Traveling the world and seeing new places is a dream that many people have, and as people get older, they are often able to make that dream come true! But, traveling involves a lot of meticulous planning, and it’s important to weigh different options. One option is to travel in an RV, and we’ve created a guide to RV traveling below to help decide if it’s the best choice for you and your loved ones!
Benefits of Traveling in an RV
So, why travel in an RV in the first place? RVs have many benefits, and traveling in one can create countless priceless memories! We’ve provided a list of some of the biggest benefits of traveling in an RV.
- There are many senior-friendly RV campgrounds all over the country. Specific campgrounds for residents 55 and over can help make the RV experience more relaxing and enjoyable. Plus, these temporary communities can help older adults find new friends all over the country!
- It’s easy to keep working while traveling. Many employers have no issue with their workers being remote and telecommuting, especially after the pandemic. There are also plenty of job opportunities for RV travelers. Many campgrounds provide opportunities to work in exchange for a free stay and a salary as well. Additionally, plenty of popular destinations have seasonal jobs for those planning to stay in one place for longer. These opportunities can provide some financial flexibility for older adults as they travel, and make RV traveling a unique balance between work and life for those who want to continue working!
- Of course, everyone knows that one of the main benefits of traveling in an RV is the ability to see new places! RVs offer an easy way to visit lots of destinations without the hassle of booking tickets and hotel stays, and even allow people to visit more unique locations along the way!
- For older adults that make an investment into buying their own RVs, RVs can be a unique and customizable living space. It’s easy to add safety accommodations like handles and grips to RVs, and the smaller space can be easier to navigate for some older adults.
- Discounts! Many RV campgrounds and nearby attractions, like state or national parks, offer plenty of discounts for seniors.
Things to Consider
While RV life can be fun, there are also some things to consider before committing to it.
- Assembly: RV trailers require a lot of hands-on work to set up and take down at campgrounds, since they are hitched to a vehicle. This can be physically straining, but is also high-stakes. If the user forgets a step while hitching their trailer to their vehicle, they may end up losing their trailer on the highway! As we age, our memory gets less sharp, so it can be especially important for older RV travelers to stay cautious.
- Medical needs: Getting regular medical care is especially important for older adults. It’s important to factor doctor’s appointments into any travel schedule. While they may seem like just another thing to worry about, efficient scheduling can prevent them from disrupting adventures! Scheduling all the necessary check ups close together frees up the rest of the year to enjoy exploring, and picking routes that naturally circle back to an older adult’s preferred doctors’ offices will smoothly integrate appointments into their travel schedule.
- Cost: RVs can be expensive! There are many types, from standalone RVs to pop-up trailers that can be pulled by any vehicle. Most pop-ups start at $5,000, while true standalone RVs start at $50,000. And, many towable RVs require a truck to tow, which is another cost factor to remember! One great option for those who do not feel ready to make that investment is renting an RV. Renting can provide a test run to see if RV life is the right choice.
Traveling in an RV can be a unique and fun experience, but it’s important to consider all of the benefits and drawbacks before taking the next step to start traveling!
