I know the RV lifestyle sounds exciting, all those new treasures to find, places to go, people to see. It is somewhat overwhelming. Suddenly you find yourself with your first RV. Other than possibly visiting friends and relatives, your mind goes blank.

Places to Go, People to See

RV rallies are very popular as they offer a variety of social activities and RV training classes that allow you to find out more about what goes on in places you can now explore. The more you understand about your new lifestyle, the happier you are. Take my word for it.

I spent 26 years traveling full-time and got it down to a science. Some places you want to explore take planning, like the October Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque. RV spots and entrance fees need to paid in advance. If you belong to one of the RV clubs, (highly recommended), join the group reservations and get the VIP experience.

With all the new RVers on the road, more care than usual is required in arranging overnight accommodations. Get on the email list of every event you are interested in and plan ahead. Gone are the days when spontaneity rules.

It is very important right now to be sure you have a stop reserved for the night. With overcrowding in most parks at its peak, you don’t want to keep traveling beyond your tolerance level to find a site, nor wind up stopping in an unsafe spot.

Before you start that first trip, take the time to make sure the refrigerator is operating properly, the air conditioner is working, and the tires are inflated. With those basics covered, you are good for a few more miles.

If you are the type that likes to be useful and stay busy as you travel, check out the Escapees RVers Job Exchange. They can help you find remote work, workamping jobs, RVer to RVer opportunities and freelance too.

While researching, keep in mind that the sunbelt tourist season starts in September and runs through April. Most jobs are filled by May, although openings pop up when workcampers fail to show. Beach resorts are the first to fill up, so get your resume in by April. I should warn you, except for the state and federal campsites, these jobs do not turn over often. The same seasonal RVers return year after year.

In the northern states, the tourist season starts in April and runs through October. Many state and federal parks offer volunteer jobs and provide a free site, plus thousands of vendors in the food industry are paying for seasonal workers. 

If volunteering strikes a chord in your heart, try the US Forest Service. Look on volunteer.gov for shoreline cleanup possibilities in many states. The US Army Corp of Engineers offers volunteer positions on this site too.  Serve as a park or campground host, staff a Visitor Center or maintain park trails and facilities. Some exciting options: Lead tours of the locks, dams or power plants; present educational programs; clean shorelines; restore fish and wildlife habitats. If you are an outdoor person, there are lots of ways to send the season.

If you are a nurse and itching to travel, hook up with Highway Hypodermics. They provide quality and up to date information to travel nurses around the world and provide them with the roadmap to discover and live the adventure of a lifetime. 

Thinking about taking your show on the road? Festival Net invites you to join the festival community. Stop by and take a look at the information they provide. It’s always free to list fairs, festivals, expos, markets, and craft shows on FestivalNet!

Sound like too much work? How about a fun stop along the way. Volunteer with the huge Balloon Fiesta that takes place in Albuquerque, New Mexico every year. Get into the action helping fill their balloons, check in visitors, and enjoy the festivities.

So…Get out there and have fun. Take it easy the first year on the road and don’t stress. There is always next year to try the many options out there.

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