Get the latest information, tips, and advice on purchasing and maintaining your motorhome, travel trailer, or RV of any type. Also, we will try to bring you information on all the most up-to-date accessories and gadgets for you to take RVing with you on your next trip or vacation.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Texas Vacation Adventures by Joe Laing

“Deep In the Heart…” of every traveler should be plans to come to Texas! We’ve got something for you in the Lone Star State – shopping, camping, hiking, whatever your adventure, you’re going find it here. Use our Texas Vacation quick-start guide to help you plan your visit.



Texas Vacations in the Great Outdoors

If there’s something we’ve got plenty of here in Texas, it’s wide open spaces! With dozens of lakes and rivers, outdoor activity enthusiasts will be in heaven. Here’s a great idea: take the family on a float trip down the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels. They just might gain a love of nature along the way.



Bring your camera and your hiking gear to Palo Duro Canyon State Park near Amarillo. Here’s another inspiration; for a real Texas fishing vacation, why not explore the Hill Country, home to a dozen fresh-water lakes? And whitewater enthusiasts will find plenty of challenge on the Rio Grande River as it runs through Big Bend National Park.



No matter what your outdoor sport, Texas has a place to pursue it! Check out Texas State and National Park sites online for even more ways to stay active while you’re here.



Texas – A Shopper’s Paradise!

Ever wished you could take a road trip completely devoted to shopping? From the upscale Gallerias of Dallas and Houston to the outlet malls of San Marcos, Texas features plenty of locations to fill a shopping itinerary. If you’re travelling with fellow shoppers, make sure to schedule time for our popular Mills Malls—enormous shopping destinations with enough stores and restaurants to keep the whole group busy.



For something a little less typical, dig into the delights of El Mercado, San Antonio’s Hispanic market. That’s where you’ll find cafes, shops, strolling musicians and a weekend farmer’s market. Bargain hunters might also want to save some vacation time for Canton’s First Monday Trade Days, the largest flea market in the US!



Bring your checkbook, and go home with Texas-style bargains. The Lone Star State is a great place to feed your shopping addiction!



Texas Family Vacation Ideas

Want to spend time in Texas with your teens without screaming? Head on down to San Antonio, home of dozens of teen-tempting attractions. A great place to start is the River Walk, where restaurants, shops and festivals run for miles along a scenic water way. Take the youngsters on a boat tour to get acquainted with all the sights, it’s a great way to learn the River Walk quickly. Just a short walk away, visit Alamo Square for a lesson in American history. Don’t forget a quick trip to the Tower of the Americas for an amazing view of the city.



Another great way to immerse your family in Texas is a tour of our theme parks. The Six Flags parks in Arlington and San Antonio are perennial family fun. Two more sure bets are SeaWorld and WonderWorld Park. Watch for multi-park passes and other bargains to make theme parks even more of a bargain.



Here’s one more idea for a truly unusual family vacation—take the kids sport caving and kayaking on the Frio River west of San Antonio. While you’re there, witness millions of Frio Bats on their migration from Mexico; imagine the stories the kids will tell back at school!



It’s time to get to know the great state of Texas. Your Texas vacation plans will be the start of something big!


This article was written by Joe Laing of El Monte RV, your source for RV rentals. An RV is an excellent way to start off on your next vacation to Texas. Be sure to check out the El Monte RV website for more information about Texas RV Vacations and Texas RV rentals.


Article Source: Texas Vacation Adventures

Monday, May 3, 2010

A1 Camping or "Roughing it smoothly" by GonRVN

American motor homes, known as RVs, (Recreational vehicles), are one of the best ways to enjoy your holidays, whether you are part of a growing family, or a retired couple, enjoying the freedom that not having to 'clock on' everyday brings. They off the size, space and comfort that is just not available in European offerings!



RVs offer an 'escape' from disappointing package holidays 'from hell', hours spent entertaining the kids suffering airport delays, or third rate hotels and self-catering holidays. (Not to mention threats from terrorists!)



Americans, as a nation, generally work hard.



They also have less holidays and free days than the average European - so they will not accept second best for their limited free time.



This is reflected in the quality, drive-ability and comfort that goes into their campers or motor homes. Yes - not for them child size beds and shower rooms for dwarfs! - they demand and get 'domestic size and quality' fixtures and fittings in their RVs.



In addition - they are TOTALLY SELF-CONTAINED - with on-board: Generators, Large capacity holding tanks for Water, Waste and LPG gas, so you can . . . .



STOP WHERE YOU WANT - WHEN YOU WANT!



To own your own RV is to own a beach apartment, country finca, lakeside cottage, riverside lodge and a resort apartment, - All rolled into one. Forget the 21 day advance reservation, forget the flight delays and non-refundable tickets.



Avoid disappointing and pricey lodging and meals. Sleep in your own bed, eat what you like, whenever you're hungry.



Driving your own RV is fun, easy, and no special licence is required. No check out times, no more lugging around heavy overstuffed suitcases from hotel to hotel.



This is what travel should be and this is what travelling can be for you in the comfort and safety of your own "Apartment on wheels".



Just jump in and and enjoy the freedom to go to where the road takes you.


http://www.rvsrus.co.uk
http://www.spainforyou.net
http://www.realspainbreaks.com


Article Source: A1 Camping or "Roughing it smoothly"

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Tips for First-time Motorhome Enthusiasts by Steven Greenwood

Look around

There are a multitude of lay outs of motorhomes, so make sure you choose the right one. If you love cooking you’ll want a big kitchen and if you like entertaining then choose one with a big lounge.



Motorhome Shows

There are two big NEC shows in February and October where you can try out different motorhomes and campervans before you make your decision.



Berths

Consider how many berths you want and whether you want a single- or twin-axle van. Twin axles give better grip on the road but are much harder to manoeuvre, cost much more in replacement tyres and are really only necessary on large vans.



Courses

There are motorhome manoeuvring courses that you can attend all over the country. People are not required to take a test but get to practice manoeuvring their caravans or motorhomes in an informal environment.



Petrol / Diesel

Most motorhomes have diesel or turbo-diesel engines, which offer better fuel economy, but petrol alternatives are available if you prefer.



Costs

The costs of motorhomes range from second-hand vehicles at around £10,000 to £250,000 for an American-style Winnebago. The average cost is around £40,000 or £70,000 for the top UK models. Check the vehicle has a badge stating it has been safety-check and approved by the National Caravan Council.



Manufacturers

Swift is the biggest UK manufacturer of motorhomes, including the Bessacarr and Ace ranges. The market is split about 50-50 between British-built vehicles and imports from countries such as America and Germany.



Resources

There are a number of website and magazines where like-minded motorhome and caravan travellers can chat and compare advice. Just give a quick search into your favourite search engine and you’ll soon be presented with a myriad of information.



Staying overnight

It is illegal to stop on land that does not belong to you, and you will often get moved on if you pull into a quiet lay-by for the night. The best thing to do is to stay at registered camping and caravan sites. If you want to be really remote there are smaller sites you can stay at such as the Caravan Club’s Certified Locations (CLs) and the Caravanning Club’s Certified Sites (CSs), which offer minimal facilities but are in more rural locations.



This is just a brief introduction to help you on your way. Once you get going, you never look back.


Steve Greenwood writes for Sureterm Direct who provides Motorhome articles and insurance for enthusiasts. If you are looking for a competitive quote for motorhome insurance visit the UK’s most competitive insurance specialist - Sureterm Direct.



Article Source: Tips for First-time Motorhome Enthusiasts

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