Reader’s Corner – Should she rent before she buys?

We are considering buying our first RV but after shopping we’re overwhelmed by the many choices.  Do you think it’s a good idea to rent before buying?  — Holly S., Farmington, NM

Destination Spotlight: Cape Cod

If it’s got anything to do with the ocean, you can probably find it on Cape Cod. A long jutting peninsula off the coast of Massachusetts, Cape Cod is a string of charming storybook villages, sandy beaches and, of course, the open ocean. Walking and biking are popular ways to see the area, but the best views are from the water.

 

Deep Sea Fishing: Love to fish? Then you’ve got to head out to deep waters and try for the real fighters like bluefin and yellowfin tuna, swordfish, white marlin, mahi mahi and shark. Closer to shore you’ll find many breeds of bluefish, striped bass and fluke all feeding on the sand eels that live all along the coastline. You can catch your fill of these beauties just casting from shore.

 

Whale Watching: If you’ve never seen a whale in its natural habitat, you’re in for a treat. Boats head out daily from a number of ports all bound for the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is a protected feeding ground for many species of whales including finbacks, minke and the dramatic humpbacks. On-board naturalists give you detailed information about the whales and how to spot them rising from the deep.

 

Bird and Seal Watching: Scenic day cruises stick closer to shore and give you the opportunity to view nature in all her summer splendor. As the boat lazily makes its way along the coastline, you’ll see seals sunning themselves and rare birds like Osprey diving for fish. Boats leave port all day long, so it’s easy to fit into your schedule.

 

If you fancy a relaxing ferry ride, you can also take a day trip across the bay to the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Both known for their quaint New England charm, the islands welcome visitors with plenty of shops, restaurants and, of course, glorious beaches.

 

No matter where you stay on the island, RVers are welcome. You can find a list of dozens of campgrounds here. The cape makes a great home base for exploring all the history and excitement in Boston, just a short drive or boat ride away. Though the peak summer season is July and August, visitors linger on well into October to take advantage of the cooler days and spectacular foliage season. If you’re looking for a quintessential New England experience, be sure to spend some time exploring Cape Cod.

Summer Travel Tips to Beat the Heat

It takes a lot of energy to keep an RV and its occupants cool and comfortable all summer long. And with the price of gas and electricity so high, it makes sense to do everything you can to maximize efficiency. Here are a few moneysaving tips for keeping your cool this travel season.

 

Keep the vehicle cool

• Park in the shade and choose shady campsites whenever possible. 
• Use your awnings and window coverings to keep the sun out and the cool air in.
• Do your cooking outside and avoid opening and closing the door as much as you can.
• Clean air conditioning filters monthly.

Keep your refrigerator in peak condition

Your refrigerator relies on circulation to keep things cool. If the air can’t move, due to too much food in too small a space or gunky buildup on the unit, it will require more energy for less efficiency.

 

• Use fans to vent heat buildup away from the back of your refrigerator to increase its cooling capacity dramatically.
• Clean any dirt, cobwebs or debris from behind the refrigerator. These all make the appliance work harder and run hotter.
• Pre-cool the fridge and the food before you leave so you don’t waste extra electricity bringing the food down to the proper temperature.

Of course, there are lots of free ways to keep yourself and your travel companions comfortable. Take a swim in the campground pool; spend the afternoon browsing air-conditioned shops; or head for higher elevations where the air is naturally cooler.  Whatever your activity level, be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and reduce the amount of time you spend in direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day. If you feel dizzy, queasy or notice that you’ve suddenly stopped sweating, you could be in the early stages of heat exhaustion. This is no time to mess around. Get yourself someplace cool as soon as possible.

 

By taking these simple measures, you’ll not only be more comfortable this summer, you’ll also save money. Maybe even enough to extend that trip another week or so.