Exploring the open road is an exciting adventure no matter what time of year you choose to go. However, there are a few differences between RVing during the on- and off-seasons. Understanding the distinctions between them is essential. Explore some of the pros and cons of taking off-season RV vacations and make an informed choice about when to plan your trip.
Pros
Choosing to RV off-season comes with a unique set of benefits. Any seasoned RVer will tell you these benefits make your trip worthwhile. For this reason, we want to break down a few of the specific advantages of off-season trips.
Fewer Crowds
It’s no secret that traveling in the heights of spring and summer will mean dealing with large crowds of people. These people are likely looking to set up camp and enjoy the same attractions as you.
All of this can start to make your trip a bit stressful. However, RVing in the off-season most assuredly means that there will be far fewer crowds to deal with.
This allows for greater access to the campsites and attractions you love. Plus, fewer people usually means a more peaceful camping experience—with less activity around, you can fully embrace the beauty of your surroundings and enjoy your trip.
Less Cost
RVing in the off-season is also generally more cost-effective. During late autumn and winter, campsites and tourist attractions tend to drop their rates or provide discounts to travelers. Plus, if you happen to be renting your home on wheels, you might snag a deal from your RV renter as well.
All of these things combined give you the chance to extend your trip. Best of all, lower prices allow you to experience luxury destinations and resorts without annihilating your budget. So if you ask us, off-season RVing is a big win for your wallet.
Cons
While the off-season offers a serene, budget-friendly environment, it can also present negatives. It’s important to discuss them so that you have all the information you need to decide about when you’ll hit the road.
Restricted Activities
To start with, off-season RVing might mean fewer crowds at your favorite attractions. However, it can also mean more restrictions on the activities you can do. Moreover, it can mean that some attractions are closed down altogether.
For instance, your favorite park could shut down due to hazardous ice and snow levels. In any case, when you travel during the colder month, the activities and attractions available to you may be restricted.
Weather Issues
You should also be wary of issues caused by inclement weather if you plan to RV off-season. Depending on where you travel, you might have to deal with frigid temperatures, ice, and snow.
These may not seem like a huge deal. But they can be very damaging under the right circumstances. For instance, ice and freezing temperatures could cause your piping or valve gates to lock up.
And we don’t need to tell you how messy that can get. But if winter weather is part of the appeal, we get it. Just be sure to come prepared with tools like RV gate valve heaters. That way, you can enjoy your trip instead of making repairs to your RV.
Hopefully, our overview of the pros and cons of taking off-season RV vacations helps you decide whether this type of travel is right for you. Regardless of the time of year, preparing and planning is the best way to ensure you have a good trip.