Always Time To Plan

Although it’s still December — a month typically filled with family, friends, celebrations, and perhaps some reflecting upon the waning year — 2024 is peeking around the corner. Before we know it, the world will awaken to brand-new adventures — including the call of the open road for RV travelers. Picture the freedom of cruising scenic byways, setting up camp under starlit skies, and creating memories that linger like the fragrance of spring blossoms. Join us in embracing the spirit of RV travel, where every road becomes a canvas for unforgettable moments.

This month we offer trip planners and armchair travelers ample food for thought. Whether you look forward to snowbirding, RV shopping, or even preparing a holiday meal, we provide some insights below — plus much more info to make your RV experiences happy and carefree.

Let's enjoy this special time of year as we also look ahead to even more travel tales, breathtaking landscapes, and camaraderie in 2024. We wish you the happiest of holidays!

The FMCA Team

FMCA Tech Connect+

"As a full-time RVer, I need a reliable and fast internet connection to stay in touch with my family and friends. I chose AT&T through FMCA Tech Connect. With AT&T through FMCA Tech Connect, I get unlimited data on a dedicated hotspot device for only $59.99/month. The speed is sufficient to stream on more than one device while surfing on other devices. Service is provided through AT&T's nationwide 4G LTE network."

Pat & Bob Weithofer, F253844

Are you looking for exclusive tech-related discounts? FMCA’s Tech Connect+ plan offers discounts on mobile internet plans from AT&T and other carriers that provide amazing internet coverage while you’re on the road, plus other great tech-related discounts from DishForMyRV, WiFiRanger, CellBooster.us, and more. Click here for more information.

Navigate Using RV LIFE PRO Trip Planning Software

We all love the convenience of mobile phones, especially the built-in navigation feature. RVers, however, need a bit more. Not only is the navigation not suitable for RVs, but trip planning on a 5-inch screen isn’t fun, or practical. Enter RV LIFE Pro, the RV trip planning suite from RVLIFE.com.

Using the web-based planning tool called RV LIFE Trip Wizard, all your planning can be done on a computer, tablet, or even your smartphone. This software has all the campgrounds already built in, and its unique driving radius will show you where you are really going to be at the end of the driving day.

Apple and Google don't know how tall your RV is, or how fast you are going to be driving, which is rarely at the posted speeds, so you may arrive at your destination much later than you anticipated. That’s assuming you got there safely without having to backtrack, since RV routing is not in Google’s playbook.

RV LIFE, on the other hand, uses your RV’s height, weight, and length to determine an RV-safe route and then, using the included RV LIFE mobile app, gets you where you need to go.

Learn more about RV LIFE Pro, including the exclusive offers available to FMCA members, at https://fmca.com/rvlifepro

RV-Related Recall Information

Looking for the latest RV-related recall information? Visit FamilyRVingmag.com for a list of the most recent recalls issued by RV and component manufacturers. To search for recalls, investigations, and complaints by vehicle year, make, model, and VIN, visit www.nhtsa.gov/search-safety-issues. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline is (888) 327-4236.

Snowbirding Hot Spots

As December ushers in colder weather in many places up north, snowbirds are RVing to warmer locations. If you are looking for your next warm-weather destination, consider these snowbirding hot spots.

Marathon, Florida: For many travelers, the Florida Keys provide the perfect escape from the cold. This city has a lot to offer in its nine square miles, such as kayaking, fishing, and swimming with dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center in nearby Grassy Key. It’s also the ideal location for taking the Overseas Highway to explore the Lower Keys and Key West, or for visiting popular destinations like Key Largo, Everglades National Park, or Miami as you head back to your home base up north.
Tucson, Arizona: The second-biggest city in Arizona is home to a bunch of iconic southern Arizona experiences. Tour downtown Tucson to enjoy Spanish Colonial architecture or sample its vibrant food scene inspired by Mexican and Native American traditions. You can also hike around Saguaro National Park or warm up and join FMCA at our 108th International Convention, March 20-23, 2024.
Palm Springs, California: Palm Springs is a haven for RVers looking for sunshine and a touch of sophistication. Explore the area around the San Jacinto Mountains while staying in the city’s stylish RV resorts. RVers can also relax in local hot springs and enjoy golfing at picturesque courses.
Port Aransas, Texas: Port Aransas is known for its laid-back beach-town atmosphere and boasts RV parks overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Anglers can take deep-sea boating trips into the gulf. Those who decide to stay on land can explore quirky boutiques and upscale antique outlets around town.

For more hot spots, check out this post from Wand’rly Magazine.

FMCA Health Plan

LIG Solutions offers exclusive health programs for you, your family, and business owners/employees. These individual health plans are tailored to your unique health and financial needs and include major medical, short-term health care, and a national pharmacy program. LIG Solutions opens doors to affordable coverage from major carriers throughout the U.S.

