For snowbirding. For winter RVing. For RV hibernation. All these are true, depending on individual RV owners’ circumstances. Whether you are actively RVing — in warm or cold climates — or just dreaming about or planning for trips you want to take in 2022, read on. This month’s newsletter covers the gamut — from tips regarding cold-weather camping to spending the holidays in an RV to a recipe for yummy RV-friendly gingerbread cookies.
So, put on your favorite slippers, whip up some hot cocoa, and join us for this month’s Mile Marker journey. And wherever you find yourself, we wish you warm and memorable holidays. Â
The FMCA Elves
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Just a note of praise for the Tech Connect+ service of FMCA. We have enjoyed our service for the last 2+ years. During this time we have traveled from the East Coast to the West Coast of the United States and have not had any significant areas where service was a problem. We’ve also been delighted with the unlimited use and no throttle component. The most pleasant part of our use of the MIFI card has been when we call in for information or instructions from FMCA’s tech personnel. They are attentive and knowledgeable with an informative and prompt reply to any questions. All in all, a very satisfactory addition to our RV travels.
Phil & Julia Newton, F435418
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FMCA brings members travel-friendly technology with the Tech Connect Plus benefit, which includes a mobile hotspot plan and discounts on cell boosters, Wi-Fi extenders, and more.
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While many RVers prefer camping in the warmer summer and fall months, it is still possible to venture out when the temperatures plummet! RVshare explains that RV winter living is all about one thing: preparation. Make sure you have a checklist before you head out in the cold, and read Trekkn’s 7 tough lessons they’ve learned while living in their RV during the winter. Even if your RV was built for the four seasons, it needs additional tweaks to be ready for cold-weather camping.Â
A spare filled propane tank, heated RV water hose, electric space heaters, and extra insulation are your RV’s best friends while cold-weather camping. RVshare also mentions these necessities in their How to RV in The Winter Without Freezing to Death! article. Consider skirting for your RV to keep battery bays, plumbing, and other important components warm while parked in the cold. If you don’t have a skirt, you can even pack snow around the RV bays. Just be sure not to cover generator exhaust outlets, etc.
Don’t be afraid to embrace the cold this winter season!
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Night Of A Thousand Candles
(Visit Myrtle Beach)
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| Although many folks put their RVs away for the winter, others do not. For those of you who plan to be on the road this month, you’ll find the holiday spirit alive and well in many locations.
Along the Grand Strand in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, countless attractions help ring in the holidays. The newest, Winter Wonderland At The Beach, features a covered outdoor ice-skating rink and a walk-through “lights experience,” among other offerings. The Great Christmas Light Show dazzles with more than 2 million lights that illuminate a two-mile drive through the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex. And at Brookgreen Gardens, Nights Of A Thousand Candles warms walkways with hand-lit candles and sparkling lights.
Biltmore Estate is magnificent at any time of year; during the holiday season, this historic mansion in Asheville, North Carolina, recalls the yuletide traditions once enjoyed by the Vanderbilt family, with tastefully arrayed garlands, wreaths, lights, ornaments, and much more. Visitors can experience Christmas at Biltmore by day or by evening candlelight via self-guided tours.
Passengers celebrate the magic of Christmas aboard the Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express, which brings to life the children’s book of the same name. Trains depart from Williams, Arizona, on a round-trip trek to the “North Pole,” where Santa and his reindeer await.
No doubt the choosing was difficult, but this article from Cummins Inc. suggests one national or state park in each of the 50 U.S. states in which to enjoy a family RV vacation. Peruse the list for destinations that may fit into your winter travel itinerary.
Finally, RVers eager to cross the U.S.-Canada border likely know that travel requirements continue to change. Check out government websites, such as this one, before you go.
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| Supersized Book Club
Join award-winning author Isabella Maldonado in Tucson, Arizona, for FMCA’s Supersized Book Club on Friday, March 25, 2022, during FMCA’s 104th International Convention & RV Expo. A former law enforcement officer, Isabella Maldonado is best known for writing mystery thriller and crime novels. In A Different Dawn, the second book in her Nina Guerrera series, a serial killer has been hiding in plain sight for nearly 30 years. So has the key to an FBI agent’s dark past. Click here to sign up for the Supersized Book Club.
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| FMCA Mobile App
It’s even easier to connect with FMCA from your smartphone! The FMCA Mobile App allows members to keep up on their membership information; learn about the latest benefits and discounts; read the current issue of Family RVing magazine; and so much more.
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| FMCA Store
Still looking for the perfect holiday gift for your RV-loving friend or family member? Or maybe a little something for yourself as you prepare for your 2022 RVing adventures? Check out the FMCA Store for atlases, hats, clothing, FMCA accessories, and more! Shop FMCA
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Year-Round Camping With KOA
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As RVers know, finding open campgrounds can be challenging during the winter months. Some close due to the cold, snow, and freezing weather, while others close because they just don’t get enough traffic at this time of year. To help with your search, our good friends at KOA have put together a list of KOA campgrounds that are open year-round. The list includes KOAs in 37 states, with varying climates. If you book your next trip in a cold-weather climate, keep in mind that some campgrounds may offer limited services.
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New FMCA members receive the gift of a one-year participation in the KOA Rewards program. With KOA Rewards, you receive 10% off your daily registration rate at any of KOA's 500+ campgrounds in North America. In addition, you'll earn points that are redeemable toward dollars off future stays, and you'll have access to exclusive KOA loyalty program offers!
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| The Best Gifts for RVers
Don’t know what to get the RVer in your life who seems to have everything? The Wayward Home shares 60+ Best Gift Ideas for RV Owners! The list includes the best memberships, RV gadgets, accessories, and more. You might want to get a few of these gifts for yourself this holiday season.Â
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| A New Spin on Classic Christmas Lights
Have the brightest and most colorful lights at the campground with Enbrighten Wi-Fi Smart Cafe Lights. Choose from 16 colors and create over 120 unique color combinations. These lights are meant to last through all weather conditions and can even be changed from your smartphone while you are bundled up inside your RV.
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| Celebrate the Holidays with FMCA
Need some holiday inspiration? Check out FMCA’s Pinterest board for ideas. You’ll find recipes, decorations, DIYs, and more to make this year the best one yet. You also can carol along with the FMCA Staff Picks Playlist on Spotify — highlighting the staff’s favorite holiday hits.
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Sweet Treats
We took a poll at FMCA, asking the staff about their favorite holiday desserts, and we found the classics topped the list: pumpkin roll, pecan pie, chocolate mousse, buckeyes, and cake. Although we’d love to share a recipe for each and every one of these delicious desserts, we had to pick our favorite. But even then, we found it hard to narrow down to one, so we picked two!Â
Both these great recipes are written by guest blogger Maureen Milne, F446881. Maureen has not only been providing us with fantastic recipes and blog content for years but she also promotes FMCA regularly on her blog and social media outlets.
That pick is followed by a very close second, Easy Pecan Pie, which takes only 6 simple ingredients to make.
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Join Today At Our Great Low Price!
Don't forget to hit the great outdoors with an FMCA membership, now available for only $60! Click here to join.
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