Snowbirds & RV Travelers

Bristol's biggest claim to fame happened in 1927. Bristol Sessions came about when Ralph Peer, a producer for Victor Talking Machine Company, later RCA Victor, wanted to record “Hillbilly music.” Ernest Stoneman, an Appalachian musician who with his wife, Hattie, was already recording for Victor, suggested Bristol. At the sessions, Peer recorded 76 songs by 19 musicians or groups. In 2002, The Library of Congress National Recording Registry ranked the 1927 Bristol Sessions among the 50 most significant sound recording events of all time and named Bristol “The Birthplace of Country Music.”Today's podcast was written by Kathleen Walls and presented by Perry Mack

About an hour east of the i95 from Richmond or two hours southeast of the acclaimed Civil War attractions in Fredericksburg, Mathews County and the county seat of the same name serve as a winter destination in this region of Virginia.Mathews County in Virginia's Middle Peninsula is plotted with a number of rural communities with access to two RV parks, scenic downtown districts, waterways, boat tours, and numerous trails. Of course, you can always sink your teeth into some of the best oysters in the state anytime. It's especially worth a trip here during peak harvest season between October and March or any of the themed seafood festivals.

The American state of New Mexico is known as ‘The Land of Enchantment.' Its captivating culture blends indigenous, Hispanic and American cultures into being American. New Mexico's future was established with the Viceroyality of New Spain [Nuevo Espana] in 1535, Mexico in 1821, and the United States in 1848. To understand New Mexico, five major attractions make this state enchanting for visitors.

Small towns are the perfect getaway for Snowbirds. Why fight traffic and spend time hunting for parking spots when you can visit small towns like Gaffney with so much to see and do without all the big city hassle? Gaffney in Cherokee County is known as “The Peach Capital of South Carolina” because at one time, Cherokee County produced more peaches annually than the entire state of Georgia which calls itself the "Peach State."Even more interesting, Gaffney has a pivotal place in history. Had the Patriots not won at the Battle of Cowpens, what are now the southern U.S. states might still English territory.

The Sunshine State is one of the top snowbird destinations in the U.S., especially for Eastern and Central North American snowbirds. But Florida is not a homogenous state with identical winter experiences. History and topography have shaped Florida's regions into unique realms with different attractions, adventures, and cultural lifestyles. After spending years vacationing in Florida, here are two of our favourites and two perfect parks to call home for the winter.

It's snowbird season, and you've decided to set out on a journey with a fifth wheel. It will become a reliable and comfortable home base during your travels. There are several benefits of owning this class of RV. One of its distinguishable differences from any type of travel trailer, however, is the fifth wheel hitch, which mounts in the bed of the tow vehicle and positions the tongue weight over—or just in front—of the rear axle. Routine care and understanding its components are essential to achieving the peace of mind you want when you're travelling this snowbird season.Today's podcast is Courtesy Tulga Fifth Wheel and presented by Perry Mack

RVing in the winter isn't limited to snowbirds visiting southern destinations. Many enthusiasts north of the border embrace the snow and cold temperatures, using their rigs to set up camp at local ski resorts or select parks to partake in seasonal cheer and enjoy outdoor recreation.These activities lead to the use of lithium-ion batteries, as well as other types of batteries, and how they are affected by cold temperatures. Knowing how the winter weather impacts portable power can help smooth out the purchasing process, from understanding longevity and cost savings to daily performance.Todays podcast, courtesy Relion, is presented by Perry Mack

We made going home an adventure by exploring the scenic coastal states of California, Oregon, and Washington.Many full-time RVers typically spend their winters snowbirding in Arizona to escape the cool and dreary weather in British Columbia. On a recent trip home from the Grand Canyon State, we decided to drive west toward Los Angeles and experience the famed U.S. Route 101.Story and Photos by Larry MacDonald and presented by Perry MackThis is one of the most significant continuous highways in the U.S. and extends through California, Oregon, and Washington. Many full-service RV parks are easily accessible, and with several scenic attractions, the route provided the perfect, relaxing trip for our journey back to BC.

