Cindy Belt

Cindy Belt and her husband John were RV full-timers for several years traveling the U.S. They now RV on a part-time basis and enjoy retirement on a full-time basis. They blog their travels at tandtrv.blogspot.com.

Articles by Cindy Belt

• 10 of America’s great campsites

  Monday, December 07, 2020

  We’ve been able to stay at so many great parks that have wonderful views, hikes, and other activities. Many of these have good campsites, but this article features 10 outstanding campsites where you can sit with some privacy and enjoy a terrific view and/or observe animals or birds without having to travel to other portions of the park. Given the coronavirus situation, these campsites can be an amazing place to stay. Of course, please check for current availability and status.

• Handling money while RVing

  Friday, November 06, 2020

  No one talks about it much, but handling money is a part of traveling. You need to decide how you want to manage your financial affairs during an extended RV trip. Adjust the hints in this article based on your comfort level with the internet and philosophy on money.

• A new outlook from full-timing in an RV

  Monday, October 05, 2020

  My husband and I took annual vacations and weekend trips in the past, but when we started full-timing we slowly changed our way of looking at life. The choice of living in an RV and traveling the country opened us up to new ideas and ways to see the world. You may have seen these changes in yourself.

• The most important RV list: The departure checklist

  Friday, September 04, 2020

  There are plenty of lists online on what to take when RVing. I find a list for leaving a campsite even more important. If you are new to RVing, this is a critical step. Even for the experienced RVer, it is helpful for those mornings when you leave when you are still groggy, under pressure to clear the site quickly, interrupted in your routine by something, or if it has been awhile since you left a campsite after a long stay. Everyone’s list is different. Here are some suggestions.

• A look at Utah’s less-heralded parks

  Monday, August 24, 2020

  Utah has fabulous five national parks (Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches) along with 43 state parks. Here are some other parks that are well worth a stop while visiting the state. These lesser-known spots should give you more room for hiking and sightseeing safely than some of the bigger parks.

• Dream and plan with travel lists

  Monday, July 13, 2020

  Whether you are still traveling or parked somewhere on a coronavirus timeout, you can dream and plan your next trip. I like having lists of places to visit. Some can be travel destinations while others may just be quick stops along the way that you don’t want to miss. Here are some ideas.

• 5 great boondocking spots

  Monday, June 08, 2020

  As national and state parks slowly open, their campgrounds are slower to open. Many RVers are ready to start traveling again. Boondocking is an ideal option to stay safe while seeing the country. This article features five sites that are among forests or beaches or are in the mountains. I'm listing coordinates since they don't necessarily have street addresses. These are some great spots to consider that appear to be open. Check the latest information online or with a phone call for any updates.

• Taking the good with the bad in travel

  Monday, May 11, 2020

  Recently, I was looking at some of my favorite travel pictures that decorate the walls of our house. I realized that many of them bring memories of great times along with a story about a struggle. We travel to experience new things and hopefully have some great times. However, our experiences may also be quite challenging. It is the thought of the challenge that we overcame that makes for the best story and sometimes the best pictures.

• Virtual travel in the time of social distancing

  Monday, April 13, 2020

  With the COVID-19 pandemic and the closing of many campgrounds, travel has become very difficult, unwise, or completely restricted. Full-timers are searching for open campgrounds or staying with family and friends for a bit. For the part-time crowd living in states that are not in lockdown, we can occasionally find open campgrounds nearby within a short distance of home base. For those who are confining themselves at home, there are still ways to relieve that itch for travel without going outside. Some ideas include the following.

• A guide to the haunted South

  Monday, March 30, 2020

  The South is full of history, old towns, moody Spanish moss, fascinating cemeteries and a tradition of hauntings. It seems that every town has stories about hauntings, and many have a haunted tour. If you feel like investigating the subject while staying warm, here are some Southern locations that also include history, interesting stories, great views, and the possibility of seeing ghosts!

