Holiday Gifts for the RV Traveler in Your Life

Still haven't found that special something for your husband, kids or best friend? Look no further! 

Our "RV Trailer Store" offers amazing options for the RV Owner or Expert Camper in your life! Here are a few options to make the holidays brighter for your friends and family:

1. A Back-Up Heater

The last thing you want when it's cold out is a broken furnace. 

2. A CB Radio

Create a fun handle for your RV and get updates on traffic and road hazards! "Breaker One Nine."

3. An RV GPS

Although "Not all those who wander are lost," getting lost is one danger of the road. An RV GPS is the perfect gift for the wanderlust-driven.Or you can just go the old-fashioned route with a map!

4. A State Sticker Map

Remember all of the places you've traveled to with a fun, interactive map!

5. Other Festive Decorations to Remind Them of Home

When you're on the road, nothing beats those little reminders of home.

Your Vehicle Starts To Skid & Slide Causing A Vehicle To Become Out of Control: You've Hit Black Ice

Typically black ice is most commonly found on roads winding around bodies of water such as lakes, rivers or on overpasses.  Moisture in the air freezes when it comes in contact with the much colder roadway.  Additionally, a sudden drop in temperature can cause an already wet roadway to quickly freeze.

Here are a five tips on how to drive on black ice and protect your car this winter:

1. Drive slowly – The best way to avoid skidding out of control is to operate your vehicle at a slower speed.  A slower speed will even give you more time to react to the effects of black ice
2. Don't slam the brakes - While it may be a natural instinct to slam on your brakes, this will only cause your car to lose control and slide even more. Tap the brake pedal lightly instead of pushing down hard on it.
3. Maintain a safe following distance – In situations like this, you need to extend you following distance to ensure you will have ample time to react to the motorist ahead especially if they begin to lose control.
4. Look for trouble spots ahead - If you have an idea that there may be black ice ahead (if you see cars ahead of you sliding, for example), downshift to a lower gear before you come onto the black ice. The lower gear will force you to drive more slowly and it will give you better control of your car.
5. As soon as your car begins to slide on black ice, take your foot off the gas pedal - In fact, the last thing you want to do is give your vehicle more gas. It is very important to slow down when you are driving on black ice or in any other winter road conditions.

Halloween Driving Tips

Help protect trick-or-treaters by following these driving safety tips on Halloween, or on the night your community hosts Halloween activities. Be especially careful between 4 and 8 p.m., when most severe vehicle/young pedestrian collisions happen.

• Drive slowly, and don't pass stopped vehicles. The driver might be dropping off children.
   
• Park your mobile phone. Avoid distractions by waiting until you've stopped to call, text, or surf. Get more mobile phone safety tips.
   
• Watch for children darting into the street. Kids can cross the street anywhere, and most young pedestrian deaths happen at spots other than intersections.
   
• Yield to young pedestrians. Children might not stop, either because they don't see your vehicle approaching or don't know how to safely cross the street.

Communicate with other drivers. Always use your turn signals. And if you have to pull over to drop off or pick up your kids, turn on your hazard lights.

And, to keep your own trick-or-treaters safe:

• Teach them how to safely cross streets. They should look both ways and cross only at corners and crosswalks.
   
• Consider indoor community Halloween programs for younger kids. Some communities also offer to help you inspect your kids' treats to make sure they're safe to eat.
   
• Brighten them up. Give them flashlights and glow sticks, and/or use reflective tape on their costumes, so drivers can see them.

Is This Common Car Myth Costing You Money?

The Myth:

Whenever you start your engine, particularly on cold days, you have to let it warm up to its normal temperature before driving or else it is bad for your car's engine.

The Reality:

As long as you're not flooring it everywhere you go, you can get going as soon as you turn the key. This myth comes from an understandable place: Various engine parts and oil do take some time to warm up before they can operate at full capacity. However, an idling engine takes much longer to warm up, so it ends up experiencing far more cold-start wear and tear than if you just hopped in and drove it.

Think about it: When your engine is idling, it's still producing power, so what difference does it make if that power is being used to move the car or just sitting there. Additionally, there are other parts of your car that also need warming up, like your transmission and wheel bearings, and those don't get any help until you actually get the thing moving.

Of course, this only applies to newer, fuel-injected cars. If you've got an old classic sitting out there, you can hang out in the parking lot or driveway for a while.

Why You Shouldn’t Get Gas When You See The Tanker!

If you happen to see a gasoline tanker filling the tanks at your local gas station, come back later that day or if you can manage, come back the next day.  As the station’s underground tanks are being filled, the turbulence can stir up the sediment in the gasoline. This sediment in the gas can clog fuel and fuel injectors, which in turn causes poor performance for your RV and possibly necessitating nagging repairs.

Need RV Service? Look no further!

CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE YOURS TODAY!

