Traveling with children can be challenging as there are more logistics to consider, more items to transport, and typically only a couple of adults to implement the needs of the entire family. Using an RV as the primary form of transportation can make the next family vacation more enjoyable for everyone.
Here are six reasons why traveling with children is better in an RV.
1. Bathroom breaks
With an RV you never have to stress over the phrase, “I have to go to the bathroom” emanating from the back seat. No more telling the little ones they have to hold it until the next exit with services or a rest stop. With an RV the bathroom is always with you, cleaned to your standards. No more pulling into a gas station asking for a key only to wonder what unpleasant surprise might be lurking behind the door.
2. Their own space
With RV travel, children have their own familiar space both while traveling and when in the campground. While traveling, children typically have their own seat in the tow vehicle or motorhome, know where to locate and how to fasten their seatbelt, and have their own cubby with things to keep them occupied.
If you have a small child in a car seat, you won’t be moving it between different forms of transportation. With an RV, there is no bouncing your children from an airplane, to an airport shuttle, to a taxi, etc. and chance leaving something behind during each transfer.
With the plethora of bunkhouse RVs available, each child will likely have their own fixed bed with their bedding on it, a place for their favorite stuffed animal, and a designated cupboard for their clothing. They know where to find their toothbrush and where their shoes are located.
Bring your toys
3. Storage
Unlike the limitations of traveling by plane, train, or automobile, an RV can typically transport items like bicycles, kayaks, etc. allowing your family to enjoy favorite activities while traveling.
4. A place to play
Outside is always just through the entry door of the RV, not down the hall, down the elevator, and out the door like a hotel or motel which would probably exit into a paved parking lot.
Bring the bikes
When RV camping, kids can play outside on the patio mat under the awning, enjoy games while sitting at the picnic table, go to the playground, which you will find in most RV parks and many campgrounds, or take their bicycle for a ride around the campground loop.
5. They will make friends
Unlike at a hotel, your children will be more likely to be outside playing and will encounter other children doing the same at the playground, riding their bike, etc. In short order, they will find a friend and trade names. You may make friends too as the children are likely to bring the parents together.
Most RV parks have a playground
6. Mealtimes and meals stay the same
With an RV, you have a fully equipped kitchen with the room to pack, refrigerate, and prepare your children’s favorite meal or snack anytime, anywhere.
When it’s mealtime, you just need to find a safe spot to pull off the road and enjoy. The scenery out your window is likely to be much better than at a Denny’s, too!
Meals remain the same
For those of you that haven’t already discovered the benefits or traveling in an RV with children, consider giving it a try. It will be an adventure in RVing you will never forget!
See also: Do’s And Don’ts For Your Best Family RV Road Trip Yet
Dave Helgeson’s many roles in the RV industry started before he even had a driver’s license. His grandparents and father owned an RV dealership before the term “RV” had been coined, and Dave played a pivotal role in nearly every position of an RV dealership. He and his wife Cheri launched their own RV dealership in the Pacific Northwest. The duo also spent 29 years overseeing regional RV shows. Dave has also served as President of a local chapter of the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA), worked on the board of advisors for the RV Technician Program of a local technical college, and served as a board member of the Manufactured Home and RV Association. Dave’s reputation earned him the title of “The foremost expert on boondocking,” bestowed by RV industry icon, the late Gary Bunzer (The RV Doctor). When he’s not out boondocking, you’ll find Dave in the spotlight at RV shows across the country, giving seminars about all things RVing. He and Cheri currently roam in their fifth travel trailer, with Dave doing all the service, repair and modifications to his own unit.
I know this is going to bring the liberals out of the wood work but: Some parents who travel with kids seem to travel without rules. Some let their little bundles of joy run wild with no regards for anyone else. Who knows, they may let their kids run wild at home too. Well mannered kids are wonderful if they don’t act like wild animals. What happened to the days when you got your tail busted for acting out?
Lazy parents