One of the things that Baby Boomers look forward to in retirement is travel. It should not be surprising that many Boomers are buying RVs (aka Recreational Vehicles) and hitting the open road. There is now an entire community of RV enthusiasts who have found that this is an ideal way to travel. If you have not explored the world of RV travel in retirement, then you need to take a closer look at this option.
Why RV Travel?
Many boomers have found that an RV offers a more satisfying experience than the traditional route of hopping a plane, renting a car, staying in a hotel, and eating out all the time. This might be good for a short trip or vacation, but if you really want to explore the country, this gets old, not to mention expensive. That is why RVs are becoming more popular choices. You can cook your own meals, run off solar power, and enjoy a slower pace.
The iconic travel vacation is not what Boomers want. Today’s retirees are more active and lean heavily toward travel packages that are focused on activities and things to do. They like to explore the mountains, beaches, small towns, and urban attractions. There is usually an RV park nearby almost anywhere you would want to roam. Anywhere there is Internet access, you can stay plugged in and find something to do. Some Boomers are even choosing to sell their homes and live a life without boundaries, property taxes, home repairs, and neighbors.
Where Do Boomers Go?
In a recent study, TogoRV surveyed 18,000 RVers to find out where they like to go. It should not be surprising that states like California, Florida, Utah, Colorado, Texas, and Arizona were among the top states visited. Here are a few of the destinations that TogoRV and other sites list among their must-visit locations.
1. Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park is considered by some to be one of the most beautiful parks in the nation. If you are looking to get away from the crowd, this might not be the best place to do it because it hosts up to 3.5 million visitors a year.
Acadia has a wide selection of RV accommodations that are near some of its most breathtaking views. RVers also love to visit the charming New England towns that are dotted throughout the area.
2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
The Great Smoky Mountains are known for their fog that gives the mountains an enchanting and magical feel. It is a center for Appalachian culture, and you can find many experiences here that you cannot have anywhere else. The landscapes are breathtaking, but it is the people that make this area one of the most-visited areas in the nation. You can experience a diversity of plant life, animal life, and mountain culture that will be sure to please even the most seasoned traveler. You will have to take a trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway while you are in the area for some iconic Appalachian Mountain views.
3. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park is probably the most famous and well-known national park with its geysers like Old Faithful and a chance to see wildlife like bison, grizzly bears, elk, and wolves.
The park is enormous and spans portions of Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming, so there is plenty for you to explore. It is also known as one of the more RV-friendly parks in the nation, but you need to book ahead because sites fill up fast.
4. Joshua tree National Park, California
Joshua Tree National Park is a top California destination because it’s very unusual. It’s named after the tree that you’ll see everywhere in the park but its most impressive features are spectacular rock formations and beautiful panoramic views. Joshua Tree is a popular destination for rock climbing and horseback riding.
If you make it to the area, be sure to visit Pioneertown. It’s just 10 miles from Joshua Tree and a side-trip well worth making. The town was built as a movie set by a group of Hollywood investors, including western stars Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. Over 50 films and television shows were filmed there in the 1940s and ‘50s. There’s even a film museum where visitors can see the movie and television history of this western movie set.
5. Grand Canyon National Park
This one still attracts visitors in the millions every year. Of course, it is one that everyone should see at least once. The best part about traveling by RV is that you can plan your trip off-season and avoid most of the crowds. Going on a visit to see the canyon just after the kids go back to school usually means that you can have the place to yourself and might even be able to get a few discounts on tour packages.
Traveling by RV allows you to experience the landscape in a way that taking a traditional vacation cannot do. You can take life at a slower pace, and you do not have to feel rushed to take in everything at once. You will also meet other like-minded people. You can make new friends, share experiences, and stories around the campfire. These are a few of the reasons why many Boomers are now full-time or part-time RVers. You can enjoy the lifestyle for a few months out of the year, or you can ditch the traditional lifestyle altogether. The best part is that you get to choose, and after all, isn’t that what retirement is all about?