Favorite Links
This page has links and descriptions to our favorite websites. The links are for the kinds of topics that might be of interest to others that have the same interests as us or travel in the same circles as us. I hope you find some of these links as useful tools to help you find what you are looking for!
Good Sam Club - (Life Member# 64450398) - the Good Sam Club is the world's largest RV owners community and your one-stop resource for all things RV. The Good Sam Club holds the greatest RV rally in the world each year and it is called The Rally. Starting with 2012, The Rally will actually be split into 3 rallies with each one in a different part of the country during a different time of the year. Member benefits include: 10% discounts at over 1600 RV parks across the USA and Canada; access to the Good Sam Extended Warranty Service for RV; access to Emergency Roadside Service (ERS) for RV and towd; access to Vehicle Insurance Plan (VIP) for your RV and towd; access to financial services such as financing/refinancing for your RV; a very active online discussion forum; access to Emergency Assistance Plus (EA+) medical plan; a well written, article packed monthly RV magazine called Highways; access to free personal travel websites (RV travel blogs), access to free RV trip routing; access to mail forwarding service to full-timers that want to claim Florida as their domicile state; access to CyberSam e-newsletter; access to Smile & Save Discounts through member businesses; access to numerous Good Sam RV shows, clubs, rallies (samborees), tours (caraventures), and much more. If you decide to join, please tell them Donald J. and Deborah A. Potts (Life Member# 64450398) sent you; we get a little club recognition for anyone that joins and gives our information as the referring members!!!
Escapees RV Club - (Life Member# SKP100891) - the Escapees RV Club is one of the friendliest, close knit RV communities in the world where members always great each other with big hugs; this club is absolutely #1 for fulltime RVers. To fulfill their mission, Escapees offers fun and adventure events for Rvers such as rallies (Escapades), caravans (HOPS) and get-togethers (local clubs & BOFs); a state-of- the-art website with a discussion forum dedicated to informing members about club events, parks, activities, products, and services; a best-of-its-kind magazine titled Escapees Magazine that is loaded with articles and information written by RVers for RVers; the best mail receiving and forwarding service in the country which is especially used by fulltimers wanting Texas as their domicile state; an extensive network of 19 Escapee member parks (very low cost with home-base options) and 1000 affiliate parks (15% discount); access to CARE – the only adult day care program designed by RVers to meet the needs of RVers. If you decide to join, please tell them Donald J. and Deborah A. Potts (Life Member# SKP100891) sent you; we get a little club recognition for anyone that joins and gives our information as the referring members!!!
Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) - (Member# F415098) - since 1963 FMCA has issued more than 400,000 memberships to families who look to the association as their source of information about all facets of motorhome ownership and travel. The purpose of FMCA is to organize social activities, exchange motorhome information, and supply benefits made possible, in part, by collective purchasing. The interest of the Association also extends into the area of political and legislative action. FMCA supports recreation programs and the legal rights of RV owners. FMCA takes pride in the merit of its many membership benefits: numerous rallies & tours (including two huge international rallies each year); free trip routing; access to mail forwarding service that is especially nice for fulltimers that want Florida as their domicile state; access to the FMCA website and their great RV discussion forums; free article packed monthly magazine titled Family Motor Coaching Magazine; free MedEx Plus - an emergency medical evacuation program; free Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance; access to group rates on an Emergency Roadside Assistance (ERS) plan through Coach Net; and access to group rates on RV/towd insurance through GMAC Insurance. One of the greatest benefits of FMCA membership is the opportunity it provides for enjoying the fellowship of friends from all over the country who share a common interest, motorhoming. The Association is rich in the tradition of FMCA members extending hands of genuine friendship to one another. FMCA members can be identified by the FMCA “goose egg," or membership emblem, displayed on their motorhome. This oval plate, embossed with the family's membership number, opens the door for many friendly encounters while traveling. If you decide to join, please tell them Donald J. and Deborah A. Potts (Member# F415098) sent you; we get a little club recognition for anyone that joins and gives our information as the referring members!!! We are also members of the following three chapters within the FMCA: FMCA Fulltimers Chapter; Newmar International Chapter of FMCA; and the Spartan Chassis International Chapter of FMCA.
