Slow Down and Enjoy the Journey

7 Tips for Making the Most of Your RV Adventures and Avoiding Novelty Burnout
Karen Blue's Airstream pulled over on the side of the road
Karen and Lenny Blue with their daughter
Karen and Lenny Blue with their daughter

KAREN & LENNY BLUE

THOR Ambassadors

In 2018, Karen and Lenny left the suburban routine and hit the road long-term in their Airstream Flying Cloud. They work and school remotely, and use their free time to explore North America’s most scenic destinations. Their journey is about embracing the freedom of the open road, and instilling in their daughter a love for adventure and a respect for the environment.

As a new RV owner, the thrill of planning your first trip is like no other. As you begin to map out your journey, your imagination sparks visions of national parks, stunning vistas and quaint towns just waiting to be explored along the way. You eagerly begin researching the best RV parks and the most epic campsites. You learn about resources like Campendium and Harvest Hosts, and discover that you can stay on public land for free. The possibilities are endless and the excitement is palpable.

We know the exact feeling because this was us four years ago. We had just bought our new Airstream and we couldn’t wait to begin adventuring. And while those first few months were incredibly exciting, we learned some important lessons very quickly. The biggest one being that the novelty of the open road and the thrill of new destinations can quickly wear off when you’re constantly on the move. Places can lose their luster when you don’t spend enough time enjoying them. 

To help avoid this sense of novelty burnout, here are seven tips for keeping your RV adventures fresh and finding your perfect travel pace.

  1. Let Go Of Your Expectations

    Letting go of your expectations and being open to new experiences can lead to unforgettable adventures. RV travel is full of surprises, both good and bad. Embrace the unexpected and be open to new experiences. It's easy to have high expectations for all of your main destinations, but I can’t tell you how many times we have fallen in love with a place that wasn’t even on our radar.

    Karen Blue and her family sitting around a fire while boondocking in a forest

  2. Don’t Book Ahead

    I know there are people who are reading this right now and cringing. You might be wondering how you can possibly RV somewhere without a reservation. It might seem risky but when you’re not tied down to a specific schedule, you can take your time and explore as you go. By not booking ahead, you can take advantage of those unexpected discoveries and shift your plans however you like.

    Karen Blue's Airstream parked by a river with other RVs

  3. Stay In One Place For A While

    When you're constantly on the move, it's easy to become overwhelmed and burned out. Staying in one place for a while can help you avoid that. When you've made acquaintances with locals, you can experience a place on a deeper level. You can learn about the culture, history and unique attractions of the area. 

    Karen Blue's daughter walking through a field of flowers

  4. Mix Up Your Camping Style

    If you're used to boondocking, try an RV resort with full hookups for a change of pace or vice versa. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy the different amenities and social opportunities at a resort or the solitude and adventure of exploring a remote location while boondocking.

    Karen Blue's Airstream camping with other Airstreamers in a snowy desert

  5. Book A Harvest Host Near Your Destination

    Most people use Harvest Hosts to book an overnight stay along their route. But why not try booking one near your destination instead? It’s an excellent way to connect with locals, learn about hidden gems and avoid tourist traps. It's also a great way to meet other travelers and you get to support a local business that caters to RVers!

    Karen Blue's Airstream at a Harvest Host campsite

  6. Attend An Event, Festival Or Rally

    Attending an event, festival or rally is the perfect way to mix things up. Some advance planning here is important but many events allow you to camp right onsite (and thus avoid paying higher hotel room rates). RV-centric rallies are an excellent way to pick up tips and make new friends. Whether you're interested in music, food, art, or outdoor activities, there's likely an event or festival that will pique your interest.

    Karen Blue's Airstream at an Airstream rally

  7. Allow Some Time For Nothing

    When you're on the road, it can be tempting to fill every moment with activities and sightseeing. However, it's equally important to take time to relax and do nothing. Give yourself permission to slow down, take a break and recharge your batteries. Whether you choose to read a book, take a nap in a hammock or simply enjoy the scenery, allowing some time to unwind is one of the biggest benefits of RV life. It can also help you connect more deeply with yourself, your family and the nature around you.

    Karen Blue's daughter looking out at the beach

Planning an RV trip does require a certain level of flexibility. It's easy to get carried away with grand plans and itineraries, but it's important to remember that RVing is, by its very nature, a slower and more leisurely way of seeing the world. Rushing from place to place not only detracts from the enjoyment of the journey but it can also lead to burnout and disappointment. 

To fully embrace the romance and adventure of RV travel, keep your plans flexible and consider setting a general direction with a few must-see destinations along the way. Allow time for unexpected detours and impromptu stops, and don't be afraid to change course if a particular destination doesn't meet your expectations. As Lao Tzu said, “A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.”

Travel Trailers

Travel trailers are the most popular type of non-motorized RV. No doubt you’ve seen one pulled down the highway hitched to a car or pickup. Travel trailers come in all sizes including tiny jellybean-shaped models with a chuckwagon kitchen in the rear to the massive house-on-wheels with picture windows and a sliding glass patio door.

Airstream Flying Cloud

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