On the Road

We’ve had questions from readers about RVing in Central America and about travel agents who plan RV trips to places like Canada. So, we thought it was time for an article about caravans.

Many RVers would agree that planning a trip is half the fun. Who doesn’t like to pick a random destination, research like crazy, and then improvise things to do while you’re there? But sometimes you wind up missing out on lots of interesting activities and local color simply because you don’t know the area. After all, there’s only so much research you can do.

That’s where caravanning comes in. Like the old-time wagon trains, a caravan is a group of RVers traveling together to various destinations. You can plan your own caravan with a group of friends from home (or new friends you meet online,) or you can use an RV travel service.

Caravan travel companies handle everything from planning routes, fuel and rest stops, to reserving campground space and scheduling activities. All you have to do is pick a destination and pack (a great service if you’re new to RVing or just don’t have weeks or months to research and plan a trip.)

Where can you go on a caravan tour? Just about anywhere in the US, Canada and Mexico, as well as international destinations like Scandinavia, the UK, South America, South Africa, Australia, and more. If you’re headed for an overseas adventure, you’ll have to pay extra for the airfare, but an RV will be gassed up and waiting for you when you arrive.

Each caravan is lead by a Wagonmaster driving at the head of the group. He’s in charge of leading the way, stopping for fuel, and getting you to and from various attractions and activities. The Tailgunner travels at the back of the line. He is a trained RV mechanic and responsible for helping out any RVers with mechanical troubles and tracking down anyone who takes a wrong turn or needs other assistance. The group stays together at all times, which is great if you’re concerned about getting lost or want to make new friends.

Caravan travel services can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $15,000 or more for international destinations, and trips can last a few days to weeks or longer. It’s really up to you to decide how long you want to explore. Wagonmasters know the area you’ll be exploring inside and out, so you can be sure you’ll visit all the highlights and best of the back roads. Some RVers enjoy getting the overall feel for an area through a caravan and then taking more time to explore on their own. This is especially useful in foreign countries where you may not speak the native language or understand local customs.

So, if you’re short on planning time and enjoy meeting and traveling with new people, why not give caravanning a try?