Have you been holding off on getting your RV serviced?  We make it easy by being able to set up an appointment using our online scheduling tool! Just click the link above and take a moment to complete the form so that we may better serve you. Once you have submitted your information, you will be contacted by a customer service specialist. We look forward to seeing you very soon!

How to save on fuel on your next RV trip

As families across the country have been dealing with the recession many are doing their best to keep an eye on what they spend. RV trips are typically the most affordable way to travel. However, rising fuel costs have offset some of the savings generally associated with RV travel. Fortunately, we've developed a list of practical fuel saving tips that will stretch your travel budget a little bit farther this year. Below is our list of creative ways to conserve fuel.

1. Camp closer to home. You may be surprised to find that there are some beautiful campgrounds and parks within a hundred miles of your home. With over 16,000 campgrounds on CampingRoadTrip.com you are sure to find just what you want nearer to home.
2. Stay longer in one place. Less travel equals less fuel consumption. Many RV parks are vacation destinations in their own right with all the fun amenities your family need for an enjoyable vacation. Also, many campgrounds offer discounts for staying with them for multiple nights, which saves you even more money.
3. Pack lighter. The lighter your RV the more fuel efficient it becomes. You can reduce the weight of your RV by:
   
   • Waiting until you reach your site to top up your freshwater tanks.
   • Buying firewood and other materials on site.
   • Making sure holding tanks are dumped before heading out.
   • Remove anything left in the RV from the last trip that you do not need.
4. Set cruise control at 55 mph. Traveling at low, consistent speeds saves fuel. In an experiment Edmunds.com found that using cruise control resulted in an average savings of 7 percent. Start the engine and drive off slowly until things come up to temperature. Idling the RV promotes unnecessary waste of fuel. Don't rush up hills. Instead, apply a light throttle during long climbs to conserve fuel and protect the engine from overheating. Down shift on steep hills where possible.
5. Travel later in the day. Air conditioning is the bane of gas mileage. In summer months travel later in the day when the weather is cooler and the vehicle air conditioning is needed less. Plan your route with care to avoid long hold ups if possible.
6. Tune up the engine. Your RV engine runs most efficiently when it's been maintained frequently and properly. If you haven't taken a look at your engine in years it is advisable to get a tune up.
7. Inflate Tires. Underinflated tires sap gas mileage. So fill them up! According to Fueleconomy.gov you can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Also consider switching to eco-friendly RV tires to reduce waste and fuel consumption.
8. Use the recommended oil. Using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil will help boost your gas mileage by 1-2 percent.
9. Check the alignment of your RV. Tire-wheel imbalances contribute to reduced gas mileage. When tires are out of alignment they experience increased drag and resistance, which result in accelerated tire wear and decreased gas mileage. Therefore, balanced alignment allows for enhanced fuel efficiency.
10. Check the roof of your RV for air drag items. Driving with the antenna up and missing A/C cover will add to air drag and increased fuel consumption.

By following just a few of these measures you can ensure that you keep more fuel in your tank and more cash in your wallet.

Courtesy of campingroadtrip.com

Monday Maintenance Tip: Dilute Your Coolant

Your cooling system needs both coolant-antifreeze and water, so don’t pour undiluted coolant into your cooling system. Dilute it with water to the commonly recommended 50-50 ratio. Similarly, don’t use straight water in your system either. The coolant protects against corrosion and freezing. The water ensures good heat transfer from the coolant to the radiator.

Courtesy of Reader's Digest

Check out Barb's great review of All Seasons RV on Yahoo Local!

"I love All Seasons RV. All of the people that work there are very pleasant and helpful." -Barb C.

Thank you for writing such a superb review about our staff and dealership. We look forward to working with you again.

Click HERE to go over to our Yahoo! Local page and read the rest of this review from Barb!

Guide to New York State Parks

From the shores of Long Island to the mighty Niagara Falls, New York's 178 state parks offer countless opportunities to explore your natural environment, escape from the grind of the everyday and experience exciting new adventures. Beaches, waterfalls, hiking trails, forests and more....

Allegany State Park
Allegany State Park is a wonderful hiking destination. This park also has two lakes and a sandy beach to enjoy the lakes. The park is also excellent for canoeing, kayaking and boating. While enjoying the hiking there are many natural features to enjoy, including plants, animals and even some caves.

Bear Mountain State Park
Located in the mountains on the bank of the Hudson River, this park offers some wonderful mountain hiking as wells many other attractions. The hiking trails include parts of the Appalachian Trail. In addition there is a tower on top of the mountain as well as a zoo, an ice rink and much more.

Harriman State Park
This park is one of the largest in New York. Visitors will find plenty of hiking trails to explore, there are 200 miles of trails within the park. In addition there are 31 lakes and reservoirs. All of these features make the park a wonderful destination. Visitors can enjoy wildlife watching, boating, hiking and more.

