Airbnb used to be one of the most affordable options for travelers but now it has become one of the most expensive.

They had some really good deals going on! But now? Why are they so expensive AF??

I mean, we’re talking about an increase in prices by almost 300%! That’s outrageous. So why is this?

In this post, I am going to give you my best guesses as to why Airbnb has been so expensive lately.

Airbnb is aiming for profitability

While Airbnb’s revenue plummeted by 30% in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, a recent report by The New York Times uncovered that “the average daily rate of an Airbnb rental increased 35 percent in the first quarter of 2021.”

The company is aiming for profitability as it focuses on its service of providing an easy-to-use platform that can be more profitable than hotels.

Airbnb has grown tremendously since the last few years, with a significant number of properties added to their inventory and different prices available because “the average room rate increased by 80 percent.”

The increase in rates may have been due to Airbnb’s new pricing model which allows people who own residential or commercial property to charge higher rates when they are not using them.

As well, according to another report from Bloomberg News, this could also include those who live at home full time, but rent out space like extra bedrooms or living rooms while away from home. Finally, there might be an Airbnb bubble in the making, with many properties now being bought just to be rented out.

Summer Demand Has Increased

We are in the height of summer and this is when vacationers want to escape their busy lives. But there has been a shortage of available listings for rentals, causing rates on Airbnb to surge with some properties costing up to $6,000 per week!

The demand for rentals during peak seasons can have devastating effects on prices as they reach an all-time high.

Everyone wants to be someplace else this summer and that’s totally understandable. So, with so much demand this summer, rates are going to be higher. But, will this be indefinite?

Some Airbnb renters have found that they can no longer afford to stay in their destinations of choice, which has caused them to turn to other platforms. Airbnb rentals are now about 40% pricier than when the platform first started. What used to be a place for budget-conscious travelers is now more expensive than before due to higher demand during peak times like Summer 2021.

Airbnb Expensive? It’s Those Fees!

Have you seen what Airbnb hosts are charging nowadays for service and cleaning fees?

What about everyone requesting a security deposit and a pet fee to book their place?

Don’t get me wrong…I get why hosts are trying to protect their property and belongings. But, at the same time, these hosts are pricing themselves out of the competition. Where Airbnb was the most likely option for budget travelers and travelers looking for unique accommodations, are now opting to return to hostels and hotels.

We used to book one-week stays for less than $500 and now… they are running over $1000 for the same duration.

What??!!

Just breathe!

Airbnb used to be the go-to platform for most travelers because it was inexpensive. But now! Airbnb has skyrocketed in price, and we are not sure why. Airbnbs that were once $100 a night now routinely cost over $200 per night even when no holiday or event is happening nearby. What happened?

CEO Brian Chesky (MarketWatch) “stressed that Airbnb sets one fee but hosts set their own cleaning fees. He said the company has more than 5.7 million listings, and that ‘in many cases, the value is amazing.’ We are working with hosts so prices don’t get out of whack.”

Well, we just hope that we find more affordable options in the next several months. We shouldn’t have to let go of value for the cost.

Read: Top Five Destinations for First-Time Travelers

The post More Expensive Than They Used to Be: Why Airbnb is More Costly appeared first on Travepreneur.

Do you have a dream of traveling the world? 

Do you feel like it’s impossible because you don’t have enough money or time to travel? 

We’re here to tell you that is not true! You can travel the world for $20 per day. With this guide, we’ll show you how to travel the world for $20 per day. So, keep reading! 

How to save money to travel the world on $20 per day

Track your spending. To do this, simply use an app like Mint or Quicken and input all of the transactions you make each day so that it can calculate how much money is being spent on necessities versus luxuries.  

While “budget” is sometimes an icky and dreadful term, it could be a strategy to save money for your short/long-term goal of traveling the world. Here’s how you can set a budget for yourself.

You might select these two categories- necessities (such as rent/food), which should be prioritized over “wants” such as clothes shopping or going out at night when possible.

For example, try not using credit cards if they are attached to high-interest rates. It is especially a good time to make some changes to your lifestyle in this increasingly uncertain world.

Opt for maximum savings by packing more efficiently 

The next best way to save on traveling the world on $20 per day is determining more efficiently what you should pack. 

