There's nothing quite like taking a road trip in an RV. Whether you're headed to somewhere nearby or somewhere farther away this summer, West Insurance Agency wants you to get the most out of your travels.

General travel tips

• Have a plan. (And maps, or a GPS.) One of the reasons you're traveling in an RV, no doubt, is for the adventure. But while the freedom to go wherever you want in North Carolina can be exciting, getting lost isn't (at least for most people). You'll cut down on frustration if you know where you're headed.
• Pack the right things. We've all forgotten to pack something while going on vacation. And buying new items at your destination can add up. So make a packing list, and remember that it's not all about clothes and toiletries. Don't forget your favorite road music, or DVDs to watch at night. And if you've got kids with you, be sure to pack games and other things to entertain them.
• But don't pack everything. Of course, just because you have an RV doesn't mean you should bring all of your possessions on vacation with you.
• Be prepared for anything. You should have a first-aid kit in the RV, as well as some tools for smaller repairs. And if you're traveling a long distance, why not bring some local items from your hometown to give as gifts when you make new friends?
• Limit the driving. It's tiring enough driving a car - let alone an RV - hundreds of miles a day, so give yourself plenty of rest and don't overdo the driving.

Want to bring your car?

Taking a car a long with your RV can give you a lot more flexibility on your vacation. But it can also make the driving more stressful, so keep that in mind. According to towingworld.com, there are three main options to bring your car with you:

• A trailer: This of course, allows you to raise the car completely off the ground. They're generally more expensive than other options, but keep wear and tear to a minimum for your car.
• A tow dolly: This lifts the front wheels of the car off the ground. They're useful if you can't tow your car with all four wheels down, and can be easily used for front-wheel drive vehicles without another device to make it towable.
• A tow bar: The most popular choice, because of its convenience. It's the option with the least amount of equipment, and usually the least expensive; it also takes up less space than dollies and trailers. Note that not all cars can be towed with four wheels on the ground, so check your manufacturer's recommendations.

Where to stay

If you're looking for campground or RV parks in North Carolina and beyond, you're in luck - there are seemingly endless options across the country. But how do you know which ones are good? Or safe? Plenty of online resources have information on various parks, including the ones below:

• www.rvparkfinder.net
• www.findarvpark.com
• www.gocampingamerica.com
• www.trailerlifedirectory.com

Wherever you stay, you'll want to take some steps to prevent crime. RVs can be inviting targets for thieves, because they usually contain more valuables than cars. Always lock your doors when you're away from the RV, and keep valuables out of sight or locked away.

If you're parked for the night in a non-camping area, such as a parking lot, try to stay in a well-lit area - and keep the door facing the light. Finally, try to make fuel or convenience store stops during the day, if possible.

You've got a summer full of fun ahead in your RV. We wish we were coming with you! Here's hoping for smooth and safe travels.

And don't forget, we can help you get the right insurance coverage for your RV (and everything else). Contact us today!