Jones Beach State Park
This wonderful New York park has miles of beautiful white sand beach. In addition to enjoying the miles of beach visitors can walk on the boardwalk. Jones Beach State Park is one of the most popular parks in the Long Island region. This park has swimming pools, an amphitheater for concerts, fishing and much more.

Letchworth State Park
Letchworth State Park is definitely on the list of must see places in the Finger Lakes region. The park's main gorge is known as the "grand canyon of the east." In addition the park has plenty of other chasms and waterfalls. The Genesee River passes through the park. Visitors can enjoy plenty of trails through forests, as well as programs, guided tours and more.

Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Located on the Shawangunk Mountain ridge, which features plenty of rocky terrain. Within this park there are three lakes, many waterfalls, forests, cliffs and many other beautiful natural features. In addition there are miles of carriage roads for visitors to enjoy. While hiking on these trails there are plenty of recreation activities such as hiking, biking, boating, and lots of rock climbing.

Taughannock Falls State Park
The 215 foot waterfall at this park is an amazing destination in the region. These falls are one of the highest falls east of the Rockies. While enjoying this park visitors can go hiking on the beautiful trails, or spend time swimming, fishing and much more. In addition there are plenty of winter activities as well.

Niagara Falls State Park
Niagara Falls are one of the amazing natural wonders of the world. Visitors can enjoy the amazing power of the falls. The park offers many views of the falls. There is a bridge, an observation tower and more. Visitors can also see the bottom of the falls on a boat tour.

Saratoga Spa State Park
This Saratoga region state park offers visitors a relaxing trip as well as classical architecture and more. Visitors can spend time relaxing at the Lincoln Bathhouse in the famous mineral waters. In addition this park has a golf course, running courses, swimming pools, ice skating rings and many more recreational facilities. 

Watkins Glen State Park
One of the most beautify parks in the Finger Lakes region, this park has a stream that travels through it creating many waterfalls and more. There are 19 waterfalls along the course of the stream. Visitors can enjoy these natural wonders while hiking along trails that overlook the gorge.

Courtesy of Camping.com

Road Trip | Louisiana Culinary Trails

Louisiana is filled with amazing culinary destinations. Throughout the state there are delicious options for food. There are many options for Creole and Cajun food along the Louisiana Culinary Trails. Any visitor to the state should embark along one of these delightful trips.

Bayou Bounty Trail

This trip takes travelers through the heart of Cajun Country, from Lafayette, south to the coast. Travelers go through the Atchafalaya Basin, and enjoy some of the best cajun seafood in the nation. Here travelers can go to Breaux Bridge, the Crawfish Capital of the World, and enjoy some delicious crawfish etoufee. In Lafayette travelers can feast on Cajun cuisine while listening to the unique Zydeco music of the city. 

Capital Cuisine Trail

Travelers that decide to take this trail, can explore the region north of Baton Rouge, south almost to New Orleans. Along this route, travelers can explore the plantations of the region, including Nottoway Plantation. In Baton Rouge travelers will try different regional delights, including alligator and more. 

Creole Fusion Trail

The Creole Fusion Trail travels along the eastern border of the state, all the way south to New Orleans. Along this trail, travelers will enjoy the unique food derived from the combining of many cultures, as well as the fresh available ingredients. Here the cuisine comes from French, African, Italian, Spanish and other styles of cuisine. Visitors should be sure to look out for the fresh seafood options of the region. In New Orleans travelers can stop at some of the famous restaurants found throughout the city.

Delta Delights Trail

Travelers will find this trail in the northeastern region of Louisiana. In Ruston visitors will find food that is less spicy, closer in origin to the food in other southern regions. While traveling through  Monroe and West Monroe travelers can enjoy a variety of dishes made with local, fresh catfish. In addition there are many fresh fruits and vegetables available year-round.

Prairie Home Cooking Trail
In central Louisiana, travelers can explore the Prairie Home Cooking Trail. Through this region travelers will still enjoy the variety of Louisiana cuisine. There are some excellent smoked meats to be found in the regain. Here the food is hearty and rich, but also different from the cuisine of the other culinary trails.

Red River Riches Trail

This trail is located in the northwestern region of Louisiana and offers some of it's own amazing culinary traditions. Here there is a combination of southern, Louisiana and Texas, making some delicious food options. In Natchitoches visitors can enjoy meat pies, and in Shreveport travelers can enjoy barbecue. This region has some really delicious southern inspired cuisine for travelers to enjoy.

Seafood Sensation Trail

Located in southwestern Louisiana, this trail is an amazing option for lovers of seafood. This region is known for shrimp, crab, oysters and fish. In addition the region also has a long history of rice farming. Travelers will find plenty of dishes that combine seafood over rice. Lake Charles in this region has some amazing Cajun French/Creole cuisine, and visitors should be sure to try jambalaya, gumbo and even spicy crawfish.

Courtesy of Camping.com

Hot Spots: Best Bird Watching Destinations

Bird watching is a wonderful year-round activity. It is a wonderful way to learn about and enjoy many of the delights of nature. In addition, it is an activity that can be enjoyed almost anywhere in the world. Here are a few great destinations in the United States for bird watching enthusiasts to visit.  

