Waegook Tom

A Blog About A Globetrotting English Teacher

road trip

Top Four Things to Do When Traveling in Virginia in an RV

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If you’re looking for a unique twist to your next vacation, try staying in an RV.

Don’t own one? It’s easier than it has ever been before to rent one with Outdoorsy!

By staying in an RV, you have complete control over your vacation. You aren’t dependent on available hotel rooms and you don’t have to worry about unpacking and repacking every time you want to visit a new spot.

With that kind of freedom, the entire state of Virginia is at your fingertips. Here are four things you just have to do when visiting this great state in an RV.

Stay at Virginia Beach KOA

If you’ve never stayed in an RV before, checking out an RV resort is a must. Instead of roughing it by parking out in the woods with barely a place to shower, a resort provides you with the same level of amenities, and more, as a hotel.

One of the best is Virginia Beach KOA. RVers return to this location again and again because it:

  • Has two swimming pools and a giant inflatable water slide
  • Offers bike rentals and electric bikes
  • Hosts events like outdoor movies and ice cream socials
  • Has basketball, volleyball, horseshoe pits, and more
  • Offers trolley rides to the ocean
  • And more

Visit Shenandoah Caverns

Located in Quicksburg, the Shenandoah Caverns are a must-see. This cave system features over a mile of underground tunnels that connect to over a dozen chambers. Each one features a different formation with a special name, like the Diamond Cascade and the Grotto of the Gods.

Take the hour-long tour to learn how the caves formed and how they were discovered.

Walk Through Colonial Williamsburg

There are a lot of historical things to do in Virginia. It’s well worth your time to visit Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and George Washington’s Mount Vernon, but make sure you take time to visit Colonial Williamsburg.

There’s so much to explore on the 301-acre property that recreates Britain’s 18th century capital in the new world. Explore restored and reconstructed buildings, inspect recreated products from the day, and learn more about this historic area from costumed interpreters.

Camp at Great Falls Park

Just 15 miles from Washington, D.C. is Great Falls Park. If you’re looking for a rustic, natural RV experience, this is it.

This park houses the nation’s first canals as well as hiking trails that take you along dramatic clifftops. You can take a tour and learn more about the area from a park ranger, ride the trails on horseback, or do some rock climbing. Just make sure you check out the Great Falls of the Potomac River where water splashes dramatically down steps of jagged rocks.

The best part about an RV is the fact that you aren’t confined to a single location! Spend a day or two at one of these locations and then move onto the next so you can see everything this great state has to offer.

Ready, Checked, Go! Car Safety Checks To Do Before A Long Journey

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When it comes to long road trips, the last thing you want to happen is a breakdown or bump. You want the journey to go smoothly, as you sing along to the radio, enjoy the scenery, and imagine what fun you’ll have when you reach your destination. It’s important that you do all the car safety checks before you embark on your journey to ensure there’s not a migraine of mechanical issues along the way. Here’s a few things you can add to your #CarSafetyChecklist

Schedule a Service

For those of you who feel as though checking your car is like rocket science, or you prefer not having the hassle of getting your hands dirty, or even making mistakes, there are companies out there who’ll do all the hard work for you. www.kwik-fit.com is one company that will provide a quality service to set you up nicely for your road trip.

Fill Up On Fluids

By checking the level of the fluid in your car, you’re one step closer to having a more efficient and reliable journey. Don’t leave the fluids low and your engine burnt out, ready to go caput at any moment. This is one of the most basic maintenance checks you can do that takes a minimal amount of time.

You’ll need to check the oil, coolant, windscreen and brake fluid levels are all up to scratch. Some cars have clutch and power steering fluids that may also need to be checked to ensure safe maneuvering and braking. Car manuals are the best place to skim through in order to know exactly what goes where.

Wipe Out Worn Tyres

Are your tyres able to withstand the varying weathers that will be thrown at them, or will they slip and slide when rain falls, and snow sets. You don’t have to be the one left feeling like you need to get a grip if your tyres are doing that job for you.

You want a tread of no less that 2.5mm, otherwise you’ll have to replace them for your journey. With long trips especially, there has to be a good amount of tread left, as tyres warm up more quickly, and therefore wear out easier too.

Check the pressure of your tyres as well, make sure you pump them up to the right pressure for your tyres, and don’t exceed that amount. Keep clear of any bulges or small tears, as this could result in a major collision should they blow. Ensure the spare tyres are in good condition too, should anything happen to the other ones along the way.

Brilliant Battery Power

Don’t let your battery go dead while you’re driving, it’ll add hours to your already very long journey. Lights could have been left on, and chargers could have been left plugged in, all contributing to a weaker battery life. Make sure your battery is strong and has clean terminals.

Where To Stop When Road Tripping Route 66

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If you have been looking for something to do to close out the summer or perhaps for something to do for an autumn vacation for a week or two, why not consider a great road trip somewhere unique or interesting. A good road trip is always a cure all for those slower days of summer or into the autumn as a great way to still prolong the summer fun. Read ahead for some tips on where to stop along the route of North America‘s ultimate road trip road – Historic Route 66.

What Is The Route?

Route 66 is one of the original highways that crosses the United States, originating from Chicago in Illinois and ending in Santa Monica, California. It was used as a main route of migration throughout the Dustbowl era of the 1930s and the Great Depression, but was slowly decertified as an official highway over time. With the advent of road trips becoming more highly sought after ideas for holidays, as well as a focus on the routes historic significance, Historic Route 66 has made its debut, and now travellers can find cheap RV Rental Prices and drive the route as much or as little as they’d like.

What States Are Involved?

From east to west the states that are involved include Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. This makes the route a fantastic way to see much of the different states that comprise the United States, with each state having its own real culture: from the buttoned up office blocks of the Mid West to the dusty farms of the South West and the beach culture of California, road trippers are promised a great experience, whether they start in Illinois or California or anywhere in between.

So, What Should I See?

Depending where you start, the time you have dedicated to the trip, your budget and your interests there is a little something for everyone along the route. Santa Monica pier in California is a must see for almost everyone, with its bright lights and fairground out on the pier itself. Arizona’s stretch of the highway is near not just the Petrified Forest National Park, but also Grand Canyon National Park, Barringer Crater and the Historic Wigwam Motel which is worth a stay for a unique night in a stone and stucco tipi. Motels, hotels, cafes and service stations line the route in each state from California to Illinois, with many of these being historic sites in and of themselves and are worth a stop, a visit, a sandwich or a stay, depending on your time frame and what you want to get out of your trip. For a full list of the top 10 sites along the route per state, check out this website.

So there you have a bit of a rundown on the history and things to see along the Historic Route 66 through the United States. With so much to see along the route it’s easy to see why this is one road trip for the ages and the one that will be talked about for years to come!