RamonaCreel.com

Earlier this week full-timer Ramona Creel shared her insights on the organized way to plan for RV travel via a computer. Today she is back on the blog giving even more helpful tips as you plot out your next road trip.

Once you know where you’re headed, what next?

The next step is to decide on a route. You’ve got lots of choices, depending on your travel needs. Members of AAA can use the company website to create TripTiks® (that show the best route and possible road construction issues), view online TourBooks®, and have maps delivered directly to their door. (For the rest of us, online locational services like Yahoo Maps, Google Maps, and MapQuest will help you make sure you never miss a rest stop or fast food joint along the way.)

How do you plan your RV park stops?

Ah — accommodations. In addition to public parks and boondocking, services like Escapees, membership sites like Good Sam, Passport America, and Woodalls are happy to point you toward the right parking space for the night. There are also any number of apps for your phone that offer practical real-time information for RVers — notifying you of upcoming interstate exits (with a list of available services), gas prices, dump stations, and truck stops. And if you want a more comprehensive solution, websites like Free Trip and Trip It also offer one-stop travel planners that help you compose a detailed itinerary, complete with restaurant suggestions, local attractions, and even travel advisories.

How do you save money on the road?

Let us not forget about finding you some local savings on food and entertainment! Of course, daily deals like Groupon and Living Social and Amazon Local are great if you can COMMIT to an activity during your visit — just be cautious about buying up a ton of certificates that you’re ultimately unable to use (a gigantic waste of money). Sites like Entertainment.com and Cities On The Cheap will point you toward a variety of discounts (including everyday services you might need, like dry cleaning or oil changes) in nearly any American town. Restaurant.com is an excellent way to try some local cuisine on the cheap (plus you can trade certificates you don’t use back in for a different location — a MASSIVE plus when your travel itinerary changes). I’m also a big fan of CityPass, which gives you a discounted rate on more typical tourist activities if you’re prepared to buy a bunch of different tickets all at once and use them within a set time period. And if you’re concerned about the current cost of fuel, check out Gas Buddy — a service that allows you to find the lowest prices in your area, no matter where you are. Happy travels!

Thanks Ramona — travel planning has never seemed easier! If you need Ramona’s help figuring out your next RVing route and itinerary, contact her!