If you have an insatiable appetite for action and adventure, a traditional holiday, heading to beach resort or all-inclusive hotel probably won’t cut it. You crave something more, an experience that will give you the chance to make some new memories.
If that sounds like you, a road trip could be your perfect holiday. Before you assume a road trip sounds uncomfortable or impractical, today’s modern RVs give you the very best in luxury and convenience on the go. If you’re planning to tour the US in an RV this summer, check out this guide to help you prepare.
Check Local Laws And Regulations
Driving in a new country can be difficult. First and foremost, if you’re visiting from the UK, you’re going to need to get used to driving on the other side of the road. This can be extremely strange and confusing, especially if you have been driving the other way for a long time.
Stick to quiet roads and streets to begin with. This will give you a chance to adapt and get used to this new system before you tackle the challenge of busier major highways.
You’re also going to need to check the particular laws and regulations regarding RVs in the state, or states, that you are visiting. Some states set particular height limits for RVs, many will permit RVs that are 14 ft high, but some limit this to 13.6 ft, or even lower.
You’re also going to need to think about where to park your RV. A common misconception is that RVs give you unbridled freedom to go wherever you want, wherever you want. This isn’t necessarily the case. While RVs can give you a wonderful sense of independence, there are often strict rules regarding where they can be parked. Check ahead of time to ensure you don’t fall foul of the law.
Plan Your Route
The US is a huge country, with a surface area close to 10 million square kilometres. There’s far too much to see and do in one trip, you could spend months exploring in your RV and still leave huge portions of the country undiscovered.
Before you go, sit down and plan your route in detail. Do you want to explore the snowy Rocky Mountain regions, check out the arid Nevada deserts, or perhaps venture down towards the mystic Louisiana Bayou? Knowing what you want to get out of your RV trip can help you plan your route effectively and will ensure you make the most out of your time on the road in the US.
Get Insured
RVs can be big and imposing. You might feel like the king of the road while you’re driving one, but that should never mean that you compromise your personal safety. Driving is dangerous, particularly so if you are somewhere foreign or unfamiliar.
If you were to get involved in a collision, there is a likelihood you could get injured. Unfortunately, the US is one of the most expensive countries to access healthcare, with even something like an ambulance ride to the hospital costing hundreds of dollars.
You are going to need two types of insurance before you head out. The first will be to cover the vehicle and any collisions you could be involved and the second would be travel insurance to cover any potential injuries you get involved in outside of the vehicle and your property should it be lost or stolen. If you’re struggling to find providers, check out Staysure as an example.
Conclusion
Getting ready to hit the road and explore the US in your RV? It can be a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it’s one you need to prepare for properly. Check all the local laws and regulations and plan your trip in detail to have the best possible time.