If you’re a team carry-on, then you have minimal space for all of your necessities. But, here’s the trick in the pre-planning stage of your trip. Pack everything you want, then take half of that.

This has been the best trip we ever received. Why? Because it allows us to be really intentional about what we want and needs to take. Do we need thirty outfits for a three-day trip? I mean…you might want that much, but it will certainly cost you when you check your luggage. And, as you know, those fees rack up for each pound that your luggage is overweight. 

The best travel destinations for $20 or less a day

Traveling to Southeast Asia or Central America for as little as $20 a day is not a difficult feat. 

Fueled by the recent popularity of these destinations, many airlines have slashed prices and offered travel packages that include airfare, accommodations, meals, tours–all at one low price! 

If you are looking to explore more than just SEAsia or Central America but don’t want to spend too much cash on an expensive destination like Paris or Tokyo then it’s best if you go during off-season time so there will be fewer tourists in town.

How to find cheap flights

You don’t have to break the bank when you’re booking a flight. Although flights can cost thousands of dollars, it doesn’t mean you have to pay that to see the world. 

A round-trip ticket from the US to Europe, for example, can cost more than $1000 on average. But you could save a lot by flying by using the following tips and resources.

1. Consistently search for deals, or rather let those deals come to you! Sign up to communities, such as Scott’s Cheap Flights and/or Dollar Flight Club. To get the best deals, invest in their premium service. 
2. Start your search via Google Flights, which is a search engine for flights around the world with some of the most popular airlines. Some airlines, however, won’t show up in google flight results (i.e. JetBlue and Southwest Airlines). You can set alerts to track price decreases and increases.

Where you should go once you are in a new country

When you arrive at your destination, don’t head straight to the tourist sites. If you are eager to venture out and explore, then consider the less-visited sites. You will find the true culture and experience that you are looking for.

This is an important part of traveling on a budget because it can save money by not paying admission fees to tourist sites. You could wander down some streets or explore parks, which often have fewer visitors but will still give you a great cultural experience without any cost at all.

And, if you’re adamant about visiting well-known sites, then do this instead.

1. Find out if the site allows visitors to enter for free during specific days or times in the week.
2. Pay a one time fee to a tour guide that could help you see multiple sites in a day. 
3. Plan your visit during certain holidays, festivals, or events. Sometimes, to attract tourists, these sites might allow them to enter for free. 

The best ways to get around the world on $20 per day

Flights are the traditional way to get to and from many places around the world, but you might be surprised by other ways to do so as well. We would never recommend Hitchhiking. Instead, use alternate modes of transportation like buses and trains.

It’s often cheaper to buy a bus or train ticket as part of an organized tour, but you can also find the same tickets individually if you’re not in a hurry. And some hostels will offer discounts on buses and trains too!

Tips for saving money while traveling

Consider your financial decisions and actions even while you’re on your new adventure. 

It’s easy to get swept up at the moment and spend money when you’re having fun. But, don’t allow this budget to restrict you from enjoying things outside of your daily budget. 

You can also optimize your budget to give you more freedom. 

Be creative about all of the things that cost money– for example, use dry shampoo instead of buying a new conditioner or bring snacks on flights rather than buy them from a cafe. You’ll have better food and save some cash!

Things to avoid when traveling on a budget

Getting around the world on $20 a day may seem impossible, yet it is doable with lots of patience and confidence. 

And yes! Traveling on a budget can be daunting. But, avoid these things and you will be well on your way to traveling to many places around the world without breaking the bank.

1. Avoid flying everywhere – If you’re spending significant time in-country, then opt for cheaper transportation options, such as the bus or train. 
2. Eating out all the time – You can cook for yourself. Choose lodging that gives you access to a kitchen or offers meals. This would be one less thing to worry about during your trip.
3. Shopping in the well-known tourist areas – Visit the local artisans and markets. You can get more value for your money. Most times, these artifacts or crafts are uniquely made and one-of-a-kind. 

What are your thoughts after reading this article?

The post How To Travel The World On $20 Per Day appeared first on Travepreneur.

Take notes as we are about to dish on the top five destinations for first-time travelers to visit. This summer!!!

You’re just about to embark on your first ever trip abroad and you have absolutely no idea what to expect. 