Newmar Kountry Klub (NKK) - (Member# F19311) - the “Kountry Klub,” as it is known, is one of the leading RV social clubs in the recreational vehicle industry. Their members are from all over the United States and Canada. This is an exclusive club for owners of Newmar recreational vehicles and offers many advantages and benefits to our members. These are the unique characteristics of the Kountry Klub. Their members travel together, much like a large family, all over North America or reunite in various areas of the country at rallies, special events and caravans. Through the Kountry klub we have the opportunity to have open relations and communication between Newmar Corporation and our owners of Newmar RV's. They have created an environment for fellowship, adventure, friendship and recreational fun. The NKK has a huge international rally each year, as well as numerous chapter rallies, and some of the best RV caravans (RV tours) in the world. The NKK publishes a periodical RV magazine title Newmar Konnection Magazine. We are also members of the NKK Fulltimers Chapter within the NKK Club.
Thousand Trails (TT)/NACO/Leisure Time (LT)/Mid-Atlantic (MA)/Outdoor World (OW) - (Elite Connections Lifetime Membership) - Thousand Trails is the largest private system of RV camping and outdoor preserves in America. Their properties are known as preserves because they strive to protect the nature and beauty of the natural environment. Today, Thousand Trails offers premium outdoor destinations to more than 130,000 member families at over 81 preserves. The preserves are currently situated throughout 22 states and British Columbia, Canada. Members using the preserves bring their own recreational vehicles or campers to visit overnight. They may also book rental accommodations located at the campgrounds or just visit for the day. Some campers come just for a fun weekend with their families, while others may camp for weeks, touring the country and enjoying our hospitality from coast to coast. The members have full access to all of the premium amenities each time they stay with them. Dedicated staff and a loyal membership are two of the reasons for their success. While they are a members-only network, they always welcome new visitors. Their properties are known as preserves because they protect the nature and beauty of the environment for our members' enjoyment. For example, they protect the wild life, encourage bicycles rather than cars and handle waste in an eco-friendly manner. They employ professional staff to maintain the preserves and provide family entertainment and recreational programs. The parks feature large swimming pools, spas, hiking trails, lodges, lakes, miniature golf, fishing, and boating. Campsites offer electrical, water, and sewer connections for RVs, barbeque pits, restroom and shower facilities, and recreational amenities. At each resort, they provide a secure gated environment with park rangers who look out for our members’ safety. TT also publishes a monthly magazine titled Trailblazer. We are Elite Connections members and thus have unlimited, lifetime, free access to all of their membership campgrounds. The affiliated Ready Camp Go (RCG) Plantinum Encore Parks can be assessed for $22.00 per night and Enjoy America at 50% off all campgrounds.
Ready Camp Go (RCG) - (Platinum Lifetime Membership) - This membership allows us access to use the 100+ nationwide Encore RV resort campgrounds owned by Equity Lifestyle Properties (ELS). Encore RV resort campgrounds offers some of the most desirable vacation destinations including the sandy beaches of Florida, the serenity of the Pennsylvania Dutch Country, the beauty of the Eastern Seaboard, Arizona's Valley of the Sun, the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, the Pacific Coast, and more! Each of their resorts is filled with fun for everyone, with special themed events like casino nights and Hawaiian luaus, tournaments, concerts, cook-outs, social and recreational activities and more. Encore RV resorts and campgrounds are designed for both long-term stays and mini vacations. When you choose Encore for your travel accommodations, you can expect to find full RV hook-ups and premium amenities. Each location has a unique set of lodging options to help you make the most of your stay. The fantastic amenities and activities include Clubhouses, Fitness Centers, Card Clubs, Choirs, Silversmithing, Wood Shops, Golf, Tennis, Swimming, Horseback Riding, Biking, Hiking, Softball, Water Sports, Shuffleboard, Lawn Bowling, Pickle Ball, Pétanque, Billiards, Bocce Ball, Ceramics, and many others types of special events. We are allowed to use these campgrounds for up to 90 days per year at a cost of $23.00 per day.
