5 RV Road Trips For The Ultimate Family Adventure

Deciding on where to go for your RV road trip often depends on where you live, the amount of time you have set aside for the trip, and when you plan to go. To make the trip a success, plenty of time is needed so you can enjoy yourself and create those happy family memories.

 

If your trip is during the fall season, you might want to travel to the southern part of the country, to avoid unpredictable weather. If you’re hitting the road during late spring or summer, you may want to head north. The weather could be more favorable during those months.

 

The destination options for your road trip also depends on your start location, but it doesn’t really matter where you begin in most cases. One major road trip must is to avoid big cities, large popular events, and tourist traps, that is unless you love being in crowded areas, spending more money, and enjoying crazy traffic. Probably not!

 

To get you moving down the road on your next family adventure, we compiled the following five RV road trips.

 

  1. Route 66 Road Excitement

 

This is one of the most iconic roadways in country that‘s dotted with amazing photo opportunities and Americana from the Midwest to the Pacific Ocean. It may not be much of a nature excursion, but there are benefits.

 

You will frequently eat in nostalgic diners and ice cream shops you pass along Route 66. Tap into U.S. nostalgia and have access to RV friendly campgrounds each mile of this historic road.

 

  1. Natchez Trace Parkway

 

Natchez Trace Parkway is another one of the country’s most popular destinations when it comes to National Park Service road trips, especially for those who are traveling via RV. It’s closed to commercial traffic, as well as big rigs, but RVs less than 55 feet love the scenery, winding roads, and rich historical stops of Native American burial mounds and Civil War battlefields.

 

The road that runs from Nashville to Natchez, Mississippi is robust and green. You can also enjoy blues and country music playing in the multiple towns along the way. There are RV friendly campgrounds and plenty of places to stop too.

 

  1. Yellowstone National Park

 

Located in Montana, Yellowstone National Park is one of the world’s leading destinations for RV enthusiasts. While on your way to Yellowstone, plan a scenic route where you can pass through must-see points in the Rocky Mountains, like Grand Teton National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Definitely a road trip for the whole family.

 

  1. RV Gulf Coast Adventure

 

In the last decade, New Orleans has had a stunning revival, especially for tourism. It’s not commonly an RV destination, but this route through the Gulf Coast region of the U.S. makes for an excellent RV road trip.

 

The beach tourism along the Gulf Coast has seen a considerable drop-off in recent years, because of media coverage on oil spills. However, this is good for those RVing on a budget, since tourism around certain beach towns is less.

 

  1. Points South

 

The southeastern U.S. has plenty to offer, such as nature, culture, and plenty of relaxation. Having a southern RV expedition includes forests, beaches and everything in-between. The Points South loop begins in historic Savannah, Georgia, and continues to Florida. It also includes the states launches Tennessee and Virginia.

 

For the last part of the journey, there’s a series of beaches where you can cool down at the end of a long behind the wheel. You can actually start anywhere along the route and eventually end up back where you started.

 

Extra Tip: Make RV Road Trip Safety A Priority

 

During the summer travel season, being alert and awake is very important, allowing you to arrive safely at your chosen destination. The following are some tips on how you can get enough sleep while on the road, and stay safe during your family RV adventure.

 

Don’t start the trip without sleeping enough. Not getting enough sleep before beginning a road trip can make you drowsy while driving. Every year, drowsy driving is the cause of an estimated 83,000 crashes, 37,000 injuries, and even 886 fatalities, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

 

In Conclusion . . .

 

Before you hit the road, map out the directions, ste rest points, and also have a vehicle service plan, like the Good Sam Extended Service Plan, to keep you on the road without fail.

 

From coast to coast, there are plenty of RV road trips to be had. Whether summer or winter, get the family on the road and create lifetime memories the whole family can enjoy.

Travel for Exposure, Adventure, and Memories

According to the US Travel Association, 74% of all domestic travel is done for leisure purposes, with travelers logging 1.8 billion leisure trips in 2017. Families, couples, and singles travel for different reasons. However, the same study noted the top five reasons for US domestic traveling as follows:

 

  1.       Visiting relatives
  2.       Shopping
  3.       Visiting friends
  4.       Fine dining
  5.       Rural sightseeing

 

When considering experiences; particularly for shopping, dining and sightseeing, it makes sense for travelers to take their sippy cups to as many different locations as possible. This enables travelers to enjoy new shops, taste new cuisine, and see new sights. Each travel location contains its own atmosphere with specific conditions, circumstances, and climate that enhances each of these experiences.