• Escaping the coronavirus through camping

  Monday, March 16, 2020

  People are worried about vacationing this year. For those of us over 60 years old, we've been warned to stay away from cruises, international travel, most airplane flights, and crowds. Other than staying at home for months, it turns out that camping may be a great way to enjoy travel while still keeping risks low. While traveling on a plane or cruise ship means potential exposure to viruses from other travelers, driving in a car, truck, or RV just means exposure with your normal companions.

• Touring the Four Corners area

  Monday, March 02, 2020

  The Four Corners area is an amazing and special place. This is the area where Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico all meet. You can find national parks and monuments here, along with relatively unknown trails and museums in this region. At the center of this area is Four Corners Monument. This is a fun stop for a photo. It is not a national monument but is run by the Navajo Nation with a $5 per person admission fee. There are Native American vendors here if you are interested.

• Travel activities that won’t break the bank

  Monday, February 17, 2020

  Traveling is great. There is so much to see and experience. However, the cost of travel, food, and stays (campgrounds or hotels) can be overwhelming. This leaves less money for the activities. Things like Jeep tours, big-name museums, whitewater rafting, and zip lining are great fun but are extremely expensive. You don't want to travel without enjoying your time, but there are so many free or low-cost options out there that you won't feel cheated.

• Little-known secrets of visiting Utah’s national parks

  Monday, January 27, 2020

  Utah is known for its gorgeous national parks: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands. Everyone knows about these parks, so the popular parts of these parks can be too busy to really enjoy and "get away from it all." However, there are places nearby that are less visited and are very special. This article includes six such stops.

• How to explore the best of Utah’s state parks

  Monday, January 20, 2020

  While you are visiting Utah's national parks, plan some time for Utah's 43 state parks. These parks are much less crowded and have some amazing views, geology, and history. This article includes a few of the parks. For example, Utah is known for its unusual rock formations. There are arches, bridges, hoodoos, goblins, and sand pipes. The only place in the world where you can find sand pipes is at Kodachrome Basin State Park.

• A tasty rule for longer hiking trips

  Monday, January 06, 2020

  I've been hiking for years. I have a general rule of thumb that I hike without water if I expect the trip is less than an hour and it isn't too hot. After that, I'll bring a bottle of water and a snack or two. For longer trips of four hours or more, I will bring more water and more snacks. Recently, though, we've been doing some longer hikes or several short ones where we are hiking over lunchtime. Those snacks didn't feel right. So, we've been bringing a sandwich, and it has changed our hiking style and enjoyment of the trail. My new rule: Bring a sandwich!

• What to know before visiting Utah’s 5 magnificent national parks

  Monday, November 18, 2019

  Utah has five outstanding national parks. Many people decide to visit all five in an extended Utah visit. Technically, this can be done in a week, but most people schedule two to four weeks to enjoy the parks and the area. These parks are very popular and are on the bucket list for many people. So, expect crowds. If you go during the summer, expect the largest crowds and very hot temperatures. That means you need to take it easy and bring plenty of water. Spring and fall can be better for temperatures and crowds.

• A comprehensive checklist for buying an RV

  Monday, November 11, 2019

  Buying an RV is overwhelming to everyone. As you look over an RV, your eyes are drawn to bright colors, pretty wallpaper, and the shine of a freshly washed and waxed exterior. None of those items are important when you live in an RV. This is your money and you don't want to regret your choice in an RV. Come prepared to see either a new or used RV with a list. Don't be embarrassed to make a full check and ask lots of questions.

• Biking on San Antonio’s River Walk

  Friday, October 25, 2019

  Everyone has heard about the River Walk in San Antonio. Walking along the river to see the people, enjoy the restaurants or bars, or watch the boats sailing by can all be fun. But there are also miles of the River Walk through the rest of San Antonio that are perfect for a bike ride and don’t have the crowds you see downtown. This can be done in one bike trip but there is so much to see that it is best to split this into multiple trips. Bikes are available for rent for only $12 a day at many locations. Here are some highlights of the trail.

