Everyone seems to be complaining about the high cost of fuel causing them to cancel their summer vacation plans. Carol White, co-author of the book “Live Your Road Trip Dream”, says, “I don’t like the higher prices, but if you take a careful look at it, it’s something that most of us can deal with.”
Did you cancel last year’s plans? According to AAA, gas prices have increased an average of $1.00 a gallon since last Memorial Day. Let’s go crazy and say it has been 1.10 a gallon in your area. If your summer trip is 1000 miles long and your car gets an average of 24 MPG, your fuel will cost $45.85 more this year than last. One dinner at home instead of eating out before you go will save that much. Is $45 any reason to cancel your vacation?
What does it really cost? When you add up all the expenses of a vacation, fuel only counts as about the second or third highest expense. Typically food and lodging will cost more than fuel. If you need to cut back, consider RVing or eating more meals in, or renting a slightly less expensive lodging.
How can you afford to RV? According to a study done for the RV Association, RVing is still less expensive than piling a family of four into an airplane and hotels for vacation. Using a similar example to the one above and a typical mid-size RV fuel economy of 12 MPG, the additional fuel cost for RV fuel this year would be $62.50. This is easily off-set by the lower cost of campgrounds vs. motels, resorts or cabins at your favorite destination.
What about family bonding? One of the best parts of taking a road trip or an RV get-away is the extra time you get to spend with your traveling companions. In the close quarters of automobiles, RVs, campgrounds and motels, a family has the opportunity to enjoy old-fashioned fun like cards, board games, campfires and more. It really is fun talking to your kids. Ditch the electronics just for the week and see what might happen.
And the final reason you shouldn’t let fuel get in your way? You and your family deserve the time together and the time away. Have everyone work together to be able to afford the extra cost of gas. Go on a Starbucks-free week, check for the best fuel prices, just say “no” to an evening at the movies, or take a pass on that cute new pair of shoes and you will have the added money to cover fuel. Don’t let the “psychology of price,” rather than real price get the best of you.
Have fun and enjoy your summer vacation.
*************************
Carol White is the co-author of the award-winning book, “Live Your Road Trip Dream” (www.roadtripdream.com) – the ultimate road trip planning guide for extended road trips. Carol and her husband Phil have traveled over 50,000 road miles in the past several years, visiting all fifty states and having visited all of the National Parks in the “lower forty-eight.” As national spokespeople for the RV Industry, they now spend their days speaking, writing, and helping others to live their dreams.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Monday, December 07, 2009
Worldwide RV Travel For Less Cost
RV / Motorhome owners can now enjoy low cost worldwide travel. How? They use the investment they have made in their RV to give them virtually free travel and accommodation in another country. This is now possible through being able to exchange RV’s with like minded RV owners worldwide.
We all know that the airfares are just a small part of the total cost of international travel and the major expenses are for accommodation and transportation at your destination. When you exchange your RV there is no additional accommodation or travel costs to what you would normally incur using your RV at home. We all know that accommodation and travel costs worldwide can be substantial and by enjoying an RV exchange there are huge savings to be made.
As all RV owners know, you also can visit a local supermarket and cook your own meals in your RV saving the expense of restaurant meals and also avoiding the perils of fast foods. Many people enjoying an RV / Motorhome exchange spend several weeks or even months at their chosen destination so any savings made quickly add up.
It works much like a home exchange except it offers much more. It is not just your accommodation but also your transportation plus you get to experience a lot more of the country than you would located in just one place.
You also do not need to swap simultaneously as it’s not your home. Who really wants to vacation in the U.K. in the winter, so with a RV worldwide exchange both parties can travel at the time of year that is best for them. This may actually be six months or more apart.
Have safe and exciting international travel through an RV worldwide exchange.
Written by Stephen Smith, director of http://www.rvworldwide.com
This article may be reproduced or distributed so long as no contact or links are changed without the author’s permission.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Holiday travel heads-up
A recent CNN story began with a great holiday travel headline: “Stuffing planes like Thanksgiving turkeys” by Aaron Smith, Nov. 11, 2009 and discussed travel over the busy holiday weekend.
Expect that planes will be full even though there are fewer people traveling, because the airline industry has cut capacity by 6.9% since last year to improve efficiency, says the Air Transport Association. This year has seen the biggest capacity reduction since 1942, when civilian aircraft were diverted towards the war effort. Planes will be full but there may be fewer delays if weather doesn’t create problems as there are simply fewer planes flying. However, the “once-a-year” passenger headed home for Turkey Day is often less experienced in negotiating airport systems and security so may hold up the lines for frequent travelers.
Solution: Make sure you employ all the savvy traveler and smart packing strategies possible.
1. Print boarding passes and prepay for checked baggage before leaving for the airport. Use curbside check-in if available. Consolidate both checked and carry-on items to as few as possible – it’s only a 4-day weekend!
