How to Pick a Travel Agency

Shop a couple of experienced firms. Travel agencies come and go like any other businesses. The ones that stay in business add experience and know-how to each trip they plan. Make your first inquiry with a travel agency a listening experience; judge how well agent listens to you and how comfortable they make you feel.

RV Vacations: Ten Tips

Perhaps you have wondered about taking an RV vacation. It seems like fun and you'd like to try it, but you aren't sure if it's for you. Well, it's a growing industry. Annual RV retail sales topped $14 billion in 2004. As baby boomers take to road, RVing pastime and lifestyle are becoming increasingly popular. If you have a hint of RV itch, then here are 10 common reasons for taking an RV vacation:

1. Getting Back to Nature: If you are interested in great outdoors, an RV is a great way to vacation. You can visit state or national parks, tour famous landmarks and simply enjoy some fresh air and natural settings. Take a hike or go fishing. Try white water rafting or canoeing. Play some golf, go swimming, ride your bike. Get some exercise or simply do nothing but enjoy your surroundings.

2. The Comforts of Home: In an RV, you can have best of both worlds. Enjoy great outdoors with more creature comforts than tent camping. Whether you own an RV or try a rental, most RVs are well equipped. You will likely have a kitchen with microwave, fridge and stove, a TV and VCR, beds, living and dining areas and bathroom with shower. Many RVs have slide out rooms that increase living area at touch of a button. You can sit outside under your awning, get out of rain if weather changes, and turn on air conditioner if it gets too hot.

3. Family Matters: Family members of all ages tend to connect with each other when they are away from their normal routine enjoying a simpler lifestyle. Remember that family togetherness can be a double-edged sword. While RV is comfortable, it is a small living area for a large family. If you are renting, bear this in mind in choosing size of your rental RV. During day, try to spend time outdoors or in different activities, so that each family member gets a bit of personal space and time for themselves. But minor logistics can be managed. The general consensus among RVing families is that an RV vacation tends to bring family closer together with more communication and sharing of good times.

4. Cool for Kids: An RV vacation can be a great way to travel with children. They can go out to play or take part in campground activities. There are likely to be other kids to meet and new places to explore. Children of all ages will enjoy an old-fashioned campfire complete with stories, songs and stargazing. And most kids think it's pretty cool to be in an RV "home on wheels".

5. Campgrounds: There are many choices in campgrounds and RV parks. In peak season and tourist areas, you should make reservations. Look for amenities that are important to you. Campgrounds may have swimming pools, lakes, boating, fishing ponds, miniature golf, playgrounds, hiking trails, game rooms, walking or bike paths, tennis courts and activities for kids and adults. You may find dances, barbeques, contests or other entertainment. RV Clubs are worth joining to get campground discounts and other services. Consider size and setting of campsites and check out overall campground ratings in campground directories. Also consider proximity to other attractions or landmarks that you want to visit.