Who doesn’t love an easy update? And, even more so, who doesn’t love an easy update that delivers a huge improvement? Want a “wow,” effect with little effort? Look to interior lighting to transform your RV living space. Let’s look at how to set the mood with lighting and give your RV’s interior an update.

RV Interior Lighting

One of the best, and easiest, updates you can make in your rig is changing out the light fixtures. While RV manufacturers are stepping up their game in RV interiors to emulate modern styles, there are still your own chosen light fixtures that simply make your space just feel more like home.

This mid-century style light fixture gives an RV an updated but retro look.

RV Lighting DIY

There are so many various decor styles out there and light fixtures to be found to match any of them! Country chic, boho, mid-century modern, and more. You can even get creative and create your own light fixtures by repurposing other items into fixtures to match your personal decor style. Baskets are a great example of this. The basket light fixture trend is strong, and it provides such a great update at a fraction of the cost of a chandelier or shade.

Owning an RV can be an expensive investment, but when you consider the costs of what most of us spend on traditional vacations, is it that big of a difference? We’ll take a look at what the average family spends on vacations per year and compare it to the costs of owning an RV and traveling with your RV. Don’t miss this breakdown of the costs and benefits of RV travel.

Costs of Traditional Vacations

According to an article by Business Insider, in 2019, the average person will spend $1,979 on vacations a year. This means that a family of four can expect to pay around $7,916 per year on travel and vacation expenses. Let’s take a look at the breakdown of these expenses.

Travel Expenses – $280-$800

Whether you plan to drive or fly, you’ll have to budget for travel expenses. Below, we’ll evaluate the costs of a family of four traveling from Chicago, IL, to Orlando, FL. We’ll compare the prices of driving vs. flying.

Driving

The drive from Chicago, IL, to Orlando, FL, is approximately 1,160 miles without stops or detours. This drive will take around 17 hours to complete but should be taken in increments. If you drive about eight hours a day, you’ll make it to Florida in 2.5 days. Let’s assume your car gets 25 miles to the gallon and gas is $3.00 a gallon. You’ll spend a total of $140 both ways or $280 on fuel roundtrip.

Flying

Flying to your destination is a faster and, in many ways, easier way to travel. However, it comes at a price. The average cost of a flight from Chicago to Orlando is around $200 per person roundtrip, which means you’d spend $800 to fly.

So you’ve decided to hit the road and travel the country in an RV with your family–that is such an amazing, life-changing, and positive decision! So many memories are to be found while exploring new territory with your family.

While a lifelong vacation may sound like a great concept, we all know that just isn’t reality. For most people, work goes on. For all of those with kids, school absolutely must go on. No matter where you’re parked, class is in session every day.

Regardless of your schooling style or philosophy, a few different supplies for roadschooling will make learning all the easier on the road. Outfit your roadschool classroom with everything from basics (like pencils and scissors), to more creative (like watercolors and sketchbooks). Even knowledge-gaining like field guides and books are a must while you travel and teach.

Basic Roadschool Supplies

Keep supplies tidy with canisters for storing pencils. Have extra notebooks on hand for journaling and writing exercises.

Pencils, paper, spiral notebooks, scissors, crayons, map colors, markers, rulers, and the list goes on. Just because you’re deciding to go tiny doesn’t mean you don’t need the basics like you would in any other classroom. Though many days your classroom will be the great outdoors, you will still need a pencil and paper at some point. Fortunately, all of the above-mentioned basics are pretty weightless and compact so finding storage for them isn’t really that big of an issue.

Another great addition to have with you is a printer. I know I know, a printer? Isn’t that bulky and doesn’t it add extra weight? Yes, yes it does. However, time and again I’ve found myself needing to, or wishing I could, print something off (like worksheets, or articles) and been so glad we’ve made room for a printer on the road with us! So definitely bring a printer on board.

Roadschooling is now a growing trend among families. You may have recently heard the term but you aren’t quite sure what it is. As a mom who homeschools while traveling, I’m excited to share everything I know about roadschooling including what it is and how to do it.

What Is Roadschooling?

Roadschooling is basically homeschooling on the road. Living in an RV or trailer or taking road trips while teaching your children is considered roadschooling. The goal with roadschooling is to integrate your children’s experiences, as part of their education.

For example, while in Huntsville, Alabama, we visited the Space and Rocket Center, which turned into a whole lesson about space and astronauts.