• How to follow the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln on your travels

  Monday, October 14, 2019

  Abraham Lincoln is listed in many polls by scholars and the general public as one of the best U.S. presidents in history. His story of being born into a poor family and working his way up to become president is inspiring. He is immortalized at many of the places he lived with museums and parks. These sites make fascinating places to visit. You can learn more about his life and what American life was like during this time period at these places.

• The wonder of morning walks

  Monday, September 30, 2019

  Hiking during the day is great. Exploring the trails, enjoying the views, and getting exercise are all great reasons to hike at any time of the day. However, I have found morning walks to be more satisfying. Here are my reasons.

• The perfect campground shower

  Monday, September 09, 2019

  Even though I have a shower in my RV, I prefer to use the campground showers. Normally, there is more room, and I don’t have to worry about how much fresh water we have and what space is left in the gray water tank. Over the years, I have seen a lot of different campground showers. Some have been gorgeous while others leave something to be desired. I am continuously amazed at the variation in what is provided. Here’s my description of the perfect shower.

• Birding and RVing in the West

  Tuesday, August 27, 2019

  Winter is a great time to migrate south like the birds do. Recently, I wrote about birding opportunities in the East while wintering in your RV. The West has its own spots with some pretty special birds. This article includes areas, towns, and national and state parks in Texas, Arizona and California that are ideal for birders.

• Birding and RVing in the East

  Monday, August 19, 2019

  Birding and RVing are an incredible match of activities. RVing allows you to stay in parks during the right times of the year to see birds in their summer or winter habitats or along the way as the birds are migrating. Plus, camping at a park gives you the ability to step outside your RV early in the morning to watch birds during peak observation times. With binoculars and a guide or app for bird identification, anyone can enjoy the hobby.

• Secrets of 3 Texas state parks

  Monday, July 29, 2019

  Texas has some wonderful state parks. The maps of hiking trails and online resources are great, but they don’t include everything. Here are some secrets at three of Texas' state parks — McKinney Falls State Park in Austin, Choke Canyon State Park in Three Rivers, and Caprock Canyons State Park in Briscoe County.

• What to upgrade, eliminate and replace for a better RV

  Monday, July 22, 2019

  RV manufacturers want to make a profit, but the way they skimp on costs is a pain to consumers. The average new RV is $100,000 to $150,000, yet we still have to upgrade an RV after we purchase it. Here’s my list of items that can be eliminated and replaced or should be upgraded in new RVs.

• Enjoying the results of the Civilian Conservation Corps

  Monday, July 01, 2019

  Whenever we travel, we look for evidence of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). It was formed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933 to provide jobs for young unmarried men to help bring the country out of the Great Depression. From 1933 to 1942, approximately 3 million men worked on planting trees, building roads and bridges, constructing fire towers, fighting fires, installing drainage systems, stringing telephone lines, and developing state and national parks.

• What’s wrong with American RVs today?

  Friday, June 14, 2019

  Let’s be honest. There are a lot of articles talking about how wonderful RV life is. There aren’t as many discussing the problems of newer American RVs. I don’t know if it is only American models but that is where I see the complaints online. While it is true you can buy an RV and have no issues, you are taking your chances every time you buy a brand-new RV. 3 out of every 10 RVs require serious repair by their second year. But this doesn’t define "serious." Many "minor" issues can prevent you from camping for the weekend or can be a major hassle if you are living full-time in an RV.

• Enjoy these lesser-known national parks

  Monday, June 03, 2019

  We constantly hear about record attendance at our national parks. This is great, since it means more people are enjoying the outdoors. But it is difficult to really enjoy a park that is full of people with long lines for everything, including hiking trails. There were 81 parks with over 1,000,000 visits in 2017. Instead of these popular parks, I enjoy visiting the lesser-known national parks where I can still get some privacy and enjoy the peace and quiet. Here are some of my favorites with both historical significance and/or great hiking.

