in a new place. The security of knowing that help will be there when you need it is enough to make the choice to carry a membership or plan.

Here are a few ideas to consider if you are in the market for coverage:

• The Good Sam Club
• AAA
• Auto Club of America
• Allstate Motor Club
• Sam's Club

Posted by Elizabeth Borer

As a kid, my blended family spent many weekends on short trips and even took a few week-long vacations through the year, most of them outdoors. On each one we took turns jotting down our favorite parts about the trip and funny stories we experienced along the way in a family travel journal.

I didn't really get at the time what the point was, and as I grew older I thought I was too cool for the family stuff -- but I did it anyway.

It wasn't until I became a mother myself and saw the importance in family keepsakes that I found the purpose of the journaling. Looking at the books now, it's funny to see what I wrote and laugh about the old stories I had forgotten and share them with my adult siblings.

So, it is because of my gratitude for having the experience that I encourage all travelers to keep records of their time on the road to reflect back on -- you'll be thankful you did.

Posted by Elizabeth Borer

The Rally, which was originally called the Great North American RV Rally, is accepting reservations for the spring 2008 event. While rallies have similar exhibits to an RV show, the event is totally different. RVers from around the country gather to attend activities and stay on grounds in one location to experience the RV lifestyle and culture as a large community.

This year, the event is being held in Perry, Georgia at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter from March 14-17, with early bird dates on the 12th and 13th. Special attractions include a dog show, a large variety of seminars, golf tournament, "Prom Night in Perry" (where the record for the most couples dancing at one time will try to be broken), book discussion and exchange, dance contest, commercial exhibits, area tours, and more.

Musical performances will be from Frankie Valli, Michael Andrew Big Band, Ricky Skaggs, Jaimie Roberts, and The Vogues.

To register or get more details on The Rally, visit the event website.

Posted by Elizabeth Borer

Rvers are known for being nature enthusiasts. Many bird watchers, anglers, legal hunters, and general animal lovers are commonly found throughout campgrounds across the country.

Most visitors to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida would expect to see animals of a different kind -- namely, animated film characters roaming the park. A unique experience when staying at Fort Wilderness is the forest-like setting surrounding the resort.

According to Disney, in addition to the horses and ponies living on the ranch, the wildlife you can expect to see on your trip include:

• Osprey
• Great Blue Heron
• Snowy Egret
• Black Vulture
• Great Egret
• White Ibis
• Red-shouldered Hawk
• Grebe
• Anhinga
• Double-crested Cormorant
• Bald Eagle
• Limpkin
• River Otter
• White-tailed deer
• Armadillo
• Raccoon
• Opossum