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02-17-2024, 02:24 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 17
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RV Caravan Trips
Thinking of trying one of these organized RV caravan type trips. I know of three companies, Fantasy RV Tours, Adventure Caravans, and Yankee RV Tours. I'd like some impressions from those who have done these tours. Pros and cons of these tours in general and pros and cons regarding the specific companies. Thanks!
2019 Allegro Open Road 32SA
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02-17-2024, 02:30 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Winnebago Owners Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Sonoma County, CA
Posts: 6,546
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We had a great experience with Adventure Caravans.
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Wayne & Roberta
08 Winnebago Destination 39W Gas UFO Workhorse Chassis......It's really weird being the same age as old people. I thought getting old would take much longer.
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02-17-2024, 06:05 PM
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#3
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Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2022
Posts: 12
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I have done Adventure Caravans twice and have been happy with both. One was an 'event' which was the 2018 Rose Parade which doesn't involve traveling to multiple locations but RV parking together in one place and attending the Parade and other activities by luxury coach. The 2nd was in 2022 caravaning down The Old River Road - Mississippi River starting in Bemidji, MN and ending in New Orleans. That was a fun 32 day trip with 11 other RVs, including the Wagonmaster and Tailgunner. Met some wonderful people (some I still stay in contact with), saw some great sites, had some delicious meals and laughed a lot. The Adventure Caravan office staff are friendly and easy to work with. The tour leaders are experienced and knowledgeable and do a great job conducting these tours. I haven't tried Fantasy yet and haven't heard of Yankee RV but will check them out. I am happy to recommend Adventure Caravans.
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Darlene Huff
2022 Coachmen Cross Trail 20CB
Living in Reno, Traveling the World
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02-17-2024, 07:14 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Tiffin Owners Club
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Full Timing
Posts: 198
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We've done several with Fantasy, Alaska and the Canadian Maritimes being 2 of the big tours, we've also done Washington DC, San Antonio Fiesta and an Octoberfest in Okeechobee. All we're great, highly recommend Fantasy. we were on the list for the Albuquerque balloon fest in 2020 but covid canceled that one.
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02-17-2024, 08:17 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2021
Location: Brenham, Texas
Posts: 2,580
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bthomforde
We've done several with Fantasy, Alaska and the Canadian Maritimes being 2 of the big tours, we've also done Washington DC, San Antonio Fiesta and an Octoberfest in Okeechobee. All we're great, highly recommend Fantasy. we were on the list for the Albuquerque balloon fest in 2020 but covid canceled that one.
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Not that we would ever be able to do it because of our commitments, but for those who might, what is the cost to tag along?
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Eddie and Jomaye, Retired
2018 Newmar Ventana 4369, 2021 Jeep Wrangler,
2024 Haulmark 20’ enclosed car hauler
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02-17-2024, 08:27 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Tiffin Owners Club
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Full Timing
Posts: 198
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Country Road
Not that we would ever be able to do it because of our commitments, but for those who might, what is the cost to tag along?
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we went to Alaska in 2017, 61 days, everything was planned, 'most' was included, it was about $10k, it was a trip of a lifetime, we've made lifetime friends.
Yes you can do it by yourself but as my wife says, "it was the most tress free summer we've ever done"
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02-17-2024, 09:19 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Enjoying the Western States!
Posts: 20,707
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Country Road
Not that we would ever be able to do it because of our commitments, but for those who might, what is the cost to tag along?
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Prices vary depending on the trip. Best to go to their web sites.
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Full-timed for 16 Years . . .
Traveled 8 yr in a 2004 Newmar Dutch Star 40' Diesel
& 8 yr in a 33' Travel Supreme 5th wheel
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02-17-2024, 10:10 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2021
Posts: 1,095
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Just curious - for those who have taken trips like this, what has been the average age of those traveling?
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2021 Forest River RPod 196 - 22' TT
Life is a daring adventure.
@Following_Breadcrumbs
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02-18-2024, 10:45 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: North America somewhere
Posts: 32,253
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For millitary veterans, I recommend you check out S.M.A.R.T.= special military active recreational travelers RVing club. They have the lowest price schedule of such travel clubs.
