We have all heard the saying “home is where the heart is”, and although nobody has been able to quote the original source of these words, they hold true as a universal truth. For those of us with families who love the freedom of the open road, exploring hidden corners of our beautiful country, and sharing experiences with our loved ones in new and exciting places, home can be anywhere the road takes you. When finding a vehicle to carry you and your family around the country, there are many to choose from. Class B Motorhomes provide the best option, as they are constructed on the frames of standard vans, but are customized and upgraded to provide families with the best in “on the road living” in comfort and style. Furthermore, when comparing them to RVs, Class B Motorhomes are much cheaper in gas, cheaper to insure, are easier to drive, and can be taken to more places where RVs are restricted. Also, just because they are smaller in size, you are not sacrificing on sleeping space, cooking and bathing amenities, or on room to move around. They truly are a better buy.
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If you are fortunate enough to make the open road your home, then learning and discovering should come as second nature to you. With the advancements of mobile technology, having a motorhome outfitted with a GPS or an iPad is not only an easy installation, they are must-haves if you are to truly make the most of your nationwide explorations. Here are some tips for you and your family to follow to make the open road a fun classroom:
- Go with your gut and do some research. When you know you will be passing through certain areas, Google the history of the area and let your sense for adventure speak to you. Example: Once I was driving through Arizona and I saw a road sign advertising a landmark called Fort Bowie. Several miles later down a dirt road and another mile of hiking into the desert, I came across the old fort. Having just read the history of the place, and taking in the unchanged landscape around me, and the ruins at my feet, I had just experienced one of the best parts of my journey—one that was completely unplanned. If a little side-trip sounds tempting, take the time to explore it.
- Embrace the thrills. Of course one must stop and see Mount Rushmore when driving through South Dakota or visit Zion National Park when cruising through Utah, but what about those little thrills that wait around the corners? Take a white-water rafting tour or go zip lining through the woods. Sky dive over the desert or bungee jump off that bridge. By partaking in an extreme sport together as a family unit, you will be growing together in new ways. Also, for that child who tends to be rather timid, this will be a great way for him/her to find a feeling of accomplishment that will help boost self-esteem.
- Explore the local cuisine. Food is a great way to discover the history of an area, and provides a gateway into viewing other cultures. If you find yourself reading a road sign off a New Mexico highway advertising Indian fry-bread tacos, go check it out! Also, turn to the search engines on your mobile device and check culinary travel guides to find some great eating spots where your family can get a filling meal, and learn at the same time. In an article published by MSNBC, the author writes how years ago, culinary travel meant that a family would book a table at some famous overseas restaurant and watch the chef prepare his/her specialty. However, the article reports that one of the fastest growing trends in the travel industry is to explore local food and drink without all the posh flare. About 1 in 10 average leisure American travelers reported that food was what prompted them to pick their travel destinations. The culinary travel experience includes everything from visiting a farmers market, sampling artisan products, attending a food or wine festival, going wine, beer or cheese tasting, or driving along a food or wine trail. When exploring the country from your motorhome, do your research and see if you will be within short distance of such opportunities.
Remember, the motorhome you buy will be your family’s home for days, and sometimes weeks in a row. Be sure to select something that will accommodate your unique needs, and provide security and comfort while you are growing, exploring, challenging each other, and learning together as a family unit.
