Retirement Communities Blog

Media coverage surrounding the extent of damages of BP’s oil spill in and around the Gulf Coast is affecting local business and tourism. As many people watch to see the extent of the damage of the oil spill RV enthusiasts are booking vacations elsewhere. RV Campgrounds are seeing numbers drop despite the fact many beaches in the Gulf Coast have not yet been affected by the oil spill.

RV Campgrounds aren’t the only ones suffering due to the disaster. Fishing businesses and tourist-based services are also seeing their business suffer. However, even as some businesses are declining, others are seeing a steady stream of vacationers heading in for what they hope will be a busy summer season. While some beaches have been affected, most areas throughout Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida remain pristine.

Some areas have set up websites with live web cams so potential visitors can see exactly what’s going on for themselves. Beaches have always been a popular summer destination. The sun, sand and surf usually have people flocking south for summer get-aways. For those considering a vacation along coastal areas, a little research may help ease your mind that all is not ruined. The biggest problem is for businesses that struggled through the recession. For them, additional loss of tourism at a critical time may become a breaking point for some businesses.

Those who have spent time in the Gulf Coast are often beckoned by its beauty. Just as some people are heading in a different direction, those that have spent years visiting the Gulf Coast are traveling back again this summer. Campgrounds are open. They welcome Class A, Class B and Class C RVs, travel trailers and fifth wheels. They will be happy to see you.

Because so many parts of the Gulf Coast offer incredible recreation, there is a destination for you. A little research will help reassure you that there’s nothing to worry about by heading south. It’s true, BP’s oil spill has done a tremendous amount of damage to wildlife and wetlands, but the entire Gulf Coast has not succumbed to the effects of the spill. There’s no need to re-route vacations before getting the facts.

As an incentive, some campgrounds and hotels are offering a 100% refund if beaches are affected during the course of a vacation. No one is positive how far reaching the effects of the oil spill may end up being, but for now, there are still plenty of scenic areas for visitors.

Although the relief effort is filling up some campgrounds close to the spill, other companies have seen a decline in business of up to 30% reports RVBusiness.com. Campgrounds that have lost revenue may file suit with BP who has promised to pay legitimate claims for lost business due to the oil spill.

RV Campgrounds are open and ready for business. The Gulf Coast boasts incredible beaches, atmosphere and people. RV enthusiasts should check the area they are booked to visit before they cancel reservations. There is no reason for people to be deterred from visiting this area of the country.

Looking to find the best deal on Class B RVs and motorhomes, then visit www.beaudryrv.com.com to find the best selection on new and used motorhomes.

Temperatures are soaring. The country is experiencing the usual summer heat waves breaking hundred degree temperatures coast to coast. For those people taking an RV vacation this summer, a big concern is how do we stay cool? Can we stay cool? You can. The following tips are just a few ways to beat the summer heat.

Air Conditioning. In the heat and humidity of summer, sometimes there is no other way to stay cool in your travel trailer or RV than with an air conditioning unit. There are hundreds of units that can easily be installed in an RV. Some units operate on solar energy while others utilize a standard 12-volt system for operation.

RV Windshield Covers. These were created to help block the sun’s rays. Instead of being set up inside the windshield, these go over the outside of the windshield. These are great to use when RVs are being stored as they help prevent fading and UV damage.

RV Awnings and Window Shades. Awnings deflect the sun away from windows. They also create a great shady are to sit under and get out of the heat. The best time to open windows is at night or when temperatures cool down. In the morning, closing windows and doors will keep cooler air in for a natural air conditioning system.

Portable Fans. Battery operated mini fans can be clipped on to bed frames or onto lights for a direct shot of cooler air. They can also be used to move air out of places such as kitchen. When cooking, keep windows and doors open to allow the heat out.

Jump in a Lake. What better way to cool off than by jumping in a soothing, refreshing lake? The ocean and swimming pools also suffice, but there’s something about a lake for splashing around and hours of refreshing fun.

Cold showers. Along the same lines, taking a cold shower before bedding down can help you fall asleep faster and bring your body temperature down for a good night’s sleep. Drinking cold drinks will also help keep you cool. The hotter it gets, the more important it is to stay hydrated.

