Chelsea Day runs the blog Someday I’ll Learn along with her college sweetheart, Nate. After having four kids in five years, Chelsea and Nate are on a mission to help parents live simple and satisfying lives. This homeschooling family of six loves to learn, and in their spare time they enjoy RVing and flipping houses.
Featured RV: Highland Ridge RV
RVing is the perfect way to explore the world with loved ones, especially kids with unique needs. If someone in your family has autism, sensory concerns, dietary restrictions, or physical disabilities, here’s how you can ensure that your RV journeys are inclusive and fulfilling for everyone involved.
If you’re still searching for the perfect RV, be on the lookout for floorplans that can provide ample space for movement and relaxation. Think through your routine at home, then consider what you may need to replicate that experience on the road and what kind of floorplans could facilitate that.
The beauty of RVing is being able to bring just about anything from home, including food. Kids with food restrictions can have a safe vacation with well-planned meals and snacks. You can also bring your child’s favorite toys, books and comfort items to create an inclusive environment within your RV. In our RV, we’ve created a designated sensory corner with items such as weighted blankets noise-canceling headphones and fidget toys for one of our boys.
Think through your child’s unique needs and how they may be affected during your travels. For children with autism, bring headphones or other support to minimize sensory overload. Also, consider a visual schedule to provide a sense of predictability to your child.
Select campgrounds can enhance your child’s comfort. Many RV parks are equipped with accessible RV sites that can provide comfortable travel for those with physical disabilities. Campground amenities can include paved pads, wheelchair-friendly amenities, quiet areas, and special accommodations and services.
Discuss expectations with your children such as checking in using a set schedule or using the buddy system for playtime. If you have signs at home like “Children at play may be deaf or vision impaired,” consider getting mobile versions to put around your RV.
When planning your trip, select activities that cater to your child’s unique interests and needs. Many family-friendly attractions, parks, and nature sites offer inclusive experiences. When you involve your child in the planning process, it allows them to express their preferences and they’ll be more invested in the trip altogether.
Available as Class A, Class C, travel trailers, or fifth wheels, toy haulers give you a place to live and a place for your toys, including dirt bikes, motorcycles, ATVs, kayaks, and more. Many people think of toy haulers as the wild-child of the RV world. While the toy haulers originated as a mobile man-cave, complete with diamond-plated walls, this popular RV type has evolved into much more. Today, you might want to think of toy haulers as open-concept living spaces with multi-purpose utility.
Whether you're new to the world of RVing or you're ready to narrow your search, we're here to help you sort through it all and find the RV that's right for you. Explore RVs based off of your lifestyle and the features important to you.