Benefits of Road Schooling

This type of learning is unique because it involves both traditional learning courses and the use of life experiences to give kids a well-rounded education. It affords parents the ability to take classroom concepts and relate them to the real world, making learning more organic, fun, and ultimately more effective.

An Exciting Education

Even for children who love learning, the classroom can quickly become repetitive and tedious. Hours of leafing through books, watching the clock, and taking notes have traditionally been the vibe of the classroom.

Gulf Coast kayak fishing is an experience unlike any other. While the gulf waters can be fished from the shores of Texas all the way to the southern tip of Florida, we are going to focus on fishing opportunities off the west coast of Florida in this guide.

What Fish Live Off The Gulf Coast?

Species can differ slightly depending on where exactly you are kayak fishing on the Gulf Coast. That being said, here is a general list of some species you can fish for:

Amberjack	Crevalle Jack	Red Grouper
Barracuda	King Mackerel	Redfish
Black Drum	Lionfish	Roosterfish
Blacktip Shark	Mahi Mahi	Sailfish
Blue, Black, and Striped Marlin	Northern Red Snapper	Sheepshead
Bonita	Peacock Bass	Snook
Cobia	Pompano	Spotted Seatrout
Corvina	Red Drum	Tarpon

 

Top Gulf Coast Kayak Fishing Destinations

For those of you interested in heading to the Gulf Coast for a kayak fishing trip, here are a few great fishing destinations to consider:

Exhausted from work and home? We feel you! There is nothing quite like a vacation to help you out. Consider camping for your next getaway with the girls!

Wherever you may be, with great company there will always be full of adventures. We listed down 6 reasons to try camping for your next girls’ trip, and why.

Making memories to look back on

When was the last time you and your friends hung out together? A camping trip over the weekend will be sure to drag everybody out of their offices and homes. Experiences outside your comfort zone will be memories you can look fondly back on in the future. Catching up by the campfire and stargazing at the night sky will make for great memories in later years.

If this is your first time, head someplace with amenities. You can start roughing it when the rest of the girls are prepared. If that idea of camping does not appeal to you and your friends, you can always try glamping.

Cowboy caviar is one of those dishes that always seems to be a crowd pleaser. The dip called cowboy caviar, or Texas Caviar as it’s also known, came from Texas in the 1940s, and is a favorite dish for potlucks, barbecues, and camping get togethers! There’s no actual caviar in this recipe, instead crunchy corn, fresh bell peppers, smooth avocados, and sometimes even some spicy jalapeños are all mixed with black beans and black eyed peas for a flavorful dip. While it’s often eaten with tortilla chips, it’s also wonderful on fish and chicken, in omelets, over rice, or heaped on top of toasted or grilled pieces of bread.

And what better time to make cowboy caviar than to celebrate the National Day of the Cowboy? That’s right, the fourth Saturday of July is National Day of the Cowboy, and this year that day is July 24th. This holiday was created to celebrate the cowboy, an iconic symbol of the American west. And since the western states are such a popular destination for RVers, it seems like a perfect fit.

But even if you’re not heading to a rodeo or an old western town this summer, this bean-based salad is worth making for your next RV trip. Cowboy caviar is one of those great recipes that holds up really well in the fridge for several days. Which means it’s a perfect dish to make at home before you go. And with all the beans and veggies, it’s pretty healthy as well!  It’s also very easy to throw together and can be made in less than 15 minutes. All you need to do is chop up the veggies, mix up the dressing, and toss everything together! And if you prep this ahead of time, you’ll be able to pop it out of the fridge or cooler on your trip and enjoy it right away.

It’s also a very customizable recipe that can be changed to your preferences. Here are a few suggestions and options for adjusting the amounts and ingredients.

Make it a summer to remember. For July, Good Sam has added eight new parks to its network for more great camping experiences and value on the road. Good Sam members can enjoy the 10 percent discount at any of the RV parks in the Good Sam Network.

Not a member? Joining is easy. Buy a membership at any Good Sam Park, or sign up online. Check each Good Sam Park’s link to determine seasonal availability and to make reservations.

California

The Californian RV Resort, Acton

The Californian RV Resort puts guests within striking distance of some of the Golden State’s most popular attractions. Located in the desert town of Acton, the resort sits just 35 minutes from Magic Mountain and 40 minutes from Hollywood and Universal Studios. It’s also close to the magnificent Lancaster Poppy fields, which bloom in spectacular gold profusion every spring. When not exploring SoCal, guests can relax in the heated pool or hot tub or get a good workout in the exercise room. The 193 spaces include pull-thru sites and full-hookups with Wi-Fi available for overnight sites. Nearby activities include ATV riding and hiking on surrounding trails.