For those who struggle in the heat, plan a vacation to Canada or Montana. The higher the elevation, the cooler you’ll be. In fact, there’s still snow over 10,000 feet in some areas. Travel trailers, fifth wheels and RVs become cooking machines when they sit in the sun for long periods of time. Finding a covered area or shady place will help keep everyone cool. Don’t forget your pets. They feel the heat, too, so it’s really important to remember to take them with you. Leaving a pet in a hot RV can lead to dehydration or even death. Air conditioning, awnings, fans, lakes and cold beverages all help beat the summer’s heat, so enjoy your RV vacation in comfort.

Learn more about RVs and campers. Stop by Beaudry RV where you can find out all about new and used RVs and what they can do for you.

National Parks are seeing an influx of visitors in 2010. RV and motor home owners are spending less money on travel and are traveling to destinations nearer to where they live. This is creating an increase in people heading out to national monuments, parks and wilderness areas.

2009 visitation to National Parks fell just 1.8 million visits shy of setting a record for the National Park System. Visitation to the National Parks in 2009 jumped to 285.4 million, an increase of more than 10 million over 2008 levels and within sight of the record 1987 turnout, when 287.2 million headed into the parks, reports National Parks Traveler. Last year, Yosemite National Park had 3,866,970 people visit.

Glacier National Park is seeing more people coming through their entrance points. In fact, their visitors have increased by 3.7% over last year. If trends continue through the busiest months of July and August, there may be a new record for National Park visitation. Motor home owners and RV enthusiasts are also heading out in record numbers. Since January of 2009, campgrounds and KOAs have reported increasing reservations.

According to USA Today, “If you thought last year was a buyer’s market for travelers, just wait: Even as airlines, hotels and other suppliers talk “cautious optimism” for 2010, a recent USA TODAY/Gallup Poll showed only 16% of respondents plan to fly more or stay more often in hotels this year than they did in 2009 - with about 30% saying they’ll travel less often.

Staying closer to home translates to increased savings. Traveling by RV or motor home translates to mobility, the ability to explore the unexpected, experience some of America’s small towns and some great opportunities for family bonding.

Budget Travel is a new term for many since the recession. People are looking to spend less money while still experiencing quality accommodations, such as Park Model cabins and they want to be entertained. RV Parks are offering more and more opportunities for family fun and a well-rounded vacation. Staying at RV Resorts on the way to National Parks sets a great precedent for the incredible experiences yet to come.

While it will be another few months for summer visitation numbers to come in, it looks as if National Parks are topping the list of vacation destinations. And why not? They have recreation, scenic backdrops, history, education and more. It’s hard to pass up a trip to a National Park. Go. Fall in love and return time and time again.

Living on a budget is one reason people head to National Parks. For a few dollars, they can engage in physical activities, explore museums and learn some history about the land we live in. The RV Industry has optimistically been watching sales numbers rise since January 2009. RV enthusiasts and motor home owners are taking off to visit our nation.

Looking to find the best deal on RVs and motorhomes, then visit www.beaudryrv.com.com to find the best selection on new and used motorhomes.

Staycations are still popular despite the waning recession. A staycation is a when a family chooses to take time off and spend it closer to home rather than hop on a plane and travel to some exotic locale. When the recession hit, many Americans looking to save money started planning trips that focused on fuel economy and bargain lodging. RV owners still traveled, but stayed closer to home.

Because new RVs can cost upwards of $100,000.00, the RV industry has been cited as a sign of whether or not the economy is getting back on track. When January 2010 saw sales starting to pick up, the rest of the country heaved a sigh of relief. While all parties are cautiously optimistic, sales have continued to increase and have stayed strong through the summer months. When people start spending money on expensive items such as RV, it’s a sign that they feel secure about their finances and about the general state of the economy.

A survey that was initiated by Persuadable Research Group discovered that around seventy percent of those heading out on vacation were going to do so by driving instead of flying. Most of those people also indicated they were interested in bargain lodgings and campgrounds. Families can save a lot of money by staying close to home. Airfare fluctuates so often, it is hard to pin down good rates for set vacation dates. Not only that, hotel rooms, travel fare to and from the airport all add up. To prove the point, campground reservations increased during the recession and are staying strong.

