J Chickery - Chickery's Travels

How To Make Your Next Road Trip More Joyful

So much planning and preparation go into travelling, and sometimes we forget that the whole purpose of discovering the world has wonders, which is to feel that sense of mind and world-expanding joy that only travel can bring.

However, you’ll be pleased to find out that even if you have got bogged down in all the preparation for your next trip, there are plenty of ways you can make sure you release the joy when you travel. These recommendations are in two main parts: part one, how to make the journey more fun, and part two, how to maximize the joy at your destination.

Family enjoying a campfire in front of an RV.

Part 1: Make the journey more fun

Plan plenty of fun stops

Often, we want the journey to our destination to be over as quickly as possible so our ‘real’ trip can begin. Yet, the journey can often be the best part of a road trip. The first way to get more joy from your journey is to plan stops with fun in mind.

Think about scheduling some stops on your road trip to check out the roadside attractions along the way. We love using the Atlas Obscura website to find unique and sometimes bizarre roadside attractions to experience, from The International Banana Museum – Mecca, California, which hosts over 20,000 banana-related items, to The Paper House – Rockport, Massachusetts. A place that, as you may have already guessed from the name, is indeed built and furnished from over 100,000 varnished newspapers.

Another way you can make the journey part of your trip more joyful is to embrace the time to enjoy some entertainment. There are so many different forms of entertainment that you can do during your journey, especially if you are not the one in the driving seat.

Games to enjoy

Road trips are a great opportunity for family bonding, and playing games can make the journey even more enjoyable. One classic game is “I Spy,” where players take turns spotting something and giving clues until someone guesses correctly. “20 Questions” is another favorite, where one person thinks of an object, and the rest ask yes-or-no questions to figure it out. License Plate Bingo keeps everyone alert, as players look for license plates from different states or provinces. The Alphabet Game challenges the family to find words starting with each letter of the alphabet, in order, on signs and buildings. For a creative twist, try “Story Chain,” where each person adds a sentence to a made-up story, building an unpredictable and often hilarious tale. These games require little or no supplies and are fun for all ages, making the miles fly by.

Be sure to bring a tablet in case your driver needs a little peace and quiet. Then you’ll be able to enjoy games like Spider Solitaire or Mahjong.

Get some reading time in

Audiobooks are a fantastic way to keep the whole family entertained on road trips, turning long hours in the car into an immersive storytelling adventure. They help pass the time, reduce screen use, and spark imagination, making the journey just as enjoyable as the destination. With professional narration, sound effects, and engaging plots, audiobooks can captivate listeners of all ages. Family-friendly options like Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling, The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, or Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White offer timeless stories everyone can enjoy. For something fun and modern, try The Wild Robot by Peter Brown or Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan. Whether you’re laughing, learning, or getting lost in a magical world together, audiobooks make road trips memorable for the whole family.

Part 2: Maximize the joy at your destination

RV travel and camping with your kids and grandkids is a great way to expose them to new places and experiences.

Look for authentic experiences

To fully experience a local area during a road trip, take time to step off the beaten path and explore what makes each place unique. Start by visiting local diners, cafés, or food trucks to taste regional specialties and support small businesses. Check out community events like farmers’ markets, street fairs, or local festivals, which offer a glimpse into the culture and lifestyle of the area. Chatting with residents can lead to great recommendations for hidden gems, scenic spots, or lesser-known attractions. Nature lovers can hike nearby trails or stop at local parks to enjoy the landscape. Museums, historical sites, and cultural centers also provide rich context about the region’s heritage. By slowing down and engaging with the community, your road trip becomes more than just a journey—it becomes a collection of authentic, unforgettable experiences.

Tailor your trip specifically to your needs

You can also enhance the joy at your destination if you get everyone involved in the travel planning. You might start by making a big list of everything you’d like the campground to offer or activities you’d like to do the local area. Then let everyone pick one or two things. This works well for families, couples, or even friends who travel together. We realized early on that I like to be on the go the whole, while my husband likes to have some downtime at the campground. Now we make sure we have enough time for both.

Make a positive difference

Volunteering while on vacation, often called “voluntourism,” is a meaningful way to give back to the community you’re visiting. Instead of just sightseeing, you can spend part of your trip helping out at local schools, wildlife conservation projects, food banks, or community clean-ups. Many organizations offer short-term opportunities tailored to travelers, allowing you to make a positive impact without committing to a long stay. It’s a great way to connect with locals, learn about different cultures, and return home with a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. One great volunteer program for RVer’s is Habitat for Humanity’s Care-A-Vanner program, but the opportunities are endless from trail maintenance to beach clean-up days.

