RV travel agent? Could you suggest one?

[Plan_B_RV]

Planing RV trip not that complicated that I would need assistance. But it's like sliced bread, it's nice to have.

I booked everything online since beginning of internet. But for 5 years or so been using regular travel agent and love it. Just give a call and receive bookings in email and addresses of destination as text message. If something goes wrong, just ring and he will fix it.

So I was thinking I could have someone else do the planing and research for RV travel.

Any suggestions?
How much does it cost?

Thank you.

[Plan_B_RV]

I have contacted one of the travel agents to find out price for planing. Lady wrote me back and it's sounds really expensive. I thought it will cost me $300 per month or something. But using travel service in reality will cost me $3000 per month.

(I have selected stuff in red that I have problem with)

Here's what she wrote:

We offer a variety of Trip Packages that will fit every budget and offer a great vacation. Each package provides you with personalized assistance in developing your trip from your departure city to your return city.

Below is a summary of our package options; we do offer discounts for trips over 30 days.

TRIP PACKAGES: (we can also customize a package to fit your trip and budget)
Basic Package – For our basic service, we will develop a trip itinerary, identify and recommend appropriate RV campgrounds for your trip, including pictures, amenities and contact information, and provide you with detailed RV-friendly directions to each facility you choose. We will also identify points of interest to visit while enroute and provide you with a list of recommended attractions in the areas in which you will be staying. You will make all reservations. Final trip is emailed to you. Trip Planning Fee Per RV: $53 per day (or $50 per day cash rate)

Full Service Package (our most popular)– In addition to the basic services provided in our Basic Package, for customers selecting this full service package, RV Adventure-USA will make all campground reservations and assist you with activity reservations (limit 2 per campground), provide you with a printed binder containing a detailed day-by-day trip plan, turn-by-turn directions to campgrounds with map, complete description of campgrounds, and a detailed list of points of interest and activities*. Cost for campgrounds and activities are the responsibility of Customer. Trip Planning Fee per RV: $78 per day (or $75 per day cash rate)

Luxury Package– Luxury Trips. Includes all of the Full Service Package plus additional VIP services. VIP services may include but are not limited to: reservations at 5 Star hotels, limousine/car rental, catering, drivers, and accommodations for staff. Cost for campgrounds, hotels, activities* and additional services are the responsibility of the Customer. RVA will make all reservations and arrangements. Trip Planning Fee Per RV: starts at $130 per day (or $125 per day cash rate). Please contact us for more details.

*Activities – examples are golf, horseback riding, tours, whitewater rafting, jeep rides, etc.

Once you’ve selected the package that best meets your needs, we will send you our Customer Agreement. The Agreement requires a 50% non-refundable deposit for trips under 30 days. The balance of the trip planning fee will be due once campgrounds have been secured.

The next step is to create a Trip Outline that provides a general description of your customized trip based on the information you provide. Upon your approval of the Trip Outline, we will provide campgrounds personally selected for you to review. The Preliminary Trip provides complete information on sites of interest while traveling and when camped, campgrounds with reservation confirmations, and any Activity Reservations you requested us to make on your behalf. The Final Trip includes everything you need for a wonderful RV vacation.

We look forward to helping you make this a memorable RV adventure. We are only a phone call (or email) away.

[Plan_B_RV]

2112 wrote:
We use a travel agent often. We get the best deals and convenience through our agent. Vacation is cheaper using an agent. RV travel is different though. I would never call her to book an RV trip. To us it's the spontaneous journey more than the destination.

I suggest everyone read Plan B RV's profile. It's a noble plan, hat's off to you sir. Good Luck and Enjoy Your Journey.

As far as the 500gal water, design to transport 1000gal. 500 potable in and 500 waste out. You're only carrying 500gal max at any given time.

Thank you sir, toy hauler that we considering has a "garage" that we wanted for storage. But looks like we will have to buy custom made water trailer for fresh water. I will be able to store empty water trailer in that "garage" (if we can't tow it behind my parents Class A.)