01

Pribilof Islands, Alaska

For birders looking to see some northern species of birds, these Alaskan islands are a great option. Located in the Bering Sea, these islands are home to many fascinating species of bird. Visitors will enjoy hiking on the islands trails while also enjoying the relative remoteness of the location. Birders should be sure to keep an eye out for Horned Puffins, Least Auklets and many more species.

02

Ramsey Canyon Preserve, Arizona

Southeast of Tucson, this is a fantastic destination for watching hummingbirds. Birders can see up to 14 species of these fun little birds. In addition, many other species of birds call the canyon home, including red-faced warblers, and many others.

03

Humboldt Bay Complex, California

The mudflats and eelgrass of the Humboldt Bay Complex provide a perfect home for a variety of shorebirds. Visitors to this region of California will have a lovely time exploring the region. Birders should look for shorebirds like willets, sandpipers, herons, egrets and others.

04

San Luis Complex, California

The three refuges within the San Joaquin Valley provide ample opportunity for birders to enjoy many species of California birds. Birders have the opportunity to see mallards, pintails, sandhill cranes, and even Aleutian Canada geese. Visitors to this complex should also keep an eye out for the herds of tule elk that call the area home.

05

J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Florida

Located on Sanibel Island on the Gulf Coast, and it has one of the country's largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystems. These conditions make it a great destination for birders to see the large populations of migratory birds.Within this refuge there are many species of birds and animals that birders can see while hiking on trails, including white ibis and night herons.

06

Hakalau Forest, Hawaii

This beautiful Hawaiian forest on the slopes of Manua Kea on the Big Island is a fantastic destination to see some of Hawaii's unique birds. Birders should be sure to look for the Hawaiian honeycreeper, as well as the Hawaiian Owl, Ducks and more.

07

Snake River Birds of Prey Natural Area, Idaho

The Snake Valley is an unrivaled destination for viewing raptors. There are almost 1,000 nesting pairs of raptors in the area. Some species that birders should look for include, Golden Eagles, Swainson's Hawks, American Kestrels and many more. In addition, other species of birds call the grasslands home, including Violet-green Swallows, ducks, Burrowing Owls and more.

08

Cape May, New Jersey

This New Jersey destination is fantastic for birders. The ecosystems here, such as marshes and coastal woods are excellent for spring bird watching. Over 400 species of rare birds have been seen at this spot. Visitors to this wonderful spot can see hundreds of different species in a single day of bird watching.

09

Klamath Basin Complex, Oregon

This Oregon destination is an amazing bird watching destination. Many types of geese and ducks call this region home. Visitors to the region can see Snow Geese, Canada Geese and a variety of species of raptors including Red-tail hawks, Bald Eagles and more.

10

Zion National Park, Utah

Utah's beautiful Zion National Park is a fantastic destination for birders during the winter. Within the amazing landscape of the park, especially the canyon birders can enjoy a wide variety of species. Zion is home to over 200 species of bird. During the month of December, bird watchers can see canyon wrens, eagles and many more.

Courtesy of Camping.com

Holland, Michigan | Visit the Tulip Time Festival

Each year in May Holland, Michigan welcomes people from all over to celebrate the spring Tulips and the Dutch heritage for the Tulip Time Festival. Through the days of this festival there are many fun events for visitors and locals alike to enjoy. May visitors to Michigan should be sure to plan a stop in Holland.

The Tulip Time festival is a great way to enjoy the Dutch culture and heritage of Holland. Visitors to this area will find a variety of events celebrating this heritage. In 2012 the festivities start on May 5 and continue through May 16. Travelers visiting Holland should visit www.tuliptime.com to check the schedule each year.

This year saw unusually warm weather during the month of March, which has lead to the early blooming of the tulips. Visitors can come early to Holland if they want to see the wonderful display of flowers. One essential aspect of this festival are the millions of tulips that bloom throughout the parks and streets of the town. Visitors will be delighted by the gardens at Centennial Park and can also enjoy six miles of tulips along the streets.

On May 5 the events start with the Tulip Time Run, and this is just the start of the many different events of this festival. After the run visitors should walk through the Art and Craft Fair or take a Tulip City Tour. Some events continue throughout the festival, and others are one day only events.

Visitors won't want to miss the Dutch Dance events. These take place every day of the festival, and performers can be as young as 8, called Kinder dancers. Over 1,000 locals perform the traditional style of Dutch dances. These performers dress in traditional Dutch costumes. Visitors are sure to enjoy these fun celebrations of the Dutch heritage of the town.

After enjoying all of the different events of the festival, visitors can continue their exploration of local Dutch heritage by visiting other points of interest. The Windmill Island Gardens are a beautiful stop, where visitors can enjoy thousands of tulips with a working windmill, a museum and much more. Another great destination is the DeKlomp Wooden Shoe and Delft Factory, where artists hand carve and handpaint wooden shoes.