Coast to Coast (C2C) - (Deluxe Lifetime Membership) - Since 1972, Coast to Coast Resorts has been the industry leader in bringing RV enthusiasts access to some of the finest “members-only” CampResorts in the country. In fact, Coast’s primary focus is to make it possible for people who purchase memberships at private CampResorts to maximize their destination and vacation choices. To fulfill this mission, Coast to Coast has created an internationally recognized network of hundreds of affiliated private CampResorts, enhanced with hundreds of Good Neighbor Parks/Best Parks in America, forming a network of beautiful properties where nearly any vacation experience can be found. As part of the Affinity Group, Inc. family of companies, Coast to Coast Resorts is in good company. The Coast to Coast network, the largest in North America, creates a vast range of choices from which to choose. Maybe this year it’s the mountains and next year the desert, or a fishing trip this year and beach holiday the next. These are some of the nation’s top-ranked, members-only CampResorts with immaculate campsites, on-site security, superior amenities and legendary reputations for going above and beyond when it comes to taking care of guests. The fabulous amenities, quality and wide diversity at Coast to Coast CampResorts, plus the ease of making reservations are key Coast member benefits. Add to this the valuable array of members-only benefits such as a discount hotel program, travel services (including airfare and car rental), Coast publications (annual directory, magazine published eight times a year, and buyers guide) with additional Platinum level benefits such as cabin and condominium rental, trip routing, and dining and leisure discounts. With our C2C Deluxe membership, we have access to the member parks for up to 14 consecutive nights (rather than the Classic membership with a 7 night stay limit) at a time for $9.20 per night camping fee. There is no 125 mileage restriction within the Deluxe membership level. The Deluxe membership also gives us access to all Classic resorts as well as all Deluxe resorts. It's easy to see why so many savvy travelers love being in Coast. The affiliated Good Neighbor Parks (GNP) and Best Parks can be accessed for $15.00 per night.
Resort Parks International (RPI) - (Preferred Lifetime Membership) - Resort Parks International began in 1983 and has since grown to become a leading member-only RV reciprocal camping program in North America. Their network includes 200 private RV resorts, 400 public RV campgrounds, cabins and hundreds of condominiums world wide and they are constantly seeking to add more options for their members. The RPI Preferred membership allows members to have unlimited stays of up to 14 consecutive days at each RPI Preferred resort throughout most of the year. During peak weeks, members can have two visits of up to 14 consecutive days at each resort. Peak weeks are high-use weeks within a resort's camping season. There must be seven days between visits to the same resort or resort group. Members pay $10 per night at RPI Preferred resorts nationwide. There is no 125 mileage restriction within the RPI Preferred network. RPI Preferred members may visit all RPI Preferred resorts regardless of their home residence. Preferred members also get family passes. A Family Pass allows adult children over 21 years of age and friends to use RPI Preferred resorts on their own. Four certificates are included with the RPI Preferred membership and four additional certificates are included with the annual renewal. Each Family Pass is good for one stay of up to seven consecutive nights at $15 per night for RV sites. The rates for rental accommodations vary. Only one Family Pass may be used at any time in the RPI Preferred network. Certificates are good for a maximum of two visits to the same RPI Preferred resort or RPI Preferred resort group per year and there must be seven days between visits. Major holidays and peak season dates are excluded and other restrictions may apply. RPI Preferred members also receive a 50% discount off the standard nightly fee at affiliated public parks in the Enjoy America! network. Discounts are good for the duration of your stay as specified by each Enjoy America! park.
