When people dream about a camping road-trip adventure, they often think of canoes, lakes, and hot summer nights. But why limit yourself when there are breathtaking autumn colours, crisp cool air, and even snow-tinged mountains to discover?
With far-flung tropical travel not in the cards for most of us for the next little while (thanks to COVID-19) there may be no better time to get out of your comfort zone and discover what is waiting for you just up the road a bit.
According to a recent poll, even if it is permitted, a majority of Canadians appear reluctant to travel out of the country, or even domestically in 2020. But that doesn’t mean you have to stay home.
For one thing, open campgrounds are generally empty, the crisp air is quiet, and the landscape is peaceful. And the best part? There are no bugs!
If fall and winter camping or RVing sounds interesting but intimidating, we’ve compiled a few tips to consider and help ease your mind before heading out:
For cold-weather camping, consider having the following with you:
Smaller RVs are suitable for beginners who haven’t driven large vehicles often or recently.
The largest Class A motorhomes may have room for everyone in the family to spread out, but they’re harder to handle and more limited in the sites they can access. Practice your driving skills and consider a local RV school to get some hands-on experience with everything from backing into a campsite to properly adjusting lifts and slide-out sections.
For camping in the colder months, ensure the vehicle has winter tires and chains available to use if required. Finally, ensure that you understand what is covered in that rental’s insurance policy before driving away.
You know how your auto insurance works, at least at a very high level. You get in an accident with another vehicle or inanimate object, and damage to your automobile, the other party's property is covered — provided your policy is designed to meet your needs. There is also liability insurance for an injury suffered to your passengers or those of the other driver. But what about the playthings (like a trailer or a snowmobile) that you pull behind you?
The good news is that recreational vehicle claims are less frequent than automobile mishaps, and that makes premiums for coverage reasonably affordable.
If you're a bit unsure about the ins and outs of trailer or RV insurance, talk to your insurance representative to make sure you are fully covered before you head out into the great outdoors.