Throughout this region of Michigan there is a strong Dutch heritage and visitors can learn about and enjoy this heritage each year at the Tulip Time Festival in Holland. There are many wonderful events for visitors to enjoy. After the festival the exploration doesn't have toss stop, there are many other fantastic destinations in the area, where visitors can learn even more about the region's history.

Courtesy of Camping.com

RV Refrigerator: Shopping, Packing and Performance Tips

Stay Fit on The Go!

Let's face it - sometimes it's hard to find time to work out. Whether you're on the road, at work, or at home, you can always find a few more ways to squeeze in exercise between projects, no matter what you're doing. The biggest change you have to make is in your attitude - just train yourself to be on the lookout for ways to fit in a little fitness, and you'll soon be reaping the rewards.

Walk, Don't Drive
As you go about your day, look for opportunities to walk. When you go to the store, purposefully park far away from the door so you can enjoy a nice stroll on your way into the shop. While you're shopping, look for ways to turn it into a quick workout. Split up your shopping list among your group and see how quickly you can each collect your items. If you're shopping on your own, resist the urge to lean on your cart, and try to keep your pace up. Remember to never shop on an empty stomach!

Try Seated Isometrics
An isometric is a strength-building exercise you can do without weights or equipment. You just use the power of your own body to create resistance. For instance, if you press your palms together in front of your chest and push with each hand, you'll work your biceps, shoulders, and pectoral muscles. Isometrics are a great thing to do while you're seated during long drives, movies, or long bouts of time at work.

Lift It!
Any time you find yourself with something weighty in your hands, give it a few curls. This works with canned food, grocery bags, backpacks, luggage, and anything the least bit heavy. If the curls are easy, then do some more. Or, if you prefer, raise your arm over your head and lower your hand behind your head for some triceps extensions.

Playtime
Playing with kids, dogs, or by yourself is a great way to get a workout. The same goes for dancing, roller skating and ice skating, canoeing and kayaking, and games like tennis, ping pong, basketball, and softball. If your kids or grandkids like to play with a Wii, don't just sit on the couch and watch. Give it a try! You'll get a surprising workout and have a lot of fun at the same time.

Lunges, Squats, and Leg Lifts
If you have a spare moment (and no one is watching), why not do a few lunges, squats, or leg lifts? You can do these in place or, in the case of lunges, moving across the room. If you're near a wall, try a wall sit with your back pressed against the wall and your legs bent so that your thighs are parallel to the floor. Stay in that position as long as you can. Do this every day and you'll develop real strength in your quads.

Courtesy of Camping.com

HOW TO: Replace an RV Skylight

Tips for Saving Money While RVing

Let’s face it, everyone likes a deal…to save some cash or get a little something extra. Fortunately for today’s RVers there’s a nice variety of campground discount programs to choose from and easy ways to find campgrounds that take those discounts. Typically “membership” clubs require an annual fee to join, these programs offer anywhere from 10 to 50% off at specified campgrounds and RV parks across the country and in Canada. Once you join keep your membership card handy so you’ll reap the benefits.

FMCA

Family Motor Coach Association is a club for motor coach owners offering a campground discount program as part of their membership benefits. To join you must own a Motorhome or Class C – not a towable – and the first year’s fee is $45/year dropping to $35/year thereafter. Discounts of 10% are available at FMCA commercial members and 15% at Outdoor Resorts of America.

Escapees

The Escapees Club is the RV club for full-time RVers. Escapees make their own deals with parks providing a 15% discount to card carrying Escapee members. They also have their own park system that offers very reasonable rates to SKPs (say it and you’ll understand what SKP means…see). The park discounts Escapees provide are a side bar to their main full-timer benefits so, discount speaking, the fee is steep at around $60/year.


AAA

The Automobile Club of America is a club that many campers belong to for their everyday auto travels but they can also receive camping discounts. Typically 10%, AAA members of every state simply show their membership card when checking in to parks offering this benefit.

AARP 

AARP offers membership – at $12.50/year – to those over 50 years old. Like many of the other clubs, camping discounts are but one of the many benefits of membership. Show your AARP card at check-in and receive a 10% discount at participating campgrounds.

Find Campgrounds and RV Parks that Accept Discounts

The easiest way to find RV parks and campgrounds that honor these discounts is by using an online campground directory like the one found on camping.com. Where you can search for campgrounds by affiliate discount program and other amenities, since a discount might not be the most important part of choosing the RV Park.

Save More Money Make Reservations Online
With easy access to high-speed internet and a world of campgrounds just a few clicks away reserving a campsite online has never been easier and it can save you time and money on phone calls or minutes on your cell phone bill.