• Horror stories from the GPS

  Monday, May 20, 2019

  I don’t know if everyone has a name for their GPS system. Over the years, we programmed all of ours to use a female voice and call it "GPS Lady" when we are feeling generous. There are other times where we are less generous. The mixture of technology and an RV pulling a car can bring about some chilling stories. Even buying a GPS specifically designed for RVs hasn’t stopped all the problems. Here are some of our stories or ones we have heard.

• The places that make Texas weird and unique

  Monday, April 29, 2019

  Texas is a special state with a unique history and people known for their independence. Perhaps to celebrate these special qualities, there are several unique and weird spots throughout the state, which makes it a terrific place to visit. Here are some of my favorites.

• Staying young with RVing

  Monday, April 22, 2019

  When I go camping, I see many older people that are still active. We're hiking the trails, paddling rivers, and generally getting outside. I've realized that RVing helps people stay active and feeling young. Research has shown there are several methods to extend your life and keep your brain and body in the best condition. RVing provides the opportunity to experience these ways every day.

• Exploring the world of metals on your travels

  Monday, April 08, 2019

  I will admit that my previous career in the metals industry makes seeking out metallurgical locations natural. But these locations can be interesting to anyone. Metalworking is how we define some human time periods, such as the Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age. Metals are used everywhere and built our culture. Interesting metal spots vary from mining to mills. These metals can include iron, copper, gold, and silver along with other, rarer metals.

• Visiting energy sites on your travels

  Monday, March 18, 2019

  From water wheels to solar power, we are constantly adapting our energy sources in today’s world. Traveling allows you to see where the energy you use every day is produced and where scientists and engineers are studying new methods to produce energy. Even the old methods of energy production are fascinating. Many areas have museums or tours available to see energy production behind the scenes.

• The joy of getting lost

  Monday, March 04, 2019

  Don't get me wrong, I don't want to get lost. I bring a trail map with me when hiking. I always have my phone in my back pocket ready to take pictures but also to use the map function if I need to find my way. However, I have gotten lost several times from my initial planned trek. I must have made a wrong turn or the trails weren't well-maintained. I have found that getting a bit lost can be good.

• How to geocache while RVing

  Monday, February 25, 2019

  Geocaching is the perfect activity when RVing. Geocaching is a modern version of a treasure hunt using either a GPS unit or your smartphone. As you travel the country, you can find these treasures in state parks, rest areas, towns, country roads, or really anywhere. There are classes teaching geocaching at many state parks, but this article features basic steps with some hints.

• Fun and weird spots to visit in the Midwest

  Monday, February 04, 2019

  While I enjoy the museums and normal tourist spots, I absolutely love the weird and unique places that show individuality and originality. The Midwest region has more than its fair share of fun places to visit. This article features balls of twine, an American automotive tribute to Stonehenge, Capt. James T Kirk's "future birthplace," canned meat museums and more.

• Surviving weekends on the road

  Monday, January 21, 2019

  For those of us that travel the road, weekends are a special time. It is not because we can finally get away from it all — because we do that every day. But that is the time when we must share the campgrounds with weekend campers. Many campsites are reserved by people who plan their special camping trip for months in advance. Others may be filled by locals who enjoy camping on weekends.

• 6 great state parks for hiking

  Monday, January 07, 2019

  Almost all state parks have hiking trails. Many times the trails are great but limited. My ideal state park has multiple trails with variation in the trails so I can hike a longer or difficult trail when I am in the mood or a short and easy trail when I want a short hike. I am not a hardcore hiker and don’t go on overnight hikes but I sometimes hike a longer hike of several hours. If you enjoy hiking, here are six state parks that are worth a visit.

• Great parks to see animals at

  Friday, December 14, 2018

  We all like to camp to get back to nature. As you sit outside at the campground, you may see chipmunks and squirrels. Deer, raccoons, and armadillos are often seen on a hike. Most state and national parks are havens for all types of animals but some have an outstanding variety of wild animals within their border or their animals can be more easily seen by the casual camper. Note: These are wild animals. Please keep a safe distance!