The reasons_, the wagonmaster nor the tailgunner are paid positions, they do get travel expenses paid. The HQ does not make a profit either, it is a non-profit business exclusively for US and Canada military veterans and dependents.
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2000 Winnebago Ultimate Freedom USQ40JD , ISC 8.3 Cummins 350, Spartan MM Chassis. USA IN 1SG 11B5MX,Infantry retired;GS Life member,FMCA " My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. John F. Kennedy
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02-18-2024, 12:51 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,545
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Maybe
These trips are great if you fit the RV lifestyle profile of their trip plan.
We have looked at several and find that we don't fit. Review carefully and investigate the plan as it compares to what you want to do when traveling.
The cost is going to be more, because you are paying the freight for the Wagonmaster and Tailgunner as well as contributing to the profit margin of the firm organizing the tour. However, some parks discount for groups and everything is planned for you. That does reduce the stress of these trips.
If this type of trip is for you, go for it. Good Luck with your investigation.
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Travel Safe and with a Smile! Pat
2020 Tiffin Breeze 33BR
2022 Cherokee Trailhawk toad
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02-18-2024, 01:12 PM
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#11
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: West Palm Beach, FL. USA
Posts: 28,513
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I think a visit to Alaska is a more enjoyable experience if you have companions to share the sights and the journey itself. And if you are a bit unsure about the possible rigors or the planning, a caravan makes for better peace of mind.
We had the advantage of independent travel with another RVing couple who had been there before, but our 75+ days intersected with caravan groups multiple times and they all seemed to be enjoying themselves immensely. I'm sure there were some who had second thoughts, but everybody we spoke to was happy.
You can certainly do it less expensively on your own. Afterall, you are helping to pay for two other coaches, a navigator & guide, an evening recreation director, and a trip planning service. But you will probably miss out of some things too.
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Gary Brinck
Former owner of 2004 American Tradition and several other RVs
Home is now West Palm Beach, FL
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02-18-2024, 03:06 PM
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#12
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Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2022
Posts: 12
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In regards to your question about average age in these groups, in my experience with both groups, ages ranged in 50s to 80s. But to be clear these are usually active people. I would say average is 65-70.
The only concern that was discussed by some members of the Great River Road tour was that we moved camp to often for them. They would have preferred to spend more time at each location. This is something people should consider when choosing a caravan tour. You don't all leave at the same time and you don't have to follow one another unless you team up with another traveler and do so. The Wagonmaster leaves first by at least 30 minutes so they are at the next camp to welcome you and tell you which site you will be in. The Tailgunner leaves at least 30 minutes after the last RV pulls out and they don't arrive at the next camp until everyone else has arrived and is accounted for.
Another thing that I will consider when I book another caravan trip is: Is there any place during the tour where "ride-sharing" is required. I drive a light 24ft Class C and do not tow a vehicle so the motorhome is my only transportation. When "ride-share" is required I will have to hope someone invites me to ride with them or I have to go 'beg' for a ride which I am uncomfortable with. Most of the other RVers were happy to offer me a ride and were most generous about it and I enjoyed their company but this is another thing you should inquire about if you're like me and don't tow a vehicle.
So, can you do a tour like this on your own and pay less? Maybe. Would you have as much fun? Probably not (unless you're not a social person). The best part of the GRR tour was after a day touring, grabbing a lawn chair and heading for the site where someone was lighting a campfire and we all sat in a circle and talked and laughed together. I loved that!
Here is another tip I learned and you could consider this. Order a tour catalog from one of the Caravan companies and use their Itinerary to plan a trip on your own. Just get out there and have fun!
__________________
Darlene Huff
2022 Coachmen Cross Trail 20CB
Living in Reno, Traveling the World
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02-20-2024, 07:26 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 300
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Rayin,
Thanks for that tip on vets.
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02-20-2024, 08:57 PM
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#14
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Registered User
Winnebago Owners Club Solo Rvers Club
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Fulltime Traveler
Posts: 1,173
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Bad news: You have to be ready to go when and where the leader wants.
Good news: You have friends to eat with and party with after hours. 
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