Courtesy of Camping.com

The Best RV Leveling Blocks

Celebrate Spring with a Wildflower Road Trip

Spring is a fantastic time of year to take a road trip through the southern United States to enjoy the wildflowers. Here are a few fantastic destinations for road trippers to explore during a trip to the south during the spring. 

1

West Virginia Wildflower Pilgrimage

Starting at Blackwater Falls State Park, this event is a great way to enjoy all beauty spring in West Virginia has to offer. The state park acts as a launching point to explore the wildflowers and natural beauty in the surrounding area. Held annually, visitors can see a wide variety of wildflowers, wildlife, birds and the natural features of the region.

2

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

This park is 105 miles long, and it stretches from Front Royal to Waynesboro-Charlottesville. It is a wonderfully diverse plant life. Visitors can take the Skyline Drive, which is the scenic drive through the park, and it is a fantastic way to enjoy the park. Along this drive travelers can enjoy a wide array of wildflowers, especially the azaleas.

3

Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee and North Carolina

Located in the southern Appalachian Mountains, the Cherokee National Forest is an excellent spring destination for flower viewing. Roan Mountain within the forest is a fantastic destination to see the rhododendrons. These beautiful plants bloom in mid-June and are a wonderful display of colors.

4

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an amazing place to enjoy the natural splendor of Tennessee . Visitors can enjoy over 800 miles of trails, as they check out the wide array of flora and fauna. During the spring and summer the mountains host a beautiful range of wildflowers, well worth the visit to the park. The park is often known as the "wildflower national park," puts on a special show in the spring when the flowers burst into color. The Great Smoky Mountains Wildflower Pilgrimage is a great opportunity to see the wildflower, on one of the wildflower walks and more.

5

Bluebonnet Festival, Chappell Hill, Texas

To the west, Texas has some wonderful spring flower destinations. One great Texan even is the Bluebonnet Festival. You’ll see Indian Paintbrush, Black-eyed Susans, and the world-famous Texas Bluebonnets at this fun and lively festival, held each year in mid-April.  Texas Hill Country is awash with beauty in the spring, particularly in March, April and May (the bluebonnets reach their peak in April).

Courtesy of Camping.com

Start Your Spring Off Right with These Five Healthy Habits

At times it can be difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle while traveling. Here are five healthy habits to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle while enjoying your RV travels. 

1. Eat fresh foods as often as possible

One of the great advantages of traveling in an RV is that you have cooking facilities, and you probably have enough cooking utensils that you can prepare many different types of meals. As you travel try to prepare some meals using fresh foods, especially fruits and vegetables. These food items are filling and an important nutritional element in any diet. While traveling in an RV you may limited storage space, but you do have food storage options. Try to use some of your food storage for fresh foods. In addition, you can also try to be adventurous by cooking foods and meals using local ingredients and types of cuisine. Not only will you have delicious, fresh meals, but you will have explored unique aspects of the culture in the region you are exploring.

2. Take driving breaks

When you are taking a long-distance trip, you may want to get to your destination as fast as possible. This may lead you to drive for many hours continuously. You will feel healthier and happier if you take advantage of your ability to stop wherever you want, and take a few breaks. Make sure you take time to get appropriate rest, everyone needs adequate sleep. You should also be sure to get out of the RV and walk around occasionally to stretch out your limbs. Just as you need to get up and walk around while on a long airplane trip, you need to do the same on a long RV trip.

3. Go for a hike or two

Everyone needs to get some exercise, fortunately you have the opportunity to travel to some extremely beautiful and fascinating destinations. You can combine your desire to explore your intended destination and also get some great exercise. Perhaps you can find some nice trail in a local park, or maybe you can explore a local botanical garden. You can also park farther away from your destination and walk more. You will find that you get the opportunity to explore the real beauty of your destination by hiking and walking. If you have a dog, you probably need to walk it, so try to explore some new pet-friendly walks. There are many ways to increase your exercise without feeling like you are actually exercising. Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to develop the healthy habit of getting regular exercise.

4. Drink water

If you are traveling to a warm destination, especially desert destinations, make sure to stay hydrated. Water is scarce in the desert and the sun and heat contribute to easy dehydration. Make sure you always have an ample supply of drinking water, as well as precautions for water purification. Drinking plenty of water is also a good habit to practice even when you aren't in the sun, so make sure to keep drinking water even after you leave the warm environs you travel to.

5. Stay sun safe

Many places you may travel to in your RV are warm and sunny. While enjoying the beautiful weather in your vacation destination make sure to stay sun safe. This means using ample sunscreen, of at least 30 SPF. Sunscreen should be reapplied approximately every 2 hours depending on the strength of the sun. You can also wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, which provide great protection from the harmful rays of the sun. Other sun safe precautions include wear sunglasses to protect your eyes, use SPF lip balm, as well as a sun hat. Skin cancer is a terrible disease and practicing sun safe behaviors will help you enjoy the sun while reducing your risk for getting skin cancer.

