Even just a few weeks into the New Year we can all admit that most of our resolutions have already been broken. RVers, however, get a little extra time to decide on their RV Resolutions, as the big travel season hasn’t started just yet. Keep your RV Travel Resolutions going strong this year with our 5 Keys to a Year of Prosperous RVing!

Decide Where You Want to Go and When

This step is a no-brainer, but it is very important to not overlook the planning phase, and to do it far in advance of your actual travel dates. Do some research on what types of routes are out there and see what peaks your interest. You could travel from coast to coast, hit popular national parks, or even drive along famous Route 66…the opportunities are endless! For a little inspiration, we invite you to take a look at our post, 10 Places to Put on Your 2015 RV Travel List, and just dream a little! Once you have a few options narrowed down, start looking into the best times to hit the road based on weather, crowds, and the price ranges of area parks and campgrounds.

Book Your Campsites

If you plan on hitting any popular tourist attractions, such as Yosemite or Yellowstone, reserve your campsite as far in advance as possible. Be strategic in your planning, and steer away from popular holiday weekends. A good option is to stay at highly desired sites during the weekdays, and keep in mind that even these require booking far ahead. Visiting during these times will increase your chances of getting the campsite you really want.

Be a Savvy RVer

Whether you’re a full-timer or a seasonal RVer, there should always be a budget in place. Keep in mind that you’ll need to prepare for campground fees, hook ups, propane, gas, personal items such as health care, and groceries, as well as many other basic RV life necessities. Check out this Full-Timing Budget from our good friends at RV Dreams to see which costs to consider. Once you set a spending budget, stick to it and implement methods for saving money, such as eating out less, maintaining your RV’s m.p.g. by taking it easy on the gas pedal, and investing in longer-term passes and memberships. Boondocking is another great way to save money; there are many spots across the U.S. that offer free camping, which you can learn about here.

Join in on the RV Community

Life on the road can be a big change for some, especially in the social department. Luckily, there are many ways to connect with other RVers. Campsites are a great and easy way to meet fellow RV owners, and those friendships can really enhance your stay. You can also consider joining RV associations; two incredible ones we recommend are the Family Motor Coach Association and the Escapees RV Club. These great organizations will provide you access to popular RV rallies and get-together’s, as well as incredible benefits. Another way to connect with the RV community is online, with RV Happy Hour chatroom as well as Facebook.

Protect Your RV

With all of the fun aspects of RVing aside, it’s important to accept the reality that things can and will go wrong with your coach. There are many moving parts that makes your Home on Wheels go, and depending on its age, there is a good chance of breakdown. Before you embark on your 2015 travels, you owe it to your RV to see which options are out there for coverage. Investing in an Extended RV Warranty isn’t for everybody, but the money-saving benefits and peace of mind can sure be worth it. To see your options for coverage, simply fill out a free, no-strings-attached quote form, you won’t regret it!

We hope our Top 5 Keys to a Year of Prosperous RVing were helpful, and we wish you the very best for 2015!

Do you have any traveling destinations lined up for 2015? We’d love to hear about them! Comment below to share your exciting plans with us!