RV caravans

IMHO of course, cost way too much for the value added. We like to plan and route our own way with no schedule.

2gypsies wrote:
I disagree on seeing more on a caravan.

We drove to Alaska on our own to spend the summer. In talking with folks who were on a caravan, they definitely did not go into the 'nook and crannies' of the trip that we did. They went to the big highlights, as we did, also. All you have to do is read a guidebook and you'll know the highlights of where tours will take you.

You wouldn't see a group of caravan folks touring the as we did by ourselves and getting a ride on the 'summer' sled with wheels through the forest. We were the only ones there after driving our toad 20 miles on a gravel road to get to his house. How'd we find it? While talking to someone who lived in the area he offered to call the guy to see if we could come for a tour of his setup.Iditarod racer's kennels

There were plenty of other instances of small places we went that tours did not. We met folks continuously along the whole trip time after time and made friends with them. We had plenty of socializing without the group-catered dinners. We ate where the locals ate.

Quite a few full-timing friends of ours drove themselves to the Maritimes. They told many stories of being welcomed to dinner or 'secret' spots by local home owners. They were even offered a place to park their RVs - free.

We've been to Alaska on our own and with a caravan. While on the caravan among the many sights to see and the things to do we spent an entire day at a couple of the Iditarod racer's kennels. We rode the "summer sleds" and got up close and personal with the owners, handlers, and the dogs.

The quality of the trip is totally dependent on the company you choose, and the ambition of the host and tail ender. If the leaders are personable and familiar with the area you will likely have a great time. The caravans always have "free days" when you can do anything you want. In most cases you can sign out of the caravan for a day or more if you wish to be on your own. We've done it on a number of occasions when the caravans were passing through areas we were already familiar with.

I have been on 7. Enjoyed them greatly. Got to see a lot of things we would have missed if we by our self. We would not have known about them. Be aware that some caravans require a CB radio.

gbopp wrote:
We never did a caravan. We do know some people who joined a caravan to Alaska. They said it was a lot of constant driving and a fairly strict schedule.
After hearing about their trip, I knew it would not be for us. We like to stop at interesting places along the way.

But, some like the security of traveling with others and having a set schedule. I guess that would be okay for going from point A to point B, however you would miss a lot in between.
JMO

The heavy driving isn't for the faint of heart going to Alaska. You've got to measure the caravans by their itineraries as presented.

Just as three days in each spot with light driving days may not suit many RVers.

We did a caravan to Alaska in 2009. Had a great adventure. No hassle of where to go, reservations and major itinerary items pre-planned for us. Had a grand time. Our Wagon master couple and tail gunners were all wonderful people and went above and beyond to make sure we had a good time. Downside, you are on a strict schedule and have to move when the caravan does.

We are currently considering another caravan in the same area you describe. We have been independent RVers for many years but may well decide to let someone ele worry about the details for another time. Cost is always high but stress is low as a result.

Good luck with your decision.

eheading wrote:
For 9 years my wife and I ran RV caravans. We ran 10 caravans to NewFoundland and the Maritimes. On a 58 day trip you will have a wonderful time. We are particularly fond of NewFoundland and have returned there after our "caravanning days".

The advantages of a caravan are that you will probably see and do things you wouldn't have otherwise, you will meet friends that you will stay in contact with for years afterwards, and you will have the security of numbers and staff will help you if you have troubles.

The disadvantages of the caravan are that you will be tied to a prescribed schedule. You can go off to something not on the caravan, but then you'll probably miss something on the caravan that you have already paid for.

So if you decide to go, I'm sure you'll have a marvelous time.

Ed Headington

I'd love to sit around a campfire while you tell stories of the various trips. I bet you could write a book.

The Caravan trip that I was looking into covers almost 4,000 miles. I spoke with the Company today to get a little more information.

We have traveled on our own in many different ways in the past. I feel like this is not really any different than when we joined a 'Around-the-World' trip in '96. It was 30 days by private jet. We started in LA and ended in NYC (25,000 miles).

The tour company planned everything and we stayed about 3 days in each place. It was all very comfortable and allowed for resting, etc.

I want to hit the highlights, I'm not interested in seeing the nook and crannies, that could be another trip when we would go on our own. I want to get an overview of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland since I've never been there before.

This trip caught my eye. Not sure yet if we will go the 'caravan' route but I haven't ruled it out completely.

All of your opinions are very much appreciated.

Thank you,
MM.

I disagree on seeing more on a caravan.

We drove to Alaska on our own to spend the summer. In talking with folks who were on a caravan, they definitely did not go into the 'nook and crannies' of the trip that we did. They went to the big highlights, as we did, also. All you have to do is read a guidebook and you'll know the highlights of where tours will take you.

You wouldn't see a group of caravan folks touring the Iditarod racer's kennels as we did by ourselves and getting a ride on the 'summer' sled with wheels through the forest. We were the only ones there after driving our toad 20 miles on a gravel road to get to his house. How'd we find it? While talking to someone who lived in the area he offered to call the guy to see if we could come for a tour of his setup.

There were plenty of other instances of small places we went that tours did not. We met folks continuously along the whole trip time after time and made friends with them. We had plenty of socializing without the group-catered dinners. We ate where the locals ate.

Quite a few full-timing friends of ours drove themselves to the Maritimes. They told many stories of being welcomed to dinner or 'secret' spots by local home owners. They were even offered a place to park their RVs - free.

Mr.Mark
We have done 2 caravans and a Rally through Fantasy RV. The first was their Polar Bear Rally in Manitoba. We did Mardi Gras and the following Cajun Tour this past winter. We made friends that we would not have otherwise met. I think that the camraderie is the best part. Yes, you have a schedule to stick to. Driving less than 250 miles on the days that you drive allows for plenty of time to meet the people on the trip.

We leave for the Fantasy Rally in Washington DC soon to meet our friends from Mardi Gras. I say...Do It!

We did a commercial caravan to Mexico with Caravanas de Mexico and liked it.
There is a social component to caravans that you can't get anywhere else.
The routes, reservations and everything is all pre-planned and done for you. And that's a really nice feature.
We had the absolute best Wagonmaster.
Value? I guess that's up to the individual. For us, it was a great value since we would not have done that trip under our own self-motivation.