Summer RV Travel Tips!

RVing in the Summer
Imagine escaping to Florida in your RV this summer!


Did you just recently purchase an RV?  Or, are you a seasoned RVer?  Either way, you may be interested in taking an RV trip this summer. As with any other season, there are a number of steps that you can and should implement to improve the overall enjoyment and safety of your upcoming RV trip.

Perhaps, the most important step that you should take, before leaving in your RV this summer is to have it inspected.  Is your motor home fit to travel during the summer?  Most are, but it is also to be sure it is safe for longer distance travel.  If your summer RV trip is a cross-country trip, ask your mechanic if your RV will be able to survive.

The next step that you should take involves mapping out your intended route.  Deciding ahead of time where you will be going and how you will get there is an important part of traveling by RV.  This is not only important for yourself, but for those that you know.  Should you end up stranded in your RV, an itinerary that was left with a close friend or relative can help you be found by rescue members.

Always carry a cell phone with you.  Cell phones are one of the best ways to stay safe on the road.  Make sure that you know where your cell phone is at all times, as it can be easy to misplace items in a motor home.  Also, be sure to bring your cell phone charger with you.  A dead cell phone will not offer any assistance in the event of an emergency.  A GPS is also advised for traveling by RV.

Having a toolbox on hand is also a great way to avoid complications on your next summer RV trip.  When packing a toolbox, you don’t need an oversized toolbox filled with tools.  Often times, the basics are enough.  These items should include screwdrivers, wrenches, a pocketknife, a box cutter, and a hammer.

A toolbox is just one of the many supplies that you will want to have for your next summer RV trip.  In fact, you may want to create a checklist for yourself.  A checklist is a great way to make sure that you haven’t forgotten anything.  On your checklist, include the basics, such as food, drinks, clothing, first aid kits, and so forth.  Your personal wants should also be included as well, such as a deck of playing cards, movies, and so forth.

For summer travel, be sure to have plenty of bottled water on hand.  Other drinks and convenient to prepare and eat snacks are advised.  During the summer, we are all encouraged to drink more water to stay hydrated.  This is important when on the road.  Water is also important during an emergency.  If you are stranded and the temperatures are high, water can help to save lives.

The above mentioned points are all important to take into considerations, when looking to travel by RV in the summer.  Another great tip involves making all reservations before you leave.  This is particularly important with public campgrounds and RV parks, as summer is a popular time for traveling by RV.  Research your options to determine if reservations are needed, so that you will not left without the proper RV accommodations this summer. Take a look at our different campgrounds and see if any of them are right for you!

Read This Before You Go Camping in Florida

The Sunshine State. You know us for our beaches, great theme parks and amazing food. Now let’s talk about what you don’t know. Here are some tips and you need to read before you come camping in the wild lands of Florida.

1. RAIN, RAIN GO AWAY
Let’s talk tip numero uno. Okay, so you know we’re the Sunshine State, we covered that. But did you also know Florida has a wet season and a dry season? It’s true! You might think summer is a great time to visit (and it totally can be), but it’s also the wet season. Most days are above 80 degrees, and with the heat index it can feel like a whooping 100 or more. It rains most afternoons, sometimes raining all day. Plus, the hot and wet weather is bad for you, good for mosquitoes (so again bad for you). Basically what we’re trying to say is, there’s a reason people LOVE winter in Florida. It hardly ever rains between December and May, but the weather is usually mild and sunny. Now that is paradise!

2. LIONS, TIGERS & BEARS
Florida has some pretty exciting wildlife, in fact, we are known for two out of the three animals listed above. True, you won’t see any tigers (unless you visit the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa), but there are plenty of other native animals you might encounter when camping. If you encounter a bear,

remember to use slow movements and never make eye contact. Most importantly, secure your food and never feed the animals. Sometimes animals can get very comfortable around people, especially if they are used to being served dinner. Don’t let them decide you’d make a good dinner.

3. ALL THINGS BUG
Let’s say you do try to brave Florida’s summer. You’re still in for a treat because we have lots of neat stuff to do, BUT you will have to contend with the bugs. Remember to bring lots of bug spray and citronella candles. A good tip to remember is to use the spray on your clothing and not your skin. Also wrap up some dried sage to toss on your campfire. It helps act as a natural bug repellant that will help keep your skin bite free! Don’t forget the cortisone incase any bugs get past your barriers.

4. YOU’RE FIRED
This probably goes for most states, but Florida has some strict laws about open fires, especially in the dry season. You’ll get good weather, but double check with your campground before lighting those s’mores! Many campgrounds require special permits or containers for fires. This is because the dry season sees a lot of brush fire, so it’s one way to keep our forests, animals and campers safe. You can totally tell ghost stories around the fire, just make sure to do it legally.

5. WATER BOY
Florida is hot. You know this, but unless you’re from Florida you might not understand how hot it truly gets. Even in the winter the temperature can climb into the high 80’s. Whether you are tent camping or RV camping, make sure you have enough water. You definitely don’t want to find yourself dehydrated in the woods. Don’t underestimate how much water you’ll need, especially when it’s hot out. Stay hydrated and cool throughout the day. Remember, Florida is fun, but we do have some ground rules. Now go enjoy the great outdoors!

5 Tips for Camping in Florida During the Summer

Welcome to the Sunshine State in summer. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not always a sunny paradise. Don’t get us wrong, we love Florida, but we have some tips for you not-so-seasoned Florida vacationers. Here are 10 tips for surviving the Florida summer.

1. HYDRATE
Get a water bottle and bring it everywhere. It’s really easy to forget to consume water when you’re enjoying all Florida’s great attractions like theme parks, beaches, and nature preserves. Keep lots of water on hand too so you’ll always have some nearby in case of emergencies.

2. PONCHO 
We don’t want to rain on your parade, but Florida might. In the summer, rain showers are a daily occurrence. If you’re not from around here you might think the whole day is ruined, but it’s not. The summer rain showers usually only last a few minutes, but if you’re out in nature a rain poncho can help you wait out the storm. Good news, all the other tourists will leave and you’ll have the place to yourselves. You’re welcome.

3. BUG REPELLENT 
Remember when we told you about the rain? Well, lots of rain means lots of bugs. Don’t worry though, they are easily warded off with spray and candles. In fact, tossing some sage in your campfire will help keep them away too. Grab travel sizes of bug spray to bring on trails and make sure it’s water repellent. You’ll have a much better time if you aren’t getting eaten alive by bugs. Pro tip from Floridians.

4. HATS, HATS, HATS

Laugh away, but these hats aren’t just for the fashion-backward Floridians, they actually have a purpose. They help keep the sun out of your face and off your neck. Trust us, a good hat with breathable material will save you if you’re spending a long time outside. We’re not saying you need this particular hat, maybe a baseball cap will do, but don’t say we didn’t warn you.

5. SUNSCREEN

We’re pretty sure Florida is actually located on the sun. This is great for trying to get a summer tan and for cooking hot dogs without a grill. Anyway, you’ll remember the first time you try to brave the Florida sun without sunscreen. You won’t do it again, Florida is an awesome place to vacation, but you have to respect that sun. Make sure to apply and reapply, especially if you have young kids.