5:48 pm by Julie Chickery

How Book Readers Can Space and Weight in the RV

Do you love to read books but don’t want to sacrifice any of the space in your RV? Or maybe you’re looking for a way to save on weight so you can travel even further without worrying about overloading your RV. In either case, we have some great solutions for you! In this article, we will discuss four different ways to read books while on the road including an option for those who simply must have a hard copy book in their hand. The options for ebooks include the public library, Libby (Overdrive), and Amazon Kindle. This is a very important topic for us since Julie and I read over 100 books a year combined. We simply had to find ways to keep the reading habit alive while not overloading the RV with paper books, and we think we have come upon the best solutions.

Join the Public Library

Public libraries are great resources for books because they offer a large selection of titles at no cost. While everyone knows that you can check out traditional bound books from their local library, not nearly as many know that you can get ebooks for free too. All you need is a library card, which can be obtained at your local library branch. By local, we mean where you have your domicile or home base address. Once you get the card, you don’t have to return to check out books.

Back when I was a kid, we actually had to go to the library to check out a book, read a newspaper, or browse the latest periodicals. That is not true of today’s library. We have a home in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. Our local library is 30 minutes away. Luckily, I have only had to go there one time to get a library card to have access to the digital content. All libraries will differ slightly in the e-content that is offered, but all will have some type of digital database to check out electronic books. Many libraries will also have databases for audiobooks, music, movies, educational programs, and periodicals.

The database most libraries use is Libby by Overdrive. Libby is a great option for those who want to read or listen to books without leaving their RV. Libby is an app and computer program that allows you to borrow ebooks and audiobooks from your public library. If you have ever used Overdrive in the past, Libby is now its headliner.

All you need to browse for books is a valid library card. Once you have that, you can go to the website or app and connect to your library’s licensed content to browse the selection and borrow titles that interest you. Many of the books are in the Kindle format, so it is easy to read them through your Kindle app or Kindle device, such as the Kindle Paperwhite we will discuss later. Best of all, Libby automatically returns your books when they’re due, eliminating the worry about late fees!

Ebooks

Amazon Kindle Store

If you are not a member of a public library, the Amazon Kindle store is a great option for finding ebooks that you can purchase. Kindle offers a wide selection of books, both digital and physical.

For ebooks, Kindle also has a feature called Kindle Unlimited, which gives you unlimited access to over one million titles for a monthly fee. A subscription to Kindle Unlimited allows you to borrow from a large selection of digital books without due dates. As of the publishing of this article, a Kindle Unlimited subscription costs $9.99 a month, with the ability to cancel anytime, but you can start with a 30-day free trial to see if you like the selection. Unlimited is great for those who want to have access to a large selection of books without having to buy them all individually. We like this because you have the ability to read a lot of books for one low price. You can even read our book, Full-Time RV Finance, for free on Kindle Unlimited, or purchase a paperback copy on Amazon.

The other good thing about Kindle versus the library is that it is easy to get the newest books without waiting. If there is a title you are extremely excited to read, but it is not available through the library, the chances are good that you can get the e-version right away from the Kindle store. We do not like to spend a lot of money on books, but I will purchase a couple of ebooks per year at the Kindle store just because I really want to read them, and they are not available through the public library. Julie has a Kindle Unlimited membership and frequently uses it to read books unavailable through our local library.

Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader

The device we are currently using for our digital books is the Kindle Paperwhite e-reader. For many years, Julie and I both read on iPads. Julie had the iPad Mini, and I had a standard iPad. There were two problems with the iPad for us: one is that it is not as lightweight as the Kindle readers and the other is that it is hard to read in bright outdoor lighting situations. For those who want the best reading experience possible, we think the Kindle Paperwhite is the way to go.