With so many options, it can be difficult to narrow down which country is perfect and where you should visit this summer. Especially with Europe reopening this summer. Woot woot!

And, for over a year, you’ve heard many stories of people’s travel experiences, and seen their throwback travel photos (even if it was from two months before. Ha!). 

While it can be daunting how travel has been limited across the world, the world is waiting for you! 

There are so many places in this vast universe that it might be difficult to pick where to go, but we’re going to help you out with that by telling you about our personal and top five destinations for first-time travelers to visit this summer. So let’s get started!

Barcelona, Spain

Status: Open to Vaccinated Travelers

If you’ve always dreamed of going to Barcelona, Spain, then this summer might be your chance as a first-time traveler. Spain has reopened to all Americans, and we can’t wait to explore this beautiful city. 

While visiting Barcelona, eat tapas at some local restaurants or try out some delicious fresh seafood dishes. This city offers so much to do and see that you may never want to leave! 

The streets of Barcelona are filled with locals go-getters bustling to work in morning hours while visitors get lost in awe looking up at buildings adorned with colorful tiles lining balconies or admiring historic architecture built centuries ago. 

As you are reading these words, imagine yourself sitting on the balcony of your hotel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The sun is shining and creating a warm glow as it sets over the horizon. Below you, people are living their daily lives: some walking down the street, others eating at a restaurant or sipping wine in front of a café. 

Sauntering through the streets at night to the music of the clinking of wine glasses and the chatter of friends and family meeting for a late dinner. You might pop into a restaurant with a three-course meal for less than ten euros. 

Experiencing Barcelona could be the aid to your relaxing and joyous summer or the fire to your lit and adventurous trip.

If you’re spending over a week in Barcelona, consider staying overnight or more in another northern Spanish city. For example, visit San Sebastian where you can grub at Pinxto (basque for ‘pincho’) bars and relish in the city that Ernest Hemingway spent so much time in. 

Croatia

Status: Open to travelers with a negative Covid-19 test

Croatia is a beautiful country with the most stunning beaches and scenery- perfect for a summer getaway. Don’t believe me? Check out my blog post about all the reasons you should visit this summer!

Croatia is a country on the east coast of the Adriatic Sea and is bordered by Slovenia to its north, Hungary to its northeast, Serbia to its east, Bosnia, and Herzegovina in the southeast. 

There are 8 national parks, a dream for outdoor and adventure-seeking travelers. You can visit: 

• Plitvice Lakes National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Krka National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Kornati Islands Nature Park
• Paklenica National Park (UNESCO site)
• Brijuni Islands National Park
• Mljet National Park
• Risnjak National Park
• Northern Velebit National Park

São Paulo, Brazil

Status: Open with restrictions (need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result and/or quarantine to enter Brazil)

Consider traveling to São Paulo this summer especially if you’ve never been before. The best part is that it doesn’t require a lot of money or any prior experience in order to enjoy the city. In fact, there are many things you can do on a budget! 

Brazilian culture has always been an interesting topic of conversation among people from around the world because of its uniqueness and charm. These qualities can be found at every corner of Brazil, but they’re especially prominent in São Paulo. With such intriguing history behind it, this Brazilian metropolis thrives…

Santorini, Greece

Status: Open to travelers with a negative Covid-19 test

It’s summertime and you know what that means! The temperature has risen, and for a lot of people, that means some time off of work to see the world. 

If you want to visit Santorini, Greece this summer, book your trip now!

Santorini is a beautiful island with white-sand beaches and clear blue waters for days. It’s the backdrop to all of your desired photoshoots. Whether the ladies want to embody a Greek goddess with a flying dress photoshoot.

There are plenty of other activities not involving a camera. Sail the Mediterranean in a sailboat, yacht, or catamaran during the day or the romantic sunset. Go solo, with friends, or your significant other.  There’s never a dull moment when swarmed by the beauty of the sea. The best part? It’s one of the most affordable destinations out there too! 

Cyprus 

Status: Open to travelers with a negative Covid-19 test

This summer, take a trip to Cyprus. It’s an ancient culture that will show you the beauty of this tourist destination. If you’re looking for an adventure, then look no further than Cyprus! 

You should travel to Cyprus this summer because of the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, and rich culture. You will have a blast on the beach, but also be able to explore some of the oldest cities in Europe. I can’t wait for you to come!

