On the Road

Gifts—

Space is always an issue around the holidays, especially if you’re living in an RV. Always keep space considerations in mind when you’re shopping for gifts. Where will you store them until they are mailed or delivered? A life-size teddy bear may be cute in the store, but not so cute taking up half your living area for a week or more. The internet is a great option. You can shop at virtually any store imaginable, pay for an item, have it gift wrapped, and ship it all with the click of a button. When placing an online order with your credit card, make sure the site is secure. You’ll see a little gold lock somewhere on the screen, and the website address will probably have the initials “https” at the beginning. (The “S” means “secure”)  If you’d rather not give out your credit card number online, you can always call the store and order by phone. It’s easy and convenient.

Feasting—

RVs often have a combination convection/microwave instead of a regular oven. Many people only use the microwave and don’t realize that convection ovens are prized by top chefs. Convection ovens cook quicker and more evenly, with no hot spots. They bake flakier crusts, roast juicier meats, and provide nice even browning. The catch is recipe books aren’t written for convection ovens. So, if you try to whip up a roast turkey according to the recipe, you may end up with a burned mess. Here are the magic adjustments to make so your holiday treats come out perfect every time:

1)      Bake at the same temperature the recipe calls for and reduce the time by 25%

OR

2)      Bake for the same amount of time the recipe calls for and reduce the temperature by 50 degrees

If the recipe calls for a cooking time of 15 minutes or less, make no adjustments. (Your favorite cookie recipes should work just fine)

Also, even though you should never use metal pans when microwaving (unless you like lightning displays and want to buy a new oven), it’s fine to use any type of pot or pan when you use the convection setting. In fact, shallow cookie sheets and low-sided pans work best because they allow the heat to circulate better than high-sided pans.

Visiting Friends and Family—

The holidays are best when shared with friends and family. And who doesn’t love it when company comes with their own accommodations? In fact, renting an RV for an extended stay can be much cheaper than a hotel. It’s good etiquette to ask permission before you plug in to your host’s electric and water supply. You may also want to make sure you and your host are on the same page regarding showers, meals, and private time. Will you be eating every meal in the main house or will you be on your own for breakfast and lunch? Is it okay to go off exploring on your own, or will the whole family want to tag along? Will there be enough room to park the RV out of the way so your host can get in and out of his driveway? Make plans with your host so there are no misunderstandings or unwanted stress during your visit.

When people think of San Antonio, the first thing that comes to mind is usually the River Walk. Back in the early 1900s, the San Antonio River was transformed into a grand promenade. Shops, restaurants, and clubs line the meandering river. A sidewalk with fountains and cypress trees winds along the side of the river where tour boats float gently downstream. At holiday time, the River Walk is decorated with thousands of colorful lights and festive decorations. It’s a great place to spend the afternoon shopping or just relaxing in an outdoor café.

Of course, when you visit San Antonio, you must “Remember the Alamo.” The historic fort played an important part in Texas’ fight for independence from Mexico and remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Lone Star State. Other places to visit include Market Square (a huge Mexican marketplace) and La Villita Historic Arts Village where you can spend an entire day visiting art galleries and learning about the city’s first neighborhood, La Villita. Or bike along the Mission Trail and visit five 18^th century Spanish missions founded in the area. There are also several local theme parks including Six Flags Fiesta, Splashtown, and Sea World (yes, you can visit the famous Shamu right here.) For more information on area attractions visit www.sanantoniocvb.com

There are nearly two dozen RV parks and campgrounds in the vicinity. Have you stayed at a great one or have some recommendations?