Courtesy of Camping.com

Hiking Historic Trails

Have you ever wondered what it was like to be a pioneer? To pack up all your belongings and struggle across demanding terrain, all in hopes of reaching better land and a better life at the end of the journey? You can get a glimpse of that challenging life when you step onto a historic trail, walking through the very land these brave settlers crossed so many years ago.

Our country is filled with historic trails, many of which have been well preserved and documented. Wherever you're headed this month, you're sure to travel near one of our great trails. Why not take a side trip and explore some of this land and its history? You might even decide to hike a stretch of the trail or to plan a longer trip that traces the entire route.

Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail This famous trail stretches all the way from Missouri to Astoria, Washington on the Pacific Ocean. The trail follows the route taken by the explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark with their Corps of Discovery. Charged by the president to find a water route to the Pacific Ocean, this team opened the way for all the pioneers and settlers who followed. The trail stretches through eleven states, winding over mountains, along rivers, and through plains and high deserts. Along the way, you'll learn about Sacajawea, their Native American guide, and Seaman, the dog that accompanied them the entire way.

Iditarod National Historic Trail If your travels take you to Alaska this month, you won't want to miss a visit to the Iditarod Trail. This 2,400-mile system of winter trails is famous today because of the annual Iditarod dogsled race. But in days gone by, native hunters and traders followed this trail to get from one Native Alaskan village to the next. During the gold rush, prospectors and miners used this route as they hunted for treasured caches of gold.

Today, over 1,500 miles of the trail are open to the public. These are administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) under the National Trails Act. About 150 miles are well maintained with public shelter cabins. The rest of the trail is managed by the state of Alaska. Whether you travel by dog sled, snow mobile, or take short jaunts on snow shoes, you can enjoy the thrill that comes from knowing you're trekking the same path that's been used for hundreds of years.

Pony Express National Historic Trail Just before the Civil War, the Pony Express was established to carry news about the impending war to California and the west. Young men traveled on fast horses from Missouri to the coast, speeding news across the country in the days before the telegraph. These riders traded horses frequently to keep their speeds up and often rode through hostile and challenging terrain. Amazingly, they crossed their route in only ten days!

Today, you can follow the Pony Express trail by car. The Auto Tour Route Interpretive Guides are currently being finalized for every state the trail passes through. These guides will give descriptions of places where you can see remnants of the trail and signs that help explain more about this fascinating journey and piece of American history.

Santa Fe National Historic Trail This historic pioneer trail carried settlers from Missouri (then known as the last settled state in the west) to New Mexico. The trail begins in Missouri and crosses Kansas, Colorado, and Oklahoma before it reaches its destination in New Mexico.

North Country National Historic Trail This brand-new trail system is still under construction in some areas, but it's well worth visiting now because of the stunning areas it connects. The trail is 4,200 miles long and stretches across the most beautiful sections of the northern states, from South Dakota, through northern Minnesota, into Wisconsin along Lake Superior, across Michigan's Upper Peninsula and down the length of Michigan, into Ohio, through northwestern Pennsylvania, and across New York State. This is a perfect trail for a month-long hike, or for day hikes to select spots along the way.

There are many more trails across the country that you can explore. The national trail system includes routes like the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail, and the Nez Perce National Historic Trail. You can trace pioneer footsteps on the Oregon National Historic Trail, learn about historic battles on the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, or explore Native American heritage and a tragic piece of history on the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. Whatever route you choose, you're sure to be struck by the hardships our forebears faced as they hit the trail in search of a better life.

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RV TRIP TIP: RVing On Water! (via ferry) in TX & LA

Great Camping Road Trips for Parents and Kids

With spring break coming up for children across the United States, now is the time to plan an ultimate spring trip for your family. Here are a few of the best places you can take your family this year and any year for that matter. 

Montgomery, Alabama

Montgomery is an important site for learning about the history of the Civil Rights Movement. Children with their families can visit the Civil Rights Memorial Center to take a tour of the exhibits and learn about the hopes and dreams and the struggle for equality in our country. You can also take your kids on the Alabama Civil Rights Museum Trail if you would like to go on a road trip for your summer trip. This trail will take you to important sites in the Civil Rights Movement across Alabama.

Kenai Peninsula, Alaska

If you are looking for a wonderful outdoor adventure, the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska is one ultimate trip. The Kenai Peninsula is one of Alaska's beautiful vacation destinations. While visiting this region of Alaska you can explore the Kenai Mountains in Kenai Fjords National Park, where your kids can see glaciers, fjords and especially the Harding Icefield. Fishing is another wonderful activity to enjoy at this destination, the Kenai River has an amazing salmon population. For a bit of relaxation after all of your outdoor adventure you can visit the Pratt Museum in Homer, which has stunning exhibits on native cultures and the early settlers.