This is your chance to explore and experience new things including hiking through some of the most beautiful trails in Kourion or exploring the underwater world at Akamas Peninsula with its rich marine life and colorful coral reefs. You’ll be amazed by all there is to see in this country. Let’s get started on packing our bags so we can explore this amazing place!

Also Read: Your Travel Planning Guide

The post The Top Five Destinations For First Time Travelers To Visit This Summer appeared first on Travepreneur.

You don’t have to let the pandemic ruin your travel plans. Although you may not be too comfortable packing yourself into an airplane just yet, a road trip is another story. Keep reading for insight on how to make your holiday trips the very best they can be, no flight required. 

Road-Trip Ready

Before you begin your journey, take the time to ensure that your vehicle is ready. This should include everything from having a quick tuneup and tire alignment to adding new car mats in an easy-to-clean material to keep sand, salt, and other gunk out of your vehicle. Other accessories to consider are a GPS unit and trunk organizer. Before you purchase any additions for your trip, use review websites to research gear and compare prices.

Next, plan your trip so that you can avoid as many stops as possible. When you do hit the road, eat at drive-throughs or curbside pick-up restaurants instead of in-person dining. Better yet, grab a cooler and pack your own food. Keep sanitizing wipes handy so that you can clean gas pump handles when you have to stop for fuel. Cedars-Sinai further suggests paying at the pump and avoiding touching your face at the gas station.

Living Like A Local

If you’re not ready to hit the road, you can still enjoy a getaway without leaving your own home town. Start by checking out some local attractions that are a bit off the beaten path. Dream Destinations recommends the Miami Aqua Yacht Charter Cruises, Miami Beach Parasailing, and Tarpoon Dive Center. Each of these offers personalized service and prioritizes customer health and safety. Do make a point to call ahead to ensure they are open and operational at the time of your visit.

You can also plan an overnight adventure by staying at a local vacation rental. Whether you want to be near the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk or just hang tight to an area where you can explore Miami on foot, there are plenty of rentals available. Ask your rental agency about their cleaning protocols in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

Additional COVID Considerations:

• If you plan to visit medically frail or elderly relatives, self-isolate for two weeks before you hit the road. This means you should not leave your home. Order your groceries online, work remotely, and do not allow non-cohabiting friends or family into your home.

• Occasionally roll down your vehicle’s windows to allow air to circulate. If you or one of your passengers is ill, opening the windows can significantly reduce the risk of transmission. 

• Consider testing in the days before your trip. Even if you are not visiting friends or family, having a negative result is one of the best ways to ensure you do not inadvertently spread the virus. And, depending on where you plan to travel, you may be required to present a negative test result anyway.

• Hand sanitizer, tissues, and sanitary wipes should be a staple of your travel pack and available at all times.

At some point, we have to begin living our lives again. When that includes travel, you’ll have to adapt. Hopefully, the recently-approved vaccine will begin to have a positive impact, and life can go back to normal soon. Until then, you do not have to resolve to stay at home. Adventure is out there, and there are plenty of ways to find it without putting yourself or your family at risk.

Bio: Amy Collett is the creator of Bizwell.org, a website that helps professionals and entrepreneurs build and strengthen their personal brand.

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Traveling alone is a very unique experience in that you’ll get to learn more about yourself, whether you’re hitting a campsite you’ve been to numerous times or making a trip between cities you’ve never been to before.

Lone wolves typically don’t haul too much gear as there’s no one to share the load with, and if you’re not completely certain what you should bring on your solo voyage, consider taking the following items.

Anti-theft backpack

An anti-theft backpack will be the most essential part of your gear. These packs are typically water-resistant and slashing-proof, as well as outfitted with numerous concealed compartments and pockets where you can store your most precious valuables.

The locking zippers prevent anyone without the combination from accessing its contents, although the complexity of these locks varies from model to model. Comfort-wise, anti-theft backpacks offer similar performance to regular camping backpacks, and the same can be said about durability.

When you’re looking for a backpack like this, make sure that it’s made of lightweight, yet sturdy material. Artificial leather and polyester are remarkably durable and reliable in the long run.

