Owning an RV is a great way to spend time with your family. Traveling all over the country to famous landmarks and national parks is a great way to really connect with your spouse and your children. Unfortunately, getting the family together for sing-alongs or road trip games is not as easy as it used to be.
With all of the technology present in kids’ lives (smartphones, hand-held video games, iPods, etc.), it can sometimes seem as if there is a bit of a disconnect between family members. But taking trips together in your new or used RV can be the perfect way to build or rebuild these relationships!
If you’re planning on taking your first trip with your family this year, or you’d like to make your travels more enjoyable, here are a few things you can try.
First, you mustn’t expect your kids to be grateful for all the sacrifices it takes to go on a trip. They are not going to thank you profusely or act wonderfully. Instead, watch for the moment of wonder or the “pure joy” smile – it is these “moments” that make the trip happy and memorable. Photograph those moments and it is all you will remember later.
Second, be sure to leave a little “give” in the schedule. If you have an agenda packed end to end with activities, the kids will start complaining and wish to stay somewhere and just hang out. A good strategy is to let each person choose one event or activity and one restaurant during the trip.
Try setting some RV travel rules such as everyone has to bring a book. Not only is this beneficial from an educational stand point, it’s also good for keeping your children busy. Another good rule, is to set limits on your children’s use of electronics. The Ipods, phones, Ipads, Nintendo DSs, and other devices are amazing and really help children stay distracted during the hectic travel challenges but it’s important that they don’t “check out” and participate in the trip.
There are plenty of things you can do to make RV travel with your family more enjoyable for everyone. Just make sure you don’t force too much on your children. We want them to grow to love RVing on their own. Anyone out there have any suggestions they’d like to share? If you’re looking for a new or used Minnesota RV to pack the family up in, be sure and head to one of Pleasureland RVs four locations in Ramsey, St. Cloud, Willmar and Brainerd.
