(07-14-2026 11:02 AM)Tiger1983 Wrote:  

(07-14-2026 10:56 AM)TripleA Wrote:  Oh, as for watching out for bad weather, I plan to strictly follow the sun all year. I will winter from about Thanksgiving until the end of March somewhere way down South, likely either Florida, Texas or Arizona.

During that down time, I will plan my route for the next travel season, roughly from April through November.

Starting in early April, I will leave my wintering spot and slowly head north, arriving at the northern most route as summer begins, then slowly working my way across and back down, until I end up at my next wintering spot. I will likely change up from snowbird sites from year to year to prevent boredom.

Right now, southern AZ looks like the cheapest spot to winter over, south Texas looks like the best overall spot, and Florida is the most fun, but also the most expensive.

One of my neighbors follows the same timing you mentioned. I guess it is common among RV travelers.

Yeah, when you start to put even a small amount of thought into it, seems logical, unless you just prefer bad weather, lol.

Have you thought of joining a caravan? Just axing.

(07-15-2026 09:38 AM)olliebaba Wrote:  Have you thought of joining a caravan? Just axing.

Not familiar with the concept. You mean joining other RVers on a specific visit somewhere?

(07-15-2026 09:41 AM)TripleA Wrote:  

(07-15-2026 09:38 AM)olliebaba Wrote:  Have you thought of joining a caravan? Just axing.

Not familiar with the concept. You mean joining other RVers on a specific visit somewhere?

I knew about this during the time I owned an travel trailer. These are mature people who travel together to different spots in the country. It's like a club. I think you can get some info on some site called Sams or something like that. These people love it for the camaraderie and the secure feeling of having someone close to help if something goes wrong. Google it because it's been such a long time from me owning a trailer that I've forgotten a lot of things. A rookie can learn a lot from these people.

(07-15-2026 09:50 AM)olliebaba Wrote:  

(07-15-2026 09:41 AM)TripleA Wrote:  

(07-15-2026 09:38 AM)olliebaba Wrote:  Have you thought of joining a caravan? Just axing.

Not familiar with the concept. You mean joining other RVers on a specific visit somewhere?

I knew about this during the time I owned an travel trailer. These are mature people who travel together to different spots in the country. It's like a club. I think you can get some info on some site called Sams or something like that. These people love it for the camaraderie and the secure feeling of having someone close to help if something goes wrong. Google it because it's been such a long time from me owning a trailer that I've forgotten a lot of things. A rookie can learn a lot from these people.

I bet you're thinking about Good Sam's. And I'm a rookie owner, but not a rookie RVer. My sister and I have traveled the country for more than 10 years in two different RVs that she has owned. The first was a big bus, and the second was a camper van, and now I'm buying a Class C, which is in between.

However, I'm sure owning one is way different than riding in and driving one, so I like the idea for that reason. OTOH, I will be boondocking as much as possible, so staying away from peeps a lot is a side result of my plan to save money.

I generally don't like joining groups, b/c at my age, I am looking forward to some solitude, having lived with one or more other persons (wife and kids) all my adult life (and all my childhood, of course).

But I'll look into it. My guess is these are people going on a specific trip at a specific time, with limited time, whereas, I'm just wandering to interesting places, in no hurry, and staying as long as I care to. Might not be compatible from that standpoint.

Hey Ollie, you had it right. Here's what I found with a quick search.

Quote:AI Overview

Good Sam no longer operates its own tours, but the Good Sam Club has partnered with Fantasy RV Tours to offer exclusive guided RV caravans and rallies. Good Sam members save $50 on rallies and $100 on multi-destination caravans.

How the Caravans Work

1. Expertly Managed Logistics: Fantasy RV Tours handles all the trip planning, including pre-booking your RV sites at campgrounds and securing permits for events or border crossings.

2. Guided Travel: Experienced wagon masters and tail gunners lead the group. They provide daily travel briefings, map out the routes, and handle any unexpected emergencies on the road.

3. Group Activities & Excursions: Caravans offer organized sightseeing tours, group dinners, and access to special events that may not be accessible to individual RVers.

4. Itinerary Freedom: While the route and nightly stops are pre-planned, you generally do not have to drive in a tight convoy. You leave the campground at a designated time and arrive at the next location by a certain time, leaving you free to drive at your own pace during the day.

5. Destinations: They offer trips across North America and overseas, including popular routes to Alaska, the Canadian Maritimes, and the US Lower 48.

You can view current guided vacation packages and member discounts directly on the Fantasy RV Tours website.