Breathable clothing

Whether you’re traveling on a bike, by car, or by plane, you’ll want to be comfortable. This means that you shouldn’t bring your best-looking clothes; rather travel in the lightest clothes with the highest level of breathability.

Tightly knit fabrics offer the least breathability while thinner materials with loose weaves will be perfect. Additionally, pay attention to the weather zone you’re traveling into. Factors such as humidity, frequency of rains, and temperature should be considered before deciding what you’ll wear.

This is especially important for travelers that are accustomed to a very specific climate; Canadian and Russian people typically handle cold weather better than most people while African people tend to endure super-hot temperatures better. If your skin is accustomed to any of the extreme temperature levels (on either end of the spectrum), consider bringing both winter and summer clothes just to be safe.

 As for breathability, consider materials such as cotton, nylon, or polyester. Cotton is soft, very breathable, and less demanding than most other materials in terms of maintenance while nylon wicks away moisture better and dries rather quickly. It’s not as comfortable as cotton, though.

Comfortable footwear

You should bring your most comfortable sneakers, as you won’t have a decent opportunity to cherry-pick for a quality pair of shoes before reaching your destination. If you’re making stops in between locations on your way, you could get by with an okay set of Nike rip-offs, but it’s still better to begin your journey in a set of comfortable shoes.

Aside from comfort, you should also consider how well broken-in the shoes are, whether they are made of breathable and durable materials and whether you can replace their insoles. Brand-new shoes may fit well, but they’re not nearly as comfortable as the shoes you’ve worn for a few months.

Breathable shoes allow us to feel more comfortable for extended periods of time while removable insoles can be replaced with better ones should your originals fall out of place or wrinkle due to moisture.

First-aid Kit

Even though among the most important things you should have anywhere you go, not many people know the true value of first-aid kits until they need them.

There’s a world of differences between a clean, sterile bandage and paper hand wipes that were left out open in your pocket ever since the beginning of the trip. Furthermore, you can use the adhesive tape inside the kit for anything else.

A typical first-aid kit contains a set of bandages, gauze rolls and pads, instant cold packs, elastic bandages, an emergency blanket, antiseptic wipes, a triangular bandage, a pair of sterile gloves, and tweezers. Hopefully, you won’t need to use it, but it’s always better to be prepared than sorry.

Portable battery charger/power bank

Eventually, the batteries in your electronics are going to run out of juices, and you’ll need a power bank to charge them regardless of where you may find yourself. They can come in handy even if you’re planning to stay at hotels along the way.

Essentially, power banks are typically fairly affordable, and their compactness makes them very useful traveling companions.

Portable light sources

A flashlight is an important tool that offers radiant visibility on the fly. Whether you’ve lost your way out in the woods or need to check the plumbing in your recreational vehicle, you’ll need to see what’s ahead of you.

Headlights are even more useful for solo travelers who travel via RVs, although small, pocket-sized flashlights are far more valuable for pretty much everything else.

Spare cell phone

If your smartphone runs out of batteries and you’ve lost your charging station, you may find yourself in quite a problematic situation, as you won’t be able to contact anyone. A spare, cheap cell phone with a post-paid SIM card can make your trips much, much safer, and more comfortable.

The great thing about cheap cell phones is that you can easily buy SIM cards of whatever country you find yourself in, which makes it an excellent choice for cross-country travelers. Again, this is a very affordable, compact tool that will come in handy on more occasions than you’d imagine.

Read: Find more resources for communicating while traveling.

Dry sack

A waterproof pouch is a versatile piece of gear that can help you save your passport and cash in case you find yourself in an area where heavy rain is commonplace. It’s most commonly used to save cameras, although they’re typically large enough to store other smaller pieces of gear as well.

Wet Wipes

Pocket wet wipes are perhaps the most versatile item that should be on your checklist. They can be used in all kinds of ways, whether it be as toilet paper or to simply cool yourself off on a warm, sunny day. The affordability of wet wipes alongside their practicality makes them perfect for any kind of traveling.

Personal towels

Staying at a hotel, you’ll probably be given a set of free towels, but are you willing to risk how clean these are? If personal hygiene is important to you, having a personal towel is obviously a better option.

We hope that this brief rundown was useful to you and that you’ve learned something new today on traveling light. Make sure you are staying safe in these times we are all going through and have a good one, guys!

