Lynx Living Blog — National Parks

The weather is warm, the days are long, and there are so many beautiful places to explore. This only means one thing– that an exciting and relaxing RV summer road trip is in order! Whether you're heading to the beach, exploring national parks, or simply enjoying the open road, a great road trip needs to be well-thought out. This means ensuring that you bring along all the essentials and that you follow road trip best practices. In this blog post, you will find a guide that highlights must-have items to bring along and any valuable tips to help you make the most of your road trip. 

1. Plan Ahead (But leave room for spontaneity) 

A road trip is not the time to improvise, so make sure to take the time before setting off to plan your route. Keep in mind scenertic routes, fun events and hidden gems that can spice up and diversify your trip. With that said, it is also recommended that during the planning process, you leave some room for spontaneity. Throughout your trip, whether it’s from talking to fellow travelers on the road or interacting with locals, you are bound to hear about an event or location that you would like to visit. Having a flexible itinerary allows you to add in last-minute, unplanned stops.

2. Vehicle maintenance 

Before you leave for a road trip, it's crucial to conduct a thorough check of your RV's systems. This entails inspecting the engine, tires, brakes, fluids, and every appliance in the RV. There are some great RV maintenance checklists that can help you through this process, some of which are listed below: 

• The Ultimate RV Maintenance Checklist
• The Ultimate RV Maintenance Checklist for Every Season
• Travel Trailer Maintenance - How To Service Your Camper Trailer

3. Be Proactive 

Being prepared before going on a road trip might spare you not only headaches, but possibly salvage your entire trip. By being proactive, we mean anticipating what could go wrong, and bringing the necessary tools to help you mitigate those issues if they arise. This could include items such as: 

• Physical map or map app 
• First aid kit 
• Levelers 
• Roadside emergency kit 

4. Book in advance 

Like mentioned previously, putting together an itinerary before setting off on the road is a must, and part of that is booking campsites in advance. Summer is the busiest season when it comes to RVing, which is why you shouldn’t take any chances. If you are traveling with kids you should check campsite amenities and if you are bringing along your fur friends, you want to check that the campsite is pet friendly. Listed below are two blogs that provide guidance on traveling with kids and pets: 

• Camping with Kids: Tips for a Fun & Safe Trip
• Tips & Tricks for Bringing Pets Along on Your RVing Adventures

5. Beat The Heat 

The last, but arguably most important tip, is to ensure you are taking the proper measures to keep yourself and your RV cool during the roadtrip. RVs can get quite stuffy and uncomfortable during the summer months, which is why it is crucial for your comfort and safety that you take steps to keep the RV cool. Here you will find our blog that highlights ten tips on surviving the blazing summer heat while RVing. 

Summer is the perfect time to go on a RV road trip, but you must take the proper precautions to ensure that the trip runs smoothly and safely. By following these tips, you can set off on the road with ease of mind!

Camping with kids is a great way to spend quality time together while creating a fun and memorable experience for the whole family. However, it can be challenging and chaotic, especially if you're not well prepared. This is why we have created a list of some helpful tips for organizing a fun, but most importantly safe, RVing trip with kids. 

1. Pack appropriately 

We suggest making a separate packing list for everything your kids will need for the trip. This will help make sure that you pack enough clothes, snacks, and activities. Don't forget to bring essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, first-aid supplies, flashlights and extra batteries.

2. Choose a family-friendly campground 

When choosing a campground, keep in mind your kids' needs and look for sites that will keep them entertained. Look for family-friendly campgrounds with amenities such as playgrounds, swimming pools, and hiking trails. It's also essential to check reviews if available to ensure that the campground is safe, clean and well-maintained. 

3. Set up camp safely

When setting up camp, look for a flat and stable spot in order to ensure maximum safety. If there are no available flat spots, no worries! That’s where Lynx Levelers come in handy. We recommend always having a pack of lelevers stored in your trunk for the times when you can’t find level ground.

4. Plan your activities 

As you are planning activities for your trip, pick ones that will be suitable (and fun) for children, such as hiking, swimming, or roasting marshmallows. Try to involve your kids in the planning process as well, so they feel more invested in the trip.

Remember– Although it’s important to have a good plan, also make sure to leave enough time for relaxation, exploration, impromptu activities, and unplanned adventures!

5. Talk about safety

Before setting off on the road, educate your children on the proper safety measures to take when camping, such as keeping a safe distance from a fire, never wandering off on their own, and wearing life jackets when swimming.

6. Keep your kids entertained

Kids can get bored easily, so it's essential to keep them entertained as much as possible. Bring along some board games, cards, books, and movies so that they are kept busy even in-between all the activities you have planned for the trip. 

Bringing these extra activities along will also come in handy if there is bad weather and your kids are forced to stay inside.

7. Plan Your Meals

When planning your camping meals, make sure to pack plenty of quick snacks that you can throw in your bag. This will ensure that your kids (and yourself) keep energy levels up throughout the day and do not get drained quickly. Don't forget to pack plenty of water and beverages to keep everyone hydrated. 

Taking your kids on a camping trip can be a wonderful experience that creates lasting memories for the whole family. With proper planning and preparation, you can ensure that your camping trip is safe and enjoyable for everyone. Happy camping!

Hiking is one of the most popular camping activities because it is an amazing way to explore the outdoors, get some exercise, see beautiful scenery and get off the beaten path. However, to ensure that your hike is safe, enjoyable, and stress-free, it's important to bring along the right gear and supplies. In this blog, we compiled a list of essential items that you should always bring along with you on a hike.