Passport America (PA) - (Life Gold Member# 0216082) - Passport America is the Original 50% Discount Camping Club. Since 1992 they have provided the best discounts on nightly camping rates to thousands of members at hundreds of campgrounds, RV Parks, and resorts nationwide. They now offer 1610 campgrounds affiliated with Passport America in the US, Canada, and Mexico for our members to save while they camp. Passport America is the lowest priced, fastest growing, and most exciting discount camping club of its kind.
WorldMark The Club (WM) - (100,000 NHK Credits Platinum Elite and a 5,000 Credits Premier Membership) - WorldMark is a points-based (referred to as Vacation Credits), right-to-use, recurring timeshare membership which is renewed in perpetuity and may be willed to one's heirs. WorldMark gives us a lifetime of prepaid, luxurious resort timeshares for vacationing and we both look forward to the time outside of the RV. If you decide to join, please tell them Donald J. and Deborah A. Potts sent you; we get a little club recognition by receiving some free annual vacation credits for anyone that joins and gives our information as the referring members through the Friends First® Rewards by WorldMark!!!
Vacation Internationale (VI) - (372.9 Points Prestige-Platinum Owners) - the Vacation Internationale (VI) program is one of the oldest timeshare programs in the United States. Opening in 1974 as a floating week timeshare in Hawaii, they soon added additional resorts. Bob Ringenburg (one of the two founding owners) decided there had to be an easier and more flexible way for the members to use their week. Thus, the ex-Boeing engineer went to work on developing the very first timeshare point system. Today, there are 43 resorts in the VI program and the original point system is still in effect. The point system allows members to stay as little as one day (in most cases) or up to several weeks at any one resort or island hop in Hawaii, by staying a few days at several different resorts. Vacation Internationale gives us a lifetime of prepaid, luxurious resort timeshares for vacationing and we both look forward to the time outside of the RV. If you decide to join, please tell them Donald J. and Deborah A. Potts sent you; we get a little club recognition by receiving some free annual vacation credits for anyone that joins and gives our information as the referring members!!!
Interval International (II) - (Platinum Member) - Interval International is the best timeshare exchange company in the world consisting of 2,500 of the highest quality member resorts. Their member benefits include: timeshare exchanges; timeshare getaways; member coupons; travel insurance; huge resort directory full of the highest quality resorts; guest certificates; bonus certificates; a monthly magazine titled Interval World Magazine; timely and pertinent email newsletter; and the absolute lowest prices for exchanges, getaways, and guest certificates. If any timeshare(s) you own qualify you to join II, this is a "no brainer" membership to take advantage of. All of the best 4 and 5 star quality timeshare companies in the world list with II which includes Bluegreen, Four Seasons, Diamond Resorts, Escapes!, Hilton, Marriott, Premiere, Shell, Sheraton, Silverleaf, Starwood, Vacation Internationale, Welk, Westgate, Westin, WorldMark and many, many more.
Resort Condominiums International (RCI) - (Regular Member) - Resort Condominiums International is the largest timeshare exchange company in the world consisting of 4,500 member resorts. They have both a points and a weeks membership; we happen to have an RCI points membership which we use with our VI account. Their member benefits include: timeshare exchanges; extra vacationsSM getaways; last callSM vacations; vacation protection insurance; a monthly magazine titled Endless Vacation magazine; combine deposits for higher trading value; extend your deposits for more use time; guest certificates; and more. If any timeshare(s) you own qualify you to join RCI, this membership is one you should take advantage of. Though most quality resorts (except Disney) use II rather than RCI; RCI does have the largest number of resorts with more resorts in foreign countries if you like to travel abroad.
Timeshare Map - this interactive map shows all of the timeshares in the USA and Canada. You can screen and search resorts by region of the country or by exchange company affiliation.
Newmar - for over 40 years, Newmar has been building some of the best quality RVs in the industry. We love our Newmar Essex motorhome and enthusiastically endorse this company as what we consider, "The best bang for the buck!"; especially for fulltimers that will be living in their RVs and putting their motorhome through the wear and tear of everyday life.