Bio: Norma Spencer is a writer with a Ph.D. in Business Administration (Management). At the moment of writing this bio, Norma is in Germany, planning to spend at least a few more years in Europe in the coming years.

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It’s your first time on a road trip and you’re not sure how to make the most of it. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to make it fun and eco-friendly. That way, you’ll be able to enjoy yourself without having any regrets later! Here are six earth And eco-friendly auto & road trip tips to make your road trip better.

Drive your car further with less gas

Last year marked a turning point in which Earth-friendly alternative-fuel and hybrid vehicles gained major attention. On top of that, the AAA Great Battery Roundup collected more than 20,000 used vehicle batteries and disposed of them in an environmentally sound manner. 

But you don’t need to have old batteries lying around or buy a different vehicle to protect the environment. Accordingly, you can adopt two easy-to-implement strategies: regular vehicle maintenance and better driving habits.

Keep your engine running at peak performance in order to conserve fuel. Perform regular vehicle maintenance at the intervals recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Seek timely service if the “check engine” warning light remains illuminated on the dash.

What you need to know about your car – Ask a Technician

To find a trustworthy repair facility, ask friends for recommendations or search on www.aaa.com for AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities near you.

Check the air pressure in your car’s tires regularly. Underinflated tires require your engine to work harder and use more fuel to maintain a given speed.

Have your vehicle’s air conditioning serviced only by technicians who are certified to properly handle and recycle automotive refrigerants. Older air conditioning systems contain ozone-depleting chemicals that could be released into the atmosphere.

Road tripping with an older vehicle

Some older vehicles use switches that contain highly toxic mercury to activate hood, trunk, and glove-box lights. Many organizations, including a number of AAA clubs across the country, now host mercury “switch out” programs in which these environmentally hazardous parts are removed for recycling and replaced with nontoxic mechanical switches. 

Avoid “Jackrabbit” Starts

Avoid “jackrabbit” starts, sudden acceleration and speeds above the posted limits; all of these habits guzzle gas. 

Properly dispose of engine fluids and batteries. Call your local government waste management agency to find out how. Never dispose of fluids on the ground or in any manner that might allow them to make their way into groundwater, lakes or streams.

Make the world a better place, one bottle at a time.

Bring reusable water bottles with you in your car so that you can refill them at gas stations or drinking fountains along the way. Plastic disposable water bottles have become an environmental problem due to their abundance in landfills and oceans alike, which makes this tip especially important if you’re going on a long drive through remote areas with no access to fresh drinking water.

Everyone should play their part on the road trip

Make sure that everyone is playing their part by packing things like chargers and cables for charging electronics, trash bags for picking up litter, and first aid kits. And, don’t forget the snacks! Keep snacks at all times to save on gas stopping from place to place.

Proper vehicle maintenance and environmentally-friendly driving habits conserve natural resources, reduce exhaust emissions and reward you with a vehicle that will last longer and be safer to drive. In other words, when you “go green,” the Earth wins, your car wins — and you are the biggest winner of all! 

Read: Road Trip Ideas: RV Traveling for Beginners

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June is so special for many reasons. It’s the start of summa (not summer!), and it houses a very important day in American History: Juneteenth.

Here’s a bit of the historical significance of Juneteenth, which is celebrated on June 19th.

Juneteenth also called Emancipation Day, or Juneteenth Independence Day, a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, observed annually on June 19. To find more information, check out Juneteenth.com.

So grab your friends and family and take a look at the 2021 Juneteenth Freedom Day event guide and decide where and how you can celebrate this momentous day in your home or city.

Events:

The post 2021 Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration Idea Guide. How You Can Celebrate In Your Home Or City appeared first on Travepreneur.

Bonus: Check Out The Travelers Living the RV Lifestyle Who Are Making It Look Easy For Beginners

Are you in the process of planning an RV trip?  If you are and if this is your first time doing so, you may be looking for some guidance. 

Summer 2021 is here and we are ready to get out there?? Is it just us??

After all, traveling by RV for the first time can be fun and exciting, but it can also be worrisome at the same time.  For that reason, five helpful tips, which are ideal for first-time motorhome travelers, are outlined below.