9:37 am by J Chickery Leave a Comment

Hit the Road for Less: How RV Travel Can Slash Your Vacation Costs

Let’s face it—traveling these days isn’t cheap. Flights, hotels, meals on the go… it adds up faster than you’d expect. But there’s a quiet, steady rebellion happening out on the open road. It’s made up of people trading rigid itineraries and overpriced hotel rooms for something simpler, something more flexible. The answer? Life on wheels. If you’ve ever wondered how people are managing to travel more while spending less, RV life might just be the missing puzzle piece.

Drastically Lower Accommodation Costs

Views of three different campsites at Harper's Ferry KOA campground in West Virginia

Try this: price out a week in a downtown hotel versus a weeklong stay at an RV park. The difference? Night and day. Hotels might offer room service and tiny shampoo bottles, but they also come with hefty nightly rates, added taxes, and parking fees that’ll make you wince. RV parks, on the other hand, keep things simple. You’ve already got your bed, your own space, your own stuff. So why overpay for someone else’s linens? Many parks also offer a discounted rate for weeklong or monthly stays. For travelers on a budget—or those who just don’t want to throw money out the window—it’s a no-brainer.

Follow our tips for saving on campgrounds and other aspects of RV travel.

Save On Dining With Your Own Kitchen

There’s something satisfying about making your own breakfast while the sun rises just beyond your window. In an RV, your kitchen comes with you. And while it might be smaller than the one back home, it gets the job done. Tired of overpriced coffee and soggy takeout? Cook your own meals. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef. Scrambled eggs and toast. Pasta and sauce. A burger grilled just the way you like it. RV parks often make it even easier by offering picnic areas or communal grills. The best part? You’re not eating in a noisy restaurant; you’re dining with the trees, the stars, the birds, or your feet in the grass.

Access To Free Or Low-Cost Amenities

A photo with dozens of RVs in a U-shape of paved RV sites, separated by lush green grass. In the center, there is a green building with a wooden deck and ramp leading to a pool and 'lazy river' that surrounds more grass. There are many blue intertubes, several lounge chairs, and four sun shelters throughout the pool/river area. The RV park is surrounded by fields of grass and a few houses. The ocean and blue sky are in the background.

You might not expect a swimming pool with a hot tub, game room, nature trail, and dog park in the middle of nowhere. But many RV parks are quietly impressive. Sure, they vary—some feel rustic and woodsy, others are more like a destination resort—but most have one thing in common: they make life easier. Planned kids activities and movie nights. Hiking trails right outside your door. The kind of stuff you’d normally pay a premium for elsewhere is just… there. Waiting for you.

Reduced Transportation Expenses

When your home moves with you, there’s no reason to rush. You can settle in, stay a while, explore what’s nearby. Park close to town or just outside the national park entrance. Ride your bike. Walk. Take the shuttle. With an RV, you skip the back-and-forth and the costly fuel bills that come with it. You go where you want, when you want, and then you stop. That kind of flexibility isn’t just convenient; it’s economical in ways that start to make a lot of sense the longer you’re out there.

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing the experience. If anything, it forces you to get creative, and often, that creativity leads you somewhere better. And for those chasing freedom without draining their bank accounts, RV parks are one of the smartest places to begin.

8:27 pm by J Chickery Leave a Comment

How to Plan Your First Family Camping Trip

Camping is the ultimate family activity. It’s a great way to experience campfires, hiking, and outdoor fun while having a cozy place to relax at the end of the day. Kids can enjoy hands-on experiences like gathering firewood, roasting marshmallows, and exploring the outdoors, fostering a sense of curiosity and appreciation for nature. With endless opportunities for hiking, fishing, and storytelling around the campfire, tent camping encourages families to unplug from technology and bond in a simple, yet meaningful way.

