A carefree, exciting and recuperative vacation in an RV, sounds great, right? Although it’s a new trend today and all love it, it’s not for everyone. For instance, you might get lost or catch bad weather that forces you to change the plan. So, which pros and cons of traveling off-grid in an RV should you know before departing?
The Pros
Be simple
Being surrounded by unnecessary clutter at home is annoying. But, living or traveling in the RV helps you cut down these things. Just prepare the necessities and then you can purchase other items along the way. Keep in mind that you should be surrounded by the stuff you definitively need.
In addition, you don’t spend too much time on cleaning or taking care of the RV like living in a large house with a big yard.
Have a new platform to relax
It can be said that traveling in the RV is a great base camp for performing all kinds of outdoor activities. Driving to a new place and living in nature for several days will give you unique and enjoyable experiences.
Enjoy a meaningful family life
It’s hard to explain clearly. But, nothing brings your family together like a camping trip.
If you’re traveling with your husband/wife, you will recognize that both will develop a great relationship together, become better communicators as well as learn how to improve skills to work together. And then good memories will come.
To kids, they love to enjoy something called home on wheels. At the same time, they want something modern as their home. So, traveling off-grid in the RV might bring them all they need such as a place to have a rest, a refrigerator, a clean restroom, a warm rescue for chilly days, or a cool place for hot days.
Experience an off-grid living
Honestly, living off-grid looks like you’re living in the primitive period. By understanding essential elements of nature and making use of them without asking for anyone, you might get a satisfying and rewarding experience. Moreover, you will feel a deeper connection between you and the earth when living in nature.
The more effectively you can live, the longer you can stay in the beautiful and primitive environment. And looking for these things has become your enjoyable hobby.
Go green
The truth is that traveling in the RV is an eco-friendly way than others like driving a car, going plane or staying at a hotel. According to TinySpacesLiving.com, I find that equipping a composting toilet in the RV helps to save water efficiently. Besides, setting up solar panels cuts down nearly 90% of the generator use.
Have freedom
Sometimes you don’t have enough time to explore a town or a city or sightsee more scenes there. With the RV, you are able to stay more without worrying that the extended time will break your budget.
Save money
Honestly, it depends on how you manage the expenses and make use of available things.
For instance, you can avail the free power of the sun from the solar panels for heating water instead of operating a propane tank. Use LED lights for light bulbs to save energy. Make a campfire and gather everyone to enjoy a peaceful night instead of sitting inside the RV.
The Cons
Make preparations
Preparation before traveling off-grid in an RV is indeed a tough task. Which necessary items should you bring together? How to find and buy/rent an RV (if you don’t have one)? How to drive it? How to fix it? And so on.
Choose areas to stay
Similar to prepping, searching for places to camp is a time-consuming work. If you want something financial, you should opt for free areas. Or in case you decide to camp in parks, make sure you book a parking lot for your RV in advance.
To the free campgrounds, you need to check information, including:
- Will your RV fit there?
- Can your RV handle any roads (some campsites have rough roads that are impossible to the RV)?
- Does this campsite allow pets?
- Does this place have stable Internet service?
- Besides, you should examine some issues such as:
- Is your chosen campground near natural wonders?
- Does it have good weather in this season?
- Is it close to any services (about 30 minutes)?
- And so on.
Think of extra plans
Sometimes, everything doesn’t take place as you want. It’s best to have backup plans so that you aren’t like a fish out of water. Although this might increase your researching time a lot, it’s worth.
Feel stressful
When something leads unrealistic expectations such as working more than relaxing, spending more money than expected or having more troubles with the RV, you quickly feel stressful. And if you are the only person who can handle these issues, it’s hard to enjoy a complete vacation.
A big note
Aside from the above pros and cons, you should pay attention to communication between you and other members in the RV. Why?
When traveling together, communication is a key. You need to tell your thoughts, desires, needs, and expectations before, during and after the trip. Of course, you have to listen to your partner’s ideas so that all are unanimous. Relying on that, you can avoid unexpected situations.
What is your choice?
Although you might find more pros and cons of traveling off-grid in an RV, all above are easy to catch on the road. So, what is your choice? Travel with the RV or not? Do you want to ask others for any suggestion?
Well, some might reckon that living or traveling in the RV is not ideal while some loves to experience it since they want something new in their normal life. The best thing is not to let anyone decide how you should do. Make up your mind and just make sure you’re happy with that decision.
By the way, here is a throwback to my USA road trip!
Article written by Edward
(Photo by bassbro via Flickr)