New Year, New Me, or so the saying goes! It seems that every year when we change over from the old to the new, people start making New Year’s resolutions. These resolutions tend to be focused on things like living better, being more organized, or living a healthier life.
When it comes to RVing though, there are a few resolutions that come to mind as staples within the RV lifestyle. Of course, your resolutions will be unique to you and your lifestyle, but there are New Year’s resolutions that I think that every RVer regardless of lifestyle can make when going into this New Year.
Here are 30 New Year’s resolutions for RVers to consider as you start planning for the year ahead.
1. Learn how to perform maintenance tasks on your RV
It’s essential to keep your RV in good working order and that means being able to take care of basic maintenance tasks yourself. Whether checking the dry-cell battery water level (they are your lifeline); inspecting your propane system; inspecting tires for cracks and uneven wear and checking air pressure; changing your water filter; and keeping an RV maintenance log/checklist to keep track of your maintenance checks, repairs, and replacements, resolve to learn the skills you need to keep your RV running smoothly.
2. Plan at least one cross-country road trip in the year
Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or a newbie, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of hitting the open road and exploring new destinations. Start researching routes and must-see attractions with RVing with Rex for your epic adventure now.
3. Spend more time exploring regional and state parks
Many RVers are drawn to the freedom and flexibility of the open road but it’s also important to take the time to explore the natural beauty and history right in your backyard. Resolve to spend more time exploring local and state parks in the coming year and discover all your region has to offer.
4. Try boondocking at least once
Boondocking is camping (often on BLM land) without access to electrical, water, or sewage hookups. It can be a challenging but rewarding way to experience the great outdoors.
5. Learn a new outdoor skill
RVing is the perfect opportunity to try out new outdoor activities and hobbies and there’s no shortage of options to choose from. Learn a new outdoor skill in 2023 whether it’s rock climbing, fishing, hiking, kayaking, or geocaching.
6. Seek out new destinations
While it can be comforting to return to familiar destinations year after year, it’s also important to mix things up and explore new destinations. Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone.
7. Invest in new gear to enhance uour RVing experience
Whether it’s a new cooking set, a portable generator, or hiking poles, there are always nifty RV-related gadgets to improve your RVing experience.
8. Reduce clutter
There’s no denying the fact that RVs are tiny places to live. Partly for this reason, clutter builds up quickly. Since nobody wants to live in a cluttered space, it’s best to purge things in your tiny home on wheels at least twice a year or when needed. And I know that it is a much more difficult task than it appears.
And the problem is not just cleaning up the mess. In the words of best-selling author Jordan B. Peterson, “I also want to make it beautiful.” Writing in Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life, the famed clinical psychologist continued, “Making something beautiful is difficult but it’s amazingly worthwhile. If you learn to make something in your life truly beautiful—even one thing—then you have established a relationship with beauty.”
9. Take a course to improve your driving skills and safety
RVing can be a lot of fun, but it’s also important to prioritize safety on the road. Brush up on things like backing up, lane changes, and emergency braking.
10. Try out different types of campsites
One of the best things about RVing is the variety of campsite options available from beachfront to the mountain to lakeside and pull-through to back-in to pull-in. Make a New Year’s resolution to try out different types of campsites and see which ones you like best.
11. Connect with other RVers on the road
RVing can be a solo pursuit but it’s also a great way to connect with other like-minded individuals. You might make some lifelong friends along the way. The ultimate RV gathering happens at the beginning of each year in Arizona at the Quartzite RV Show (January 21-29, 2023.
12. Plan a group RV trip with family or friends
RVing is a great way to bond with loved ones and there’s nothing quite like a group RV trip to bring people together. Organize a caravan and create lasting memories on the road.
13. Set a goal to save money on fuel costs
The cost of fuel can add up quickly while RVing but there are steps you can take to minimize your expenses. Reducing your speed and making sure your tires are properly inflated are two ways to save on fuel.
14. Set a goal to visit every state
Set a goal to visit every corner of the U.S. and/or Canada. This can be a long-term project but it’s a great way to truly experience all that North America has to offer in an RV.
15. Try new recipes in your RV kitchen
Cooking in your RV kitchen can be a fun and rewarding experience but it’s always nice to have new recipes to try out. Grab a cookbook, research recipes online, and borrow some from fellow travelers. Expand your culinary horizons on the road.
Consider investing in small kitchen appliances such as an Instant Pot, a slow cooker, and an air fryer to make the job of cooking in your RV a cinch.
16. Volunteer your time or skills with a local organization
If you are in a location for an extended period, you may want to participate in volunteer opportunities. Whether it is at a beach clean-up, animal shelter, or a docent at a local park or museum, RVing can be a great way to give back to the communities you visit.
17. Join a membership club and receive RV park discounts
There are numerous RV membership clubs and associations that provide a various benefits such as camping at a discounted rate and access to exclusive parks. Each has its perks and drawbacks. Is it reasonable to become a member of several RV clubs? It depends on your RVing style, wants, and needs.
