Thirty-four nights. Eighteen states. Nine national parks. That’s exactly what Shannon L. Zetrouer did with her husband Trevor and their two children, Ariana Sol and Austen Lee, on their five-week epic RV adventure. Shannon jokes, “My husband said I ‘wouldn’t last a month,’ so naturally I planned a five-week trip. Shockingly, it was one of the most relaxing five weeks my little family has had since my youngest was born.”

 

They had many memorable moments on their cross-country adventure. Shannon jokes, “We had our share of hiccups, including four lost or stolen bikes on the first night and a trip in the RV to the urgent care center so I could get stitches from where I dropped a knife into my foot.” However, the incredible beauty of our country was beyond anything they could have imagined.

 

Breathtaking Beauty

 

Taking in the sights of New Mexico, the red rocks of Arizona and Utah, the fascinating Great Salt Lake, the mountains of Wyoming, Montana and Colorado, and the wonder of the national parks was rejuvenating.

 

“It was the perfect trip for me,” says Shannon. With tons of time outdoors and surrounded by a seemingly “never-ending supply of natural beauty,” it was everything she could have asked for. The minimalism of traveling in an RV also brought her family together and the togetherness (believe it or not) made them happy.

 

Traveling Tips

 

If you are considering a cross-country trip, consider the weather. Shannon’s family strategically

planned routes based on favorable weather conditions. Avoiding extremely hot temperatures was a priority for her family. They adjusted their route multiple times to chase cooler weather and discover pleasant outdoor environments. Higher elevations often offer more desirable temperatures than northern locations.

 

Being flexible is another tip. The beauty of RV travel is having all necessities at hand, providing a sense of freedom. Shannon and her family enjoyed spontaneously visiting Taos, New Mexico, for a fantastic Mexican meal, and waking up in Santa Fe surrounded by great playgrounds. Being open to impromptu changes can lead to unexpected and memorable experiences.

 

Another tip is to visit the national parks! Purchasing an America the Beautiful Pass is recommended. Priced at $80, this pass grants free access to national parks and can quickly pay for itself. Exploring parks like Bryce Canyon, Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton offered amazing landscapes. Shannon says, “If you have kids, they can become junior rangers at most of the parks. They complete a workbook with park activities and get sworn in with a badge. Most of the parks have a specific visitor center that focuses on the junior ranger program.” She also encourages exploring visitor centers to learn about park history and support the parks through gift shop purchases.

 

On your travels, don’t discount the free experiences. With the America the Beautiful Pass, many activities within national parks come at no additional cost. Shannon shares, “We checked out the salt canyons in Arizona, walked with llamas in Capitol Reef National Park, went zip-lining in Montana, rented a boat in Grand Teton to explore Deer Island (a bargain at $50 an hour!), checked out Bearizona, did the Pink Jeep Tour in Arizona, and rafted down the river in Idaho. Those were all great, but so were the times we just hung out playing music around the campfire eating various campfire desserts.”

Another tip is to enjoy the journey, not just the destination. By limiting driving sessions to 3-4 hours, Shannon and her family were able to take time to appreciate the captivating beauty of America.

 

Shannon concludes, “Whatever your dream trip is – 2023 is your year!” Travel to experience everything the world has to offer!