9 New Year’s Resolutions for RVers

The start of a new year is always a good time to pause, catch your breath, and consider what you want to accomplish in the coming months. For many of us, those thoughtful reflections include setting goals for the year ahead, often revolving around leading a healthier lifestyle, focusing on career objectives, or making more time for friends and family.

But it can also be rewarding to make New Year’s resolutions revolving around other essential aspects of our lives, including recreation and travel. With that in mind, we’ve come up with a few suggestions for things to put on your to-do list in 2024. Here are some ideas for how to make the most of the year ahead while RVing.

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Camp More

Spending more time camping is probably a resolution we’ve all had on our list at some point. But as with most things in life, hectic schedules and unexpected obstacles crop up, preventing us from getting out as often as we’d like. Before you know it, another year slips by with only a handful of successful camping trips under our belts.

Don’t let that happen in 2024. Break out your calendar and set some dates for when you want to go camping now. Invite friends and family to join you and start planning ahead for where you want to go and how long you want to stay. Most importantly, make those outings a top priority that you don’t want to miss. You’ll end up being happier, healthier, and less stressed as a result.

Book Your Campsites Early

One of the ways to maintain your planned camping schedule is to book your campsites early. This not only makes those outings more tangible, but it also ensures you’ll have a place to park your rig when you do embark on your journey. Plus, with the popularity of camping at an all-time high, campgrounds are booking up faster than ever. If you don’t get your reservations in at an early date, you may not be able to stay at your favorite location.

Be More Spontaneous

Booking your campsite early and planning trips well in advance are good ways to ensure you’re getting out more often, but nothing beats a truly spontaneous camping trip. If you unexpectedly find yourself with a free weekend, why not load up the camper, gather some friends, and hit the road? Those last-minute trips can be very enriching as we excitedly set off with no set agenda or preconceived expectations. Just the open road and endless possibilities.

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Try Winter Camping

One way to spend more time in your RV is to extend your camping season into the winter. Admittedly, not all vehicles are equipped for cold weather camping, but with proper planning, the right gear, and an adventurous attitude, you’ll be surprised how much fun you can have on a winter outing. Plus, most campgrounds are usually much less crowded, making it easy to get a reservation and a much quieter experience than during the warmer months.

Be More Active

Spending time at the campsite is supposed to be relaxing and rejuvenating, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be more active while RVing. Hiking is a great way to get exercise and take in beautiful scenery at the same time. Additionally, many RVers enjoy cycling, kayaking, trail running, skiing, and other outdoor sports while traveling. Adopting any of these activities can help us achieve broader fitness goals, but more importantly, they allow us to get outdoors, which can be key to leading a healthier, happier lifestyle.

Be More Social

Many RVers park their rig at the campsite and rarely venture outside of their own insular bubble. This can be very nice if all you’re craving is a little privacy, but some of the best camping experiences come from connecting with others. This year, make a point to introduce yourself to the neighbors, invite them to join you around the fire or cook a meal. Who knows, you might just make some new friends and pick up some handy tips for future RV adventures.

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Don’t Forget Spring Cleaning and Maintenance

While spring may feel like a long way off at the moment, it’s never too early to start thinking about your post-winter cleaning and maintenance routine. To keep your RV in tip-top shape, you’ll want to give it a thorough inspection, ensuring the tires are properly inflated and in good condition, the house batteries are charged and functional, and all appliances are running properly. Create or find a spring maintenance checklist and go through each step carefully. This will ensure your camper provides years of service and remains in proper shape.

Adopt Sustainable Camping Practices

It is safe to say that most RVers love the outdoors, but how many of us consider the impact our camping trips have on the environment? For 2024, why not explore how to travel in more sustainable and eco-friendly ways? Easy options include being mindful of the trash that we generate and using more recyclable items. Preparing meals in your RV using locally sourced meats, fruits, and vegetables is also a health option. Adding solar panels, lithium batteries, and LED lighting to our RVs will also reduce our carbon footprint, as can performing routine maintenance to ensure our motorhomes and travel trailers perform as efficiently as possible.

There are dozens of ways that we can go easier on the planet, ensuring future generations of campers get to enjoy the same activities and lifestyle that we do. The most important step is to consider how we can make a difference as individuals and start putting those ideas into practice.

Go Someplace New

Many RVers enjoy visiting the same places over and over again while reconnecting with loved ones at their favorite campsites. While there is a certain comfort that comes with the familiar, it can also be fun to visit someplace completely new. After all, part of the reason many of us got into RVing in the first place was because of the thrill of the open road. This year, why not rediscover some of that excitement by visiting someplace you’ve never been before?

Happy New Year! Here’s to a fun and exciting 2024.

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