2. Allow enough time for heavy traffic en route to the airport, full parking lots, and crowded airport transportation systems. Give yourself at least 2 hours at the airport to safely check baggage and pass through security.
3. Wear clothing that is “screening friendly” – minimal metal parts, slip on shoes, jewelry removed and tucked into a zip-top baggie before entering the security line, coat packed into a checked or carry-on bag.
4. Pack plenty of snacks, water, reading materials and patience. You may need all of it.
******
Reprinted with permission from Susan Foster and Smart Packing. Sign up for Susan's e-newsletter at www.smartpacking.com - THE place for packing light information,airline baggage rules, airport security updates and packing tips for every kind of trip.
Expect that planes will be full even though there are fewer people traveling, because the airline industry has cut capacity by 6.9% since last year to improve efficiency, says the Air Transport Association. This year has seen the biggest capacity reduction since 1942, when civilian aircraft were diverted towards the war effort. Planes will be full but there may be fewer delays if weather doesn’t create problems as there are simply fewer planes flying. However, the “once-a-year” passenger headed home for Turkey Day is often less experienced in negotiating airport systems and security so may hold up the lines for frequent travelers.
Solution: Make sure you employ all the savvy traveler and smart packing strategies possible.
1. Print boarding passes and prepay for checked baggage before leaving for the airport. Use curbside check-in if available. Consolidate both checked and carry-on items to as few as possible – it’s only a 4-day weekend!
2. Allow enough time for heavy traffic en route to the airport, full parking lots, and crowded airport transportation systems. Give yourself at least 2 hours at the airport to safely check baggage and pass through security.
3. Wear clothing that is “screening friendly” – minimal metal parts, slip on shoes, jewelry removed and tucked into a zip-top baggie before entering the security line, coat packed into a checked or carry-on bag.
4. Pack plenty of snacks, water, reading materials and patience. You may need all of it.
******
Reprinted with permission from Susan Foster and Smart Packing. Sign up for Susan's e-newsletter at www.smartpacking.com - THE place for packing light information,airline baggage rules, airport security updates and packing tips for every kind of trip.
Monday, November 02, 2009
Skateboarding around the US
Hey - what a fun and educational idea. This 11-year old and his dad are traveling to all 50 states instead of going to the 6th grade. It looks like they are having a fabulous time and I know that Logan will definitely learn more by doing this than by going to the 6th grade. Horray for them. We believe that this is a wonderful way to teach kids about our great country - and have some fun at the same time.
Go visit Logan and his Dad here:
http://50skatekid.com/
Go visit Logan and his Dad here:
http://50skatekid.com/
Friday, October 30, 2009
Want a $1250 fuel card for traveling?
Here is a great offer - to see a list of the applicable motorhomes, go here:
Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC) is now giving a $1,250 fuel card with any new purchase of a qualifying motorhome built on a Freightliner chassis from dealers in the United States and Canada. This exclusive, temporary offer is designed to help motorhome and RV enthusiasts pursue a road trip of a lifetime, even in a sluggish economy. Complete details are included below for you to share with your readers if you think it would be of interest to them.
Take your next road trip on Freightliner
Between now and Dec. 31, motor home enthusiasts can kick off their road trip of a lifetime by receiving a $1,250 fuel card with the purchase of any qualifying motor home built on a Freightliner chassis from dealers in the United States and Canada. For more details about this offer, and to learn which RV manufacturers offer vehicles built on Freightliner chassis, visit www.freightlinerchassis.com/fuel or chat with us on our Facebook page at http://bit.ly/1dAcGT.
Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC) is now giving a $1,250 fuel card with any new purchase of a qualifying motorhome built on a Freightliner chassis from dealers in the United States and Canada. This exclusive, temporary offer is designed to help motorhome and RV enthusiasts pursue a road trip of a lifetime, even in a sluggish economy. Complete details are included below for you to share with your readers if you think it would be of interest to them.
Take your next road trip on Freightliner
Between now and Dec. 31, motor home enthusiasts can kick off their road trip of a lifetime by receiving a $1,250 fuel card with the purchase of any qualifying motor home built on a Freightliner chassis from dealers in the United States and Canada. For more details about this offer, and to learn which RV manufacturers offer vehicles built on Freightliner chassis, visit www.freightlinerchassis.com/fuel or chat with us on our Facebook page at http://bit.ly/1dAcGT.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Build a trip home into your itinerary
We planned for a trip home during our year long trip - we had built that into our original budget. About half way through our trip (June-June) was the Christmas holiday. Around the first of November, we projected about where we would be and started checking airfares from several possible cities until we saw a really inexpensive one and jumped on it - that then became the city (Raleigh NC) that we headed for in mid-December. Another nice thing on a long trip like this - you have the flexibility to adjust your trip and dates to fit the less expensive airfares home. We headed home about the middle of December and stayed through New Year's - avoiding all the heavy travel times. It was sure fun to see everyone, but it was a whirlwind time. We had leased our home while we were gone, so we had no home to come home to. Our solution? We found friends of friends who were leaving for much of the time we were home and we house-sat for them, fed the dog, watered the plants - and had a great place to stay. There is a solution to every problem. What did we do with the RV (Class B Van) while we were home? We didn't want to leave it at the airport all that time, so we took it to a local RV service center and had them service the refrigerator, AC, furnace, etc. while we were gone at their leisure - they even took us to the airport! The van was safe, we got some service work done and their was no charge for the "storage." Hundreds of these kind of tips are in our book.