• 9 rules of camping

  Monday, November 26, 2018

  If you are new to camping or only camp a week or two a year, you may not know some of the unwritten rules of camping. Some of these are written rules at many campgrounds or are actual laws. Most of these are common sense or follow the Golden Rule. Remember, there are others camping in the campground at the same time you are camping so we all need to be polite! For example, while you might think your pet is the best pet in the world, others may not feel the same and might even be scared or allergic to dogs or cats.

• Handling the cold while RVing

  Thursday, November 15, 2018

  One of the best parts of RVing is that you can follow the good weather. You can hide out in the south during the winter and cool off in the north in the summer. Plus, you can enjoy spring and fall for weeks as you move in between. But sometimes you get caught in cold weather, and most RVs are not designed for cold. If you are RVing on the cold days, there are things you can do to reduce heat loss plus items you should have ready just in case.

• What to know about visiting Fredericksburg, Texas

  Monday, October 29, 2018

  Throughout the country, there are spots with great hiking, spots with great museums and historical sites, and spots with good food and drinks. The area around Fredericksburg, Texas, has all three and more. It is a great area to visit for a week or more. Places to see include the town of Fredericksburg, Enchanted Rock, various museums, LBJ National Historic Park, wineries, breweries and more.

• The best parks in Florida for snowbirds

  Monday, October 08, 2018

  Many of us RVers move south every winter. Florida is a popular winter getaway. Getting a reservation at the many RV parks in the Sunshine State is a great way to ensure a spot for the season along with seeing old friends. But I like staying in "old Florida" at county, state, and national parks. As a note, parks are busy so make reservations early. For example, there are four state parks in the Florida Keys, and they are all difficult to get a spot at. Often, sites fill up 11 months in advance.

• 8 great military museums

  Monday, September 24, 2018

  Some of the most impressive museums can be military museums. Most museums of this type have large equipment like tanks or planes to view, or even to crawl inside. Note that many are located on military bases, which require a photo ID to enter. At many of them, such as the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas, the exhibits are top-notch. Here are eight of my favorites.

• RV habits that transferred home

  Friday, September 14, 2018

  We were full-time RVers for four years, along with part-timing it for several years. Life is a bit different when traveling full-time in an RV. Now that we’ve returned to a house, I have found some habits from RV life have continued. For example, in the RV, I had a foot of hanging space, two drawers, and a piece of carry-on luggage that stored my business clothes. I found that I didn’t need nearly as many pants, blouses, and other clothes as I had in the closet at the last house.

• Outdoor hobbies to do while RVing

  Friday, August 31, 2018

  Traveling the country and staying in state and national parks allows us to spend more time with our hobbies and try new hobbies. With the great outdoors close by, we can get out and enjoy it. Hiking is probably the best hobby you can experience when RVing. There are trails everywhere that take you to a gorgeous view or to just enjoy the walk. All you need are comfortable shoes and a trail map from the park or from an app. However, there are several other great outdoor hobbies you can take part in while on the road.

• Quiet hobbies to do while RVing

  Monday, August 20, 2018

  RVing allows you travel the world. However, not all your time is spent sightseeing, especially if you are a full-time RVer. While some hobbies are difficult to accommodate from an RV (bladesmithing, carpentry, and large collections are examples that come to mind), some work well in your new life. Some of the quieter ones include reading, writing and crafting, among others.

• 4 fascinating state capitol buildings

  Monday, August 06, 2018

  A great place to visit in each state is a state’s capitol building. I love the history, the stories behind it, the architecture, and that visiting capitol buildings is free! Most capitols also have free tours available, so you can hear more stories. There are two issues to remember…you may need to go through a metal detector. Also, parking can be difficult in these cities. Parking an RV would be very difficult. Here are four intriguing capitol buildings.