Some of these are:
- Escapees (SKP) RV club
- Passport America
- Thousand Trails
- Good Sam RV Club
- FMCA (Family Motor Coach Association)
- Harvest Hosts
- Boondockers Welcome
- Hipcamp
18. Become a workcamper to save money on living expenses
If you’re looking for a way to save money on living expenses while RVing, workamping is a great way to see new places and meet new people while also helping to reduce some of your costs.
19. Record your travels through journaling and/or photography
Documenting your travels can be a meaningful way to reflect on your experiences and share them with others. So write, photograph, and record videos of your travels and experiences.
20. Spend more time outdoors
Most people assume that by living in an RV, a person automatically spends a ton of time outside. While this is true for some RVing families, it isn’t always the case. Seeing as how the outdoors can benefit your health, making it a goal to spend more time outside in the New Year is a great idea.
There are many ways to support this goal. You might choose to invest in a better outdoor setup with things like lounging chairs and outdoor games. Another option is to get set up for hiking and make a point of taking at least one hike in every place you visit. You could also learn a new skill such as kayaking or fishing to encourage yourself to get that fresh air and sunshine that is so good for you.
21. Visit more parks
Another fantastic way to get outside more is by visiting the many amazing state and national parks across the country. These parks allow you to soak up the sun while also exploring some seriously beautiful and fascinating places not to mention making some incredible memories that are sure to last for years to come.
Grab a national park pass and visit as many national parks as you can throughout the year. If you’ll be in a particular state for a while, look into purchasing an annual pass for the state parks there. Of course, you should always ask about junior ranger programs at every park you visit.
22. Try something NEW, while camping
Relaxing is numero uno but how about spicing up the camping trip with some boating, trail (bike) riding, or go GeoCaching? GeoCaching is fun at any age and can be enjoyed with your friends and family. It’s treasure hunting—and you can use your phone. Wooo, the kids will love this one!
23. Support local growers
Nothing beats fresh produce and homemade bread, jams, and jellies. Stop at farmers’ markets along the way. Not only will you be able to enjoy the freshest foods and eat healthier, but you’ll also be supporting local small businesses.
24. Be present in the moment
In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, it’s easy to forget to take time to be present wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, and whoever you’re doing it with. From texting, and scrolling through social media, to even recording and taking pictures during a hike, there’s just so much noise that can get in the way.
Whether you’re all packed up and on your way to your next adventure or sitting by the campfire, make a conscious effort to really enjoy the experience. Breathe in the stillness of the forest, relax and recline by the lake, or engage in quality family time with a rousing night of games and fun! There’s so much to do that’s waiting for you. Make sure you don’t miss it.
25. Take the road less traveled
An important resolution for the New Year would be to take things slow and take the road less traveled. Everyone is in a rush to get from one place to the next so they don’t take the time to enjoy the journey. Instead of driving along the interstate, go an alternate route and drive the scenic byways.
Give yourself room to breathe and enjoy the countryside. Eat at that little diner and get that big glass of sweet tea. Take the family and go blueberry picking at the farm down the road or buy the freshest fruits and vegetables at a roadside stand. The best part about traveling in an RV is being able to make memories along the way, so be sure to take full advantage of each trip!
26. Go stargazing
No matter who you are, something is awe-inspiring about looking up at a star-filled night sky. Stargazing is an incredible pastime that is just not possible to do when living in the city. Take some time this year to visit a Dark-Sky Preserve and spend time with family and friends looking up at the stars. There is always something magical happening in the night sky, so be sure you don’t miss it.
27. Camp every season
Though spring and summer usually take all the glory for camping, there is a lot of fun to be had camping during the fall and winter months as well. Make it a resolution this year to camp in every season so that you can experience the wide variety of camping that the wilderness offers.
Our word of advice though: be sure to properly plan for camping in the cooler weather. The gear you’re going to need will be quite a bit different and you will need to prep things differently than you do for your summer excursions.
Not only will the scenery look different from season to season, but the wildlife will also vary greatly. So don’t forget to bring your binoculars and camera to spot all sorts of creatures, regardless of the season.
28, See a classic roadside attraction
No road trip is complete without a stop at a kitschy roadside attraction. Even if you’re not traveling cross-country, there’s likely a piece of forgotten Americana around the bend that could use a visit. Look for the World’s Largest Roadrunner, the World’s Largest Pistachio, Wigwam Motel, or the Giant Peach.
29. Join a hiking group
Looking to meet new people? Hiking (or running or biking) together can be a great way to enjoy the company of others.
30. Finally make it to those bucket-list destinations
Last but not least, I must mention bucket list destinations. We all have that list of places and experiences. Often, we don’t reach these destinations due to commitments, things breaking, or simply because they are out of the way.
This year is the year to reach those must-see locations that you haven’t made it to yet. Plan your travel around them and make them a top priority. Remember, you travel so you can see the country, so make sure you get out there and do it!
Embrace new opportunities on the road with New Year’s resolutions for RVers
There are many potential New Year’s resolutions that RVers can consider as they start planning for the coming year. From learning new skills to seeking out new destinations, the possibilities for growth and adventure are endless.
No matter your resolutions, it’s important to have fun and make the most of your RVing experiences. So as you start planning for 2023, remember to be open to new opportunities and embrace the unknown. Happy travels in the coming year!
Worth Pondering…
Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.
—Brian Tracy