Vancouver, British Columbia

For a more mild climate during the summer you can travel to the Northwest and spend some time exploring Vancouver in British Columbia. Vancouver is a big city, with lots of big city activities, but it also has plenty of outdoor activities as well, and you and your children have the chance to do some international travel over your summer trip. In 2010 Vancouver hosted the Winter Olympics and during a visit you can explore some of the facilities built for the even. In addition, Vancouver is filled with shopping, dining and arts and cultural destinations. If you are looking for a little excitement while exploring the outdoors in the Pacific Northwest, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is a fun option. Other destinations not to be missed include the Bloedel Floral Conservatory and  Queen Elizabeth Park, Stanley Park and the Vancouver Art Gallery. Remember not to forget your passport for this trip.

Channel Islands, California

The Channel Islands are an amazing archipelago off the coast of California. Here visitors can enjoy the Channel Islands National Park, or visit the most populated of the archipelago's islands, Catalina Island. During a visit to the Channel Islands you can enjoy a wide variety of land and water destinations. The Channel Islands National Park protects five of the islands. Within the protection of the park there is a wide variety of wildlife, as well as natural and cultural resources. You should keep an eye out for seals, sea lions, dolphins, and many more. Catalina Island is part of the Southern Channel Islands and while staying there you can enjoy all types of recreation, including biking, hiking, golfing, swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving and even a zip line tour. This trip is sure to start out exciting since the only way to access the islands is either by boat, or a helicopter flight from one of two coastal locations.

Overseas Highway, Florida

Road trips are another great option for a summer trip. The Overseas Highway that travels through the Florida Keys is a fantastic choice so you can enjoy the fun of a road trip and the warm summer activities of the Florida Keys. This highway stretches from the mainland south all the way to Key West. While driving you can watch for some of the unique wildlife and ecosystems of the Keys, including saltwater crocodiles and mangrove swamps. Families with experience snorkeling can spend time at the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater preserve in the US. Other fun activities include fishing, chartering a boat, swimming and more. You will also get to cross the Seven-Mile Bridge, which crosses a channel that connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.

The Big Island, Hawaii

Hawaii's islands are filled with fun family destinations. You will get to explore some very unique destinations and enjoy plenty of fun in the sun. The Big Island is the largest of the islands and offers a wide range of activities, from the beaches to the snowy mountaintop. You will love spending time snorkeling, swimming, surfing and many more amazing activities. Each of the island's towns has delicious dining, shopping and have a fun atmosphere. The Big Island is also the only island to have an active volcano. You can travel upland on the island to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to see the impact of the volcano. Sometimes you can walk out to see the flowing lava and other times you can take a helicopter tour. 

Pawleys Island, South Carolina

This barrier island is filled with beautiful white sand beaches, dunes and a wonderful relaxed summer atmosphere. Here you and your kids can relax from the long school year and spend some time with no deadlines and no planned activities. You can rent a little beach house for the family and enjoy the warm summer days and the beautiful beach. The kids will love playing in the beautiful white sand. You can also enjoy days of bike rides and walks on the beach. There are plenty of nearby destinations to explore as well, including Myrtle Beach, Huntington Beach State Park and more.

Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis is a fantastic destination for families that enjoy music. This city played a pivotal role in the evolution of Blues music. You can explore Beale Street, which was the center of the Blues culture in the early year and is a great starting point for exploring the city. You certainly won't want to miss out on a trip to Graceland while exploring Memphis. The home of Elvis Presley is open to visitors for tours, where you can travel through the life and rise of Elvis. The home has an amazing collection of memorabilia. The tour extends beyond the mansion into the rest of the estate, including the trophy building. You can also tour the Elvis Presley Car Museum and more.

Rock City, Georgia and Chattanooga, Tennessee

Chattanooga is a fun filled city for the family to enjoy. There are many fascinating museums to explore as well as attractions and festivals. The Tennessee Aquarium is a wonderful destination for the kids, and the Aquarium even offers a cruise onto the Tennessee River on which it is located. The International Towing and Recovery Museum is another fun attraction for the family to enjoy. Here you can see a variety of different tow trucks, as well as many toy tow trucks. After exploring the city you can travel to Lookout Mountain. Ruby Falls is an amazing underground waterfall, located over 1,000 feet below the surface of Lookout Mountain. On top of the mountain you can ride an incline railway and travel to Rock City in Georgia. Rock City is an amazing rock garden, where you can walk along a trail featuring fascinating rock formations, a bridge, caves and a spectacular view where it is possible to see seven states.

San Antonio, Texas

You can travel to San Antonio for another great summer vacation. The home of the Alamo is filled with interesting attractions. If you want your children to visit some historic places there are lots of options in this city. You can eat at historic restaurants and stay at the historic Crockett Hotel, which was built on the site of the Alamo Battlefield in 1909. You can also visit the Alamo, which was the first Mission in San Antonio. San Antonio's River Walk is another wonderful way to enjoy the city. You can take a leisurely walk and enjoy the dining and shopping of the city. Or you could instead take a boat tour instead of walking on the River Walk.

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