Lynx Living Blog — Travel USA

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!

RVing is a popular pastime for many Americans, offering the freedom and flexibility to explore new places while enjoying the comforts of home. RVing allows you to travel comfortably, independently and at your own pace, while still having all the amenities of home. For those reasons, it has become an appealing way to travel for people with disabilities. In this blog post, we'll explore some tips and considerations for RVing for people with disabilities.

1. Choose the Right RV 

There are many types of RVs available on the market, but not all of them are suitable for people with disabilities. When selecting an RV, it's important to consider your specific needs and limitations. Look for features like wheelchair lifts, accessible toilets, grab bars, and wider doorways to make your RV as accessible as possible. Some RVs also come equipped with adjustable beds and showers, as well as other accessibility features. Class A motorhomes are often the best option for wheelchair users because they offer more space and better maneuverability. 

2. Plan Ahead

Before hitting the road, do some research to ensure that the campsites, rest stops, and attractions you plan to visit are accessible. Look for sites with paved paths and level ground, as well as accessible bathrooms and showers. Many campgrounds also offer accessible picnic tables and fire pits, as well as other amenities like swimming pools and playgrounds.

3. Pack Wisely

When packing for your trip, be sure to bring essential equipment and supplies with you, as well as any mobility aids like wheelchairs, walkers, or canes. You may also want to bring a portable ramp to make it easier to get in and out of your RV or navigate uneven terrain. Lynx Levelers and Stop ‘N Chocks will be especially important to have in this case, as they’ll level and secure your RV, enabling you to use your ramp safely. 

4. Stay Connected

While RVing can offer a sense of freedom and independence, it's important to stay connected with your support system in case of an emergency. Along with the usual emergency must-haves (like a first aid kit and fire extinguisher), also consider investing in a personal emergency response system (PERS) that can alert emergency services if you need help.

5. Join a Community

RVing can be a social activity, and joining a community of other RVers with disabilities can offer a sense of support and camaraderie. Look for groups like the National RV Association or RVing Accessibility Group, which offer resources and support for disabled RVers. Additionally, you can also join various groups on Facebook specifically dedicated to RVing with disabilities. 

In conclusion, RVing can be a great way to explore the world, even if you have a disability. RVing with disabilities can present its own unique set of challenges, but with the right planning and resources, it can also be an incredibly rewarding and empowering way to travel. Whether you're a seasoned RV veteran or a first-time traveler, don't let your disability hold you back from experiencing all the beauty and wonder that the open road has to offer.

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!

Fall is now in full swing, which means that so are our cravings for comfort foods that will make us feel all cozy inside! Of course, there are many great cozy dinner recipes out there, but they can sometimes be too difficult to make in an RV, where space, supplies and ingredients are limited. Considering this, we’ve decided to compile a list of cozy dinner ideas that are simple enough to be able to make on the road! 

P.S. The recipe titles are all hyper-linked, so you can click on them to see all the details. 

Soups 

1. Bacon-Potato Corn Chowder

This chowder is hearty and warm, making it an amazing meal for fall. It is also simple to make, as it has only 5 ingredients! All you need to make this delicious soup is bacon strips, chopped onion, potatoes, cream-style corn, and evaporated milk.

2. Vegetable Soup

This vegetable soup is the perfect meal as it is filling, healthy, easy to make and of course– delicious! The ingredient list is pretty simple: anything you want! You can use any vegetables you have on hand, and pasta & protein of your choice. The recipe linked above shares the ingredients to the “Secret Spice Blend” that will make this vegetable soup finger-licking good! 

3. Black Bean Soup

You’ll be able to whip up this 3-ingredient black bean soup in just 20 minutes! All you will need are canned black beans, chicken broth, and tomatoes. 

Crock Pot Recipes 

1. Sweet and Sour Chicken

This 4-ingredient sweet and sour chicken is not only easy, it is also delicious!  All you need to make this yummy meal is chicken, sauces (orange marmalade & sweet chili), and pineapple (canned and crushed). Serve this over some fluffy white rice to make a filling meal. 

2. Easy 3-Ingredient Chili

This chili recipe is quick and easy, which is ideal for when you’re on the road. Grab your crockpot and throw in some ground beef, chili beans, and a can of Rotel or Hunt's Seasoned Diced Tomatoes in Sauce for Chili. Leave it cooking on low for 3-4 hours, and you’ve got a meal! 

3. Creamy Italian Chicken

This creamy crockpot italian chicken is to die for! To make it, you’ll need some cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, Italian dressing mix, and of course, chicken breasts. 

Casseroles

1. Creamy Ham and Potato Casserole

You can never go wrong with potatoes and ham, which is why this casserole is a guaranteed hit! To make it, grab a pack of frozen potatoes with onions and peppers, cubed ham, shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese blend, condensed cream of chicken soup, and some sour cream. 

2. Chicken-Alfredo Baked Penne

No better meal to have on a cold fall night than a warm, hearty creamy chicken casserole. You’ll need penne pasta, chicken tenders (not breaded), Alfredo pasta sauce, and some shredded mozzarella cheese. Put it all together in the oven, and you’ve got a delicious meal on the way! 

3. Overnight Country Sausage and Hash Brown Casserole

If you have a busy day coming up and want something ready for the next day that you can literally just put in the oven and enjoy, this Overnight Country Sausage and Hash Brown Casserole is the recipe for you! You will need some bulk hot pork sausage, eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, O’Brien hash browns, shredded sharp Cheddar cheese. Mix everything together and let it rest for at least 8 hours. When you're ready to eat, simply stick it in the oven for 45-55 minutes. 

We hope that this list of delicious recipes gave you some great RV dinner inspo! They are all perfect for the fall/winter season and they are quite basic in terms of ingredients and supplies, making them perfect to make in your RV. If you decide to try any of these recipes out, please show us by tagging us @lynxlevelers!