Carol White
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
The RV industry marks 100 year Anniversary
NEWS RELEASE
1910-2010: The RV Industry Celebrates 100 Years of Exploration and Innovation
A century ago, the popularization of the automobile, improving roads, and America's passion for exploration gave rise to mass-produced, manufactured recreation vehicles, and the RV industry was born. In 2010, Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) and the RV industry will mark this centennial with an array of special activities celebrating the 100-year journey of a uniquely American product.
In 1910, there was no TV, no air conditioning and no phone, but there were RVs. Through war and peace, booms and busts, fuel lines, fads and the cyber revolution, the RV lifestyle has endured and is still going strong, even in today's challenging economic times.
"Think about how far we've come in the past 100 years in terms in technology, yet the reasons to RV remain the same," says RVIA President Richard Coon. "RVing has been able to thrive and grow because people still enjoy the freedom that it provides."
The industry will celebrate its centennial in 2010 with a series of events that showcase today's innovations and new products while emphasizing America's century-long love affair with RVs.
"Recognizing and celebrating the 100th anniversary of the RV industry is a unique opportunity to tell our story to the media and public," says Coon.
The roots of RVing are as old as pioneers and covered wagons. But 1910 is the year that America's leading RV historians — David Woodworth, Al Hesselbart and Roger White — cite as the beginning of what has become the modern RV industry.
"The first motorized campers were built in 1910," says Woodworth, a preeminent collector of early RVs and RV camping memorabilia. "Before then, people camped in private rail cars that were pulled to sidings along train routes. The year 1910 brought a new freedom to people who didn't want to be limited by the rail system. RVs allowed them to go where they wanted, when they wanted."
Hesselbart, archivist for the RV/MH Heritage Museum in Elkhart, Ind., also pinpoints 1910 as the birth of the RV industry. "Camping has been around for centuries, but 1910 is when the first auto-related camping vehicles were built for commercial sale."
Known as "auto campers" or "camping trailers" a century ago, these vehicles were a forerunner of today's modern RVs.
"There were one-offs [individual units] built prior to 1910," says White, an associate curator for the Smithsonian Institution. "But 1910 is a good benchmark for the industry."
"The 1910 RVs offered minimal comforts compared to today's homes-on-wheels," says Woodworth. "But they did provide the freedom to travel anywhere, to be able to get a good night's sleep and enjoy home cooking. One notable exception to today's RV was the bathroom. In 1910, it was usually either yonder tree or yonder bush."
Hesselbart points out that one brand of auto camper in those days was equipped with a bathroom onboard. "Pierce-Arrow's 'Touring Landau' had a potted toilet," he says.
A version of today's Type B van camper, the Pierce-Arrow "Touring Landau," was unveiled at Madison Square Garden in 1910.
In addition to Pierce-Arrow, there were several other companies or auto-body builders producing motorized RVs. These companies and innovative products were featured in a Popular Mechanics issue in 1911, but Woodworth says the motorhomes highlighted in the article were actually built in 1910.
Camping trailers made by Los Angeles Trailer Works and Auto-Kamp Trailers also rolled off the assembly line beginning in 1910. Hesselbart says the earliest RV on display at the RV/MH museum is a 1913 trailer, ancestor of the contemporary travel trailer.
Photos of 1910 RV models appear in White's book on the history of RVing and exist in both Woodworth's and Hesselbart's libraries.
To mark the centennial, RVIA is creating a special 100th anniversary logo and commemorative decal that everyone in the industry will be invited to use in their own promotions and marketing. RVIA is planning an industry party on June 7 during the 2010 Committee Week in South Bend, Indiana, to which media and political guests would be invited.
RVIA will soon announce details of an RV caravan led by Woodworth with one of his early RVs, as well as a menu of celebration and promotion ideas for dealers, campgrounds, clubs and shows to use on their own.
"Celebrating our centennial will create excitement and pride throughout our made-in-America industry and provide an opportunity for manufacturers, dealers, suppliers and campground owners to unite under one banner," says Coon. "For 100 years, we've been helping Americans explore their scenic treasures and heritage more comfortably, affordably and enjoyably. That's something to celebrate."
