Everybody loves Labor Day Weekend. There’s no better way to wave goodbye to summer than finding a great campsite, grilling up some barbecue, and enjoy the warm weather. The main thing when it comes to a successful RV trip is flexibility. If you can leave a little earlier, travel on different days, expect a delay or two, and take your time, you’ll be able to have a truly unforgettable vacation.
Each Labor Day, millions of people head out one last time to wrap up their summer vacations with one last adventure. This year, experts predict a record number of travelers to hit the road. Labor Day is also the last weekend of high season rates so if you want to beat the traffic, save some money, and find plenty of open roads, then be sure to check out these essential RV rental travel tips.
1. Reserve Your RV Rental Now
As Labor Day quickly approaches, you need to get ahead of the curve and reserve your RV rental asap. Remember, your RV is both your transportation and your accommodation so it’s essential to plan ahead so you get your top choice. The longer you wait, the higher the chance you won’t be able to find the perfect vehicle for your trip. They might even be all sold out!
2. Friday and Monday are the Main Travel Days
When it comes to Labor Day Weekend, most people take Friday off work or leave early. Typically, people leave town on Friday afternoon and head back home Monday evening. So keep this in mind as you make your travel plans. If you have a little flexibility in your schedule then work with it! If you can move your travel days to Thursday and Tuesday, you’ll be able to skip hours of traffic and have plenty of open-country to explore.
3. Labor Day is the Last Day of Summer Rates
Depending on what you’re trying to do, high season prices can be 2-3 times more expensive than they are just a few days after the holiday. Since it’s also a major holiday weekend, Labor Day can be even more expensive than that! You can find deals, however. Flexibility again here is key. In some cases, if you make a campsite reservation that extends past the holiday, you might be able to get a discount. Many places also offer last-minute deals if they don’t book up in advance. Although that can be a risky game if everywhere gets booked. However, with an RV rental, if you can’t find a good spot in one town, you can always drive to the next!
4. All the Top Tourist Destinations Will be Packed
It’s the last day of summer. So expect places like Yosemite near San Francisco and Sacramento, the Grand Canyon along Las Vegas, Yellowstone in Wyoming, and other destinations to be absolutely packed. You have two options here. Many of these places will also be hosting additional activities and events so if you’re willing to put up with some crowds, traffic, and higher prices then go for it. You can also check out some alternative options if you want to skip the stress and find some peace and quiet instead.
5. Learn How to Avoid the Madness
Highways are going to be packed. Even if you’re headed out to the middle of nowhere, you’ll still have to deal with plenty of traffic. The best thing you can do is try to travel before 8 am or after 10 pm. Moreover, route planning is key. You can expect delays on most major interstates. Instead, choose country roadways and other alternatives. As a bonus, you’ll likely enjoy some incredible scenery and rustic charm along the way!
6. RV Driving Skills and Tips
If you’ve never driven an RV, Labor Day may not be the best weekend for you to try one out. However, don’t let this cancel your plans. Remember, the key to a successful holiday is flexibility. If you are new to the RV world or a little rusty, then do a mini road trip the weekend before the holiday.
Drive out to the country and get a feel for driving a larger vehicle. Even for RV pros, make sure to take care of yourself during the holiday. Stop frequently for stretch breaks and drink plenty of water. When you feel tired, find a nice shady spot where you can enjoy a little nap before you hit the highways again. Make sure to keep your fuel tank about ¼ as well. Use apps like Gas Buddy and if you see a good price then use that as an opportunity for a little rest.
7. Accessorize Your Trip
Speaking of apps, make sure you have all the apps and other accessories you need for a great RV road trip. Other great apps for successful RV trip include Waze, Maps.me, RV Parks & Campgrounds. Waze is an excellent traffic app that will not only plan alternative roads but warn you of additional hazards such as accidents and delays. Maps.me's main feature is offline GPS which can be essential for those backcountry roads. Finally, RV Parks & Campgrounds is a super helpful app that includes listings and key information for RV campgrounds in any selected area. Make sure you have additional road trip accessories such as phone mounts, charging docks, portable speakers, and other road trip essentials.