After reading through the Tour website, I like the idea of maybe trying one near the beginning of my travels, simply to give me access to so many experienced travelers, but I certainly couldn't do it often due to budget constraints. Plus, I'm sure I would want to move a lot slower than these trips are designed to do. So, we'll see.

Thanks, Ollie.

I hear ya Triple, I understand. I guess in a way traveling with a group is like traveling to foreign countries and the guides tell you that you have to be at the lobby at a certain time, it's not up to you...it's up to them. That's not freedom.

(07-15-2026 10:12 AM)olliebaba Wrote:  I hear ya Triple, I understand. I guess in a way traveling with a group is like traveling to foreign countries and the guides tell you that you have to be at the lobby at a certain time, it's not up to you...it's up to them. That's not freedom.

Yeah, I certainly wouldn't do it all the time, but as I just mentioned above, one time might be good to get access to experienced RV owners.

is not for the library, but is funny as it gets ... friggin' Maynard is a trip ... may be too hard core with the language for you, Trips, but you may run into a crew like this during the travails ...

#preperationH

(07-15-2026 09:50 AM)olliebaba Wrote:  

(07-15-2026 09:41 AM)TripleA Wrote:  

(07-15-2026 09:38 AM)olliebaba Wrote:  Have you thought of joining a caravan? Just axing.

Not familiar with the concept. You mean joining other RVers on a specific visit somewhere?

I knew about this during the time I owned an travel trailer. These are mature people who travel together to different spots in the country. It's like a club. I think you can get some info on some site called Sams or something like that. These people love it for the camaraderie and the secure feeling of having someone close to help if something goes wrong. Google it because it's been such a long time from me owning a trailer that I've forgotten a lot of things. A rookie can learn a lot from these people.

Ollie bringing the goods! +3

I gotta tell you, I am envious! I truly hope you have the time of your life doing this, whether that means enjoying your solitude or partying like it's 1999. I am also keeping you in my prayers and sending you a mental medallion for St. Christopher.

(07-15-2026 01:53 PM)stinkfist Wrote:  is not for the library, but is funny as it gets ... friggin' Maynard is a trip ... may be too hard core with the language for you, Trips, but you may run into a crew like this during the travails ...

#preperationH

Ha, if I run into a crew like that out in the middle of nowhere, I'm running the other dang way.

(07-15-2026 02:11 PM)TigerBlue4Ever Wrote:  I gotta tell you, I am envious! I truly hope you have the time of your life doing this, whether that means enjoying your solitude or partying like it's 1999. I am also keeping you in my prayers and sending you a mental medallion for St. Christopher.

Thanks, brother. TBH, I'm looking forward to 3 things, at least:

1. Solitude. Until now, I have only lived alone about 3 months, when I was much much younger, had an apartment in Germantown, back when it was cool, and I was single.

Now I'm about 50-something years older, and I prefer solitude. I've already seen and heard all I need to hear from strangers, unless I initiate it, lol.

No partying for me. More like pouring a Jack and Coke, sitting outside my RV, and listening to the coyotes howl.

2. At my age, seeing and experiencing things I have never seen or done before. And trust me, that takes some doing, since I've been fortunate to live one helluva fun life.

Not to mention, next month, I will have been retired 28 years. Not counting a 4 year stint in the Navy, I have now been retired more years than I ever worked.

When I was putting this plan together in my head, after my wife passed away, I tried to think of things I would still like to do that I somehow missed so far. National parks out west were the big things, plus Niagara Falls, Cooperstown and Gettysburg, plus a few more Civil War sites.

Then I had to figure out the best way to do that, and that's when I first got the idea about an RV. I finally saw the one I like in person on Monday in Tupelo. Small to be living in full time, but I'll be moving around a lot, seeing new places and doing new things, so what's not to love?

3. Cooking full time for myself. My wife did all the cooking, until she got so sick about 4 years ago, and since then, I mostly just put things together for us to eat.

But now I'm thinking it would be fun to learn to cook a bit for one, and keep myself entertained at the same time. I may even find a cooking class or 4 to attend somewhere.

So the thought of all those things makes me happy, and I bet I'll think of a few more as I get this train rolling soon. Closing is scheduled for no later than Aug 14, so I'm now down to just a month or less before launch. Fingers crossed that things go well between now and then.

(07-15-2026 02:28 PM)TripleA Wrote:  

(07-15-2026 01:53 PM)stinkfist Wrote:  is not for the library, but is funny as it gets ... friggin' Maynard is a trip ... may be too hard core with the language for you, Trips, but you may run into a crew like this during the travails ...

