Community Forums

rboozer · 10-17-2021, 08:26 AM

We are new to the RV community. We have received offers through various clubs for guided RV Tours in the US and Canada. We'd be interested in any feedback the group has about these tours and whether they are worthwhile.

Thanks

Dutch Star Don · 10-17-2021, 11:25 AM

Congratulations on the new coach and RVing. You need to get out on a few trips and see what you prefer. Everyone is different and likes to do different things. It sounds like you're brand new, so joining a group or two and seeing what they do and where they go may work for you.

For us, my wife and I have been camping since we were 20 years old. We been across the country three times on long trips and get out about 12 weeks a year and 10K miles. Some trips we go with another couple (have 3-4 camping couples) and on some we go with our two adult daughters and their families...they both have RV's. However, the majority of the time, we just take off by ourselves and visit places we like. As you get older, sometimes being by yourself, setting your own hours and just doing what you want is more relaxing.

In years past, we joined local groups, but found that they primarily sat and ate all day. We're kind of unusual in the sense that we don't play golf and my wife only drinks wine on occasion. Often these groups spend a lot of their time wine tasting and playing golf.

There use to be some big RV caravans before 911 and the few that were left died off during Covid. If your goal is to go to somewhere like Alaska, a tour may be good, especially since getting campsites is getting tougher.

So.....after a long response, get out there and burn some diesel fuel, see what you like and don't like. As a suggestion, try to keep the days you're driving from campground to campground at a reasonable length/time. This way you get into a campground early, relax, meet other campers and maybe go out to dinner to taste the local cuisine.

enjoyrv · 10-17-2021, 03:11 PM

We used Fantasy RV tours a couple years ago for our 8 day NYC trip and it was outstanding. We are doing the Rose Parade with them in a few months. They are not cheap but they have their act together and we recommend.

enjoyrv · 10-17-2021, 03:12 PM

Be sure to join Newmar Kountry Klub. They have many events/trips to consider.

rboozer · 10-17-2021, 04:13 PM

Thanks so much for your input. Being a veteran RV'er we really appreciate your feedback. Great advice!!

rboozer · 10-17-2021, 04:14 PM

We have joined NKK and several other groups trying to get multiple perspectives. Thanks for the advice!

Isaac-1 · 10-17-2021, 11:46 PM

I personally don't see the appeal of the tour groups, they seem to charge about double what you could book the same things for on your own, then you are forced to stick to their schedule. I might see it for something like Alaska, but for the rest of it, I just don't see the appeal.

George Schweikle · 10-18-2021, 07:33 AM

We travel by ourselves, and rarely stay in any location more than one night; meaning there isn't much chance to get to know other campers. We have never considered a formal rally since driving in a caravan doesn't appeal to me. However, we joined a Safari club "rolling rally" in progress a few years back where we drove independently for 1700 miles but camped together each night. This was a very nice experience and we would do it again if the opportunity arises.

That said, during a rolling rally stop, we talked to a different couple with their first motorhome who had completed a formal rally sponsored by their RV brand club. They were very pleased with the experience; liked the camaraderie, and having some of the details organized by the rally organizers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rboozer

We are new to the RV community. We have received offers through various clubs for guided RV Tours in the US and Canada. We'd be interested in any feedback the group has about these tours and whether they are worthwhile.

Thanks

twojayhawks · 10-18-2021, 08:34 AM

We have been RVing for quite a while also and have never used a organized RV tour group. We are still working so our RVing time is less than most. However we are plotting a Alaska trip after we retire and we likely will use Fantasy RV Tours. I have heard rave reviews.

twogypsies · 10-18-2021, 10:58 AM

We don't care for structured traveling and activities. We want to leave a campsite when we want or stay longer.

There's nothing difficult about traveling and making plans on your own.

Alaska is the same. It's really a very easy trip to do.... long, but easy. Everyone goes to the same attractions. There aren't many roads to get there so you're not going to get lost. You'll meet many of the same travelers from spot to spot. Save the money and do it on your own!

Rev. Roy · 10-18-2021, 11:51 AM

The wife and I did one almost 25 years ago in Alaska. We had a good time and met some great people, but we're very frugal people and realized that it cost us at least 50% more than doing it on our own. It was our first trip to Alaska and I am glad we did the caravan but that was the only one we did. We're a whole lot older now and are financially better off, but even the Mrs doesn't want to do another one. Rallies however are a whole different story. 😁😁

Rev. Roy · 10-19-2021, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by George Schweikle

We have never considered a formal rally since driving in a caravan doesn't appeal to me.

That said, during a rolling rally stop, we talked to a different couple with their first motorhome who had completed a formal rally sponsored by their RV brand club. They were very pleased with the experience; liked the camaraderie, and having some of the details organized by the rally organizers.

Rallies and caravans have nothing to do with each other. Rallies are held at one location for a period of time where a caravan travels from location to location. I too hate the idea of a RV caravan. I have seen more than one that created traffic problems for all the other vehicles, especially on two lane roads.
Organized RV tours are a bit of a different breed. You have a "Wagon Master" in charge and is the first to leave camp and a "Tail Gunner" who is the last one to leave. Everyone has the cell number of both and, if running late, they call the Wagon Master to let them know. If they break down, they call the Tail Gunner and they will stop to give aid. They generally are required to have some mechanical training. Both are paid positions which is a contributor to the extra cost. This is just a quick overview and not inclusive of all the differences.

George Schweikle · 10-19-2021, 12:17 PM

Roy, I knew the difference between a rally & tour, but the information did not travel from my brain to my fingers

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rev. Roy

Rallies and caravans have nothing to do with each other. Rallies are held at one location for a period of time where a caravan travels from location to location. I too hate the idea of a RV caravan. I have seen more than one that created traffic problems for all the other vehicles, especially on two lane roads.
Organized RV tours are a bit of a different breed. You have a "Wagon Master" in charge and is the first to leave camp and a "Tail Gunner" who is the last one to leave. Everyone has the cell number of both and, if running late, they call the Wagon Master to let them know. If they break down, they call the Tail Gunner and they will stop to give aid. They generally are required to have some mechanical training. Both are paid positions which is a contributor to the extra cost. This is just a quick overview and not inclusive of all the differences.

krpowers54 · 10-19-2021, 09:26 PM

Hey Rusty & Cheryl - I agree with others that we all will have different ideas of travel but here's our short story. We recently retired, bought our retirement rv & dabbled this year at travels. We planned a trip through the New England area for a color tour then discovered two Newmar rallies to join. One was in Cooperstown, NY. We ate chatted and watched the I.S.S. together. We then joined their Chapter 7 rally in Boothbay, ME. This cost us something like $270 and we had to eat lobster 3 nights in a row met some super people and exchangedideas with other like rv owners. Because of these two experiences, we will always look to see if there's an NKK chapter or region rally near our travels.

Just another option for you. We've invested a lot of money in these roving homes. Get creative but make priority #1 be your satisfaction/ enjoyment.