| Hitting the road in your RV and the RV lifestyle can be | | | | Tip: Buy your plastic ware in a mix-and-match variety |
| one of the most economical ways to travel. If you do | | | | of vibrant colors, and these snazzy dishes will brighten |
| a little planning and research ahead of time, it's easy to | | | | up even the simplest road fare! |
| save even more - without ever feeling like you're | | | | 4. Drive Less, Stay More - Save on Gas AND Get |
| pinching pennies. | | | | Campsite Discounts |
| One obvious way to take the frugal route is to plan | | | | When creating your RV travel itinerary, consider |
| your RV travel during the "shoulder seasons" - before | | | | making fewer stops and spending more time at each |
| and after prime travel time - when discounts are often | | | | destination. This will save on fuel and campsites costs |
| offered at various campgrounds and attractions. | | | | as most of them offer discounts for lengthier stays. |
| Here are 5 cost-cutting RV travel tips that are good | | | | By driving less and staying more, you'll receive an |
| any time of the year: | | | | additional benefit: It's much more relaxing to know that |
| 1. RV Travel On One Tank of Gas | | | | once you've turned off the ignition you're settling in for |
| Remember the ending to The Wizard of Oz, when | | | | a while. Also, by spending more time in one place, you'll |
| Dorothy says she doesn't have to look any further | | | | be able to do some more in-depth exploring of the |
| than her own backyard to find her heart's desire? Well, | | | | area. |
| we're not suggesting camping out right outside the | | | | Tip: Look online at the local newspaper for the area |
| house, but think about going to places not too far | | | | you'll be visiting. Check for listings of events that you |
| away that you've always meant to check out. | | | | might not hear about otherwise ... and don't forget to |
| You'll be surprised at how many new and interesting | | | | look in the classifieds for yard sales and flea markets, |
| destinations are just one tank of gas away. A lot of | | | | too! |
| territory can be covered in just a few hundred miles, | | | | 5. Stop and Shop - At Local Discount or Dollar Stores |
| and you're bound to discover exciting locations you | | | | When you need to refill on groceries avoid |
| never knew existed so close to home. | | | | supermarkets and convenience stores where prices |
| Tip: Your neighborhood library is a terrific resource for | | | | are at a premium. Instead, look for local discount and |
| researching local and state information and attractions | | | | dollar stores and roadside fruit and vegetable stands -- |
| - and most of it is free! | | | | depending on the season. You might not save much |
| 2. Put Your RV On A Diet And Get Better | | | | money there, but there's nothing better than freshly |
| Gas-Mileage | | | | picked produce. |
| It's a simple fact that the less your RV weighs, the | | | | Keep an eye open for discount outlets in the area. |
| more mileage you'll get on the road. Look around for | | | | And stop at flea markets and yard sales where you |
| places in your rig where you can institute a "less is | | | | might find a one-of-a-kind treasure. Not only do these |
| more" policy. | | | | unconventional choices offer the opportunity to find |
| For example, you don't have to set out with a full, | | | | unusual items, it's a great way to get to know the local |
| fresh water tank for your RV excursion. Take what | | | | neighborhoods and people. |
| you need for the first day's travel, plus a small reserve, | | | | Tip: Keep your birthday and holiday gift list handy - you |
| and fill up once you've reached your day's destination. | | | | might spot the perfect knickknack for a family |
| Forget that bulky, economy-sized can of coffee: | | | | member at someone's yard sale! |
| empty a smaller amount into an airtight plastic | | | | Some Final Frugal RV Travel Tips: |
| container that you can refill later. (One place not to cut | | | | - Make use of the cheaper parks, like state parks |
| back, though, is tire inflation: riding on fully inflated tires is | | | | - Join Good Sam Club for 10% discount at their parks |
| a sure way to increase your gas mileage.) | | | | - Subscribe to RV magazines for great ideas on RV |
| Tip: When buying food staples, consider dehydrated | | | | travel |
| items like soup and dried fruit, and transfer cereal and | | | | - Shop around for best prices on camping stuff like |
| pasta from bulky boxes into heavy-duty plastic bags - | | | | Wal-Mart, K-Mart, GI Joes - instead of RV stores |
| not only do they take up less space, you can reuse | | | | - Avoid buying your RV "supplies" - like toilet paper - |
| them once they're empty! | | | | that claim to be for RVs/motorhomes. Save money |
| 3. Plastic not Paper Dinnerware - A More Economical | | | | and buy the cheap stuff. |
| Approach Overall | | | | - Save money and cook all your meals in the RV; don't |
| Sure, the eat-and-toss approach of paper plates and | | | | eat out. You can even make dishes ahead and store |
| cups is the easy way to go - and might even seem | | | | in your RV's refrigerator |
| economical when you buy in bulk. But lightweight, | | | | - Ask for senior discounts everywhere you go |
| inexpensive plastic dishes are easy to find, and while | | | | - If members of AAA, see if any campgrounds give |
| they might not last forever, they'll certainly see you | | | | discounts. Look at a "Trailer Life Campground |
| through the duration of a long-distance RV excursion. | | | | Directory" at your local library to compare camping |
| Choosing plastic over a big stack of paper goods is | | | | fees. |
| also another way to save on weight, especially when | | | | - Plan!! |
| you're starting out on your RV trip. | | | | |