#preperationH

Ha, if I run into a crew like that out in the middle of nowhere, I'm running the other dang way.

hehehehehehehe ... you already know my crazy arse would have to bust up in there with a 12-pack in one hand with the other asking, "you crazy fk'rs need any cowbell?!" ...

after the tune ends into the back of the patrol car ... "a man's trailer is, is his white castle." ...

(07-14-2026 10:56 AM)TripleA Wrote:  Oh, as for watching out for bad weather, I plan to strictly follow the sun all year. I will winter from about Thanksgiving until the end of March somewhere way down South, likely either Florida, Texas or Arizona.

During that down time, I will plan my route for the next travel season, roughly from April through November.

Starting in early April, I will leave my wintering spot and slowly head north, arriving at the northern most route as summer begins, then slowly working my way across and back down, until I end up at my next wintering spot. I will likely change up snowbird sites from year to year to prevent boredom.

Right now, southern AZ looks like the cheapest spot to winter over, south Texas looks like the best overall spot, and Florida is the most fun, but also the most expensive.

What range are you looking at for winter layover? Panama City beach is usually cheap from middle Nov till late Feb. With the small RV it might be cheaper and it gives you a break from the RV to get a hotel with a full mini kitchen, right on the beach. Free cable, free internet, some even have free breakfast, free linden but you do have to do your own cleaning. It gets in the 50s to mid 40s most of the time in dead of winter. Hard beating waking up having coffee, looking over the ocean in your PJs or pair short pants. If you like fishing walk down to the beach and cast your line. Take a dip in a heated pool or sit in a hot tube.....

2015 -2017 we got that for $1000 to $1200 before buying the condo. Probably in the $2,000 range now

(07-15-2026 05:05 PM)WKUYG Wrote:  

(07-14-2026 10:56 AM)TripleA Wrote:  Oh, as for watching out for bad weather, I plan to strictly follow the sun all year. I will winter from about Thanksgiving until the end of March somewhere way down South, likely either Florida, Texas or Arizona.

During that down time, I will plan my route for the next travel season, roughly from April through November.

Starting in early April, I will leave my wintering spot and slowly head north, arriving at the northern most route as summer begins, then slowly working my way across and back down, until I end up at my next wintering spot. I will likely change up snowbird sites from year to year to prevent boredom.

Right now, southern AZ looks like the cheapest spot to winter over, south Texas looks like the best overall spot, and Florida is the most fun, but also the most expensive.

What range are you looking at for winter layover? Panama City beach is usually cheap from middle Nov till late Feb. With the small RV it might be cheaper and it gives you a break from the RV to get a hotel with a full mini kitchen, right on the beach. Free cable, free internet, some even have free breakfast, free linden but you do have to do your own cleaning. It gets in the 50s to mid 40s most of the time in dead of winter. Hard beating waking up having coffee, looking over the ocean in your PJs or pair short pants. If you like fishing walk down to the beach and cast your line. Take a dip in a heated pool or sit in a hot tube.....

2015 -2017 we got that for $1000 to $1200 before buying the condo. Probably in the $2,000 range now

Thanks. I love PCB. It's the closest beach to where I live now, although it won't be in a few more weeks. Also, I was stationed in Pensacola for 2 years in the Navy, back in the '60s. That entire panhandle by the ocean is one of my favorite places, but I never thought of it as a place to winter over.

Great idea.

As for a hotel on the beach, I traveled 5 days a week for 20 years for work, and I have traveled extensively beyond that, so hotels aren't my thing. I bet I have spent maybe 6000 nights in a hotel over my lifetime. Burnout.

It's one big reason I decided on an RV. I can move around and put myself where I want to be, but don't have to be tied down to hotels. Trust me, the RV is way cheaper overall. And more convenient, especially since during my travel period (April through November), I will likely spend a LOT of time out west far from civilization.

Maybe a few days at a time in winter would be a good break. And I like the idea about the location.

As for the range, I will likely spend something like Thanksgiving through March each year in a warm southern spot, and not move around much, if any.

(07-15-2026 05:33 PM)TripleA Wrote:  

(07-15-2026 05:05 PM)WKUYG Wrote:  

(07-14-2026 10:56 AM)TripleA Wrote:  Oh, as for watching out for bad weather, I plan to strictly follow the sun all year. I will winter from about Thanksgiving until the end of March somewhere way down South, likely either Florida, Texas or Arizona.

During that down time, I will plan my route for the next travel season, roughly from April through November.

Starting in early April, I will leave my wintering spot and slowly head north, arriving at the northern most route as summer begins, then slowly working my way across and back down, until I end up at my next wintering spot. I will likely change up snowbird sites from year to year to prevent boredom.

Right now, southern AZ looks like the cheapest spot to winter over, south Texas looks like the best overall spot, and Florida is the most fun, but also the most expensive.