RVTravel.com - news, information, and travel advice for RVers by Chuck Woodbury. This website publishes a travel weekly newsletter that is posted online with an archive of all back issues; you can also sign up to have this newsletter delivered by email. Chuck does an absolute wonderful job with this free weekly RV newsletter!
RV News Service - consider this site as "concentrated RV news by Chuck Woodbury." He sifts out the chaff and brings you practical, useful, and fun news on RV issues.
RV Bookstore - another great website by Chuck Woodbury. If you are looking for any kind of book, DVD, or ebook that has anything to do with RVing or the RV lifestyle, then this is the online bookstore where you need to start your search or at least compare his prices. Chuck tends to beat the prices of both Amazon and Barnes & Nobles and you can save money on shipping & handling getting everything you need from one place.
Great RV Accessories - another great website by Chuck Woodbury that displays and talks about various accessories for your RV. If their is some kind of RV accessory out there to make your life easier, then you will likely find a nice review on the product and a link to purchase it.
American RVer - this site by Jim and Peggy Grich has great audio and video podcasts all about various RVing topics; you will also find their travel log, as well as other cool stuff.
Retirement RV - this site is dedicated to all things to do with retirement RVs. The retirement RV options, retirement RV accessories, retirement RV issues, and retirement RV travel destinations all associated with Retirement RVs.
Dr. R.V. Shrink - Psychiatrist, Psychologist and Common Sense Peddler. You can find all kinds of interesting and informative sites that tell you how to fix your RV, but only here can you be counseled on your RV frustrations. It's free counseling because you are using your own coach couch.
The RV Doctor - the RV Doctor Website is the official home of author and technical educator, Gary Bunzer, featuring select questions from his popular column, The RV Doctor. The RV Doctor column is celebrating 33 years of continuous monthly publication making it one of the longest running Q&A technical advice columns in the RV Industry! All articles are FREE!
RV Doctor Videos - the RV Doctor Gary Bunzer provides tips and tricks about the repair and maintenance of recreational vehicles, whether motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheel trailers, truck campers or other RVs. Gary is the national authority on the subject of RV repair and maintenance. All videos are FREE!
RV Tech Tips - great advice and tips for caring for your RV by Russ Demaris.
RV NOW - fulltime RVer and Professor of RVing Jim Twamley shares details of his life on the road, in the campground and around the campfire. If it has to do with RVs or the RV lifestyle, the Professor's on top of it.
Full Time RVer - website about the lifestyle of freedom and adventure.
RV Lifestyle Experts - this is a link to the free section of this website. You will find some good RVing info in this section without a bunch of ads.
Your RV Lifestyle - how to create, afford, and enjoy your RV lifestyle.
RV Kitchen - recipes, tips and techniques by Janet Groene to help you prepare healthy meals within the confines of a small space in your RV.
RV Boondocking News - do you love to camp with your RV away from the crowds? RV parks a bit too crowded for you? Then make yourself at home here, where Bob Difley writes about great off-the-beaten places to camp with your RV. He will also pass along some tips and tricks to make your boondocking more rewarding.
Band of Boondockers - the goal of this site is to be the single most valuable resource for Over the Road Adventurers by providing locations of FREE campgrounds, inexpensive campgrounds, and other unique stay solutions for road travel. The hope is to show how frugalness with camping decisions affords you a new kind of freedom.
RV Ezine Articles - articles posted online about RVs.
Everything About RVing - this site has an abundance of good RV information.
About RVing - this site by Ronald E. Jones has an abundance of RV information including hints, tips, tricks, and suggestions. Ronald and his wife Sandra have four (04) great RV books that they authored and sell on their site. Ron and Sandra also do free seminars all across the country at RV Shows and Rallies.
Hitch Itch - a page full of links to RV travel blogs.