• The best of US battle sites

  Monday, July 23, 2018

  I was never big on history classes in school, but after traveling and seeing historical locations in person, I feel more connected. Each place I visit means I learn and understand a bit more. A particular part of history is our wars. Battle sites and museums can be found in many states, especially in the East. You can experience history in a more intimate way by visiting sites such as these.

• Identifying plants during your travels

  Monday, July 02, 2018

  Traveling the country gives you a unique chance to increase your knowledge in plant identification. The plants can include wildflowers, weeds, epiphytes, cactus, trees, and edible plants. Every location has a slightly different habitat, so there are constantly new plants to learn. The following are some methods to increase your knowledge of plants.

• 8 small, unique museums worth the trip

  Monday, June 11, 2018

  Quirky museums can be much more fun than big, impressive museums. Maybe it’s the fact that small museums can be someone’s personal collection. There's also the stories that come with small-town museums. Whatever the case, these museums are well worth the stop. Here are eight museums that I like.

• Hints and ideas for boondocking

  Monday, June 04, 2018

  There are many terms for kinds of camping, and each has a slightly different definition. Dispersed camping is more of a government term for dry camping spread out on national lands. Some locations are free and some have a minimal fee. Boondocking can be free camping or dispersed camping. Black top boondocking is a subset of boondocking that takes place when you camp in a parking lot. We don’t boondock all the time, but we like to reduce our expenses by boondocking several times a month. Here are some hints and ideas for boondocking.

• Exploring the Third System forts across the country

  Monday, April 30, 2018

  After the War of 1812, the United States built a series of forts along the coasts called Third System forts to protect the country from French, British and Spanish attacks. Of the 42 forts built, most saw little action against foreign countries. While brick walls were 11 feet thick in places, these thick walls were no match to the "new technology" of rifled cannons utilized during the Civil War. Many of these forts are now national parks and have museums and tours available.

• Preparing to live full-time in your RV

  Monday, April 16, 2018

  ​Living full-time in an RV can be wonderful. Not quite as wonderful is preparing for it. Depending on your status, it can take months to be ready to start life as a full-timer. Here are some tips on getting ready.

• 6 unique waterfalls in the US

  Monday, April 02, 2018

  ​To me, waterfalls are a symbol of the freedom of RVing with a bit of awe, fun and wildness mixed in. By traveling the United States in an RV, you can see the largest volume, tallest and widest waterfalls.

• 6 basics for simple RV cleaning

  Monday, March 19, 2018

  ​It is important to keep the interior of the RV clean for your own sanity. No one wants to live in dirt. While there might not be many people in your RV, the area per person is more intense versus a big home. Plus, while we enjoy the outdoors, the dirt, sand, leaves, and bugs seem to be attracted to our RVs.

• Best spots for alcohol tours in the US

  Tuesday, March 06, 2018

  We all know drinking and driving don't mix, but drinking and RVing is a different story. There are all types of breweries, wineries and distilleries to visit while traveling across the United States.

• 4 things I don’t miss about full-timing

  Monday, February 19, 2018

  ​I love full-timing. In fact, I recently wrote about my top ​10 reasons to full-time in your RV. After several years of traveling the U.S., we had to switch to part-time RVing for family reasons. I miss morning hikes in new locations the most, but there are many things about a house that are wonderful, too.

• The joy of visiting caves

  Tuesday, February 13, 2018

  What is it about caves that are so fascinating? There is mystery and beauty within these walls, and visiting caves is an adventure that many of us can do. Caves can be viewed in formal tours with a guide, designated paths without a guide, or some are open to freely explore. Below are some examples with recent fees for adults.

• 10 reasons to full-time in your RV

  Monday, January 29, 2018

  ​My husband and I have lived full-time in a house and full-time in an RV traveling the United States. We are now part-timing it by living in a house and taking many RV trips. I have to say that I miss full-timing. Here are some of my reasons to love full-timing.