On truck I will have to have water tanks for grey and black water.

I'm considering making grey/fresh water trailer BUT since "garage" is under bedroom, the smell from even empty trailer will probably permeate up to the bedroom. So looks like I will have to store grey water on the truck.

[Plan_B_RV]

campigloo wrote:
Letting air out of the tires also makes it harder to tear the sidewall.

Looks like we going with Boar wheel mounted with Continental tires.
That will add $3.5K to the budget but it looks like they are worth it.
http://www.boarwheel.com/

[2112]

We use a travel agent often. We get the best deals and convenience through our agent. Vacation is cheaper using an agent. RV travel is different though. I would never call her to book an RV trip. To us it's the spontaneous journey more than the destination.

I suggest everyone read Plan B RV's profile. It's a noble plan, hat's off to you sir. Good Luck and Enjoy Your Journey.

As far as the 500gal water, design to transport 1000gal. 500 potable in and 500 waste out. You're only carrying 500gal max at any given time.

[campigloo]

The lithium batteries are the wAy to go for sure. Letting air out of the tires also makes it harder to tear the sidewall.

[Plan_B_RV]

Sometimes I hate that I don't see these posts until they're two pages long. But for the record...............

Thumbs up Plan B RV. We definitely have some humor in common.

Well, on other thread people did not like my sarcasm and moderator closed the thread.
https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/29843330/srt/pa/pging/1/page/2

[Plan_B_RV]

campigloo wrote:
I glanced at your profile and saw your rig choice. Nice setup. You also mentioned boondocking with it. It’s not impossible by any means but the sheer size of everything will cut your choices down considerably. Ours is 36’ plus the truck and it’s ocassionally decides our spot.
Some of your equipment could use upgrading before you even start. Your batteries are the weakest spot in the link. At least go with 2 deep cycles. Even then you only get 50% discharge before you damage them. Used car starter batteries and you’ll be lucky to get past the first night using the heater. Many places don’t allow a generator or have restricted run times.
Most boondocking places have no reservation systems. Many don’t even have a pay booth and many are free.
Use an ap called Campendium. It will show you many available places, especially out west, and often has pics and comments. Very helpful. Use google earth. You can get a fair idea of the area from that. When you reach one you like be careful and make sure you have ample turnaround room so you can get out. Check the road conditions. Some of them are VERY rough.
s far as reservations we have never used them a whole lot. There are places you’ll need them like Yellowstone or Yosemite or any of the really popular parks, but most places you can find at least a private commercial park for a night or two.
Have fun. Boondocking in the western US is awesome!

Thank you, I take compliment when given. I meant to say that I’m thinking about buying lithium batteries from Prius or most likely Tesla or Nissan Leaf electric battery bank that used to propel electric cars. Looks like 50,000 watt power bank will cost me around 5K.

Thank you for Campendium

Ground and roof clearance is my biggest concern. I had a plan starting new thread about that but doing some research 1st. Rv has 1 foot of ground clearance that I clearly understand not enough.

Easy solution would have been welding raiser but that will increase roof clearance from 13’6’’ to 14’6’’ and in most states that illegal.
I was thinking flipping axel, which would add 6’’ or so. Right now I trying to find out if trailer is true height 13’6’ that manufacture states. Maybe it’s 13’.2” or something like that and I will be able to flip axles.

3rd thing I’m considering adding air suspension on trailer, which I could pump-up when going off road, hopefully by 6 inches.

[opnspaces]

lakeside013104 wrote:

FF286 wrote:

Plan B RV wrote:

Tyler0215 wrote:
Maybe Mommy will hold your hand.

Your mommy?

Haha. That’s great

I thought Plan B RV did good with this statement. Most likely, way over the head of the person who wrote mommy..... still scratching their head and wondering what was meant!!!

Using a agent for traveling is just another way to keep our economy going, plus it helps the person paying save time and effort. Some folks just do not enjoy spending hours on the net doing research.

