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(ARA) – Now is a great time to start planning a fall trip. Whether you’ll be heading to one of the theme parks, visiting relatives, or going on a fall leaf tour, make getting there more than half the fun by choosing a mode of transportation that lends itself to adventure.
Rather than traveling by plane, train or automobile, take to the roads in a recreational vehicle or RV. More and more people are doing it every year. According to a survey conducted by the University of Michigan, one in twelve vehicle-owning households in the United States now owns an RV. That's nearly 7 million households.
Why have they become so popular? “It’s a mode of transportation that allows you to explore the countryside with comfort and convenience. Think about it. No scrambling to pack or racing to get to the gate on time. You can explore scenic vistas, national parks and vacation hotspots anytime -- at any pace you choose -- or park in front of a relative’s home and pretty much bring all the comforts of home with you,” says Vicki Kieva of Huntington Beach, Calif.
She and her husband, Joe, refer to themselves as “RV travel junkies.” What used to be a pastime has now turned into a second career for both of them. Since 1989, they have been criss-crossing the country sharing their knowledge and experience of the RV lifestyle by conducting seminars at RV shows, rallies and educational events.
“We absolutely love it,” says Joe. “We get to meet so many neat people, and really enjoy the freedom of being able to go wherever we want, whenever we want. It’s like being on vacation all the time.”
Fall is one of the Kievas' favorite times of the year. "There are so many pretty drives you can take," says Vicki, "and if you join one of the many RV clubs that are out there, you can get great rates on campground fees.” The Kievas are members of The Good Sam Club, the world's largest association of RV owners.
The club got a modest start in 1966 when a handful of RV owners put Good Samaritan bumper stickers on their rigs so fellow members would know they could get help on the road. Today, there are more than a million members. In addition to getting discounts at campgrounds, members are also eligible for discounts on insurance, preferred rates on RV financing and access to RV trip routing information. “Our membership has really paid off for us,” says Vicki.
The Kievas regularly request routing information for trips they plan to take. Among the fall leaf trips the club has helped them plan are trips along the East Coast and to Glacier National Park.
“People often ask us where the best places to go in the fall are,” says Vicki. “There are so many of them! For an East Coast trip we recommend they find a campground in Maine where they can stay till the color peaks (typically at the end of September or early October); then drive south to Pennsylvania, on to Virginia and into the Smoky Mountains.” Vicki says you should be sure to make travel along the Blue Ridge Parkway, which connects the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia (the Skyline Drive) with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, part of your trip.
“There are some absolutely amazing campgrounds you can stay in along the way, and with a Good Sam membership you won’t pay much more than $30 a night,” says Joe. “But they’re extremely popular in the fall so be sure to book well in advance.”
Another great fall trip is to explore Glacier National Park in Northern Montana. “The color there is incredible,” says Vicki. “Around Labor Day, you have evergreens at the base, then a band of gold and yellow Aspens, snow on the mountains and in the background, the bright blue sky.”
Other great places to check out for fall color include the Ozarks, which run through Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee and Kentucky; and in the Midwest, a trip around one of the Great Lakes.
Remember to use your travel time as an opportunity to connect with your family, share stories, start traditions and make memories. For more information on The Good Sam Club, visit www.goodsamclub.com or call (800) 234-3450.