Planning your first family camping trip can be exciting but requires some preparation to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are the key steps:

1. Select a Camping Style

Collage of the Cape Charles / Chesapeake Bay KOA resort

Cabin Camping: Cabin camping is perfect for beginners because it offers a comfortable and hassle-free introduction to the outdoors. Unlike tent camping, cabins provide shelter from the elements, protection from bugs and wildlife, and basic amenities like beds, electricity, and sometimes even bathrooms. This makes it easier to enjoy nature without the challenges of setting up a tent, dealing with unpredictable weather, or sleeping on the ground.
Tent Camping: This type of camping requires a bit of gear to get started, but it is an excellent choice for families because it offers an affordable, immersive, and adventurous way to connect with nature and each other. Setting up a tent together teaches teamwork and problem-solving, while sleeping under the stars creates unforgettable memories.
RV Camping: We think RVs offer the best choice for families because they combine the comfort of a cabin with the mobility and adventure of tent camping, offering a perfect balance of convenience and outdoor fun. Unlike cabins, which keep you tied to one location, RVs let families explore multiple destinations while bringing the comforts of home, such as a kitchen, bathroom, and cozy sleeping areas. Compared to tents, RVs provide better protection from weather, bugs, and rough terrain, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable experience for parents and kids alike. Be sure to visit a suitable and comfortable RV park that offers a variety of amenities and local attractions to check out. You want somewhere you can rinse off in a warm shower after a day of hiking. It will be fun to meet new people and explore new locations with your RV.

2. Choose a Destination

Tents and bison at Sage Creek Campground

For your first trip, pick a family-friendly campground with amenities like restrooms, potable water, and picnic tables. Be sure to do a little research. While national and state parks are great places to explore the wild at a reasonable price, many don’t offer any amenities. If you want to visit a national park, but want a full service campground, there are many options like Wind River View Campground near Grand Tetons National Park.

Take the time to compare your options. Narrow them down based on your preferences, and you shouldn’t have a problem figuring out the perfect one for you. It’ll take a little time, but will be well worth it. If you need a little help, check out our three simple steps for finding the best campground.

4. Gather Essential Gear

Start with a list of the essential gear you’ll need for your trip, then create a checklist to avoid forgetting essential items.

Shelter & Sleeping: Tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pads/air mattresses, pillows.
Cooking Supplies: Portable stove, fuel, matches/lighter, cookware, utensils, plates, cups, and a cooler with ice.
Clothing & Footwear: Weather-appropriate layers, rain gear, comfortable hiking shoes.
Lighting: Flashlights, headlamps, extra batteries.
Other Essentials: First aid kit, bug spray, sunscreen, maps, camping chairs.

If you’ll be tent camping, be sure to store gear in waterproof bins or bags. Also pack efficiently, keeping frequently used items accessible.

5. Plan Meals & Snacks

If you’re anything like me, food is key to a great vacation. When planning your first camping trip, keep it simple with easy-to-cook meals that use overlapping ingredients. If you’re just going out for a weekend trip, pre-prep as much as possible. For example, love baking a few simple at home and freeze them for the trip. They are super easy to heat up and will save time at the campsite. Don’t forget snacks and drinks too. While most campstores will sell these items, they are typically overpriced. See our tips for saving money on food while camping.

6. Prepare for Activities

When planning activities for a family camping trip, consider the interests and ages of everyone involved to ensure fun and engagement. Start by researching the campsite’s amenities, trails, and local attractions to take advantage of available opportunities like hiking, fishing, swimming, or wildlife spotting. Pack games, sports equipment, and creative activities like scavenger hunts or storytelling by the campfire. Plan a mix of structured activities, such as a nature walk or camp cooking challenge, and free time for relaxation and exploration. Always have backup options for rainy weather, like board games, card games, or simple crafts. Lastly, involve the whole family in planning to build excitement and ensure everyone has something to look forward to!

7. Safety & Emergency Prep

Campground safety starts with choosing a well-maintained site and setting up camp away from hazards like unstable trees, cliffs, or water bodies. Keep food stored in airtight containers or bear-proof lockers to prevent attracting wildlife. Always have a first-aid kit, know the location of the nearest ranger station or emergency services, and establish a meeting point in case anyone gets lost. Be aware that many remote campgrounds like those in national parks may not have any cell service. Follow fire safety rules by keeping campfires contained, never leaving them unattended, and fully extinguishing them before sleeping or leaving. Be mindful of local wildlife, avoid feeding animals, and learn to identify poisonous plants. Finally, stay hydrated, use insect repellent, and dress appropriately for the weather to prevent heat exhaustion, hypothermia, or bug bites.

8. Enjoy the Experience

To relax and enjoy your first camping trip, embrace the slower pace and let go of rigid schedules. Focus on simple pleasures like watching the sunset, listening to nature, and enjoying good food by the campfire. Avoid overpacking activities—leave room for spontaneous fun, whether it’s stargazing, telling stories, or just lounging in a hammock. Stay flexible and go with the flow, as things might not always go as planned. Disconnect from technology, be present with your surroundings, and savor the experience with family or friends. Most importantly, keep a lighthearted attitude—camping is about adventure, not perfection!