The Kindle Paperwhite has a high-resolution display that makes text look crisp and clear. It also has built-in lights so you can read in any environment, even if there’s no natural light. The lighting is different than that found on an iPad, and it seems to me that it causes less eye fatigue allowing for longer reading sessions. The Kindle Paperwhite only weighs 6.4 ounces, which is very light. Best of all, the Kindle Paperwhite is very portable, so you can take it with you wherever you go. Finally, the Kindle Paperwhite has a battery life of up to six weeks, so you can read for hours without worrying about running out of power. I end up charging mine about once a month. Plus, the Kindle Paperwhite charges quickly, so you can get back to reading in no time.

Audiobooks

For those long driving days, an interesting or captivating audiobook is a great way to make the time go by faster. If you enjoy reading, this is a great alternative for when you need your eyes for other tasks but still want to get that reading fix satisfied. Julie and I listen to audiobooks on our road trips, and it’s a great way to pass the time together while venturing to our next location. I was driving up the east coast yesterday and listened to one of the books in the series that the show Longmire is based on.

There are many ways that you can get audiobooks. First, you can purchase them from online retailers such as Audible (Amazon audiobook site). If you’d prefer to save money and check them out from your online library, you can so via the Libby app. Either way, you can listen to them on your phone, tablet, or other devices.

There is a great debate on whether or not audiobooks count as reading. I think it does. You are still using the parts of your brain that form images based on the words. Also, your imagination is working just as the same as if you are actually reading the words. If you are a non-fiction fan, it is a great way to learn new things while cruising down the road.

Need Paper in Your Hand?

For many lifelong readers, there is simply no substitute for having a traditionally bound book in your hand. If this describes you, don’t worry, there are still options that are suitable to traveling. Obviously you can still check out books from your local library if you’re going on a short trip, but what about extended or full-time travel?

In that case, we have two suggestions. The first is a leave one, take one display. We see these at most campgrounds, usually in the laundry room or the community center if they have one. There are also over 150,000 Little Free Libraries in towns around the world operating on the same concept: Take a book, share a book. You can find one near your current location by going to the Little Free Library website and clicking “search near me.”

A final option is to visit a used bookstore. These are also easy to find and they offer inexpensive used books. In addition, they often will accept your used books, typically for in-store credit that you can use to turn around and purchase new books.

Finding Communities for Book Lovers

Joining online book clubs and sites like Goodreads are two great ways to connect with other readers, discuss books, and get recommendations for new books to read.

Online book clubs are forums where people can come together and discuss books that they have read. A couple of great places to find them is on meetup.com or bookclub.com. Goodreads is a social networking site for book lovers. It allows you to create a profile, track the books that you are reading, and see what your friends are reading. You can also join groups based on your interests and connect with other readers who share your love of books.

We hope you enjoyed this article on how to read books while saving space and weight in your RV. Do you have any tips that we didn’t mention? We would love to hear from you in the comments below!

No matter what your pleasures are, there’s a solution for you. So don’t wait any longer. Start RVing and reading today!

8:10 pm by Julie Chickery

Can You Save Money Traveling Often?

We’re often asked if it is possible to save money traveling even when you travel often? Some people think that it’s impossible to find ways to save that make travel inexpensive enough to afford on a regular basis, but this doesn’t have to be the case. In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the things that you can do to save money when you are traveling on a regular basis. Keep reading down below if you would like to find out more about this topic.

Skip the Standard Hotels

Timeshare resort with a lake and palm trees

When our three sons lived at home we quickly learned one great way to save money was to skip the hotels and find vacation rentals with a kitchen so we could make our own meals. We ultimately decided to purchase a timeshare. A timeshare is a form of vacation ownership where a group of people jointly own a property. Depending on the timeshare, you either get to use a property for a specific period of time each year or you get a set number of nights, but are offered a range of dates and locations to use them. We chose the second option and appreciated the flexibility to enjoy various destinations.

Timeshares can be a great way for families to save money on vacation costs. With a timeshare, you can plan exactly how much your vacations will cost. In addition, timeshares offer families flexibility and choice when it comes to vacation planning. Families can choose from a wide variety of timeshare resorts, and they can even trade their timeshare for another resort if they want to switch things up. For example, you can look into Sapphire Resort reviews as this will give you an idea of what it’s like and how much it is going to cost.