Today’s RV campgrounds are nothing like the simple lodging stops in the past. They are now often equipped with family activities like fishing, movies, miniature golf, swimming pools, hot tubs, wellness centers and more.

There is a level of luxury for every RV traveler. The most extravagant accommodations are the Class A RVs, which can run hundreds of thousands of dollars. Class C RVs are cheaper than Class A RVs, but not quite as cheap as pop-up campers and travel trailers, which provide more basic accommodations.

The less expensive camping options like travel trailers, campers and pop-up tents can be had for hundreds of dollar instead of thousands. They are easy to tow and store. While the interiors aren’t as plush as Class A RVs, they are great for families that are only interested in the basics.

The savings accrued over the years of traveling by RV would be enough to upgrade an RV or invest in a dream. Campgrounds are filling up for the summer and now is a perfect time to see what your neck of the woods has to offer.

The beauty of the recession is it forced everyone to realize how incredible the surroundings are close to home. There’s a reason RVing maintained its popularity through the recession. RV travel has become the epitome of family values, discovery and adventure.

Looking to find the best deal on RVs and motorhomes, then visit www.beaudryrv.com.com to find the best selection on new and used motorhomes.

Millions of families are opting for the scaled down, back to nature style vacations this year due to the lack of funds caused by the weak economy. Many are loading up their toy hauler with their fun things like personal watercraft vehicles, mountain or dirt bikes, motor cross and motorcycles and ATV’s and hitting the road to find a nice campground or spot near a lake to relax a little, play a little and save some of their money by not going on a large, expensive holiday.

Families who like to travel with their toys know the benefits of a toy hauler. These carriers come in many different styles, sizes and shapes. There is even a specially designed transporter for the family dog so that he/she doesn’t feel left out. Plus it gives pets a nice place to stay when the family is out. If the family has a larger vehicle like a truck or SUV, then a larger carrier might be better than a smaller ones.

Deciding what a family will be taking with them on their trip as well as what type of trip they will be going on, will help determine what style and size of trailer or carrier they should purchase. Several of the newer toy haulers come with a ‘light as air’ rear-ramp door that folds down to help transport motorized vehicles. Getting a toy hauler with a good ramp door is important because it helps off-load gear allowing families to spend more time playing and less time loading and unloading equipment.

There are several different kinds of these pull-behind style carriers, some that simple carry all the equipment for an outdoor adventure and others that turn into a sleeping cabin or eating area for the family. These have sleeping quarters in the front of the transport vehicle and in the back is where the fun stuff goes. There is plenty of room in these toy haulers for everything a family wants to bring with them to insure their comfort on their outdoor trip.

There are millions of people who enjoy thousands of lakes across the country each year. More and more people are bringing their own boats instead of renting them. A smaller carrier can hold all the boating needs like tubes, waterskiing and wave boarding equipment in addition to life-vests. Of course there is always room for the family fishing equipment: poles, nets and waders.

Another nice thing about toy haulers is they are enclosed and will keep the items clean and dry until they reach their intended destination. These transport carriers can be tough for a beginner to maneuver, so a driver should practice before they get out on the road with other cars. Some states might require a licensed driver to take additional classes in order to operate a vehicle with a carrier on the back of it.

A camping trip is the ideal vacation for a toy hauler in order to make loading and unloading at the campsite a little easier. Many of the carriers will hold everything a family needs on an outdoor trip such as a portable kitchen and propane to fill the grill with as well as lots of pans and pots. You can also take along a couple of big size air mattresses, all the fishing gear and the large multi-room tent. Toy haulers are ideal for camping.

A toy hauler is ideal for families who want to explore the great outdoors and bring along all their fun things to enjoy. Families can save money by camping or fishing by the lake this year instead of the major holidays of years ago at an exotic beach or other locale. Spending more quality time with one another is the idea behind these types of vacations in addition to coming closer to Mother Nature.

Learn more about toy haulers. Stop by Beaudry RV where you can find out all about new and used RVs and what they can do for you.

A new study released July 13, 2010 by ExactTarget finds nearly 40% of consumers turning to Facebook and Twitter to supplement the news, information or deals they receive via e-mail marketing, reports RV Business.com.