Mingle At The March "Fiesta"

There’s still time to register for “Fiesta Del Sol” — FMCA’s 108th International Convention & RV Expo in Tucson, Arizona. Join your fellow RVers March 20 through 23, 2024, at the Pima County Fairgrounds. Save $20 by signing up now with Early Bird registration. And if you do, you’ll be entered in our Friday Fiesta Fuel giveaways, which will take place on the first Friday of each month until the convention. Winners will receive a $300 gas card compliments of ShadePro, an FMCA Super Star sponsor, that will be available for pickup at the convention.

Windshield Replacement Program

FMCA members can work with Custom Glass Solutions to have their RV windshield replaced, plus earn one free year of FMCA membership. The Custom Glass Solutions network offers nationwide coverage, with more than 3,000 approved glass repair and replacement providers across the U.S. — ensuring that a cracked windshield does not ruin your travel experience.

What's On Your Travel Bucket List For 2024?

Whether it’s Alaska, Canada, the Lower 48, Mexico, or overseas . . . Fantasy RV Tours can take you there! Fantasy RV Tours offers professionally guided caravans and tours exclusively for FMCA members to some of the most sought-after destinations, at a discounted rate. Besides taking care of all the planning and camping reservations, they’ll line up the best activities to ensure a stress-free RV vacation above and beyond your expectations. Book your next vacation at https://www.fmca.com/rv-tours

St. Augustine Beach KOA Holiday, C1962

St. Augustine, Florida

Explore the historic city of St. Augustine, Florida, from this campground on Anastasia Island! Enjoy the views of Turtle Lake from your campsite and on-site amenities like a fishing pond; a pool; paddleboats; and KampK9, where your pup can run and play off-leash. It’s also close to local attractions, including the Castillo De San Marcos National Monument. Plus, anglers can cast for snapper from the pier that’s just a mile away. Open year-round.

FMCA members receive a discounted rate at many FMCA commercial member campgrounds. To find more locations along your route, check out our RV Marketplace!

RV Shows Galore

If you’re in the market for a new or new-to-you RV, or you’re looking for goodies to prep your RV for travel, add a 2024 RV show to your schedule. CamperFAQs provides a list of shows to be held around the United States in the coming year. FMCA will have booths at three of the largest: the Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa, January 17-21; the Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show in Arizona, January 20-28; and America’s Largest RV Show, September 11-15 in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Among others of note is the Toronto Spring Camping & RV Show, February 29-March 3 in Mississauga. Of course, make plans to attend FMCA’s 2024 International Conventions & RV Expos: March 20-24 in Tucson, Arizona, and August 14-17 in Redmond, Oregon. Many FMCA area rallies also feature RV-related exhibits. Visit FMCA.com to learn more about the association’s events.

Eclipse Excitement

By now you’ve probably heard the hoopla surrounding the total solar eclipse that will be visible across North America on April 8, 2024. More news is coming out daily about this celestial phenomenon, including where to view it. Get the scoop at Outdoorsy.com. Also read this informative article published in Family RVing magazine.

Check. . . Check. . . Check. . .

As you plan your upcoming road trips, make sure your RV is primed and ready. FMCA’s RV Checklist can help you remember what you need to do from stem to stern. Download the checklist here.

Hosting A Holiday Brunch

With family and friends gathering for Christmas and other holidays at this time of year, what food to serve becomes a big question. One fun idea is to start the day with a celebratory brunch. The possibilities for dishes and drinks to include are seemingly endless.

If you’re looking to keep things simple, consider this Crockpot Breakfast Casserole from Iowa Girl Eats. This recipe feeds a large group, and variations make it possible to tailor the dish to suit your crew, such as substituting veggie crumbles for the meat. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare. Simply layer the ingredients in the slow cooker, turn it on, and then move on to something else while you wait for the yummy goodness to materialize.

If you’re looking to build a slightly more elaborate menu, check out “The Pioneer Woman” Ree Drummond’s 45 Best Christmas Brunch Ideas for a Very Merry Morning. Many of the dishes can be prepped the night before and heated up on the morning of the celebration. This delectable list includes everything from pancakes, waffles, and croissant bread pudding to ambrosia salad, muffins, and festive-looking Christmas deviled eggs. She provides cheery drink ideas as well.

If you find yourself out and about during the holidays, check whether nearby national or state parks or campgrounds where you are staying will be serving special meals. One great example is the Olympic National Park and Forest Christmas Day Breakfast Brunch, set to take place on Monday, December 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the park’s Lake Crescent Lodge in Washington state. Reservations are required for this event and likely others, so keep that in mind.

Cheers to a cozy gathering of family and friends, many memorable moments, and some great food to top things off!