Try an RV

Another great option to save money on frequent travel is to do it in a recreational vehicle. We’ve loved traveling around the U.S. in our RV since 2014. Not only does it give you the flexibility of taking your lodging with you and visiting multiple destinations in one trip, but RV travel offers many money-saving opportunities as well. For starters, you won’t have to worry about paying for flights or restaurants. Campgrounds are also less expensive than hotels, but they offer as many amenities and activities for the entire family to enjoy.

RV resort with large swimming pool and splash pad

There are many different types of RVs and we recommend that you consider renting an RV before you decide to purchase one. This will ensure you have a chance to try different types and find the one that suits you and your travel style best.

Plan in Advance

The final thing that we’d like to say is that if you want to save some money on travel, booking in advance will typically offer the best deals on campgrounds, RV resorts, and RV rentals. The same can also be said for purchasing a timeshare. If you do your research, you’ll learn there are certain times of the year when market demand is lower, which will give you a better position as a potential owner.

We hope that you have found this article helpful. While both timeshares and RVs are an investment, as long as you use them, they will more than pay for themselves over the years.

5:52 pm by Julie Chickery

Lincoln / Woodstock KOA (New Hampshire)

KOA Holiday Campgrounds are the perfect place to stay when you’re looking for a little rest and relaxation and the Lincoln / Woodstock KOA is no exception. If you’re planning a visit to New Hampshire’s White Mountains it’s the perfect location for our base camp. The campsites are well-maintained and spacious and there are plenty of activities to participate in at the campground. If you’re looking for a little more excitement, there’s plenty to do nearby. The Lincoln Woodstock KOA Holiday Campground is just a short drive from the White Mountain National Forest and New Hampshire’s famed Franconia Notch State Park.

Campsites

One thing that we love about KOA campgrounds is the variety of site types so you can choose one to fit your rig and your budget. They range from the less expensive water and electric back-in campsites to premium full hook-up patio sites. Every standard campsite comes with a picnic table and fire pit. The KOA Patio ™ sites also include your own paved, private deck area with a grill, outdoor dining table and chairs, and fire pit.

As usual, if you aren’t traveling in an RV or want to have a large family gathering, they also have numerous tent sites, primitive cabins, deluxe cabins, and even a covered wagon with a private bathroom.

Campground Amenities

Walking a dog by the river at the New Hampshire KOA

Another feature we enjoy at KOA Holiday campgrounds is the amenities. The Lincoln / Woodstock KOA has a large play area with a sand volleyball court, jumping pad, and playground. Near the front of the campground, there is a small mini golf course, a game room, and a swimming pool for hours of family fun. Our favorite thing about the campground was the nature trail that leads from the campground down to a fishing pond and the Pemi River. It was a great spot to walk our dogs, but you could also ride mountain bikes as well and we saw many campers who brought inner tubes to float on the river.

The campground also had the standard amenities you come to expect at a KOA like a bathhouse, laundry facility, and large, fenced dog park. Another great feature for pet owners was an onsite outdoor kennel if you wanted to go somewhere for an afternoon without your pets.

Local Area

Natural views of mountains and waterfalls in New Hampshire

This campground is conveniently located for the best activities in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It was our first visit to the state and we loved every minute of it! From hiking in Franconia Notch State Park and along the Kancamagus Scenic Byway to swimming at the base of waterfalls, there is something for everyone.

Book Your Stay

Whether you are looking for a quick getaway or a family vacation, you can’t go wrong with this amazing KOA campground! Click here to make reservations and don’t forget to sign up for the rewards program to get 10% off every KOA stay. We love the rewards program because you also earn points to use towards discounts on future stays. And if you’re looking for other great campgrounds we’ve enjoyed, see our campground reviews here.

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