More and more families are turning to travel trailer camping as a way to travel with their families. This SheBuysTravel discusses why purchasing their travel trailer was one of the best decisions her family has made. Travel trailer camping offers the chance for kids to get outside, families to unplug, freedom to go anywhere and more.
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My husband and I recently followed through on a dream we had been kicking around for a few years. We purchased our first travel trailer. Even with the learning curve of our first trip, we were asking ourselves why we waited so long to start travel trailer camping. Here are some of the reasons purchasing Tin Gypsy, our 25 foot Microlite, has been one of the best decisions we’ve made for our family.
Why Travel Trailer Camping?
Experience the Great Outdoors More
A meme I saw on Facebook sums up one of the biggest reasons we wanted to purchase the travel trailer. It shows two young children walking down a dirt road at sunset just coming back from fishing. The text reads: “Children won’t remember their best day of TV.” I want my kids to get outside and experience the beauty of the world around them. I want them to see the wildlife, feel the breeze on their face, and go fishing. Travel trailer camping has let us learn about nature in a way we wouldn’t have in our own backyard.
A Great Way to Unplug
Like many families today we keep a busy schedule. We also strive for that balance of not overindulging in screen time. Travel trailer camping has been a great way to unplug and get away from it all. The kids have not asked for their electronics or Wifi once on our camping trips. My husband and I also find that the phones stay put away more. We are truly spending time together and are not just happening to be in the same room. The travel trailer does have a TV but it is rarely on other than for outdoor movie night. We are too busy playing games, enjoying what the campground has to offer or making s’mores by the campfire.
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RVing is a Cost-Effective Way To Travel
Depending on certain factors, travel trailer camping is a surprisingly cost-effective way for families to travel. A good example for comparison is our upcoming trip to the Campgrounds at Fort Wilderness at Walt Disney World. Our total bill for three nights RV campsite is equal to one night at our previous stay at Art of Animation.
It’s been big savings for us over hotels because our travel trailer was a used purchase and on the low end of travel trailer price points. A more expensive trailer may not yield the same results. Another cost saver is that we are cooking our own meals in the full kitchen. There are many variables to consider such as insurance, possible travel trailer storage fees, less gas mileage on your vehicle when towing, and of course, the travel trailer purchase price, but travel trailer camping can be very cost-effective.
Home Away From Home
I had a great time going crazy on Amazon and Etsy decorating it and now the Tin Gypsy feels like “us.” One of the benefits of travel trailer camping is that it literally becomes a second home. The pillows and bedding are to our liking. The bathrooms are ours. The kids’ toys are in their cubbies. Our clothes are hanging in our organizers. The pantry is stocked with our favorite foods. It is so easy to pack and go. We only remove the dirty laundry to wash and the perishables from the fridge. We replace them when it’s time to go again.
The kids are more relaxed than in a hotel and I don’t have to worry if we are keeping our noise down with young children. It also provides familiarity for my special needs son.
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Easy Way to Camp with Kids
Let me say that I love camping and my husband and I tent camped for many years. However, years added to my body, sleeping next to two kicking kids on air mattresses, and making that 2 a.m. bathroom walk in the pitch-black had me questioning if it was for us on a regular basis.
I am my son’s Scout leader and we tent camp twice per year. It’s an experience and skill I want my kids to have….but I like my creature comforts. If we are going to camp every other weekend (and I want us to) then the travel trailer makes it a lot more enjoyable for us. I feel like we get the best of both worlds – a comfortable place to stay and the great outdoors to enjoy. If it’s raining on our camping trip, it’s not a problem. We play board games or do experiments or crafts.
Read More: 7 Essential Camping Tips for Newbies
Freedom
There is a sense of freedom that I didn’t expect with travel trailer camping. My husband and I laugh and say the Tin Gypsy is our beach house, lake house, and mountain lodge all rolled into one. It’s a joke, but there is truth to the statement. We can go anywhere we want with the travel trailer.
A freedom my new travel trailer friends with pets have also talked about is the freedom to take their fur family members with them when they travel. One freedom I hope we won’t ever have to experience (but is a comfort knowing its there) is that we can live in our travel trailer in an emergency. Mostly we look forward to the freedom to explore parks and campgrounds.
Read More: The Ultimate Camping Packing List
Consider Renting an RV
If you’re not sure that the RV camping life is for you, we’d recommend renting an RV before buying one. That way you can test different campers. Are you most comfortable in a fifth wheel, motorhome, airstream or pop-up? Renting one gives you the opportunity to see which one would work best for your family. You’ll have the chance to get familiar with different RV park hookups and campsite options. It takes some practice to properly connect your sewer hookups or to set up your slideouts and awning. When you rent an RV, the owner will walk you through all of these steps. That training is so valuable for first-timers.
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Is Travel Trailer Camping Right for You?
Travel trailer camping may not be for everyone, just as tent camping is not for everyone. But I highly recommend it. Weigh the costs and your travel preferences to decide if it’s right for you. We have found so many benefits to our travel trailer purchase, including a wonderful travel trailer community. Our kids have made friends at every campsite we have stayed at and I love the memories that we are making with them in Tin Gypsy.
Shannon says
Wonderful post. I learned a lot.
Nancy Layton says
My dream is to have a mid-size camper. One you can drive and tow a small car behind. I have always wanted to take a couple of months and just head West and go see this country. I want to explore and go on adventures! I want to see this beautiful country, meet people and write a book about my travels and adventures! Was never able to do it before. Bills, divorce, going back to school. Life. My boyfriend and I are an extremely active, young, 50ish but both have work commitments and schedules and kids in college, yada, yada, yada. All the stuff that keeps you from doing what you want to actually do! I lost my sister to cancer last fall and she did not get to do all the things that she was planning for. Maybe it is time to do something about my dream. Maybe start smaller and go on weekend adventures? I really enjoyed this post and it started me seriously thinking about it. Thank you for this. I needed to see it. 🙂
Christine Tibbetts says
Appreciate your points about freedom with the Tin Gypsy.