RV parks, golfing, sporting events, and day trips into Mexico—this West Texas destination will keep you active all season.Nicknamed Sun City due to its 300 days of annual sunshine, El Paso's is perched at 1,158 m (3,800 ft) above sea level. The many attractions in El Paso, TX, draw more than two million visitors every year. One of the novel distinctions of this westernmost point of the Lone Star State is its convergence of Texas, New Mexico, and Old Mexico. The Spanish arrived here in the mid-1600s, and the ‘Spanish influence' is still present today.Written By Rick Stedman and presented by Perry Mack

From expansive beaches and natural attractions to art galleries, museums, and even an award-winning zoo, there's so much to see in Jacksonville that it's easy to spend a few days there. If you're passing through, to, or from your main snowbird destination, there are several worthy attractions not to miss.Todays podcast was written by Kathleen Walls and presented by Perry MackLocated in Northeast Florida, Jacksonville is unique in the sense that, according to Visit Florida, it's “home to the largest urban park system in the US.” There are a total of seven state parks, two national parks, a national preserve, and roughly 400 city parks and gardens. Nature lovers will love all of the outdoor activities, while art and history buffs will want to see the museums and galleries.

We all know that the dry, comfortable, warm climate through the winter makes Arizona a popular destination for snowbirds. You can easily fall into daily routines with programs at the RV resorts, while golfing, dining, and shopping are never far away. But Arizona has an immense number of exciting experiences, and you never have to travel far to encounter something new in the Grand Canyon State. Here are six of our favourites, that you may not know about.Written by Steve Fennel and presented by Perry MackAccording to Visit Phoenix, the greater area of Phoenix has more than 160 golf courses, which is just shy of half of the state's total count of 370, giving you ample opportunities to practice your game. Play a different course every few days, or find one that best suits your skill level. If ‘retail therapy' is your preference, try Phoenix Premium Outlets, Outlets at Anthem, and Uptown Plaza with locally owned shops and restaurants. But what if golfing isn't your game and you don't buy into big-city shopping?

Why it's so important to understand all of the stipulations when bringing a second car to a destination.Among the number of questions we hear about towing a car (or dinghy, as it's referred to) behind a motorhome, the most common has to be: is it worthwhile? If you drive a large rig, you may find the added length and weight intimidating. However, bringing a second vehicle to any destination has several advantages and a few disadvantages to consider before making your decision.

In the RV community, the term ‘escaping the crowds' has long been the practice of outdoor enthusiasts, well before the COVID-19 pandemic. While there are many popular attractions throughout Arizona, there are a number of lesser-known, less-populated state parks that are just as appealing, naturally exciting, and serve as great day--or even multi-day--destinations for Canadian Snowbirds.

Do you have burning questions about RV insurance? Whether your home away from home is a trailer, motor home, or park model, it's important to have the best, most complete protection possible. In this podcast, we'll cover the basics of RV insurance, answer frequently asked questions, warn you of the pitfalls when buying insurance, and provide tips to save on your insurance premiums. Meet Amy Bradley, a dedicated and valued member of Orbit Insurance Services for over 19 years.

Approximately 40 km (25 mi) east of Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park is a prime southern RV destination in Northwestern Georgia. At 3,200 acres, and about an hour to DeKalb and Henry counties, you can comfortably spend the entire winter here with so much to experience and enjoy.Stone Mountain Park is the largest campground in the Peach State with 400 RV, pop-up, and tent sites plus yurt, safari tent, and RV rentals. With many natural attractions, its significant landmark is Stone Mountain, which rises from the mostly flat landscape, and showcases the largest bas-relief carving in North America (and the largest Confederate monument in the world).

Las Vegas and Reno may be the prime destinations in Nevada to visit throughout the winter, but the open roads beyond their city limits lead to engaging points of interest that truly define the Silver State. The arid, dry climate, friendly communities, RV resorts, and state and national parks all provide perfect getaways.

From dental work to cosmetic surgery, medical treatment in Mexico is growing in popularity for its affordability and accessibility, compared to what many visitors are accustomed to in Canada and the U.S.Medical tourism is not a new alternative for snowbirds. However, as it is becoming a more sought-after service for specific treatments, we examined this growing trend to provide further insight into what is available and what precautions to take.