By the way, yesterday (June 7th) was National RV Day. Ready to celebrate?? Read on!

Map Out Your Route Ahead of Time

Where should you go this summer? Everywhere isn’t possible.

So, getting specific about your planned destinations is important for your RV trip this summer.  Of course, you have the ability to change your mind or make side trips along the way, but you should always have an idea of where you will be going.  This is important for a number of different reasons, including overall satisfaction and safety.

Research Activities and Attractions Along the Way

Once you map out your intended travel route, you can research activities and attractions that are located along the way. 

You can be spontaneous or make bucket list stops. It can be whatever you want your experience to be. When traveling by RV, half of the fun is all of the stops that you are able to make. 

Keep in mind that having an idea of exactly what you can do and see while traveling by RV is ideal for safety, as well as making sure that you don’t miss out on any great opportunities.

When it comes to researching activities and attractions that are along your way, start by searching the internet. 

If you are taking steps now to prepare for an RV trip that isn’t set to happen for another month or so, you may want to request free vacation guides.  These guides are easy to find online.  

Make Sure Your RV Is Stocked Full of Activities (And Food)

Always stock your RV full of fun activities and food. If your upcoming motor home adventure is an extended one, you may spend a good percentage of your time on the road.  Think about it. When you’re on the road, you might have a number of things, activities or ways to hold your interest.

The same applies for your RV adventure. Looking out the window to sightsee is a nice and an enjoyable activity, but for how long?

Think about what fun means to you and the types of activities that can keep you awake and alert. These activities may include watching movies, playing computer games or handheld electronic games, reading, knitting, or singing karoake.

We encourage to have fun, stay safe, and make the most of your time on the road.

Pack for Your Trip Ahead of Time

Pack early. We encourage all first-time RV travelers to begin packing the earlier the better. 

Many supplies, such as food and travel-size toiletries can be packed or put in an RV without disrupting your current daily needs.  

To avoid any complications on the road, create an RV trip checklist.  This checklist should include specific items that you would like to bring, such as clothing/underwear, food, drinks, eating utensils, towels, washcloths, etc. 

To help get you started, many websites have free printable camping checklists, which can serve as great guides.  Be sure to check off items from your list when you pack them in your bags or place them on your motor home.

Always Keep Safety in Mind

As with any recreational activity, it is important to remember that there are some risks associated with traveling by RV. This is especially in areas that you are unfamiliar with. 

For that reason, a number of steps should be taken to protect your safety. 

Be sure to leave an itinerary with someone that you know and trust. Always be aware of your surroundings and keep a cell phone nearby. Lastly, be sure to have a fully stocked first aid kit.

This is not a comprehensive guide, but rather a start checklist, so read more on our General Travel Safety Tips

Travelers Living The RV Lifestyle

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Summer is coming! Weekend road trips here we come!

Isn’t that what you’re saying?

Well, whatever you’re saying, there’s no better time than to prepare for the 2021 summer season aka hot girl summer aka I’m-in-need-of-a-real-vacation season.

And, if you need some extra motivation to plan a road trip, then May 28th is National Road Trip Day, a kickoff to the summer season. Let’s celebrate this Friday with a few ideas for weekend road trips. 

Tennessee: Johnson City to Gatlinburg

Such a gorgeous journey! The 90 miles of rural Tennessee might inspire you to grab an instrument like a banjo and play an Appalachian love song. 

You can visit:

• Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum
• The majestic Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Gatlinburg’s Space Needle
• Dollywood, which is approximately 23 minutes from Gatlinburg’s city center. 

Florida: Overseas Highway

Who would link a 105-mile long chain of islands — from Key Largo, just south of Miami, west to Key West — with a highway, U.S. Route 1? Florida would.

“You’re on either a bridge or a causeway, surrounded by shimmering water,” says Janet Groene, author of Great Eastern RV Trips. “It’s a lovely, lovely drive.” 

Here are several tips visiting the Keys: 

• Crowds are typically smaller during spring and early summer
• Catch the sunset at Key West’s Mallory Square Dock. 
• Sign up for a ghost or vampire tour
• Visit the Hemingway Home & Museum and browse all of the…(haha I won’t tell you what you’ll find there.)

South Dakota: Pierre to Mount Rushmore

Drive over 200 miles viewing jaw-dropping scenery as you make your way to Mount Rushmore. 