• Adventures in space

  Tuesday, January 16, 2018

  ​I grew up in the Space Age. Seeing man walk on the moon was a highlight of my youth. So, I enjoy seeing space-related sites and museums when I travel. The United States is full of them, and here is a look at a few of the best.

• 5 ideas for frugal RV living

  Tuesday, January 02, 2018

  No one wants to waste money, but frugal living should not mean living cheap and uncomfortably. The amount of money you save depends on your goals. Here are some ways to save money while RVing.

• 10 great outdoor options for ‘winter’ Texans

  Monday, December 11, 2017

  Like many of us, I like being warm during the winter. However, I don't like staying in one place. I enjoy moving around to see new things.

• Which costs more? Full-time RV living vs. home living

  Tuesday, November 28, 2017

  I'm always surprised at how many people say, "I'd like to full-time in an RV, but it is just too expensive." When we first considered selling our home and living full-time in an RV, we ran the numbers comparing the lifestyles (I am an engineer and like doing that). Recently, I ran them again using my experiences while full-timing.

• 4 simple rules for storage in small RVs

  Monday, November 13, 2017

  ​Much of our full-time RVing was in a 26-foot motorhome. The things we needed while traveling and for "normal" life had to fit into this fairly small space.

• 7 reasons to visit cemeteries on your next trip

  Tuesday, October 31, 2017

  ​This may seem to be a weird hobby, but I love visiting cemeteries. Besides the fact that cemeteries are free and fascinating, there are many reasons to visit.

• 5 things to look for at Native American sites

  Tuesday, October 17, 2017

  ​Humans have lived in North America for more than 15,000 years and have left evidence of their life in many places and in many ways. While traveling the United States, you can find many great places to visit to understand Native American history. Below are different types of dwellings, art and other traces of their life, along with examples of locations to see them.

• Exploring geology while RVing

  Monday, October 09, 2017

  ​RVing allows you to see all sorts of locations. While collecting rock and fossil samples is forbidden in most state and national parks, looking at formations and the types of rocks and minerals is encouraged. Every park you visit has some sort of story. Many parks will have a display explaining the geological history of the land, or you can ask a ranger for information.

• Tips for handling paperwork while full-timing

  Tuesday, September 26, 2017

  ​One of the things we often get asked as RV full-timers is how we handle paperwork and bills. Luckily, most billing is done online today, but there are still some tricks to know before you start full-timing to make paperwork easier.

• 3 RV problems and tips to reduce them

  Tuesday, September 05, 2017

  ​There is no doubt that RVing is a challenge. The first thing needed is a sense of humor, because things will go wrong. Here are three problems that can occur, along with hints to minimize the issues.

• Eclipses aside, astronomy is a joy for RVers

  Tuesday, August 22, 2017

  ​Camping is all about getting away from the crowds and being outdoors. Nothing epitomizes that more than looking at the stars at night.

• 15 hidden and unique treasures to visit

  Tuesday, August 08, 2017

  ​My husband and I have been full-timing it across the United States for several years. While we find museums educational, it's the strange, bizarre and unexpected places that are so much fun!

• Customizing your RV for comfort

  Tuesday, July 18, 2017

  You've just bought a new or used RV. Now you can relax and enjoy it. Well ... not yet. Maybe the more expensive RVs are perfect, but it seems that most RVs need to be customized for better comfort and ease of use. As full-timers, we have purchased both a used RV and a new RV over the years, and both needed to be customized.

• 12 can’t-miss trail hikes across the US

  Monday, June 26, 2017

  My husband and I have been full-timing it across the United States for several years. We stay at national parks, state parks and RV parks, and we boondock. One of our favorite things to do is hike. Below is our list of our best hikes. I am defining "best" as somewhat difficult plus great views — though keep in mind, these are not hardcore difficult, just a challenge to me. I am a short woman in my late 50s and in good health but certainly not an athlete or a runner.