1910-2010: The RV Industry Celebrates 100 Years of Exploration and Innovation
A century ago, the popularization of the automobile, improving roads, and America's passion for exploration gave rise to mass-produced, manufactured recreation vehicles, and the RV industry was born. In 2010, Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) and the RV industry will mark this centennial with an array of special activities celebrating the 100-year journey of a uniquely American product.
In 1910, there was no TV, no air conditioning and no phone, but there were RVs. Through war and peace, booms and busts, fuel lines, fads and the cyber revolution, the RV lifestyle has endured and is still going strong, even in today's challenging economic times.
"Think about how far we've come in the past 100 years in terms in technology, yet the reasons to RV remain the same," says RVIA President Richard Coon. "RVing has been able to thrive and grow because people still enjoy the freedom that it provides."
The industry will celebrate its centennial in 2010 with a series of events that showcase today's innovations and new products while emphasizing America's century-long love affair with RVs.
"Recognizing and celebrating the 100th anniversary of the RV industry is a unique opportunity to tell our story to the media and public," says Coon.
The roots of RVing are as old as pioneers and covered wagons. But 1910 is the year that America's leading RV historians — David Woodworth, Al Hesselbart and Roger White — cite as the beginning of what has become the modern RV industry.
"The first motorized campers were built in 1910," says Woodworth, a preeminent collector of early RVs and RV camping memorabilia. "Before then, people camped in private rail cars that were pulled to sidings along train routes. The year 1910 brought a new freedom to people who didn't want to be limited by the rail system. RVs allowed them to go where they wanted, when they wanted."
Hesselbart, archivist for the RV/MH Heritage Museum in Elkhart, Ind., also pinpoints 1910 as the birth of the RV industry. "Camping has been around for centuries, but 1910 is when the first auto-related camping vehicles were built for commercial sale."
Known as "auto campers" or "camping trailers" a century ago, these vehicles were a forerunner of today's modern RVs.
"There were one-offs [individual units] built prior to 1910," says White, an associate curator for the Smithsonian Institution. "But 1910 is a good benchmark for the industry."
"The 1910 RVs offered minimal comforts compared to today's homes-on-wheels," says Woodworth. "But they did provide the freedom to travel anywhere, to be able to get a good night's sleep and enjoy home cooking. One notable exception to today's RV was the bathroom. In 1910, it was usually either yonder tree or yonder bush."
Hesselbart points out that one brand of auto camper in those days was equipped with a bathroom onboard. "Pierce-Arrow's 'Touring Landau' had a potted toilet," he says.
A version of today's Type B van camper, the Pierce-Arrow "Touring Landau," was unveiled at Madison Square Garden in 1910.
In addition to Pierce-Arrow, there were several other companies or auto-body builders producing motorized RVs. These companies and innovative products were featured in a Popular Mechanics issue in 1911, but Woodworth says the motorhomes highlighted in the article were actually built in 1910.
Camping trailers made by Los Angeles Trailer Works and Auto-Kamp Trailers also rolled off the assembly line beginning in 1910. Hesselbart says the earliest RV on display at the RV/MH museum is a 1913 trailer, ancestor of the contemporary travel trailer.
Photos of 1910 RV models appear in White's book on the history of RVing and exist in both Woodworth's and Hesselbart's libraries.
To mark the centennial, RVIA is creating a special 100th anniversary logo and commemorative decal that everyone in the industry will be invited to use in their own promotions and marketing. RVIA is planning an industry party on June 7 during the 2010 Committee Week in South Bend, Indiana, to which media and political guests would be invited.
RVIA will soon announce details of an RV caravan led by Woodworth with one of his early RVs, as well as a menu of celebration and promotion ideas for dealers, campgrounds, clubs and shows to use on their own.
"Celebrating our centennial will create excitement and pride throughout our made-in-America industry and provide an opportunity for manufacturers, dealers, suppliers and campground owners to unite under one banner," says Coon. "For 100 years, we've been helping Americans explore their scenic treasures and heritage more comfortably, affordably and enjoyably. That's something to celebrate."
Friday, August 28, 2009
Ready to Retire? What now/
The “grind”; the “treadmill”; your “career” – has STOPPED. You are RETIRED. What now?
For the first time since you were a kid, you get to choose what to do every day, who to do it with, how to do it, and when to do it. Ahhhh. BUT WAIT: Your new life is beginning to descend upon you – new demands on your time, new things to do, new places to go, new experiences to explore. Yes, it is of your own choosing, but a new lifestyle pattern so soon begins to emerge.
Stop the train before it leaves the station. Travel is no doubt in your plans, but now getting away to see everything on your ‘bucket list” is becoming just as mired in minutia as when you were working. Why not step back, do some planning, and run away from home for some really long time before you settle into retirement. Get healthy, be free-as-a-bird, and have the time of your life.