From Pierre, follow U.S. Route 83 across the Missouri River to Interstate 90, going west. The good stuff isn’t visible from the interstate, so be sure to turn off at Murdo for buffalo burgers, Badlands National Park for dusty canyons and Rapid City for deceased presidents carved into the Black Hills.

California: Monterey to Morro Bay

Route 1 along California’s central coast ranks as one of America’s best road trips. It can be dangerous, however. 

Despite its danger, Route 1 can be a fun and dreamy adventure, especially if prepared.

South of Monterey begins 125 miles of windy highway within incredible scenery. You’ll get to witness the Hearst Castle’s architectural wonders and the beauty of Mother Nature.

Some Weekend Road Trip Final Tips

Accordingly, “Two-thirds of American drivers (54 percent)* report an increase in the number of trips they plan to take this summer and more than half (53%) of people plan to take a road trip. And we may see a new trend on the rise, with 52% of respondents reporting that the pandemic has made them more likely to take an outdoors-focused trip.” (National Day Calendar) 

As you discuss taking weekend road trips with friends and/or family, we urge you to 

• Pack a map! In addition to having a map on your phone, take a backup just in case you lose your connection or get lost. For the best maps available, go to https://www.drivingdirectionsandmaps.com/ 
• Plan your routes in advance Many great weekend trips have been ruined by poor planning. 

This summer will be quite different than we’re used to, but nevertheless, it will be one much-appreciated after a tough year.

Happy road-tripping!

Also Read: Take A Self-Care Getaway

The post 4 Ideas For Weekend Road Trips You Can Take This Summer appeared first on Travepreneur.

—Here are 7 Good Reasons

Risks are inevitable, especially during times of tragedy. And, when insurance was created in 1347, its main purpose was to eliminate risks, which remains true today.

There’s no secret really. When we do almost anything, we plan for the unexpected and make sure we’re covered, especially when we’re traveling. And, now that the pandemic is still going, there are many good reasons for travel insurance.

So, after booking your flight, make sure to have travel insurance if traveling overseas.

And, here are 7 good reasons:

Medical Emergencies: Your travel insurance provides financial coverage if you fall sick or are injured during your travel. Be sure to check the fine print and the details of the coverage.

Flight Cancellations: Call your insurance company for help if your flight is canceled or delayed. Depending on the cover available, a room for the night and even an alternative travel home can be included.

Pre-existing Medical Conditions: Even if you have a pre-existing medical condition and it flares up while you’re on vacation, as long as you’ve advised your travel insurance company prior, you should be covered.

Damage or Loss Of Personal property: What are you going to do if your luggage is lost or gets stolen? Yes, it happens, all the time. Guess what? You need travel insurance.

Loss of Cash or Traveller’s Cheques: You’re in a foreign country far from home. You either lose or have stolen, your entire holiday fund. You’re going to need help and quick. Again, travel insurance is a must.

Emergency Evacuations: Emergencies can pop up at any time and any place. Your travel insurance will help you evacuated if necessary.

Car Crash: It can be very difficult driving on the wrong side of the road in a strange country. Accidents happen.

Quick tips:

While these are good and valid reasons for having travel insurance, I want to clarify several of things.

• Your home medical insurance may or may not include overseas coverage, so check with your provider for more details.
• There’s a difference between the insurance you opt-in for while booking your ticket than the insurance we’re talking about in this article. Purchase separate travel insurance using Travel Insurance Master, a search engine for coverage that fits your needs.
• Find out before you go what is excluded, not just included. So, always read the fine print. For example, accidental coverage is not provided in case of drunken driving, driving under the influence of narcotic substances, etc.
• Exclusions are also provided for accidents during risky sports like bungee jumping, car racing, scuba diving, white water rafting, flying (except as passenger in regular airliners), gliding, skiing, bike racing, diving, mountaineering, windsurfing, etc. The list goes on, such as insert for your favorite potentially dangerous sport here.
• That means in case of accidents in these situations the insurance company is not liable to pay any amount to the insured.

Also Read: Travel Planning Tips & Tools

The post After Booking Your Flight, Make Sure To Have Travel Insurance If Traveling Overseas appeared first on Travepreneur.