The brick streets of downtown Natchitoches (pronounced Nack-a-tish), Louisiana, have been welcoming visitors longer than any other Louisiana city. The Old City in Cane River Country is the oldest settlement in the Pelican State, and the community has taken care to preserve and honour the unique elements of its storied past. These stand alongside contemporary attractions, and this combination of ‘old, new, and one-of-a-kind' draws RVers every year.

Nearby southern locales like Georgia's Jekyll Island and Savannah, Statesboro is where Canadian snowbirds can visit for the entire winter or at least a few months. The area brims with charm, unique experiences, and history, ranking it as a great destination no matter how long you stay. Not sure where to go or looking for something new? Here's a sampling of what you'll enjoy during one of the Peach State's' top RV trips.

Ever wondered what you need to do to open a first-class RV resort? The kind of place that folks will want to come to and, hopefully, come back to? We interview Jim Germyn and Erin Forrest, who are two experts in opening, managing, and marketing resorts for CRR Hospitality - A Lifestyle Company, and who have been instrumental in opening a brand-new resort, Coachella Lakes RV Resort, in the Greater Palm Springs area. Whether you want to know what it takes or want to know more about an opportunity to stay at an affordable, luxury RV resort, this podcast is for you.

Consisting of ten natural biomes with diverse landscapes, Texas is a very popular snowbird getaway. With the renowned Gulf Coast to the south, the Panhandle Plains to the north, and more scenic districts in between. The Lone Star State welcomes Snowbirds who are looking for new experiences this winter.

While it may not always be available during your travels, especially in unfamiliar territory, ‘casino camping' is an alternative. Casinos are typically budget-friendly, and they are often available when you need a break from the road the most.

With a desert landscape covering 3,237 sq km, Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California is located between the Mojave and Colorado deserts and became a national park in 1994. The locals affectionately refer to it as "J-Tree," and what makes this place so spectacular are its extraordinary night skies and unique rock formations. In addition to the stunning night sky, the park has roughly 500 km of hiking trails, nine campgrounds, and the namesake Joshua Trees. In fact, these species only grow at elevations between 600 and 1,800 metres and strictly within the Mojave Desert of California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah.

RVing is one of the most affordable ways to experience unique destinations. Some costs are unavoidable, but there are ways to save and stick to your budget. We have compiled and reviewed a list of some of the most unique practices that'll take some stress off your wallet while still being able to enjoy the benefits of RV travel.

The London Bridge was sinking into the River Thames and available for purchase when McCulloch decided to buy it. Between dismantling the bridge, transporting it to California, trucking it to Havasu, and then reassembling the bridge, it was an engineering miracle. The bridge was dedicated on October 10, 1971, and remains the second-largest tourist attraction in Arizona, next to the Grand Canyon.If you hate wildlife, water, festivals, events, scenery, and architecture, and if you are really trying to avoid fun, then skip this region of southern Arizona. Because traveling Lake Havasu City miles is guaranteed to end in smiles.

The northwestern Alabama cities of Muscle Shoals, Tuscumbia, Sheffield, and Florence are called The Shoals. These cities in ‘The Heart of Dixie' celebrate art and history all year. Their largest claim to fame in the region is its musical heritage, but there is much more than the cool sounds of the past and present here.

New Smyrna Beach's 17-miles of white sand beach draws surfers, visitors, and snowbirds like a magnet even though, according to almost all surveys, New Smyrna Beach is the most dangerous beach for shark attacks and surfing accidents. Does that mean you should avoid New Smyrna's beaches?Let's look at some facts. There are over 400,000 visitors to New Smyrna's beaches annually. Plus, it's one of Florida's most popular surfing places. According to the International Wildlife Museum, the odds of dying from a shark attack are 1 in 3,748,067, making lightning or fireworks more likely.

When U.S. Route 80 was established through Arizona more than a century ago, few may have realized that four historical communities would combine to provide exciting experiences in the heart of Arizona's wild west. Benson, Bisbee, Tombstone and Douglas, in Cochise County remain popular attractions that bring in countless RVers every year.Campgrounds abound and each community welcomes travellers throughout the snowbird season to make the most of your visit. Benson is known as the gateway to Cochise County and is one of the best starting points from the I-10 to what is now called Old U.S. Route 80.

