RV Adventures: Trip Planning Into the New Year

Jennifer Schillaci • December 30, 2025

Relax, RV Shows. Rallies. & Resources to plan the journey that's right for you.

As we wind down the year, it’s the perfect time to reset, reflect, and start planning your 2026 RV adventures. Whether you’re a full‑timer, a weekend wanderer, or a seasonal traveler, thoughtful trip planning helps you hit the road with confidence, clarity, and excitement.


Looking Back to Move Forward

As I look back on this past year, I’m reminded how much movement shaped it in both the miles we logged and the growth that happened along the way. We traveled, and those months on the road filled me in ways I didn’t fully appreciate until I slowed down to reflect. Each destination had its own energy, its own lesson, its own moment that reminded me why this lifestyle still feels like home.


Of course, like every year, December 2025 pulled us back to Florida. That stretch has become its own season for us...part tradition, part necessity, part reunion. With the Tampa Supershow marking our sixteenth year for RV Roofing Solutions and  now the Learn to RV team, Florida has become a winter anchor. It’s where business, community, and preparation all converge. It’s where the team comes together, where the work deepens, sometimes shifts and where we often find ourselves in a different kind of rhythm. We always expect this season to slow down but it almost passes in a blink.


But outside of that winter window, we were moving to new places and even some familiar ones. We explored. We connected. We found new places that surprised us (like FINALLY visiting Devils Tower) and returned to familiar ones that felt like exhaling. Rallies introduced Learn to RV to hundreds of new people across the country as we introduced new groups for additional ways to connect.


Those travels reminded me that even in a year full of business transitions and rebranding, there was still room for joy, discovery, and the kind of clarity that only comes from changing your scenery.


This year wasn’t without its challenges. Rebranding Learn to RV while balancing the demands of a family-owned business stretched me in ways I didn’t always expect.


Some moments required resilience, honesty, and a willingness to grow through the discomfort. But every challenge also sharpened my vision. It reminded me why transparency matters, why integrity matters, and why showing up for our community with heart matters.


Now, as I look toward 2026, I’m choosing to let those lessons guide my travel goals. This year will still have us chasing rallies and continuing to fill our map, but we will never let that guide us just to say "we did it". It is always about intentional movement and choosing destinations that nourish us, support our work, and refill our creative and emotional wells.


It will be about honoring the commitments that anchor our business, like Tampa, FRVA International and Chapter events, Escapade, Brand Rallies like FROG, Grand Design, Montana & even adding some new ones to the calendar while also carving out space for the adventures that remind me why I fell in love with RV life in the first place.


I’m not starting from scratch. We are building from experience, clarity, and a renewed sense of direction. And honestly, that feels like the best kind of beginning.

As you map out your travels for the year ahead, having the right tools in your corner can make all the difference. Digital maps and RV-specific apps have become essential companions on the road, helping you plan routes, locate campgrounds, and track fuel stops without the guesswork.


Pair those with a solid maintenance checklist—especially at the start of the year—and you’ll set yourself up for smoother travels. A quick roof inspection, a look at your tires, and a systems check can prevent the kinds of surprises no RVer wants to deal with mid‑trip. And, of course, keeping an eye on your budget is also important. Whether you prefer apps or a simple spreadsheet, tracking your fuel, campground fees, and those fun extras helps you stay balanced while still enjoying the journey.


A few simple strategies can also elevate your travel experience.

Planning around the seasons is one of the easiest ways to make the most of your destinations—think desert warmth in the winter and cool mountain air in the summer. If you have your heart set on popular campgrounds or major events, booking early is key, as spots fill up faster every year.


But even with a solid plan, it’s important to leave room for spontaneity. Some of the best memories come from unexpected detours, local festivals, or hidden gems you stumble upon along the way. And through it all, don’t forget your wellness routines. Packing a yoga mat, comfortable walking shoes, or your favorite journaling supplies helps you stay grounded no matter where the road leads.


Tools for Every RVer

  • Digital Maps & Apps

Use route planners, campground finders, and fuel trackers to simplify logistics.

  • Maintenance Checklists

Start the year with a roof, tire, and system inspection to avoid surprises.

  • Budgeting Tools

Track expenses with apps or spreadsheets to track fuel, campground fees, & fun extras.


Tips & Tricks

  • Plan Around Seasons

Desert escapes in winter, mountain retreats in summer—match destinations to weather.

  • Book Early

Popular campgrounds and events fill fast, so secure reservations ahead of time.

  • Leave Room for Spontaneity

Build flexibility into your schedule for detours, festivals, or hidden gems.

  • Wellness on the Road

Pack routines that keep you grounded—yoga mats, walking shoes, or journaling supplies.

As you look ahead to 2026, remember that there’s no single “right” way to RV—there’s only the way that fits your life, your rhythm, and your season. Full‑timers often thrive on long, intentional routes that balance work, play, and rest. Weekend warriors recharge with quick escapes that don’t require weeks of planning. Seasonal travelers build their adventures around school breaks, holidays, and the annual events they look forward to year after year. Every style is valid, and every journey counts.


That’s where seasonal trip planning becomes such a powerful tool. Winter invites desert warmth, Florida beaches, and mild southern skies. Spring opens the door to national parks before the crowds arrive, wildflowers in full bloom, and festivals that bring small towns to life. Summer calls you toward Rallies, mountains, lakes, and the cooler corners of the country where long days stretch into golden evenings. And fall—well, fall is pure magic, with leaf‑peeping routes, harvest festivals, and crisp air that makes every hike feel like a fresh start.


When you match your travels to the seasons, the weather, and your personal goals, the entire year becomes easier, more intentional, and far more enjoyable. It’s not just about logistics—it’s about crafting a year that supports your energy, your curiosity, and your desire to explore. It’s about choosing joy on purpose.


So as you map out your 2026 adventures, give yourself permission to dream big and plan smart. Use the tools that simplify your life, build in the flexibility that keeps the journey fun, and let each season guide you toward the places that fill you up. The road is wide open, the possibilities are endless, and your next great story is waiting just around the bend.


Here’s to a year of connection, discovery, and unforgettable miles.

Be sure to check out our Podcast where Jenn, Frank and Matt talk about RV Trip Planning.

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