Frandy Park Campground, Kernville

Backpacking can be a risky undertaking, especially when doing it for the first time. Many people find this journey appealing because of the peace and quiet it delivers, the mental relaxation it gives, a chance to get away from the noisy city, and more. Backpacking for beginners may be risky, but it is challenging in the best sense. With just the right amount of planning and preparation, you can have the time of your life with just your backpack in tow.

Choose your Location

Where would you like to go to and why? Whether that be going camping, swimming, or hiking, choose a location that offers the activities you want. There are many locations for hiking. Some people choose world-famous trails like California’s High Sierra, Pacific Crest, and more. For beginners who don’t want to spend much money on the most popular trails, local options are always available.

Current conditions

Conditions consist of a lot of factors. According to Andrew Skurka, some of them include:

Climate, e.g. temperatures, precipitation, humidityDaylightGround cover, e.g. leaf-covered forest, granite slabs, snowVegetationSun exposureWater availabilityNavigational aids, e.g. blazes and signage, visibility, distinct topographyInsects and wildlifeNatural hazards like river fords and lightning

You may not be familiar with some of these, but the most important condition to look out for is the climate or current weather conditions. This will allow you to pack accordingly and avoid bringing too many things inside your backpack. For some of the conditions above, you may not have any means to know, but doing a bit of research beforehand would save you in more ways than one.

Oftentimes when something seems too good to be true, it’s because it is. But, when it comes to golf course campgrounds across the United States (and one slightly beyond), the unbelievable is right in front of your eyes once you step foot on the fairway.

Don’t just take my word for it, instead take a little trip through the greatest greens and campgrounds. Make a themed road trip out of trekking to the country’s most amazing courses. Pack your own clubs in your RV, or even take along your own golf cart in a toy-hauler RV.

Wake up, walk out of your RV, and tee-off. It’s not a dream–it’s RV life.

Sanlan RV & Golf Resort

Located right outside Disney World, Universal Studios, and more, this Florida resort offers 8 miles of shaded trails on Banana Lake with three distinct 9-hole golf courses. Considered Florida’s most scenic and natural RV resort, the Sanlan Resort ensures your golf experience will be one you remember for a lifetime. Surrounded by natural landscaping and the Sanlan Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary, true peace is found on the courses of this outdoor oasis so you can focus on your game and nothing else. Sanlan is even a pet-friendly campground.

Tents withstand extreme weather and resist natural elements, but they can still be broken beyond repair due to unchecked wears and tears.

Just because you’re roughing it, doesn’t mean you won’t be taking care of your camping gear. Knowing how to maintain and repair the tent will help it last longer. We’ve put together this beginner’s guide to tent maintenance, where we’ll drop some tips on how to better take care of your camping gear before, during, and after use.

Set-up

Setting up can make or break the maintenance game. Know how and where you can set up to avoid unnecessary damages.

Test gear at home

Make it a habit to practice pitching your gear at home before you head out into the wild. Check if you have a complete gear set: the accessories, guy lines, and stakes must be accounted for. Carefully test the equipment, and do not under any circumstances whip the poles around, not at home nor at the campsite. We’ll get to that later.

Planning a camping trip is quite a challenge in itself, especially if you want to escape the crowds. During peak season, you may think this is one impossible task. Most people eye the summer months to escape to America’s national parks and embrace the peace and quiet the wilderness offers. But with hordes of people who want the same thing, this may be close to unattainable. On a sunny summer weekend, expect to see long bus lines, traffic jams, and many people cramming popular trails. Here are a few tips on how you can escape crowds in national parks this summer.

Choose your dates wisely

Going in the off-season can be the easiest way to avoid the crowds. Especially for the most popular national parks like Zion, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon, which can be way too busy during the summer. Not only are there fewer crowds, but these parks are more beautiful in early spring and late autumn with better weather.

If you really want to go to the most popular national parks in the summer, remember to avoid the weekends as much as possible. It’s still recommended to visit during the week to ensure that there are fewer crowds. Keep in mind that long weekends, discounted entry days, and special park events are certain to be extra crowded. If going on weekdays is not possible, try to go during other weekends.