What range are you looking at for winter layover? Panama City beach is usually cheap from middle Nov till late Feb. With the small RV it might be cheaper and it gives you a break from the RV to get a hotel with a full mini kitchen, right on the beach. Free cable, free internet, some even have free breakfast, free linden but you do have to do your own cleaning. It gets in the 50s to mid 40s most of the time in dead of winter. Hard beating waking up having coffee, looking over the ocean in your PJs or pair short pants. If you like fishing walk down to the beach and cast your line. Take a dip in a heated pool or sit in a hot tube.....

2015 -2017 we got that for $1000 to $1200 before buying the condo. Probably in the $2,000 range now

Thanks. I love PCB. It's the closest beach to where I live now, although it won't be in a few more weeks. Also, I was stationed in Pensacola for 2 years in the Navy, back in the '60s. That entire panhandle by the ocean is one of my favorite places, but I never thought of it as a place to winter over.

Great idea.

As for a hotel on the beach, I traveled 5 days a week for 20 years for work, and I have traveled extensively beyond that, so hotels aren't my thing. I bet I have spent maybe 6000 nights in a hotel over my lifetime. Burnout.

It's one big reason I decided on an RV. I can move around and put myself where I want to be, but don't have to be tied down to hotels. Trust me, the RV is way cheaper overall. And more convenient, especially since during my travel period (April through November), I will likely spend a LOT of time out west far from civilization.

Maybe a few days at a time in winter would be a good break. And I like the idea about the location.

As for the range, I will likely spend something like Thanksgiving through March each year in a warm southern spot, and not move around much, if any.

There's at least three RV parks in PCB and while I dont know the cost the one right before you go into St Andrews state park is really nice. And that's another option, I believe the park charges $35 to $40 a night

My wife and I first went to PCB in 1982 and visit 3 to 10 times a year every year since. Way before all the huge condos back when Port of Call hotel took up the space on the beach across from where they built pier park. They had a nice breakfast buffet, $1.99 and $5.99 for sea food dinner buffet

Only one thing was stopping us from spending at least a couple months in PCB during the winter....WKU Basketball. With NIL and 85% new team every year its just about reach the point where I'm ready to give up 35+ years of season tickets

(07-15-2026 06:10 PM)WKUYG Wrote:  

(07-15-2026 05:33 PM)TripleA Wrote:  

(07-15-2026 05:05 PM)WKUYG Wrote:  

(07-14-2026 10:56 AM)TripleA Wrote:  Oh, as for watching out for bad weather, I plan to strictly follow the sun all year. I will winter from about Thanksgiving until the end of March somewhere way down South, likely either Florida, Texas or Arizona.

During that down time, I will plan my route for the next travel season, roughly from April through November.

Starting in early April, I will leave my wintering spot and slowly head north, arriving at the northern most route as summer begins, then slowly working my way across and back down, until I end up at my next wintering spot. I will likely change up snowbird sites from year to year to prevent boredom.

Right now, southern AZ looks like the cheapest spot to winter over, south Texas looks like the best overall spot, and Florida is the most fun, but also the most expensive.

What range are you looking at for winter layover? Panama City beach is usually cheap from middle Nov till late Feb. With the small RV it might be cheaper and it gives you a break from the RV to get a hotel with a full mini kitchen, right on the beach. Free cable, free internet, some even have free breakfast, free linden but you do have to do your own cleaning. It gets in the 50s to mid 40s most of the time in dead of winter. Hard beating waking up having coffee, looking over the ocean in your PJs or pair short pants. If you like fishing walk down to the beach and cast your line. Take a dip in a heated pool or sit in a hot tube.....

2015 -2017 we got that for $1000 to $1200 before buying the condo. Probably in the $2,000 range now

Thanks. I love PCB. It's the closest beach to where I live now, although it won't be in a few more weeks. Also, I was stationed in Pensacola for 2 years in the Navy, back in the '60s. That entire panhandle by the ocean is one of my favorite places, but I never thought of it as a place to winter over.

Great idea.

As for a hotel on the beach, I traveled 5 days a week for 20 years for work, and I have traveled extensively beyond that, so hotels aren't my thing. I bet I have spent maybe 6000 nights in a hotel over my lifetime. Burnout.

It's one big reason I decided on an RV. I can move around and put myself where I want to be, but don't have to be tied down to hotels. Trust me, the RV is way cheaper overall. And more convenient, especially since during my travel period (April through November), I will likely spend a LOT of time out west far from civilization.

Maybe a few days at a time in winter would be a good break. And I like the idea about the location.

