RV Resources - Chickery's Travels

2025 Year in Review

What a year it has been! As we look back on the past twelve months, we’re grateful for another season filled with family fun, new adventures, and plenty of laughter along the way. I continued to watch our granddaughter Lily a few days a week at our house, and we’ve loved building such a strong bond with her and watching her grow. And our grandson Jax had a sleepover at our house every other Friday, which meant we got to play all the same games we used to enjoy with our sons when they were little. From the big moments to the small everyday joys, 2025 gave us so many memories worth celebrating, and we’re excited to share a few of our favorites with you.

January

Photo of a woman snowshoeing at Sky Meadows State Park in Virginia.

January brought plenty of snow, which kept us close to home—but it also gave me the perfect chance to break in the snowshoes I received for Christmas. I led two hikes for my local women’s hiking club in the brisk 10-degree weather, and, believe it or not, I had several brave souls join me!

February

Collage of grandchildren playing with their grandma.

We celebrated Donovan (29), Justin (31), and Richie’s (33) birthdays at Top Golf again this year. Lily also had her first sleepover at our house. I think she was getting jealous that Jax got one every other weekend!

March

Collage of grandchildren in hiking backpack.

I finally took Lily on her first hike this month—followed by many more. I also treated Jax to his first visit to the National Children’s Museum in Washington, D.C. He had such a great time, he told me he wanted to go back every day.

April

Collage of photos including baby's first steps and Macchicomoco State Park.

Lily took her first steps during the first week of April at just 9½ months! We had a wonderful Easter celebration with the whole family. Jax enjoyed showing Lily how to hunt for eggs. He is such a sweet big brother.

Sean & I continued our quest to visit all the Virginia State Parks with a trip to Williamsburg and nearby favorites: York River, Chippokes, and Machicomoco. Sean and I also returned to running, and both placed second in our age groups at the Third Winchester Battlefield 5K.

May

Collage of biking at High Bridge Trail State Park in Virginia.

For Sean’s birthday, we enjoyed a getaway to Charlottesville to tour Thomas Jefferson’s historic Monticello estate. We spent the next day biking and hiking at High Bridge Trail State Park, where the path crosses an old rail line high above the river. Later that month, we ran a beautiful—though very hilly—6K at Barrel Oak Winery, winding through the vineyards.

June–July

We celebrated Lily’s first birthday with family and friends. She had a pool party and loved the water and her birthday cake. Jax also graduated from Pre-K. Throughout the summer, I took both Jax and Lily to splash pads, pools, playgrounds, and out for frozen yogurt.

Sean encouraged me to keep running through the heat, and we tackled a 5K at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley in June—where he placed first in his age group—and another 5K in July at hilly Riverbend Park, where I earned second place in mine.

August

Collage of family at Chesapeake Bay KOA.

Our annual beach trip to the Chesapeake Bay was extra special this year with Richie, Agata, Jax, and Lily joining us again. Jax couldn’t get enough of the inflatable bouncy pad, and Lily absolutely loved the water. They later cheered us on at the Burke Lake Park 5K, where I ran my personal best time of the year.

September

Collage of a family enjoying activities at a pumpkin patch.

We went pumpkin picking with Jax and Lily. It’s such a joy to compare photos from Great Country Farms year after year to see how much they’ve grown.

Unfortunately, I broke my foot in four places later in the month, which meant no hiking and missing the Dulles 5K Race on the Runway. I still made it to the sidelines to cheer for Sean, who ran his best time of the year.

October

Fall collage includes photos of hiking and running in the fall.

Although I couldn’t hike to see the fall colors at Shenandoah National Park, I did drive up and sit at the overlooks just to enjoy the beauty. I also joined Sean on a business trip to Atlanta. While he was in conference sessions, I explored the city—via sightseeing bus and, thanks to my crutches, a rented mobility scooter at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

Sean ran the first 5K at the National Zoo. They hope to make it an annual event, so if we’re able, we’ll both be there next year. And of course, I enjoyed ‘trunk or treat’ at the kids’ daycare. As you can see, this year the theme was Super Mario.

November

We headed back to Atlanta for another conference, and this time Sean was able to sneak away one afternoon to visit the Carter Presidential Library and Museum—our sixth presidential library so far. While he worked, I went hiking! It felt so good to get on the trails again. I chose Amicalola Falls State Park, Springer Mountain (the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail), and the Fernbank Museum’s old-growth forest.

By the last week of November, I was able to start jogging again, and Sean and I completed the Bluemont 5K at Henway’s Hard Cider. I also finally remembered to get a photo of our three sons together.