An RV trip to Mexico takes some planning. Before your southern journey even begins, certain U.S.-Mexico border regulations must be understood, and it's essential to follow all of the stipulations to obtain a required Temporary Importation Permit (TIP) for your RV and tow vehicle. Not having a valid permit can result in vehicle confiscation.

Historic sites and sounds still prevail in one of Canada's most historic and well-known urban destinations.In September 1888, Lord Stanley, Governor General of Canada, officially opened Stanley Park in Vancouver. It's the third-largest park in North America, spanning 405 ha (1,001 ac) and draws approximately eight million visitors annually. In 2014, Trip Advisor ranked it as the top park in the world based on preserved historical landmarks, waterfront views, tourist attractions, sports fields, forests, and walking/hiking trails. Despite its popular attractions and active grounds, the known and unknown history of Stanley Park continues to fascinate all kinds of travellers who visit the area every year.

Affectionately known as The Biggest Little City in the World, the downtown Reno Arch bears the moniker that first greeted visitors in 1926. It was erected to promote the upcoming Transcontinental Highways Exposition the following year and visitors today can walk under it on Lake Street near the Renaissance Reno Downtown Hotel & Spa and National Automobile Museum. Be sure your smart device is charged as it makes for the perfect selfie.Enjoy a True Reno Experience: No Luck Required Was written By Rick Stedman and presented by Perry Mack Located in the western portion of Nevada and 740 km north of Las Vegas, Reno is surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, the region is a four-season destination for outdoor recreation.In the late 1840s and early 1850s, Reno was a popular stopover for those seeking fortune during the California Gold Rush. Fast forward a little less than a hundred years, and a similar fortune was to be found here in 1931, when Nevada became the first and only state to legalize gambling.

We expected a resort perched on a barren desert plain above the New River, but were pleasantly surprised to find an oasis just west of El Centro in Southern California.We'll be honest and say that initially, the main attraction to this resort was the price (and availability). So many RV parks were full during the 2022–2023 season in the Palm Springs area that we wanted to secure our winter home in advance.With an annual rate of $3,800 USD plus metered power and $60 USD for water and sewer, this was the best value we could find in this area of California.It created an opportunity to pull our fifth wheel from British Columbia to Rio Bend Golf and RV in El Centro, California, and leave it on the site of our choosing for a third of the price of a monthly rate anywhere else. It also included storage during the off-season.

Disconnecting by getting out into nature has been a driving force behind RVing and camping since this pastime began. However, it has grown from a pastime into a lifestyle, and in today's world, being completely disconnected seems to be hard for some and impossible for others.This podcast dissects a new entry from a reliable RV company that has a whole new strategy and technology for keeping RVers connected. Their performance claims could be the solution for RVers who need reliable connectivity for either entertainment, sharing with family, and/or serious work—for as long or as short as they need it. Allowing everyone to customize connectivity to their needs.Is it possible to merge the costs of cell data plans, campground WiFi, and satellite TV?

The mountains of Southwestern California become much more of a reality when visiting Mount San Jacinto State Park. They transform from being a distant scenic landscape to providing a unique and exciting RV experience. With its well-maintained campgrounds and several attractions, it provides a perfect side trip when visiting this region of the Golden State.

The Smart Guide to Buying Your First (or next) RV, or How to Make Your First Purchase of a Trailer or Motorhome an Enjoyable and Easy Experience Scheduled Browsing the models at an RV show or dealer can be a daunting experience. An initial question among many new RVers is ‘How do I choose my first model?' The fear of making a poor decision can delay enjoying the RV lifestyle, but hastily making a poor decision can cost a fortune.Here is some experiential advice about buying your first or next RV.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made its way into the RV experience in a big way. In this podcast, we explore cutting-edge technology that was unheard of just 10 years ago. Technology that is affecting our RV booking and planning habits right now. In fact, it's likely you've already used AI, whether you knew it or not. This technology is a delight to some and distressing to others. There's a good chance that artificial intelligence influenced your most recent RV trip.We chat with Brian Searle, the founder and CEO of Insider Perks and Modern Campground. His pursuit has been to carve out a path that combines AI, technology, data, and analytics to help clients not just succeed but truly thrive in their markets. His latest creation is 'Campy', an AI that helps you get the information you need to confidently make an RV resort reservation. Our talk with Brian is a brutally honest discussion of not only the impact of AI on RVers but also how artificial intelligence could negatively or positively change our lives, from job losses to helping us disconnect and get outside.How do you feel about it? Are you in the Terminator movie camp, where AI will be humanity's destruction? Or the Utopia portrayed in Star Trek, where everyone gets a universal income and only works if they want to, whether it's a regular 'job' or performing their hobbies and arts.Full disclosure: These episode notes were written by an AI. Or were they? How can anyone tell if an AI or a human is helping them?