 

In most cases, travelers have relatives and friends across the nation (and globe), which offers an endless array of places to visit, experience, and collect for their memory book.

 

Having a timeshare contract limits exposure, adventure, and memories while keeping owners tied to a single destination, pre-determined schedule, and the same surroundings. These limits represent the opposite of what travel is designed to do.

 

Traveling is about taking in new places, adopting native schedules, trying new cuisine, experiencing new cultures, and revealing in the beauty of expanding areas. That means going to different places as often as possible, instead of revisiting the same one over and over again. It means searching out and finding new places with just the right experience, adventure, and memories travelers choose to cultivate.

 

For those committed to timeshare ownership, the travel search is quick and dismal as it means visiting the same resort each year. There’s little exposure as the resort doesn’t often change a great deal from year to year. The adventures can grow tiresome after being repeated frequently, and the memories run together as one in the same.

There are options for travelers who don’t know how to get out of a timeshare. While timeshare contracts (and annual maintenance fees) continue forever, it is possible to end these contracts — safely and ethically in a way that’s guaranteed forever.

 

Once free from a timeshare commitment, travelers are free to plan, book, and enjoy vacations across the globe to expand their horizons, enrich their relationships, and elevate their mental state — on the schedule they create.

 

Families can experience new adventures and collaborate as a team, while experiencing new destinations together. Couples can experience one another, enjoy quiet time, increase romance, and delight in the sight, sound, and tastes associated with each new travel destination. Individuals can experience independence or meet new people depending on their mood, collect wares and photos for their social media timelines, and experience new cultural traditions. Travel options are truly endless.

 

Limits are unnecessary tethers leisure travelers don’t need. Consider a timeshare exit strategy to keep travel options open and free.

Cute New Interactive Toys and Take Alongs

With summer coming to a close, you might be trying to get a few more road trips in, and as much outdoor time as possible. These fun items are sure to please even the pickiest members of the family.

cat toys

Pomsies are too cute, your kids will love them. While they might be aimed at girls, we all know that gender marketing is ridicules and that kids pick what they like- my son and his friends liked playing with Pomsies, as well as my daughter.  These wearable and interactive pets could be the next Fingerlings, who knows. They are really sweet- they are like a wearable Furby. Available since July in all major retailers for about $15, they have a long fuzzy tail that can be wrapped around your wrist, suitcase, backpack or whatever your child feels works for them. Pomsies have eyes that light up and change color to express their mood, such as being hungry, silly, happy, or giving 50 reactions when you play with them. They purr when you interact with them (which you can feel), and love it when you brush them with their included brush. These are super cute, and not too pricey. I’m thinking you and your kids will like these quite a bit- we do.

For the exact opposite of Pomsies, check out Grumblies. Much like your cranky 2 year old, there is no pleasing a Grumblies. I think these are plural no matter how you are speaking about them…LOL. Grumblies are short-tempered trouble makers who don’t want to hear a word about it. Grumblies have more then 40 reactions when you play with them, but unlike Furbies or Pomsies, you can’t cuddle or nurture Grumblies. The more you play with them, the angrier they get. Each Grumblies have it’s own personality and sounds that it makes. $20 at major retailers.

kids toys

 Waggables are not only adorable, but fun to make and quite unique. You and your child can design a pet that looks just like yours, from nose to tail. Visit the Waggables website for thel customizer where you are able to design your character to fit your pet’s look, then it is turned into a plush ball of adorable you can snuggle up with.  It takes about 4 weeks to arrive from the day you make it on the website, and in the meantime, you will receive email updates telling you about your pet’s progress. Perfection takes time, after all. The notifications are really cute, the kids will enjoy them. In no time, your custom plush will arrive at your door. $40 at https://www.waggables.com

