Visiting Relatives During Holidays
Etiquette Tips For Staying in an RV While at a Family Member's Home
Oct 24, 2007
A Good Time To Rent
When scheduling an extended stay at a relative's home, consider renting an RV instead of booking a hotel. If a pop-up is the standard means of travel opt for an upgrade to a travel trailer, or even to a motorhome. If purchasing an RV in the future is a possibility, renting is a great way to test out varieties of trailers and figure out what features are needed for a family’s specific needs. Renting an RV will not only save money along the way, but provide the added convenience of being close for scheduled events. Instead of packing up and driving across town for a holiday party, simply walk across the yard!
Questions To Address Before Arrival
Before going on a trip to see family during a holiday break, it is important to plan ahead for how to handle sometimes tricky social situations. Keeping family members feelings and expectations of the stay first in mind, will help ease possible conflicts.
School breaks and vacations from the workplace give families who are spread around the country a chance to get together for holidays. Whether a group is gathering for Thanksgiving, Christmas or Hanukah, New Year's Day, Easter or other spring festivities, answering a few questions beforehand will make everyone comfortable with the arrangements.
- Will the RV be plugged into the house electric and water lines, or be self contained?
- Is staying on the property require the same manners as being a typical houseguest?
- Should meals be eaten with the family or in the RV?
- Will the shower be used in the rig or will the bathroom facilities be utilized in the home?
- Should a contribution be made for water and electric use if hooked up to the house?
- When garbage is concerned, is it appropriate to leave bags of trash to be disposed by family, or will they be taken elsewhere?
- How much time is expected to be spent indoors interacting with relatives as opposed to relaxing in the RV?
- Is it acceptable to leave and do things separate from family members, or is it polite to plan activities as a group?
- What are the city codes for keeping an RV parked at a private residence?
Cost Difference
- Traditional travel requires the cost of plane tickets, a rental car, hotel stays, eating out, and any additional charges for shipping gifts for such holidays as Christmas or birthdays.
- Renting an RV for travel, unless one of livable size is already owned, will be among the few costs for this type of lodging. With gas prices as high as they are, it would be beneficial to get a fuel card at a national gas station that earns points towards free or discounted gas to offset the cost. The final expense will be groceries, although food costs should be less considering cooking will be done within the RV as opposed to eating out for meals.
