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June 15, 2012
The best in summer travel
RV trips offer affordability, convenience, even a kosher kitchen.
JAN LEE
For many of us, a summer road trip is something we equate with family obligation: that long, seemingly endless car trip we make over the mountains so the family can see zaide and bubbe in Calgary, or the hot, sweaty trip down the California coast to Disneyland.
In truth, some of us would never do it just for fun. Finding suitable accommodations for four, six or more occupants requires advance planning during the summer months. Maintaining a simple meal program on the road can be nearly impossible, especially if the family keeps kosher. Food allergies, mobility considerations and short attention spans can make this type of travel an organizational headache. Some families however, have found a way around these challenges by temporarily upgrading their car to a larger vehicle, one that comes with ample seating, its own a washroom and, best of all, a self-contained kitchen.
For families that keep kosher, recreational vehicle (RV) travel can be the answer to the vexing problem of how to ensure that their roadside stops are going to have the amenities to ensure a kosher lifestyle. It can also make it easier to control food allergies and other environmental health issues while on the road. And it can be less expensive than staying in a hotel, where summer rates can balloon to $125-500 a day per room (not including meals and transportation), and often requires multiple rooms for families. Today’s RV models come with a variety of layouts to complement family needs and sizes.
Motorhome rentals can range from $150 to $250 per day, depending upon the size of the vehicle. Amenities generally accommodate three to six passengers, and some rental companies include a basic kilometre allowance in the price.
An average RV stopover with full amenities at an RV park can range from $25 to $75 (although a few high-end resort locations such as Newport, Calif., can run $150 per day). There can be significant discounts for weekly and bi-weekly stays.
While camping is not everyone’s idea of a family excursion, most sites in RV parks and campgrounds are suitable for shared use, allowing the kids to sleep in tents (and the parents to have the run of the house).
For the person who can’t leave work at home, RV travel can offer the best of worlds, with free Wi-Fi (either to complement the work schedule or occupy the kids), electric hookups, fax services and other onsite amenities.
Best of all, RV travel allows for more variety in setting. Many RV resorts are equipped with a swimming pool, work-out gym and other activities. Some offer walking trails and nearby attractions. Some metropolitan areas, like Las Vegas and Seattle, offer attractive RV parks in urban settings as well, making a city stay even more affordable.
General tips to consider when traveling by RV:
• RVs can be rented on a weekly or monthly basis, either for one-way travel or return. In some cases, there is a surcharge for one-way drop-off. Tourism B.C.’s website (hellobc.com, click on the camping link under Things To Do) provides helpful rental tips.
• Some RV parks are best suited for small camper-size vehicles, or have specific size restrictions. Inquire first if the vehicle you are driving is larger than the size of a van. While you are at it, ask whether the sites have full hookup, and what amenities are included.
• Depending upon the model, you’ll have a bayside window for viewing wildlife as you travel. Highway 3 East (towards Calgary) offers travelers plenty of opportunities to see wildlife from the comfort of a mobile living room.
Keep kosher? Some points to consider:
• It is important to check with your rabbi about procedures for kashering appliances and utensils in the particular RV you rent.
• There are few stores with kosher amenities between Vancouver and Calgary. Major stores that carry items with hechshers, such as Safeway, Overwaitea and Save On Foods, can be found in some larger outlying cities in British Columbia. Plan before you go.
• One disadvantage of RV travel is the amount of space in the kitchen. Alternating between dairy and meat meals can be difficult for practical reasons.
Some safety tips:
• Remember that your cellphone will probably not work on many rural roads or mountain passes, so travel prepared.
• Rental RVs come equipped with vehicle emergency supplies, including instructions of what to do if you have a problem. Review them before you depart, and be sure to carry extra water.
• Don’t forget the human emergency pack as well, with a first-aid kit, back-up snacks and extra jackets.
• Here in the city we’re used to stores and other amenities staying open until late. In many rural towns, facilities close by 8 p.m. Stores, restaurants and even gas stations can close before dusk in the summer and the next stop can be as much as 30 minutes away. While RV travel does offer the advantage of being able to pull over to the side of the road until morning, recreational travel is most enjoyable when you can have full amenities such as electricity and Wi-Fi at your side.
• Keep in mind that RVs can be more difficult to drive, back up and park in rainy weather. Plan your trip and allow for weather considerations.
RV travel may not offer the glitz and glamor of a five-star hotel, but its advantages can’t be beat. Neither can British Columbia’s spectacular scenery.
Jan Lee’s articles on Jewish culture and traditions have been published in B’nai B’rith Magazine, CJ: Voices of Conservative and Masorti Judaism, and on Suite101.com. She is also a contributing writer for TheDailyRabbi.com. Her blog can be found at multiculturaljew.blogspot.ca.
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