Can’t get enough of the World Cup? Perfect for soccer fans of any age or ability, Soccerborg is a innovative game that lets you play against your opponent, even when the weather is bad and you are stuck indoors. Your favorite soccer players are replaced by robots which go head-to-head in a game of skill. Work your robot’s corresponding remote control to make the robots dribble, shoot, pass the ball, and more. Soccerborg combines the fun of playing of soccer with RC technology, your FIFA fan will love it. (So do my soccer lovers, one big and one small- they enjoy playing each other. It’s a little more evenly matched then on the real soccer field.) Requires 10 AAA batteries.  $60 at major retailers, on Amazon, or at  https://tomy.com/soccerborg/soccerborg

What child doesn’t love horses? Spirit, a courageous horse, and his owner Lucky have had a lot of changes. When they make their big move to the countryside, Lucky lives with her Dad, her Aunt Cora, and her horse, Spirit, in their new home in Miradero. If your child is a fan of the new animated series by Dreamworks or of horses in general, the playsets by Playmobil are sure to be a huge kit- even my teen daughter is taken with them, even though she pretends she isn’t.  Lucky’s Happy Home, set 9475, is a true-to-the-show replica, complete with an equipped kitchen and secret hideout. The set is really lovely, and comes with Lucky, Aunt Cora, Spirit, a goose, and everything you need for a kitchen. Aunt Cora is famous for her meals, and is intent on teaching Lucky how to be a “proper lady”, so the kitchen is kind of a big deal here. Don’t worry, Lucky is quite the little lady, and we all know that well behaved women rarely make history, after all. $100 at https://www.playmobil.us

How to Help the Future Groom

Marriage is an important aspect of life that should be taken with serious precautions and proper planning so that each party can get satisfied. Many brides always seem to take care of their wedding planning leaving the groom wondering where they can support or remain in the background. Some grooms also have some strong opinion which should be solved early enough through engaging in dialogue to avoid early conflicts even before marriage. To help them organize, plan and put everything in order, here are some helpful tips on how to help future groom.

Engagement Rings

The first thing that the groom should do is to establish your budget. Engagement rings start from Gold to Diamond and other precious metals. This is where you need to consider your budget and settle on a ring that you can afford. If you want to make it a surprise, there are many things you must fulfill before purchasing the ring. You must research her ring size by taking one of her usual rings and take it to the jewelry shop for measurement without her knowledge. Also, find out her style as every girl has her preference where you can try different bands such as gold, silver, diamond or platinum. Be selective while selecting the shape according to her style and also make sure you choose the right setting.

Stag Party

Stag party is the day you spend your last night in freedom before you tie the knot. It’s a night that you spend with your buddies and a lot might happen. Some expected grooms have woken up on the wedding day far away from home whereas am not advocating for this. You should have some plan and select a suitable location where you can spend the night and have some fun while drinking your favorite drinks

Of course, there are more ideas on how you can spend this special day.

Stag Ideas

This is the last night you are having total freedom and you should make a whole lot of fun and get the coolest ideas. The best way to make it happen is mixing thing with the greatest ideas:

  • One of the most popular themes you can take is the pensioners. Pensioners simply mean you and the lads doing the best as your granddads did during their time. It will be much fun and entertaining feeling the sensation of being a lad where you can put on some trouser braces, grandpa jumpers, loafers, grey wig and some old man glasses.
  • The era’s theme – This theme needs you to class up with some cool Al Capone suits and cigars for those who got some 1920s taste or class up in peace and love flower covered themes of the 1970s.
  • The superheroes theme – This is the theme where you choose your superhero and dress up their costume. There are many superheroes you can select from where you can get help from your buddies and make it entertaining. Remember it is a night you should be careful while celebrating as you don’t want to ruin your wedding day. Drink a few shots that won’t make you forget and mess up things.

And the most important thing: Always Support Your Bride

As the newly expected groom, you should always be supportive. The bride may have taken all the planning of the wedding but this does not mean she doesn’t want you to be there. You should always attend the planning meetings and listen without compromising her ideas. It is important that you be around to find out the happenings and show her that you are there. Make her happy by letting her take the charge to make the big decisions while you kindly request the small things that you may want to be included.

Hiring the Right Lawyer for Your Legal Situation

If you’re having issues with someone in your life who is making it impossible for you to live peacefully, it can make life challenging. Maybe someone owes you money and is refusing to pay their bill or you were injured at no fault of your own, you may require the legal advice of an attorney to help resolve your issue. Whether it’s fighting a traffic ticket or something more significant such as suing someone who injured you in an accident, knowing what type of attorney you need and what to ask is important in making sure they can represent you properly.