Before graduating to a tent trailer or small travel trailer, many of us began RVing by camping out of a car, van, or 4x4. And each year, many of us develop two-foot-itus, a condition that makes us yearn for an RV that is just a little bit bigger. How big is too huge? That question requires an answer.Cost can be a barrier, but it isn't always one because RVs can frequently be affordably financed over a 15-year period, making even a huge RV reasonable. What would be a factor if price wasn't one?

A California Assemblyman is attempting to introduce legislation that will prevent Snowbirds from returning to their favourite RV Park for a full year. This will prevent RVers from booking the following season at their favourite time of year.

We're Going Mobile in an RV Park. Some modes of “microbility” stand the test of time while others offer new, greener ways to get around larger campgrounds and to visit local attractions.Not all campgrounds are the same. Some only have a dozen or so sites with basic amenities while others like those in national parks and private RV resorts span many hectares with services, restaurants, and pavilions with an active community atmosphere.The larger the RV park, the more land there is to walk its grounds. Even though resort planners strategically locate central facilities, its size introduces a need for basic transportation to and from the showers, the pool, clubhouse, and even other RV sites. In some cases, you may even want a quick, convenient way to visit local dining and shopping options in nearby communities outside of the park.There are a number of methods of transportation to choose from, which are not only reliable but comfortable and conveniently pull double duty for many activities beyond the campground. The space in your RV, truck bed or utility trailer may dictate what you can bring, but the options we'll talk about are easy, affordable ways to get around this snowbird season.

If you have fond childhood memories of reading Huckleberry Finn or Tom Sawyer; Hannibal, Missouri is the place to visit. The town, once the boyhood home of Mark Twain, is filled with attractions that tell his story. Since Hannibal may be a little off your normal path, we'll give you a lot of reasons to make that detour. One reason is that there is a lot more to do here besides Mark Twain stories.Taking the tour at the Mark Twain Cave is like walking in Mark Twain's footsteps. As a boy, Sam Clemens played in the cave. You can take the hour-long guided tour of the cave and see his signature on the rock wall. Though it has been there for years, his signature was just discovered in 2019.

This preserved region in Utah amazes visitors every season with unique and amazing scenery. Located in the southwestern corner of Utah, you'll find one of the most beautiful parks in the United States with a rather unusual name, Zion National Park.Isaac Behunin, an early Mormon settler, arrived in the area in the 1860s and is believed to have given the canyon its name. Standing on the rim he stated, “A man can worship God among these great cathedrals as well as he can in any man-made church; This is Zion.” Henceforth, the canyon became known as Zion Canyon and the community of Zion was established.Although Zion no longer exists, the stunning landscape does. The beauty that Behunin alluded to consists of a mixture of towering cliffs with ruby-red walls, incredible slot canyons, and unique sandstone formations.

When a system or component fails before or during an RV trip, it's essential to recognize the difference between doing just a quick fix on the spot and when to call a professional RV technician.Air conditioning, slides, refrigerators and plumbing are the most common systems that break down given their constant everyday use when travelling. Some can be a simple DIY projects - others not so much. Let's go over the following points which clearly outline what you can do yourself and when it's time to contact a certified RV technician.

You can take an RV Trip of a Lifetime since Northern New Mexico is centre stage for one of the rarest total eclipses in our lifetime. On April 8, 2024, one of the longest total solar eclipses will pass over parts of North America with an expected totality of almost five minutes in Mexico, ranking it as the most rare and significant solar event of the 21st century.