As for the range, I will likely spend something like Thanksgiving through March each year in a warm southern spot, and not move around much, if any.

There's at least three RV parks in PCB and while I dont know the cost the one right before you go into St Andrews state park is really nice. And that's another option, I believe the park charges $35 to $40 a night

My wife and I first went to PCB in 1982 and visit 3 to 10 times a year every year since. Way before all the huge condos back when Port of Call hotel took up the space on the beach across from where they built pier park. They had a nice breakfast buffet, $1.99 and $5.99 for sea food dinner buffet

Only one thing was stopping us from spending at least a couple months in PCB during the winter....WKU Basketball. With NIL and 85% new team every year its just about reach the point where I'm ready to give up 35+ years of season tickets

Interesting. My wife used to love to go to Mexico Beach back in the day. 1983 was our first year. Went there a lot, until I convinced her to upgrade our accommodations one summer when the "hotel's" AC went out. We then moved our destination a little farther west, ranging anywhere from PCB to Navarre.

(07-15-2026 07:00 PM)TripleA Wrote:  

(07-15-2026 06:10 PM)WKUYG Wrote:  

(07-15-2026 05:33 PM)TripleA Wrote:  

(07-15-2026 05:05 PM)WKUYG Wrote:  

(07-14-2026 10:56 AM)TripleA Wrote:  Oh, as for watching out for bad weather, I plan to strictly follow the sun all year. I will winter from about Thanksgiving until the end of March somewhere way down South, likely either Florida, Texas or Arizona.

During that down time, I will plan my route for the next travel season, roughly from April through November.

Starting in early April, I will leave my wintering spot and slowly head north, arriving at the northern most route as summer begins, then slowly working my way across and back down, until I end up at my next wintering spot. I will likely change up snowbird sites from year to year to prevent boredom.

Right now, southern AZ looks like the cheapest spot to winter over, south Texas looks like the best overall spot, and Florida is the most fun, but also the most expensive.

What range are you looking at for winter layover? Panama City beach is usually cheap from middle Nov till late Feb. With the small RV it might be cheaper and it gives you a break from the RV to get a hotel with a full mini kitchen, right on the beach. Free cable, free internet, some even have free breakfast, free linden but you do have to do your own cleaning. It gets in the 50s to mid 40s most of the time in dead of winter. Hard beating waking up having coffee, looking over the ocean in your PJs or pair short pants. If you like fishing walk down to the beach and cast your line. Take a dip in a heated pool or sit in a hot tube.....

2015 -2017 we got that for $1000 to $1200 before buying the condo. Probably in the $2,000 range now

Thanks. I love PCB. It's the closest beach to where I live now, although it won't be in a few more weeks. Also, I was stationed in Pensacola for 2 years in the Navy, back in the '60s. That entire panhandle by the ocean is one of my favorite places, but I never thought of it as a place to winter over.

Great idea.

As for a hotel on the beach, I traveled 5 days a week for 20 years for work, and I have traveled extensively beyond that, so hotels aren't my thing. I bet I have spent maybe 6000 nights in a hotel over my lifetime. Burnout.

It's one big reason I decided on an RV. I can move around and put myself where I want to be, but don't have to be tied down to hotels. Trust me, the RV is way cheaper overall. And more convenient, especially since during my travel period (April through November), I will likely spend a LOT of time out west far from civilization.

Maybe a few days at a time in winter would be a good break. And I like the idea about the location.

As for the range, I will likely spend something like Thanksgiving through March each year in a warm southern spot, and not move around much, if any.

There's at least three RV parks in PCB and while I dont know the cost the one right before you go into St Andrews state park is really nice. And that's another option, I believe the park charges $35 to $40 a night

My wife and I first went to PCB in 1982 and visit 3 to 10 times a year every year since. Way before all the huge condos back when Port of Call hotel took up the space on the beach across from where they built pier park. They had a nice breakfast buffet, $1.99 and $5.99 for sea food dinner buffet

Only one thing was stopping us from spending at least a couple months in PCB during the winter....WKU Basketball. With NIL and 85% new team every year its just about reach the point where I'm ready to give up 35+ years of season tickets

Interesting. My wife used to love to go to Mexico Beach back in the day. 1983 was our first year. Went there a lot, until I convinced her to upgrade our accommodations one summer when the "hotel's" AC went out. We then moved our destination a little farther west, ranging anywhere from PCB to Navarre.

We've been going to San Destin once or twice a year most of the last 20 years. It does get a little nippy for sitting on the beach sometimes in March. Its not very crowded then. Of course, its packed May to the end of August.

Well, May to August would be fine, since I will be nowhere near there during any of that time frame.