Book activities early

There are various activities you can do in national parks. For first-time campers, guided tours and adventurous excursions are great ones to try. These can get fully-booked quickly, especially during peak seasons, so make sure to make your reservations as far in advance as possible. One example is the Grand Canyon helicopter tour which not only offers you a clear view of the park, but also gives you the opportunity to enjoy the view without tons of crowds around you!

When it comes to bass fishing in the muck and mud, it’s hard to beat a topwater frog. These are usually weedless lures that glide right through the pads and weed beds creating the perfect presentation to entice a bass out of hiding. Whenever I’m fishing heavily vegetated water along the shoreline, these are the lures I turn to.

The Top Picks

Here’s my top picks for the best topwater frogs on the market right now:

Lunkerhunt Pocket Frog

Specs:

Type: FloatingSize: 1-¾ inchesColor: Croaker

Pros:

Are you searching for a road trip adventure that features the red rock desert, towering Ponderosa pines, miles of hiking trails and the ultimate rock climbing playground? Filled with shapely rocks, uncovered ancient history and a sky known for its twinkling stars, make Bryce Canyon Country your next destination.

From now, until Labor Day Weekend, the ultimate summer event is happening. Bryce Canyon Country is hosting the “Find it. Tag it. Win it.” event. Simply travel around Bryce Canyon Country, tag @brycecanyoncountry on Instagram and use the hashtag #findtagwin at any of the 10 designated locations and win big prizes.

To participate, grab a brochure online or from a kiosk located in businesses throughout the county. Make your way to as many of these locations as possible:

Panguitch LakeAntimonyBryce Canyon National ParkKodachrome Basin State ParkDevils Garden in Grand Staircase-Escalante National MonumentThe Burr TrailAnasazi State Park MuseumTicabooEscalante Petrified Forest/Wide Hollow ReservoirRed Canyon

Visiting all 10 locations isn’t required but visit as many as you can. Each location is unique. Some are filled with whimsical hoodoos and others with sky-high copper chimneys.

The United States is filled with incredible natural spaces that have been protected as public lands for all to enjoy. I know as someone who didn’t grow up visiting national parks, though, it can feel a bit overwhelming to know what to do and which ones to visit. While these national treasures are set aside for everyone, we’re still working on equitable access, and knowledge is a big piece of that!

Our family has visited over 40 of the 63 US National Parks, as well as dozens of other federally protected sites. They truly are all unique and special, and we haven’t found a single one that we wouldn’t recommend. Still, there are some that are especially wonderful for families with young children. These also make great “intro” parks for those just starting to explore National Parks and other public lands.

Keep reading for the very best US National Parks for families to explore this summer and beyond!

Yosemite National Park

The Harbuck’s camp in Yosemite National Park.

Honestly, it’s hard to beat Yosemite at any age. The stunning views of granite cliffs, pristine meadows, incredible wildlife, the rushing waterfalls, and rivers…it’s pretty magical. It’s easy to see why the Ahwahnee people loved this Valley and lived in a symbiotic relationship with it. Yosemite is an especially wonderful place for families with young children because there are so many opportunities for little ones to explore without needing to go on long trekking adventures. When heading to Yosemite with kids, I highly recommend taking bikes—it’s the very best way to get around the valley. Bring your own using a bike rack mounted to your RV, or you can rent adult sizes once you get there.

Yosemite is also amazing for providing some easy hikes with absolutely spectacular views. Sentinel Dome and Lower Yosemite Falls are especially fantastic! And don’t forget to leave some time for water play. Either go and splash on the shores of the Merced River or take some inflatables and float downstream (just make sure the water levels aren’t too high). Your kids – and you – will be in heaven.

Of all the activities that RVers can take part in, few are as rewarding as hiking. But as we visit with those we meet across the country in campgrounds, rallies, and camping meetups, we are amazed at how many RVers—especially older ones—are not hikers.

Some think it’s too challenging, too strenuous, needing too much-specialized equipment. Surprisingly, some think it’s not enjoyable.

Boy, are they wrong.

Unless you have a serious underlying health issue, hiking is for everyone—no matter your age, experience, fitness level, or gear. Hiking will so enhance your enjoyment of the RV Lifestyle, nature, the geographic area you are visiting, and your relationship with your camping partner, that you will soon be instantly hooked. So let’s break it down a bit and talk about what you need gear-wise, how to get started, and what advice you should follow.