LED lighting is the essential tech in new RV's. Your RV, new or old, can benefit from massive improvements with the addition of these driving, back-up, hitch and mood lighting. The result is a safer, stress-free RV experience. We interview Justin Perrette, Oracle Lighting's master installer and product instructor, who tells us how to choose, what is possible and where to go for expert advice on the ultimate lighting enhancements to your RV, whether it's your motorcoach or the tow vehicle for your trailer.

To use a financial term, ROI or Return On Investment, we ask 'Are RV memberships worth it?' Do we get enough, or more than enough, back for the money we are paying. To find out, we interview Aaron White, Director of Membership for FMCA, about the benefits, discounts and social community that the Family Motor Coach Association provides, including what is available to Canadians vs U.S. members, and what is included versus what costs extra.

For many enthusiasts, a long journey in an RV is ‘the destination.' So when you travel as far north as the Northwest Territories, ‘the destination' practically never ends given the number of scenic highways and natural attractions to experience. When visiting the country's largest territory, it's best - and wise - to have a detailed travel plan and a good starting point is the Great Slave Route and the lake of the same name.What makes the route appealing for RVers is it has a few unique communities to visit all along the southern portion of Great Slave Lake with destinations and rugged nature to discover along the way. The lake is also enticing. It spans 28,568 sq km (11,030 sq mi), ranking it the fourth largest lake in Canada and the 11th largest in the world. It even takes the top spot for being the deepest in North America, with a depth in areas of approximately 615 m (2,017 ft).

We all have our basic maintenance checklists, but RV technicians see the sometimes catastrophic results of a number of overlooked items. In this podcast we interview Jessica Rider of pullthroughsites.com, a certified RVTI technician, as she describes smarter RVing checklist items that RVers should check before heading out each season, and before purchasing their next new-to-them RV. These extra checks don't take much time but can save money and/or an RV vacation. Listen in for DIY maintenance advice and free resources to help RVers get the job done, or find someone who can.

We are currently being inundated with new battery powered electric pick-up trucks promising us not only a greener life, but also incredible power, acceleration and handling. But which trucks are nothing but promises, and ultimately, which one is best for RVers?Get advice on how to How to Choose a BEV truck, hear our review of the top six choices, and our final analysis with a countdown to the Best BEV pickup truck for RVers.

We all enjoy getting closer to nature, trading the urban hustle and bustle to hear birdsong carried by the breeze through the trees. However, in the back of our minds, there's a nagging sensation tugging at our subconscious whenever we start the engine on our RV or tow vehicle and see the exhaust that soils the clean, crisp air.This may sound a little morose but in less than ten years (next year for some of us) this will no longer be the case. Our subconscious and consciousness will be clear. The technology of electric vehicles has migrated to RVs. Yup, there's another new acronym, eRV, ‘electric Recreational Vehicle'.

We interview Natalie Conway, Executive Director of the Ontario Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association. Every spring the RV season unofficially starts with a plethora of RV shows across the country. Her team organizes RV Shows in Toronto, Ottawa and the upcoming Kitchener RV Show March 17-19, 2023 for the ORVDA. We ask her some tough questions about whether RV Shows are worth attending, what to expect, and how to get the most of your time there if you choose to go. You may want the same questions answered.Why attend a show instead of going directly to the dealers in their area?How can folks make the most of their time at the show?how to prepare?what to expect?what to bring?Is one show enough? How many shows should people expect to attend in order to find the right RV at the right price?What can they expect at the show?manufacturer reps?educational seminars?parts & accessories?draws?RV parks & memberships info?What have you seen that's really exciting and new at this years shows?Can/should they bring their kids, dogs?Do they need to buy tickets in advance or is it free?What is the best day/time to attend?· Slowest, busiest, cheapest tickets, most seminars, mfg reps?Are the show specials really a better deal?Will folks be pressured to purchased?Will they be able to drive away from the show with a new RV?Will there be any used RVs?

Life Can Be a Beach..in an RV. For many RVers, camping right on a beach is an experience that's tough to match. Some may even say it's the ‘pinnacle RV destination. Boondocking along a sandy coastline or staying at an established waterfront RV park with many services while being just steps from the ocean is something every RVer should experience. It only takes some common sense, having some knowledge of the area, bringing along the right gear, and understanding your RV to make it all a reality.