Each to their own.

Good luck Plan B.

Lakeside

Sometimes I hate that I don't see these posts until they're two pages long. But for the record...............

Thumbs up Plan B RV. We definitely have some humor in common. 🙂

[campigloo]

I glanced at your profile and saw your rig choice. Nice setup. You also mentioned boondocking with it. It’s not impossible by any means but the sheer size of everything will cut your choices down considerably. Ours is 36’ plus the truck and it’s ocassionally decides our spot.
Some of your equipment could use upgrading before you even start. Your batteries are the weakest spot in the link. At least go with 2 deep cycles. Even then you only get 50% discharge before you damage them. Used car starter batteries and you’ll be lucky to get past the first night using the heater. Many places don’t allow a generator or have restricted run times.
Most boondocking places have no reservation systems. Many don’t even have a pay booth and many are free.
Use an ap called Campendium. It will show you many available places, especially out west, and often has pics and comments. Very helpful. Use google earth. You can get a fair idea of the area from that. When you reach one you like be careful and make sure you have ample turnaround room so you can get out. Check the road conditions. Some of them are VERY rough.
s far as reservations we have never used them a whole lot. There are places you’ll need them like Yellowstone or Yosemite or any of the really popular parks, but most places you can find at least a private commercial park for a night or two.
Have fun. Boondocking in the western US is awesome!

[garmp]

Don't think a travel agent would do us any good at all. Years ago, like 40 something, DW & I headed towards New Orleans, camping along the way and ended up in Iowa. Things haven't changed much for us other than we no longer camp out of a Mustang convertible with a tent but rather a B+ now.
We do plan our trips but the entire agenda is subject to last minute changes. Constantly.

[lakeside013104]

2012Coleman wrote:

Campfire Time wrote:
I see the welcoming committee is working hard today.

I've actually had family members ask us if we use a travel agent to plan trips. People who aren't campers/RVers really don't know how this all works.

That said, I haven't seen any red flags that there is something amiss with the OP. Plan B RV is doing a good job of dishing it right back...

Too bad he has to dish anything back. This is THE reason I've stopped asking for help on this forum.

You ask, Mr. 2012Coleman. We will help you. Ignore the smart-aleck non-intelligent responses.

Folks on here have a boat load of practical experience that most are willing to share.

Lakeside

[Plan_B_RV]

Veebyes wrote:
Who uses a travel agent for anything anymore?

You should try agent at least once. I know guy who is expert on Ireland. He knows all streets and some people who live on them. Plans specialized tours, itinerary if you like, suggestions restaurants and best places, booking everything for you. If you like road trip, he gives you programmed GPS with all points to see and rental car.

Imagine you travel to NYC and you had someone plan to see best of the city because he knows it backwards.

I booked on Orbit and kayak.com but now just 5 min phone call, text or email and everything is booked for the best price.

[Plan_B_RV]

Ralph Cramden wrote:
Send me a brief paragraph what you like to do on a trip, then send me some money, $100 cash should do it, and I'll be more than happy to plan out a trip for you.:B

Don't get me wrong, I can plan it but RVing in my mind is like perfect picture of RV on mountain from sales brochure. Not sausage festival, RVs parked 25 to 50 feet apart. That's no way to live.

So I would like services of someone who can plan trip with scenic parks that provide seclusion as much as possible. That's including knowledge of boondocking locations.
If you would like to plan 6 month trip, from Philadelphia to Miami, that would be great:

moving every week or two,

No more then 100 miles per move.

List of things to do around each stop.

GPS coordinates for boondocking location.

Back-up location close by.

Avoid anti-gun states: MD, DC and SC (South Carolina does not recognize CCW from PA)

[Veebyes]

A travel agent for RV travel!!! Really??? Everything you need is right at your fingertips. Who uses a travel agent for anything anymore?

Maybe you would like a driver & a tour guide too.

How about a challenge? Plan a 4 month trip around the country working in special events & festivals along the way.