What Is Hiking?

Hiking: – the activity of going for long walks, especially in the country or woods

Seek adventure no matter where you find yourself when you travel with a toy hauler travel trailer in tow.  These incredible RVs feature lightweight designs with large garage spaces to allow you the space you need to bring your favorite outdoor toys.  Learn about five of the top toy hauler travel trailers on sale today.

Forest River RV Cherokee Wolf Pack 23PACK15

The Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pack 23PACK15 toy hauler travel trailer is an excellent choice for families that love to take their gear to the campground. You’ll have room for kayaks, mountain bikes, and more in the 15′ garage!  The kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances and a farmhouse sink to make dinners a cinch.

Additional Features:

15′ 2″ GarageExterior StorageFold-Down SofaQueen-Size BedFull Kitchen

Harvest Hosts Review What is Harvest Hosts? Harvest Hosts is an RV membership program that offers a different kind of RV camping experience. Instead of ... Read more

The country’s best events are back, and it’s about time. We’ve all been locked up or locked down for months, and it’s glorious to get out in the fresh air again. So glorious in fact, why hold back? You’re ready to soak it in and make up for all that lost time, ready to turn events into experiences. Gather the friends and get back out there, because from NASCAR to Bonnaroo (and lots in between), you’ll get more out of the nation’s biggest happenings if you travel by RV. Here’s how to do it.

Bonnaroo

Where: Manchester, Tennessee

People come from all over the country to enjoy the music at Bonnaroo.

Rolling Stone has praised Bonnaroo as changing the face of rock n’ roll, and it’s not just A-listers like Lizzo and Foo Fighters making this four-day music fest a cultural force. Many up-and-coming acts make their debut here on the 10+ performance stages. Beyond the music, four 24-hour campground party barns, eclectic workshops, parades, food vendors, surprise popup events, and yoga classes will keep you entertained. (Do you want to run a 5k between all this? Believe it or not, you can.)

You’ll need an RV pass to park and camp in your rig at Bonnaroo. As with car camping, you can choose between General Admission, VIP, and Platinum campgrounds (whichever matches your ticket level for the festival). RV hookups are available for an extra fee. Rent an RV for this music celebration if you’re new to festival RVing.

How to Do It Right

Deck out your campsite at a music festival and make a relaxing lounge space for new and old friends to gather.

This one’s all about creating an inviting space for serious lounging between sets. Start with a patio mat, and go one size bigger than you think you need (you can always fold it!). Add a few comfy chairs, ottomans, floor poufs, side tables, and patio lights. If the party doesn’t land at your rig, bring a wagon so you can seek out fellow RVers and not arrive empty-handed. Last but not least: You’ll want a solid pillow and earplugs for efficient napping.

Pro tip: Bonnaroo is green — is your RV? Check your batteries and your solar panel output, and learn how to conserve and create power for your RV. If you need more juice, portable and folding solar panels make off-grid camping a breeze.

Hi Mark My Words readers! This month, we’ve got questions on RV air conditioning and electrical issues. Remember to send your RVing questions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Mark:
I have a Winnebago motorhome with a Coleman ducted-roof AC. We have condensation leaking into the coach. My inspection reveals no freeze-up on the evaporator coil, and a temperature check shows 20 degrees difference between the air going into the return and that in the outlets. The leak occurs periodically but is consistent. Condensate is running off the roof as well. Need help.
Thanks,
Hkrbr

Hi Hkrbr,
Most Coleman roof airs have two plastic drains for condensation water, located on the sides of the air-conditioning unit baseplate. These will often become restricted by a buildup of dirt and goo, and that can cause the condensate water to find a new path, like into the coach’s interior. The cure is a fairly simple cleaning of the drains and the evaporator compartment. Shut the unit off and, to be extra safe, either unplug from shore power or turn off the breaker that serves the air conditioner.

On the roof, remove the plastic shroud. Remove the cover over the evaporator core. Use a spray cleaner, like Fantastic or 409, and clean the evaporator coils and the drip pan. Use a small brush or a piece of flexible wire to clean out the little plastic drains that are found on each side of the baseplate. Button it up, and you should be good to go. I found a very good webpage with pictures and info to help you do the job. Take a look at this website before you get on the roof. As always, don’t take on a task unless you feel it is within your abilities. If you prefer, most RV service providers can do this for you, and it is a fairly easy job, so it should not be all that expensive.