The scent of pine, the twinkle of lights, the warmth of cocoa—there’s nothing quite like the holiday season. But what if you could trade the stress of crowded airports and overbooked guest rooms for the freedom of the open road and the cozy comfort of your own rig? RVing for the holidays is a magical experience, but it does require a little expert planning.
Navigating the Holiday Rush
The biggest challenge in holiday RV travel is simply everyone else! The weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s are peak travel times, which means campgrounds and roads will be busier. You need to be ahead of the curve.
Booking your site is non-negotiable. Many popular RV parks, especially those near major holiday destinations or in warmer climates, book up months in advance. Start securing your reservations right after Labor Day. Look for campgrounds that host holiday events or are close to town centers with light displays. Consider state parks or Corps of Engineers sites, as they often have a more serene, if slightly less amenity-rich, atmosphere. If you’re visiting family, ask if you can boondock in their driveway; just be sure to check local ordinances first!
Plan your driving days strategically. Aim to travel on weekdays if possible. Avoid the two days immediately preceding and following a major holiday like Christmas or New Year’s Day. If you must drive during the peak rush, leave early in the morning before 8 a.m. or later in the evening after 7 p.m. Use a reliable RV GPS app that accounts for your rig’s height and weight, and always have a backup route planned in case of unexpected closures or traffic.
Making Your Rig Merry and Bright
One of the best parts of holiday RVing is decorating. A little festive flair goes a long way, but remember that space and power are always considerations.
Decorate with safety and efficiency in mind. Forget the heavy, fragile ceramic village. Think lightweight, non-breakable decorations. Suction cups and Command hooks are your best friends for hanging wreaths and lights inside and out. Battery-operated LED lights are an absolute must for outdoor decorating. They conserve your precious power and eliminate the trip hazard of extension cords. If you use a real tree (a small, tabletop one is perfect), secure it firmly to prevent tipping while traveling. For a fuss-free option, get a beautiful, small artificial tree. Remember, your decorations have to survive being jostled during transit.
Don’t forget the holiday cooking. The galley in an RV is smaller, so streamline your meal prep. Consider using a slow cooker or instant pot to cook while you’re driving. That way, you arrive at your destination with a ready-made, warm holiday meal. And always pack a couple of extra collapsible containers for leftovers.
RVing for the Holidays: Expecting Unexpected Weather
Holiday travel often means contending with winter weather, even in the southern states. Preparedness is key to comfort.
Protect your RV from the cold. If you’re heading somewhere chilly, you absolutely must winterize your plumbing systems. This might mean using a heated water hose, adding skirt protection around the bottom of your rig, or using tank heaters. Always disconnect your standard hose from the spigot when temperatures drop below freezing to prevent a costly burst. And keep an eye on your propane levels; your furnace will be working overtime.
Pack for all conditions. Even if you’re chasing the sun in Arizona, a cold snap can happen. Bring layers, waterproof outer gear, and a good set of chains if there’s any chance of snow in your mountain passes. Have emergency supplies, like extra blankets, flashlights, and a fully stocked first-aid kit, easily accessible in case of a roadside delay.
RVing during the holidays turns a stressful time into an unforgettable adventure. With these expert tips you’ll craft a cozy, customized holiday experience, one campsite at a time.
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