Personal Injury

If you were injured due to the neglect or negligence of someone else, it can be very detrimental to your physical and mental health. Your first step after getting prompt medical care is to contact a reputable lawyer who can listen to you and see if you have a viable case. You’ll have to carefully replay the entire accident or incident and provide details to help with your case. From there, your lawyer may interview witnesses and talk to other people that were involved. Getting the right monetary amount and reimbursement for lost income and pain and suffering is important. 

It is important that you find an attorney who is local and who has a good understanding both of your neighborhood and standing state laws. For example, if you live in Schenectady, you’ll want you can start with “personal injury lawyers New York” but you’ll have better luck with a “Schenectady” location qualifier added to it.  based or in your neighborhood doesn’t have to be complicated. You could also ask your existing lawyer for a referral if they can’t directly help you with your case. 

If your personal injury is the result of medical neglect, you’ll need to find an attorney who specializes in medical malpractice. A personal injury and medical malpractice lawyer can go the extra mile for you and help go after the plaintiff’s assets.

Dealing with a Divorce

Something that no one wants to face is a divorce. Unfortunately, it does happen and making sure that you have the right lawyer to represent you is vital to securing your property and lifestyle. Most divorce attorneys advertise that they specialize in divorce and family law. They’re not discreet about it. While most attorneys can draw up the paperwork and represent you in court, one that only deals with divorce on a daily basis can be more helpful. They are well versed in the laws of divorce and know all of the loopholes when it comes to child support and visitation. In the cases where there is not only child custody involved but also substantial marital property, it’s important to hire someone who knows what your rights are. Hiring a divorce lawyer with a rock solid reputation is important in gaining the peace of mind you need when you hit the courtroom.

Past Due Rent and Eviction

If you’re a landlord, there’s no doubt you’ve probably had to evict someone or serve them with late rent papers. This is one of the most challenging aspects of being a landlord. While most people comply and want to avoid court proceedings, there are some situations where you’ll need legal representation. Some tenants will fight you on paying their rent and flat out refuse to do so. In these situations, or where you’re being sued by the city or state, you’ll need good representation to weed through all of the legal facts and aspects of your case. An attorney who is well versed in commercial and rental law is someone you’ll need on your side. Sorting through the timeframes and deadlines is extremely important with a landlord, tenant case. Filing paperwork with the court just a day late can make it difficult or impossible to gain the upper hand and win your case.

Wills and Estates

When a loved one dies, they may leave behind an estate but all disbursement to family members is clearly stated in their will. You’ll need an attorney to handle these final tasks and distribute the estate accordingly. On the other hand, if your loved one never left a will and you are a family member or child, you may be entitled to their estate or the funds leftover after their estate is sold. For complicated estates, you’ll need a lawyer who specializes in family law and probate estates. Because these laws can be lengthy and complicated, a good lawyer will go by the exact laws of the state you live in and represent you as fairly as possible.

There are many different times in your life when you’ll need to seek legal counsel. Not every lawyer can handle every situation, you may have to seek multiple lawyers to handle each unique situation.

6 Techniques for Dealing with A Struggling Family

Every family has their own struggles. Whether they’re fleeting or ongoing (and sometimes they’re both), struggles are a part of life. It’s what we do in those moments that defines us.

If you’re encountering your own struggles now, it’s time to decide what type of family you will be. Are you the family that overcomes or the family that gets defeated. Most people take the first choice. It’s a good one.

Here are 6 techniques for dealing with a struggling family.

Know you’re not alone

No matter what you’re dealing with, you’re not alone. For some, the thought alone is comforting. Others need more support, and that’s perfectly okay. Find a support group for whatever struggle you’re dealing with. It may be online or in person. You’ll find support groups for on topics from financial troubles to rare genetic disorders. Get out there (even if it’s just virtually) and connect with other people who are having similar experiences. Even if you’re dealing with a condition that’s different for everyone, like multiple sclerosis or autism, you can find comfort in support groups.