Boomers by the thousands are beginning to do exactly that, guided by the best-selling, award-winning book, “Live Your Road Trip Dream.” Whether your dream vision is a trip around the US, a year on a sailboat, backpacking through Asia, or a year in Tuscany, this handy guide, chock-full of tips for healthy living that are applicable to every income level, and every type of dreamer, will have you moving from the dreaming to the doing in no time at all.
For the first time since you were a kid, you get to choose what to do every day, who to do it with, how to do it, and when to do it. Ahhhh. BUT WAIT: Your new life is beginning to descend upon you – new demands on your time, new things to do, new places to go, new experiences to explore. Yes, it is of your own choosing, but a new lifestyle pattern so soon begins to emerge.
Stop the train before it leaves the station. Travel is no doubt in your plans, but now getting away to see everything on your ‘bucket list” is becoming just as mired in minutia as when you were working. Why not step back, do some planning, and run away from home for some really long time before you settle into retirement. Get healthy, be free-as-a-bird, and have the time of your life.
Boomers by the thousands are beginning to do exactly that, guided by the best-selling, award-winning book, “Live Your Road Trip Dream.” Whether your dream vision is a trip around the US, a year on a sailboat, backpacking through Asia, or a year in Tuscany, this handy guide, chock-full of tips for healthy living that are applicable to every income level, and every type of dreamer, will have you moving from the dreaming to the doing in no time at all.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Seattle Day Trips
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Boomers Getting More and More Sites
Part of the fun of being involved in the boomer marketplace is learning about new sites that are offering good content and ideas to help this generation make decisions on all types of issues from lifestyle to finance to retirement.
In the last couple of weeks, I have been working with two newer sites by providing some articles to them. They are good sites and I know you will enjoy poking around for new information. Here are the links to what I wrote as a jumping off point for you.
Boom Voyage
Top Retirements
I hope you enjoy these sites and maybe even the articles.
Carol
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Dreaming - January, 2009 Newsletter
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Chuc Mung Nam Moi! Or, Happy New Year in Vietnamese. We have just returned from a wonderful trip to Vietnam and Thailand and were lucky enough to be there during their lunar New Year celebration welcoming the "Year of the Ox". It was a road trip of sorts in that we took almost every conveyance you can think of including rickshaws, bamboo boats, bamboo rafts, elephants, ferries, Junks, and good old buses. There were a small group of us and we had the time of our lives. We highly recommend Overseas Adventure Travel for their spirit of adventure in taking us places that large groups can't go and for planning activities so varied that we were always trying to guess what might come next. So now it is back to work. Phil and Carol |
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After nearly four years of publishing this newsletter, I've decided to take it to a blog format instead of this periodic epistle. I'm hoping that it will give you more timely information in shorter, more digestible bites and make it easier for all of you to leave comments and ask questions. I do need your help though to make this transition. You can subscribe by going here and telling me in the upper left hand side just how and where you would like it delivered or you can "follow me" and get notifications when I post something new. This is so much more flexible than just having me send it to your inbox. I hope this will make our communication even more effective by taking advantage of new technologies. Try it - I think you'll like it. |
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Here is a new website that tells all kinds of interesting stories of retirement, reinvention and travel - among other things. |
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Last month I promised a copy of "Essential USA" for your best tips. And the winners are: Steve Albrecht We struggled with the question, “What do we collect as souvenirs?” for a long time before we left on our 6 month trip. On the 2nd day of our adventure, at the “They’re small, inexpensive, and every year when we decorate our tree, we can relive our adventure.” We’d keep a small box on hand, and add ornaments until the box was full, then send it to my parents for safe keeping. We plan to put up our “Adventure Tree” this evening (we now do 2 trees), and I am so looking forward to reliving our great adventure. Sharry Buckner Measure the height and width of your rig, in BOTH feet and meters, then write it down and tape it to the dashboard of your rig or tow vehicle.You don't have time to think when you're headed for an underpass in Canada. Here's a link to convert: http://www.metric-conversions.org/length/feet-to-meters.htm Congratulations! Your books will be on their way to you this week. Thanks to everyone who entered an idea.
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| We are eager to hear from you... share your feedback... Till next time.. Keep Dreaming...
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Wednesday, December 10, 2008
It's a Fun Thing!
This has absolutely nothing to do with the book - but it is a fun thing I thought I would share with you. The largest circulation magazine in the country is AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin. Many of you probably receive them each month.
Open the AARP Bulletin this month!
(it's the newspaper one)
Turn to page 19
There you will find a picture and article about my nice husband - Phil White, looking very dapper as he has returned to work in the face of the recession. I, of course, wish they had said he was the co-author of Live Your Road Trip Dream - but no such luck, although they did discuss it. Now THAT would have really been fun - 35 million boomers and seniors exposed to our book. But, nonetheless, it is fun to see him there.
If you don't get the paper and want to see the article, you can go here.
