It’s not a surprise that the travel industry took a hit from COVID-19. Between closings, limitations, and just a general uneasiness about being around other people, most of us have been patiently waiting at home for the air to clear. But with the weather warming up and some coronavirus restrictions lifting, we are excited to get back to traveling again.
We know you’re ready, too! According to a recent survey of our travelers, 77 percent are looking to make travel plans within the next three months*. While the rush back to airports or hotels in busy cities may take a little more time, many will turn to RV travel. Renting an RV is the ideal way to travel to not only avoid large groups, but a way to escape into nature and spend time outdoors; whether it’s hiking your favorite trails, reading a book next to the lake, or cozying up around a campfire.
Win a free RV trip on us!
We’re excited to give one lucky winner $1,500 toward an RV rental, plus $500 for expenses! Enjoy a long hike, a leisurely fishing trip, or a book in a hammock, then return back to your cozy RV for a good night’s rest. Enter the giveaway here by June 3, 2020, for your chance to win!
How to Safely Travel in an RV
With your means of travel, cooking, and sleeping all on board, your trip can be completely self-contained! Get back to nature while traveling responsibly. We’ve collected some tips to ensure your trip is fun, relaxing, and most importantly, safe:
Know Before You Go
Be sure to have your camping arrangements planned before you drive off. Most private and public campgrounds aren’t accepting walk-up requests and require reservations.
- You can check our park closure page, which provides daily updates on State and National Park openings.
- If you’re not planning to stay at one of these types of parks, you can always see what private campgrounds are available or give boondocking a try!
Abide by Local Restrictions
Each state has specific guidelines, so be sure to familiarize yourself with any restrictions you need to be aware of. For example, some states are open for camping to residents, some allow non-resident visitors but do require a quarantine period first. Review the local guidelines before your trip to avoid any disruption!
Pack Smartly
One of the best parts about traveling in an RV is that everything you need travels right along with you! That is, when you remember to pack all the essentials. Sure, you can run to the store as needed, but just a few moments of upfront planning can help save the hassle later on.
Health Benefits of Getting Back to Nature
Being cooped inside for so long is draining on us all, and that’s on top of the general stress of current events revolving around coronavirus. By heading out in an RV, you’ll be able to experience the many benefits of camping and spending time outside. Here are just a few:
- It’s energizing! Getting outdoors is a natural fatigue blaster. Go for a walk, throw your dog the ball, or sit quietly on the back porch. It’s been suggested that 20 minutes of time outdoors can give you the same amount of energy as a cup of coffee.
- It helps with focus and creativity. If you are in an afternoon slump, take a break outside. Go for a walk in your neighborhood or around your office building. It’ll get your blood flowing, and the fresh air will have you feeling sharper, too. Being in nature is also great for improving memory, so if you’re a student or have an upcoming presentation, try heading to the park as you prepare!
- It improves nervous system functions. This study found the cortisol (stress hormone in the body) levels, as well as heart rate and blood pressure, were lower for those who spent time in nature versus the city.
- It is good for mental health. Multiple studies have found that being outdoors, especially being active outdoors, significantly reduces symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders.
So are you ready to get back to nature? Enter our giveaway here by June 3, 2020, for a chance to win $1,500 toward an RV rental, plus $500 for expenses!
*Source: RVshare Travel Sentiment Survey, April 2020