Understand that one person’s problem is everyone’s problem

When one family member is struggling with something, whether it’s addiction or a physical ailment, the entire family feels the effects.

Hold a “family meeting” to discuss this person’s needs and how each person can help. Even if it’s just being nicer to the person who is struggling, every little bit helps. During this meeting, also talk about how the struggle will impact everyone and how everyone deserves support. If your issue is intense, you may want to engage in family programming to ensure everyone gets the counseling they need.

Spend more time together

Make an effort to spend more time together as a family to help strengthen your bond. If it makes sense, you can exercise together or have a family movie night every week. At the very least, you should try to sit together for family dinners. Make this a sacred time where you all come together to talk about your day and connect.

Consider outside help

If your family is struggling with something major, you may all benefit from some counseling. Whether or not you decide to go that route, you should talk to your child’s teachers about what’s going on at home. Your child may seem fine at home, but start acting out at school. Regardless, when your child’s teachers know what’s going on, they can pay close attention to your child’s behavior.

Get on a routine

When it feels like the world is falling apart around you, routine can help you feel more in control. Routine is especially helpful for the little ones.

Struggles can really throw a wrench into a good routine, but it’s important to fight to keep things somewhat normalized. It’s okay if your struggle changes your schedule, but just try to roll with the punches and create a new routine.

If you’re off one day, that’s okay too. Just get straight back to your regularly scheduled program the next day.

Schedule check-ins

Schedule some time to sit down with the entire family and talk about what’s going on. This is a great time to share progress and talk about any changes in your plan.

Uncertainty is one of the worst things to deal with, so try not to leave your kids wondering about any potential outcomes. Just think about how you feel when you’re left in the dark. Your kids will feel the same way, and they’re likely to think the worst. Staying quiet is not going to spare their feelings. Be as open and honest about things as you feel appropriate.

It would be nice if we could all just bury our heads in the sand and wait until life’s storms pass, but that’s never the best way to handle things. When something affects the family, it’s usually best to band together and support one another.

8 ABORIGINAL HISTORICAL SITES IN AUSTRALIA EVERY TOURIST SHOULD VISIT

Aboriginal people tend to focus on their connection with the land more than anything else. There are many sites that come along with a sacred meaning for each of the Aboriginal tribes. A sacred site is usually a place of some ceremonial importance or a place of feasts, settlement etc. There are certain ceremonies that a person has to get involved into if he wants to enter into such sacred sites. The reason behind this is that one is assumed to offer positive energy, good wishes and harmony to the ancestors.

The following are 8 Aboriginal historical sites in Australia which every tourist ought to visit.

 

 

  • Kakadu National Park

 

Kakadu is considered as the “Oldest living culture on earth”. For more than 65000 years, it has been home to Aboriginal people. Kakadu’s rock art ( Gunbim ) and the paintings that are of 20,000 years old acts as one of the important records for longest historical records of any group of people in the world is one of the major reasons Kakadu has received the “World heritage status”. The paintings also provide deep information on the Bininj / Mungguy people.

 

 

  • Tower Hill Wild Life Reserve

 

The Tower Hill Wild Life Reserve, off the Great ocean road is on the most popular tourist route from Melbourne to South Australia and is the home for many important Aboriginal sites. The wildlife reserve, is located at 14km from Warrnambool ( where Aboriginal people lived 32,000 years ago ), is a wonderful home for kangaroos, emus, koalas and many waterbirds.

 

 

  • Kata Tjuta

 

Kata Tjuta also known as Olgas is located in Central Australia is considered sacred to the Aboriginal people of Australia. Kata Tjuta is comprised of 36 domes and covers an area of about 21.68km². It is located at about 25km from Uluru and the duo forms the major landmarks within the Uluru- Kata Tjuta National Park.

 

  • Birrarung Marr

 

This is a somewhat odd entry into the list as it is such a modern location now, but the history of Birrarung Marr is very important. It is located in Melbourne and the name actually means “River of Mists” in Woiwurrung language of Wurundjeri people of Australia. This site is considered a traditional aboriginal site because of its prime ceremonial importance. There are three levels of open terraces at Birrarung Marr. The lower terrace which is located next to a river, has a gravel surface. The middle terrace is located on the eastern side of the park and has a grassed surface. The upper terrace is located on the northern side of the park.