Additional findings are as follows:

* More than 90% of consumers that are a fan of, or “like,” at least one brand on Facebook also receive at least one permission-based marketing e-mail per day.

* In excess of 75% of shoppers that ‘follow’ a brand on Twitter also are signed up for a minimum of one brand’s advertising marketing via email.

* Nearly half of consumers who engage with brands via Twitter do so silently, regularly reading tweets even though they do not have their own Twitter account.

* Almost half of mothers with kids that live at home are trying to find deals on-line and are doing so by becoming fans of 10 brands on Facebook, following 10 companies on Twitter and getting more than 14 permission-based marketing emails sent to them daily.

* 33% of buyers claim they are Info Seekers, saying that product reviews and user-generated content have the greatest influence on their buying decisions.

* While 28% of consumers under the age of 25 identify themselves as “social butterflies” and fan the most brands on Facebook, they are more likely to buy from companies that send them permission-based e-mail.

For companies and advertisers trying to break into this coveted market, this is all good news. RV dealers and RV enthusiasts can find everything they are looking for in the realm of their favorite social media space. This report stresses the need for advertisers and companies to invest their advertising dollars on social media ventures. This is one of the most powerful places to interact with consumers and receive immediate feedback.

While consumers are becoming more familiar with and more tolerant of on-line marketing, companies need to make sure they have a presence where they will be noticed. Placing ads in a newspaper or on the radio isn’t going to attract the quantity of buyers that the Internet will. Give consumers a reason to become a fan or to follow your Tweets. Make your message unique and engaging.

Being current with what’s going on in the social media world is the only way companies are going to succeed. From RV dealers to Soft Drink companies, there’s a market for everyone. The only thing left to do is to figure out how to tap into it.

Looking to find the best deal on RVs and motorhomes, then visit www.beaudryrv.com.com to find the best selection on new and used motorhomes.

RV sales numbers are staying strong. The worst of the recession appears to be in the past. As RV dealers face summer sales, generally their peak sales time, they are stocking up with new RV models.

More and more requests are coming in for lightweight travel trailers and economical models, but at least people are spending again.

While the younger generation is driving numbers up as far as travel trailers, baby boomers are pushing sales of higher ticket RVs such as Fifth Wheels and Class A RVs. As record numbers of the population are retiring, baby boomers are hitting the road in their new RVs and campers.

Park models are also garnering a lot of attention this year. Park models are RVs, built like a cabin. Many RV Parks are using them to attract families that prefer more comforts than tent camping but still want an outdoor, camping-style vacation. As demand grows, so do the amount of companies manufacturing these RVs. There are a wide variety that can be found everywhere from California to Wyoming.

Record numbers of people seem to be hitting the road and visiting National Parks. In June alone, in excess of 700,000 people headed to Yellowstone National Park. July tends to be the busiest month for National Parks so visitors will probably swarm the parks in July.

Beaches have always been the essence of summer vacations. With the Gulf Coast spill, many RV enthusiasts have turned for safer havens. However, there are still many clean beaches on the Gulf Coast. Before taking the time to re-route a trip, call and see what their refund policy is if oil shows up, or if they have been affected. Some areas have live cameras installed so potential visitors can see for themselves that there has been no damage.

If the warm weather is pushing you to cooler climates, the mountains offer refuge from overwhelming heat waves. Snow is still apparent at higher elevations and wildflowers are blanketing fields and valleys. Places like Rocky Mountain National Park and Glacier National Park offer great mountain camping and cool evening air.

No matter your style of vehicle or destination, there is summer adventure awaiting you. The RVing industry has held strong for 100 years. Celebrate the centennial year of RVing by hitting the road and exploring with your new RV, Fifth Wheel Toy Hauler, Travel Trailer, Pop-up Camper or more.

Looking to find the best deal on RVs and motorhomes, then visit www.beaudryrv.com.com to find the best selection on new and used motorhomes.

With baby boomers becoming the largest segment of the population to explore the virtues of RVing, many often wonder, what do you get someone who has everything - a home, an RV and a lot of time to enjoy it? The answer is RV art. It’s the perfect way for the RV enthusiast to call to mind RV adventures as they relax at home or at the summer cottage and inspire them to get back out on the road again.