December

We’re excited to celebrate Jax’s fifth birthday on the 14th. He’s such a smart boy! Just the other day, he informed me that 8,000,000 + 8,000,000 equals 16,000,000. When I asked if he knew what 16,000,000 + 16,000,000 was, he thought about it for a few seconds and answered correctly. He loves his “homework,” puzzles, and mazes.

I’m taking him on a special day to Washington, D.C. We’ll go see the Botanical Garden’s model train display, then play at the National Children’s Museum.

And of course, we’re looking forward to celebrating Christmas with the whole crew: Justin, Donovan, Richie, Agata, Jax, and Lily.

8:32 pm by J Chickery Leave a Comment

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.

12:05 pm by Guest Post Leave a Comment

How to Earn Passive Income from Your RV (Without Doing Any Work)

Let’s be honest: RVs aren’t cheap. Between payments, insurance, maintenance, and storage, owning one can feel a lot like having a second mortgage.

But what if you could flip that script, reduce the costs of RV ownership by having your RV pay you instead?

If you’re a part-time RVer, snowbird, or even just taking a break from full-timing, there’s a smart way to turn your RV into a passive income stream without dealing with the headaches of DIY rentals. It’s called RV consignment rental, and it’s a lot simpler (and safer) than you might think.

Here’s the full scoop — including how it works, real-world numbers, and some tips to make sure your rig stays in tip-top shape while it’s out earning you money.

So, What Exactly Is RV Consignment?

Think of it like hiring a property manager — but for your RV.

Instead of posting your own ads, answering dozens of renter questions, coordinating handoffs, and crossing your fingers on insurance coverage, you work with a professional rental management company. They handle everything: marketing, bookings, insurance, customer support, cleaning, even storage in some cases. You just hand them the keys (figuratively speaking) and get a check each month. At RV Management USA, for example, owners get 45% of the rental income after expenses — without lifting a finger. It’s a true “set it and forget it” setup.

Real Income Numbers from Current RV Owners

Curious what kind of money we’re talking about? Here are a few real examples from owners in our program:

Class C Motorhome based in Florida
- Around $28,000 a year in gross rental income
- Owner’s share: about $12,600/year
Travel Trailer based in Arizona
- About $19,500/year in rentals during snowbird season
- Owner’s share: around $8,775/year
Luxury Class A in Southern California
- Higher-end rentals, fewer bookings, but with premium rates
- Grosses about $36,000/year
- Owner’s share: close to $16,200/year

Some owners put their earnings toward their RV loan. Others just stash it away for more travel later. Either way — it beats paying storage fees for an RV that’s just sitting there gathering dust!

Is It a Good Fit for You?

Consignment rental isn’t one-size-fits-all, but it’s perfect if you:

Use your RV part-time and don’t mind renting it out when you’re not
Own an RV that sits unused for months at a time (especially in sunny states!)
Are taking a pause from RV life but plan to keep your rig
Want to offset the cost of a new RV purchase or a downsizing move

Bottom line: if your RV is sitting idle more than it’s rolling down the highway, you could be leaving money on the table.

Protecting Your RV (Because That’s the Big Worry)

I get it — letting strangers use your RV feels risky. It’s your second home on wheels, after all.

A good consignment company takes that seriously. Here’s what you should always make sure is included:

Commercial Rental Insurance: This isn’t regular RV insurance — it’s designed to cover rentals properly.
Full Inspections and Cleanings: Before and after every rental, no exceptions.
Security Deposits: To cover any minor damages if they happen.
Routine Maintenance: Keeping your rig road-ready is part of the deal.
Good Communication: You should always know when your RV is booked and how it’s doing.

At RV Management USA, we’re big on these protections — because when your RV is being used to make you money, it’s even more important that it’s treated right.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

Before jumping in, here are a few quick things to consider:

Who’s managing it? Make sure it’s a company that has good reviews and clear policies.
How often will it be rented? If you still want to use your RV part of the year, work that into the plan.
What’s the payout structure? Know exactly what percentage you’ll receive after fees.
Where will it be stored? Bonus points if they offer free or discounted storage.

Not every program is the same, so a little research upfront can save you a lot of headaches later.

Final Thoughts

If you love RV life but could use a little extra cash flow (who couldn’t?), renting your RV out through a professional management program is one of the easiest ways to make your rig work for you.

It’s truly passive income — and you still keep full ownership and control. Whether you’re in between adventures, downsizing, or just wanting to maximize your investment, this could be the simplest “side hustle” you’ve ever had.

If you’re curious to learn more about how RV Management USA helps RV owners earn while they aren’t using their rigs, check out at rvmanagementusa.com.

Here’s to smarter RV ownership — and many more miles of happy memories (funded by your rig)!