(it's the newspaper one)
Turn to page 19
There you will find a picture and article about my nice husband - Phil White, looking very dapper as he has returned to work in the face of the recession. I, of course, wish they had said he was the co-author of Live Your Road Trip Dream - but no such luck, although they did discuss it. Now THAT would have really been fun - 35 million boomers and seniors exposed to our book. But, nonetheless, it is fun to see him there.
If you don't get the paper and want to see the article, you can go here.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Dreamin' - November Edition
This ezine is also available online at http://home.ezezine.com/351/351-2008.11.26.10.04.archive.html
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| Lots of News this Month
Happy Thanksgiving - Blessings to you and your family If you are traveling over the holidays, be safe and enjoy those precious times together. Phil and Carol White |
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| Festival of the Wise in Scottsdale, AZ We've not done much speaking this year, but I have been invited to speak and share the Roadtrek booth at the upcoming Festival of the Wise on December 6th and 7th at the Scottsdale Convention Center.  If you use the promo code "roadtrip" when you register for the conference this week they will give you a nice discount ($20 for both days). I hope to meet some of you there in a couple of weeks. My talk is on Saturday at noon - bring a sandwich and enjoy. |
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| Even RVs (and RVers) can be "Green" It seems like that is all people are talking about these days is how we can all become more "green" in our lives. Oregon has always been a very environmentally oriented state, but it has really pushed onto the national scene of late. So this month, we feature the Janssen family who are traveling in their RV converted to run on vegetable oil Their website is really fun with lots of good ideas on living green. Read a great article in the NY Times about them here. |
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| Essential USA - Try Again Well, my video idea didn't seem to resonate with our newsletter readers, so let's try something a little simpler. I'd really like to give away these excellent books that Fodor's so generously donated. I'm taking two to Scottsdale with me, so see me there for a chance to win one, but let's try another contest. Just send me your favorite road trip tip and I'll pick two to receive a book. Just like that! To learn more about the book, go here. It is definitely a book every road tripper should have on their book shelf. |
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| Still Looking for the Perfect Internet-On-The-Road Solution? I may just have found it for you! A combination of cellular data meets wi-fi and you have a go (almost) anywhere, always available, relatively low-cost solution. I think Sean Michael tells the story best on the RVNet video blog here. (I wanted to embed this video, but he has that function disabled - darn!). As Rob Taylo, the owner told me, "This is finally wireless freedom at an affordable price." Here is part of what he says on the website: The open road just became more open. WiFi In Motion delivers a Internet access solution that will make the hours between RV parks more enjoyable and productive. The WiFi In Motion anywhere Internet access kit converts your RV into a "hotspot" floating down the highway. Now you can browse the Internet and check email at high speeds, all while enjoying the freedom of mobility. You will no longer have to wait to find free, unsecured WiFi, or purchase expensive satellite systems that offer slow speeds. To learn more, go to www.wifiinmotion.com Don’t forget! Personally autographed copies of the book are always available on our website |
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| What do you think? We are always anxious to hear from our readers and friends about how we are doing. Always feel free to email us with your road trip questions or tips, or thoughts about the book. We’ll be printing some of your comments in the months to come. Where have your dreams taken you? Please send us your travel pictures taken on your road trip dream. We want to share stories of trips that were inspired by reading Live Your Road Trip Dream; Travel for a year for the cost of staying home. Until next time.. Keep Dreaming... |
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Saturday, November 15, 2008
Visit the Author at Festival of the Wise
I frequently am asked "Where are you speaking?" "How can we meet you?"
I will be speaking at the boomer-oriented show, "Festival of the Wise" in Scottsdale, AZ the weekend of December 6-7. I will be speaking about extended travel and how to plan your own road trip of a lifetime. The RV Manufacturer, Roadtrek, the market leader in Class B motorhomes, will be displaying and we will be talking about RVing and Roadtreks - just look for the sleek unit out on the grounds and come by and say hello - or visit me when I speak - check the schedule for the exact time and location.
This will be a great show discussing all things boomer. I look forward to seeing you there.
Carol
I will be speaking at the boomer-oriented show, "Festival of the Wise" in Scottsdale, AZ the weekend of December 6-7. I will be speaking about extended travel and how to plan your own road trip of a lifetime. The RV Manufacturer, Roadtrek, the market leader in Class B motorhomes, will be displaying and we will be talking about RVing and Roadtreks - just look for the sleek unit out on the grounds and come by and say hello - or visit me when I speak - check the schedule for the exact time and location.
This will be a great show discussing all things boomer. I look forward to seeing you there.
Carol
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Fodor's New USA Guide
One of the advantage's of being a travel writer is that every once and a while someone offers you a book of interest to take a look at. Fodor's thought that their new Essential USA would be right up my alley - and they were right.