 

  • The Kimberley

 

The Kimberley was one of the earliest settled parts of Australia which had the first arrivals 43,000 years ago. With more than 400,000sq m of pure landscape comprising of the waterfalls, red sands, animal life and floral regions, Kimberley is one of the most important tourist spots one should never miss !

 

 

  • Uluru

 

Uluru also known as Ayers Rock is sacred to the Pitjantjatjara Anangu, the Aboriginal people of Australia. It is a large sandstone rock formation in Central Australia which is notable for changing colors at various times of the day and the year. 46 species of natural mammals are known to live in and around Uluru. The park has a hot desert climate. According to the Aṉangu, traditional landowners of Uluru, “The world was once a featureless place. None of the places we know existed until creator beings, in the forms of people, plants and animals, traveled widely across the land. Then, in a process of creation and destruction, they formed the landscape as we know it today”.

 

  • South Australian Museum

 

The South Australian Museum contains the most significant collection of more than 3000 Aboriginal cultural artifacts in the world. The permanent galleries in the museum include Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery, South Australian Biodiversity Gallery, World Mammals Gallery, Mawson Gallery, Megafauna Gallery, Minerals and Meteorites Gallery, Fossils Gallery and a lot more!

 

 

  • Ban Ban Springs

 

Ban Ban Springs is located in Queensland. “Ban Ban Springs is a sacred site and has a Dreamtime association with the Rainbow Serpent which is believed to have surfaced there. Ban Ban Springs is unique in Indigenous Heritage. It is sacred in men’s Business and women’s Business for separate and combined reasons.”

How To Choose A Comfortable Beach Cruiser

Finding the right bike involves taking into consideration a lot of factors like speed, usage, and comfort.  So, unlike the mountain and hybrid bikes that are known for their competitive natures, most people opt for cruiser bikes for sheer comfort. Beach cruisers are easy going rides meant for a little bit of exercise and a delightful ride on a Sunday afternoon. Their wider frames and saddles make for an enviable riding experience. Despite the obvious, beach cruisers also vary in build according to the needs of the user. Deciding the best one for you takes a little bit of understanding. Therefore, here are three tips to guide you in choosing a comfortable beach cruiser.

 

Consider Your Weight And Height

 

Knowing your body anatomy will help you to choose the right cruiser bike. Of particular importance are your weight and height as these will determine the size of the beach cruiser. In selecting the right size, the frame’s geometry and style have to be taken into thought. Beach Cruisers mostly have a single size for each model and as such your size will determine the most comfortable model for you. So, don’t take this lightly. A suitable bike frame will ensure that you stand with both feet planted firmly on the ground when your bike is stopped. In addition, the distance of the seat from the handlebars is also very important as this will determine your sitting position.

All in all, if the bike frame is not a correct fit for you, the ride will be unpleasant.

 

The Bike Saddle

 

Once in a while, you will need to take long rides for one reason or the other. As such, you’ll want a well-padded seat to avoid the biker’s butt. Well-padded seats are made of foams or gel. Besides padding, two other essential components of a comfortable bike seat are the seat suspension and the shell. It is always better to go for a cruiser that can absorb the shock of riding on a rough road. Consequently, you will certainly need to try out several rides before deciding on the one you enjoy sitting on the most.  For women, there are saddles precisely built to accommodate a woman’s shape (wider set hips).

The men aren’t left out. Certain saddles are deliberately made to prevent pressure on the perinatal area while riding.

 

Test Drive Your Beach Cruiser

In the end, the biggest mistake is to rush into a decision, without test driving as many bikes as possible. Don’t assume that a good looking cruiser will also be a great fit. You need to get the bike warmed up over a reasonable distance before you can know for sure. You can’t just look at an image of a beach cruiser, or poke the saddle with your hand, and decide if it’s right for you. Similar to most things, don’t be pressured by a salesperson into buying one quickly. You should insist on trying out a few models in real time before deciding on the most comfortable one for you.

 

Conclusion

I hope the above-mentioned tips will enable you to find the best and most comfortable beach cruiser for you. You can simply choose from this big collection of these best cruiser bikes for women. There are so many other online sources you can find comfortable beach cruiser bikes. You can also choose these comfortable ladies bikes to find your favourite bike.