Food & Water: 

Just like a car needs fuel to run, so do humans. Water is essential on a hike, so make sure to bring enough to keep you hydrated throughout your trek. As a general rule, bring at least 2 liters of water per person for a full day's hike. Of course, food is also super important, so along with your main meals, bring a few protein bars to keep your energy levels up.

Sun Protection:

Sun protection is crucial on any hike, especially during the summer months. Bring along sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. Remember that even on cloudy days, UV rays can still penetrate through the clouds.

First Aid Kit:

You should never set off on a hike without a first aid kit, especially if it is going to be a long or particularly hard hike. The main things it should include are bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any other prescription medications you may need.

Navigation Tools:

When going on a hike, it’s important to be prepared and bring along a navigation tool. A map and compass are essential for any off-trail hiking, and a GPS device can be helpful in some situations.

Insect Repellant:

If you're going on a hike, especially if it’s during the summer, you should always pack some insect repellant spray in your bag. This will help keep all those little buggers away so that you can fully enjoy your time on the hike.

By packing these essential items for your hike, you'll be well-prepared for whatever adventure awaits you. Remember to always be safe, and have fun exploring the great outdoors!

Valentine’s day is right around the corner, which means all you lovers out there are starting to think about what gift to get for your significant other. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of ten unique and creative gift ideas that any RV enthusiast would love. If you and your partner enjoy RVing together, these are the perfect gift ideas!

1. RV Books

If your partner loves to read, a book is an obvious but fool-proof choice for a gift. If they love RVing, consider grabbing one of the books on this list, which are all RV-related. You can find a book for every RV-topic imaginable, from guides about buying your first RV, to the best RV recipes book. 

2. Cutting board 

This RV-themed cutting board is so fun and perfect for your significant other that enjoys cooking on the road. You can also pair it with other cooking-related items on this list, like the RV recipe book, or the two-people breakfast maker. 

3. Tumblr mug

If your significant other is one to always have a drink on the go, even while RVing, then this tumblr mug is the perfect gift for them! 

4. RV Lego Set

This RV lego set is an amazing Valentine’s day gift because it’s an activity that you and your partner can do together. The great thing about this, is that once it’s done, you can use it as decoration for your RV!

5. Camping Murder Mystery Game 

Much like the RV lego set, this murder mystery game is a great gift as it can easily be turned into a date night! Even better, this specific game is perfect for an RVer as it is set on a camping site. 

6. Two-people breakfast maker 

Who doesn’t love a good ‘ol breakfast sandwich? Well, with this breakfast sandwich maker that could be your reality every morning, even when you’re on the road! This breakfast sandwich maker is small and compact, making it perfect to bring along on your RV trips. This would make the perfect Valentine’s day gift if your partner loves cooking on the road. 

7. Lynx Levelers

By gifting your partner a set of Lynx Levelers, you are giving them the gift of a hassle-free and  hass Our blocks make the leaving process (which is notoriously tedious) quick and easy!

8. National Geographic’s 100 drives, 5000 ideas

If you and your significant other are planning a roadtrip, this book is a must-have! It shares thousands of suggestions on epic sights, good bites, and pure fun. 

9. RV Neon Sign

This RV neon sign may be the most unique and fun gift on this list! You can also get it personalized to make it extra special. 

10. Portable Electric Espresso Maker

If your partner is a coffee connoisseur, then this portable electric espresso maker will be much appreciated. Your significant other will be able to bring it along on long hikes or day-trips. 

That’s all the suggestions we have for you, but feel free to leave any more in the comments below. We wish you all a great Valentine’s Day!

Halloween is just around the corner, and many of you may be spending it on the road. If you are, it doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the spooky holiday like everyone else. If anything, being on the road means you can spend Halloween anywhere… like on a haunted campground (but more on that later). In this blog, we’ll share some tips that will help you get into the Halloween spirit, even if you are on the road!

1. Halloween Treats

Is it really spooky season if you don’t indulge in some halloween-themed treats?! 

It’s no question that fun treats are the perfect way to celebrate Halloween, however, baking supplies are limited on the road so it can be difficult to follow most recipes. But do not fret! In this blog, written by Chelsea’s Messy Apron, she shared some spooky-licious halloween treats that only need 3 ingredients! These recipes are simple and quick, making them perfect for when you’re RVing. 

2. Decorate, duh!

It goes without saying that one of the best ways to get into the Halloween spirit is by decorating. You can keep it simple by just adding a few fall decorations, or go all out and transform your motorhome into a full-on haunted house (or should we say haunted RV?). Below, we’ve shared some pictures of how some fellow RVers have decorated their motorhomes for the spooky holiday in the past: 

3.  Pick Your Location Strategically

There are numerous spooky (and possibly haunted) campgrounds across the United States and Canada that would make the perfect Halloween location. Last year, we dedicated an entire blog on six of the most haunted campgrounds in North America; check out our list and see if any of them intrigue you!

Photo sourced here

4. Make It A Party!

Now that your decorations are up and treats are made, the only appropriate next step is to invite your campground neighbours and have a halloween bash! Here are some fun things you can do all together:

• Set up a projector and watch a Halloween movie
• Tell scary stories around the campfire
• Play some games
• Carve pumpkins 

Photo sourced here

Spending Halloween on the road is something that all RVers should experience at least once in their lives. If you'll be celebrating Halloween in your RV this year, please share your spooky pictures and tag us!