I love the way that this book is laid out - it is done like you would drive to a particular area and then explore around the area. Not only are the place descriptions right on, but they also provide insider information on the best times to visit, interesting little factoids, top experiences and much more. They also include lesser known locations and quirky, fun places to see. The dining and places to stay offer a broad range of options for every taste.
Whether you enjoy national parks, shopping, museums, food experiences or a little of everything, this book will lead you in the right direction.
If you are a serious road tripper, you must have this book by your side.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Dreamin' - September Edition
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Ahhh, welcome to Fall...
I love to travel in the fall - besides the obvious change of school being back in session and summer vacations being over - there is the beauty of the season. Everywhere across the country the seasonal changes just beg travelers to slow down and discover the wonder of the landscape. Wine grape crushes, cider making, "leaf peeping", late vegetable harvests, pumpkin carving, fall football games and all the nesting activities related to preparing for winter make the experience more enjoyable - and the smaller crowds, less traveled roads and less expensive accommodations are all just bonuses to the lush, rich time of year.  Where do you like to go at this time of year? We visited Spokane to see my sister and on to one of my all time favorite places - Flathead Lake in Montana (pictured), where the extended family has a wonderful space where we can enjoy each other, catch up on our lives and reminisce about days gone by. Soon we'll head for Joseph, Or, one of the most beautiful places anywhere (they don't call the nearby Wallowa Mountains the US "Swiss Alps for nothing) to see one of the kids and family. We hope you are all planning a road trip during this wonderful time of year. Phil and Carol White |
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| You Just Never Know
Live Your Road Trip Dream has been so fortunate to have lots of media coverage over the years, but now we are getting coverage in places not really even related to traveling. A good example is this month's write-up in More Magazine having to do with retiring and what will you do with your time? Here's the link, we are on the third page, but the whole article is interesting if you are getting close to retirement.
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We have known for some time that there are more and more people hitting the road just as soon as they can - and they are doing it earlier and earlier in life. A few months ago, I ran into Billy and Akaisha Kaderli who have traveled extensively and are now doing it full-time and having the time of their lives. Like so many of us, they have found passions and play often interact as they find ways to not only fill their days, but also profit from speaking, writing and other endeavors. You can "visit" them at their website. Another Family "Road Schooling" their way along  One of the updates in the new edition is information to help families get on the road and combine it with their children's eduction. Recently Robert Streett and his family let us know about their adventures on the road. Robert, Josslyn, Sawyer and Robby are actually right here in the Pacific Northwest now - maybe we'll have a chance to meet them. Here is the link to their website. |
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Here's your chance to win a copy of Fodor's new guide Essential USAI have two copies to give away, courtesy of Fodor's, so I'm going to have a little contest that is easy to enter and fun to win. Just send me a short (less than 3 minutes) video of some place in the US that you have been recently with a short note about why it was special. The top 2 videos will receive the guide and all of them will be used in this newsletter or on my blog to promote travel and Live Your Road Trip Dream. Sound like fun? Send them my way by October 30th. (MP4 format preferred) |
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From the Grab Bag of Travel
Here are some of the interesting videos and websites that I've come across lately - hope you enjoy them. GiftVenture provides unique and interesting gifts for kids that are easy to do while you are on the road. I know I'm always trying to think of something different, this looks like fun. Tina Lorenz, a copy writer, shares her mobile office in her RV on a YouTube video - fun Have you ever wondered about how eco-friendly RVing is? Here are some great hints about being kind to the environment in your RV. And finally, if you've ever wondered what Phil and I look like on TV, you can now go here and see us in action. Send me your favorite blogs and websites and I'll be happy to include them from time to time.
Don’t forget! Personally autographed copies of the book are always available on our website Also - RVed101's great videos are available through our site too
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What do you think?
We are always anxious to hear from our readers and friends about how we are doing.
Always feel free to email us with your road trip questions or tips, or thoughts about the book. We’ll be printing some of your comments in the months to come. Where have your dreams taken you?
Please send us your travel pictures taken on your road trip dream. We want to share stories of trips that were inspired by reading Live Your Road Trip Dream – Travel for a year for the cost of staying home. Until next time.. Keep Dreaming...
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Monday, October 06, 2008
Fall favorite times
I love to travel in the fall - besides the obvious change of school being back in session and summer vacations being over - there is the beauty of the season. Everywhere across the country (and the world) the seasonal changes just beg travelers to slow down and discover the wonder of the landscape. Wine grape crushes, cider making, "leaf peeping", late vegetable harvests, pumpkin carving, fall football games and all the nesting activities related to preparing for winter make the experience more enjoyable - and the smaller crowds, less traveled roads and less expensive accommodations are all just bonuses to the lush, rich time of year.
Where do you like to go at this time of year? We are heading out to the Spokane area to visit relatives and on to one of my all time favorite places - Flathead Lake in Montana, where the extended family has a wonderful space where we can enjoy each other, catch up on our lives and reminisce about days gone by.