Here are a few gift ideas for the RV Enthusiast:

1. Vintage Trailer Art by Paige Bridges: Bridges captures the innocent beauty of RV Travel. Her images hearken back to the days when the roads were less crowded and there was still a lot of unexplored territory, yet they are still accessible to today’s travelers and may raise a chuckle or simply a warm fuzzy feeling inside. Bridges has been able to bring the RV travel world to life.

2. Douglas Keister’s Mobile Mansions: Keister starts at the beginning. His history of some of the classic RVs throughout the last hundred years is accompanied by photographs that seem as if they could hardly be real, such as mobile churches.

3. RV Jewelry: What better way to remember RV travels than with a miniature RV that hangs from a charm bracelet or off a necklace. RV jewelry comes in several types from classic sterling silver recreations to gold and painted styles.

4. Fine Art Photography: Fine art photography depicting images of places the RV enthusiast has visited. Think Ansel Adams and Galen Rowell. Not only will these images bring back the awe and beauty of nature, but they will bring back that moment and time in the person’s life when they caught their first glimpse of Yosemite Valley.

5. RV Birdfeeder: It’s true. Now you can park your RV in the back yard without the neighbors complaining. These tiny RV birdhouses provide shelter for feathered friends and offer them protection from storms.

RV Art Gallery is one place to start looking for great RV gifts. These gifts will light up the faces of RV enthusiasts and make you as much a part of their memories as the gift is. National Parks often have galleries that sell art representing their park. No matter what you choose, your RV enthusiast will remember you as fondly as their travel memories.

Learn more about RVs and motorhomes. Stop by Beaudry RV where you can find out all about new and used RVs and what they can do for you.

Buyer’s interest increases for RVs and fifth wheel campers. As the recession is slowly fading away, RV dealerships are reporting an increase in sales for the first quarter of 2010. Across the nation, consumers appear to be spending again and not just on small items. RVs, travel trailers and fifth wheel campers are all showing the recession may be behind us.

Dr. Richard Curtain’s analysis, recently published by the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association, believes this year will see a 39% rise above 2009’s sales numbers with more than 249,700 units being shipped. Summer is generally a high point in RV sales and travel and dealers are stocking their inventory accordingly. Consumers are not yet buying in pre-recession numbers but they are slowly starting to spend again.

Unlike previous recessions, where the road to recovery was relatively fast and stayed steady, Curtain warns the next several years will most likely see ups and downs. However as consumer confidence returns, they are beginning to purchase more expensive items such as RVs, travel trailers and fifth wheel campers. With a new generation entering the market, travel trailer sales have spiked.

RVs and fifth wheel campers are also holding their ground as sales on the more expensive items are beginning to grow again. The new Ambassadors of Affordability created by GoRving for their advertisements are helping those who might be interested in purchasing an RV understand that RV vacations are affordable and create lasting family bonds. These cute critters were received favorably by audiences and have been featured in commercials during the Olympics and NASCAR.

Travel trailers are priced at the more affordable end of the RV spectrum with new models available for under $20,000, which is why their popularity is increasing. However, there’s still a market for the deluxe Class A RVs that start on the low end around $100,000 and can shoot up to $2,000,000. Fifth wheel campers have the benefit of being able to detach from the truck, allowing for convenient day excursions. Their price ranges in the middle of travel trailers and Class A RVs at around $50,000.

Some people enjoy having more than creature comforts on the road, they like a little luxury such as entertainment systems, cherry wood cabinetry, a bathtub and more. Other people are content with a bathroom and a bed. Regardless of taste, there is an RV waiting.

Many people return to their childhood when they think of RVing. This is when trips were taken and memories embedded. Now, those kids are adults with families, wondering how to create long-lasting memories for their kids. It’s easy in an RV. Families bond, they share experiences together and can explore some of the country’s national treasures.

It’s easy to feel the spirit of the road upon you. Simply buy an RV, load it up with fishing rods, golf clubs, knitting, hiking gear, climbing gear and more. Gas up and drive. It’s as simple as that.

Looking to find the best deal on RVs and Fifth Wheels, then visit www.beaudryrv.com.com to find the best selection on new and used motorhomes.