TJBlue
daydreaming in Minnesota
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Joined: 09/24/2008
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We just bought a travel trailer and have set aside 2 1/2 weeks for our first adventure, hopping to build up to longer trips in the next year. We have an idea of the states we want to visit on this first trip, but are pretty open as far as what part of the state to stay in. Part of the trip should definitely involve staying near the ocean in Texas, but that's about as particular as we have gotten.
Hubby is thinking we should have reservations booked and a plan mapped out. I'm wondering if we can be more casual and book things only a night or two in advance as we go along? What if we want to stay a day longer, a trip segment takes longer than planned, etc. BUT, will we be able to get last minute openings at most places, especially over Christmas?
Looking forward to any and all advice! Thanks,
TJ
soon to be traveling in our Surveyor Travel Trailer, along with hubby, 2 sons, 1 dog.
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southernkilowatt
North Carolina
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Joined: 11/13/2007
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IMHO I would think the whole idea of having 2 1/2 weeks vacation is to do just that. I would throw the schedule out the window. If you want to air on the safe side call ahead and see if you even need a reservation. If so then you could always boondock if necessary.
The most important thing is to have FUN and enjoy it.
Dave
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Dick_B
Palos Heights, IL USA
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Joined: 07/10/2002
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First of all my advice is to limit your travel to 300 miles per day in order for the trip to not be an exercise in highway driving.
If you do that, it will take four days to get to Galveston and four days back. That leaves nine days for sightseeing.
You might search this Forum for Rio Grand Valley (RGV) which is where most of the snow birders go for the winter. Should be lots of information there.
Dick_B
2003 SunnyBrook 27FKS
2003 3/4 T Chevrolet Suburban
Equal-i-zer Hitch
One wife, two bikes (both Electric Schwinn's with motor assist)
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skipnchar
Google Kansas USA
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Joined: 12/17/2003
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We rarely do more than very rudimentary planning for any trip. Schedules and time tables, reservations and details about where we'll stop for fuel or food are just not my idea of freedom. About the most detailed planning we do is to decide whether we're going East or West and we NEVER travel with reservations. Do we always get to stay where we'd prefer....no but so far we've been SOMEWHERE every night and always enjoyed it (and not ONCE did we end up in a parking lot and call it camping). 
2004 F-250 SCREW Long Bed (new)
OR 2004 F-150 HD (85,000 towing miles)
Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
We have enough YOUTH...how about a fountain of SMART
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dboliek1112
Arkansas
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Joined: 10/28/2009
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I like this topic and I'm glad TJBlue asked it. We, too, are learning the fine art of RVing and learning how to just enjoy the road and not drive like you actually have to get somewhere.
Simple, clear purpose and principles give rise to complex and intelligent behavior. Complex rules and regulations give rise to simple and stupid behavior. (Dee Hock)
Dave and Missy Boliek
Little Bit and Roxeanne
1994 Damon Challenger
2007 Saturn Aura
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junmy3
Warner Robins GA
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Let me go against the early flow. Depending on where and when you are going, you may need reservations especially on the weekends. If Texas state parks are like Georgia's reservations may be needed or else you may have to stay somewhere else. We love state parks and try to stay in them as much as possible. If you want to stay in private parks then you probably will not need reservations.
I will also go against the 300 mile rule. If time is a factor then get to your destination and then relax. We would love to just go 300 miles a day, but it is not always practical if your destination is a good ways off and you need to get back home for work.
Now to answer your question, we do a lot of internet searches and sometimes we will go to a state tourism site and order a travel guide. We also ask here what there is to do in an area.
Have a great trip.
Jim & Junnie
2005 Sunline Solaris T-2553
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Elkhartjim
Texas
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Just promise me one thing...when driving in Texas and there is a paved shoulder, move over. I just followed in my toad three snow birds from Indiana caravaning along at 50-55 mph, not allowing room between them to be able to pass one at a time and they dang sure hugged the center line. Traffic was backedup for miles. As we say, be a friendly driver in Texas.
Jim & sidekick Roxie
38' Bounder DP
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robsouth
Too Near Atlanta, GA
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Joined: 06/20/2004
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junmy3 wrote:if your destination is a good ways off and you need to get back home for work.
If that was the case I would plan to somewhere a lot closer to home and save the long trip for when time was not a factor. Rush there and rush back is not my cup of tea.
Dodge Ram 3500 Cummins Turbo Diesel Dually
Terry 22U
Regal 1900LSR
"Great minds like a think"
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MARKW8
Akron OH
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Joined: 03/09/2004
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Sometimes a little planning helps. That being said we've traveled for thirty five years with only a little planning. It's caught us a few times, but we managed.
Mark.
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Morden
Toronto Canada
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Joined: 11/21/2006
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We have evolved to the following:
> we will set an end target and make a reservation if its going to be a busy time of year and we're going to stay at the end for a while
> As for the trip itself we've moved away from managing (and cancelling) reservations to staying loose and being flexible
> it also helps if you can be satisfied with staying at truck centres or Cracker Barrels - that gives you a full day and leaves the nightly set up very loose
Our best weapons for this style are:
- a current campground guide (Woodalls, etc.)
- a cell phone so we can call ahead when we have a target for the day established - that way you can book a specific site and arrive after office hours - in those circumstance I always ask for a pull through
- extensive research before pulling out - of our primary route and side trips, etc. Kowing where you are and having familiarity with the possibilities is a great advantage.
Happy travels!!
Mort
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