Later, we'll be heading to Joseph, OR another beautiful spot often called the "Swiss Alps" of North America. We'll visit with the kids and take in the crisp days and cool nights.
We wish all of you safe and fun travels as we move into the fall season. We hope you are all planning a road trip during this wonderful time of year - if you need some ideas, just email us - carol at roadtripdream dot com.
Phil and Carol
Where do you like to go at this time of year? We are heading out to the Spokane area to visit relatives and on to one of my all time favorite places - Flathead Lake in Montana, where the extended family has a wonderful space where we can enjoy each other, catch up on our lives and reminisce about days gone by.
Later, we'll be heading to Joseph, OR another beautiful spot often called the "Swiss Alps" of North America. We'll visit with the kids and take in the crisp days and cool nights.
We wish all of you safe and fun travels as we move into the fall season. We hope you are all planning a road trip during this wonderful time of year - if you need some ideas, just email us - carol at roadtripdream dot com.
Phil and Carol
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Road Trip Travel Slowing Down?
Travel Slowing Down?
Isn't that what everyone is saying this summer? Somehow, We're not believing it. We do think people may not being going as far or as fast, but from where we sit, folks are still traveling. We hear every week from someone who is getting ready to live their dream. Remember not to over react - yes the price of gas is up from last year, and yes we all have to decide what our priorities are; but... on a 1,000 mile road trip in a car that gets 22MPG, the added cost of fuel this year over last is about $40 - is that a reason to cancel your summer fun? If you drive an RV, the added cost is about double that, but the savings in lodging/ campgrounds more than makes up that difference. Fuel is only the number two or three item on your vacation expense list - besides you and your loved ones deserve a break and time together. Phil and Carol White |
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| Home Marketing E-Book Now Available
One of the questions that we get most frequently is about marketing your home to lease while you are gone on your trip. We never felt like we had enough room in the book to adequately cover this topic, so we put together an e-booklet that covers more information and examples of forms, letters, marketing materials, etc. than we have in the book.
This e-book is now available for $4.95 on the website for those who want more information on marketing their home.
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Visitors Come to See Us on their Road Trip Dream 
Keith and Mary McGrath have poured over their copy of Live Your Road Trip Dream for months and finally hit the road. In early May, they had made their way to Portland, Oregon and we got to visit with them for lunch.
They have prepared well and are thoroughly enjoying their time on the road. We shared some good laughs, common stories and experiences and enjoyed seeing their choice of travel vehicles. We always invite our readers to contact us as they come through this area and see if we can arrange to meet - it is one of the true pleasures of having done this book. Hilarious new Road Tripping Book Hits the Market Visualize for just a minute a self-described Long Island, Jewish-American Princess and her easy-going husband embarking on a year long road trip - with two cats and a dog - in a bus. Doreen Orion has penned a wonderful armchair travel book called Queen of the Road and their website is one of the best I've seen. She and hubby Tim (Project Nerd) have more mis-adventures than the Griswold's and Doreen's way of dealing with each turn is to invent a new cocktail to get her through the trauma and back in the bus. If you are up for a fun read this summer, this is it. |
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If you think the fuel bill for your RV is high, consider Carnival Corp., the parent company of nearly a dozen cruise lines including Carnival, Princess and Holland America. The company will spend nearly $2 Billion this year on fuel, up from $400 million five years ago.
-- from RV Travel Newsletter |
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Blogs from Road Trippers of all Types
One of the most fun ways to stay in touch on your road trip is to write a blog or keep a journal of some type. I have often mentioned MyTripJournal.com as my favorite for all around useability, ability to map and store photos and journals all together and the ability with one touch to send an email to family and friends about your updates. But some people are getting really creative with their blogs now. They are no longer dry text with a few pictures thrown in. Here are some of my favorites this spring.
The Dream Year - A couple who has taken our lead and purchased a Class B - they are about to embark on their journey and going through those last terrifying, exhilarating weeks. The Long Honeymoon - These two young folks with a real knack for video are vagabonding around the US and have apparently found a way to get some sponsors for their trip. Lots of fun stuff going on at their site. Ty and Mari's Mobile Lifestyle Blog - These two younger boomers have really figured this technical stuff all out - you'll be amazed at all the various kinds of things they have incorporated into their blog - and it is a hoot just to follow them along. Anyone who's "logo" is cute legs sticking out an RV window with flip-flops on is my kind of gal! Live, Work Dream - Some great updated budget information from Rene and Jim who are just completing their first year on the road and are going to keep it up for a while longer. Congratulations to you both. They are long time "Dreaming" supporters. Send me your favorite blogs and websites and I'll be happy to include them from time to time.
Don’t forget! Personally autographed copies of the book are always available on our website Also - RVed101's great videos are available through our site too
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