Sanidumps.com - put simply, Sanidumps.com is where RVers find RV dump stations, dump points and sani dump stations information for dumping their gray and black holding tanks. Now RVers can find dump stations and dump sites around the world.
The Rally - page dedicated to the greatest annual RV rally in the world.
Boondockers Welcome - at Boondockers Welcome you can connect with other RVers who have a location for you to dry camp for the night; it might be in their driveway or a field on their farm. The view may be of amber waves of grain or of the McDonald's parking lot... but it will be a free place to park where you don't have to worry about idling truck engines, security, or that dreaded knock on the window at 2 am.
AllStays (Campgrounds & RV Parks) - info on all campgrounds and RV parks in the USA and Canada.
Big Rig Resorts - dedicated to the owners of those Big Rigs who seem to continually have a problem finding a place to park them. This is a RV Park directory to help you solve the problem.
U.S. Military Campgrounds & RV Parks - if you are active duty military or retired military, you are eligible to utilize this great military benefit.
AllStays (Military Campgrounds) - info on all military campground in the USA.
Woodall's - your complete source for everything related to the use and enjoyment of your RV. At Woodall's, you can easily search for RV parks, RV rentals, RV campgrounds and even that special RV resort.
Trailer Life Directory - a great travel resource and the official directory of the Good Sam discount locations with a complete campground rating system.
FREE Campgrounds - the purpose of this website is to identify places where RVers are welcome to legally stay a night for free or for less than $10.
Go Camping America - is a premier source for information on private parks and campgrounds nationwide, so whether you're looking for the perfect park, traveler's tips or things to do when you get there, they're ready to help.
Casino Camper - the purpose of this site is to share information about casino camping and parking. The RV Friendly Casino listing includes casino campgrounds, as well as those offering dry camping and free overnight parking. You'll find reviews and photos from us, and from readers like you.
RV Park Reviews - over 189,483 user campground reviews posted online.
The Ultimate U.S. Public Campground Project - this is a growing list of more than 17,822 campgrounds.
USCampgrounds.info - the most comprehensive guide to Federal, State, Provincial and Local campgrounds which includes 12,000 public campgrounds covering the entire USA and Canada.
Campground Report - unbiased campground & RV park reviews by fellow campers.
RV Parking - this is a campground review website by RVers for RVers and has plans to have reviews online for 18,000 RV parks.
US National Forest Campground Guide - whether you are interested in car camping, RV camping or tent camping in America, you will find the type of information you need to have when planning a camping trip.
Corps Lakes Gateway - this site is your gateway to recreation opportunities at Corps lands and waters. It includes info on all Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds.
State Parks of the USA - this site gives links to every state park in the USA.
Gun Law in the USA - this Wikipedia article is a good one for reference. Gun law in the United States is defined by a number of state and federal statutes. In the U.S.A., the protection against infringement of the right to keep and bear arms is addressed in the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Federal gun laws are enforced by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). In addition to federal gun laws, most states and some local jurisdictions have additionally imposed their own firearms restrictions (see the next link below).
Gun Laws in the USA (by state) - gun laws in the United States regulate the sale, possession, and use of firearms and ammunition. State laws vary, and are independent of existing federal firearms laws, although they are sometimes broader or more limited in scope than the federal laws. Firearm owners are subject to the firearm laws of the state they are in, and not exclusively their state of residence. Therefore, if you own and use firearms in your RV as you travel, you can use this wikipedia article to check each state's gun laws.
RV Cooking Show - direct from the RV kitchen - part cooking class on wheels, part RV travel guide - these RV videos cook! They also wet your whistle with our Young Fulltime RVers video series and our destination spotlight videos - RV Marvels.
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) - founded in 1958, AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50 and over improve the quality of their lives. As a social welfare organization, as well as, the nation’s largest membership organization for people 50+, AARP is leading a revolution in the way people view and live life.
Frugal Retirement Living - this website is owned by my friends Gary and Julie Pierce. The site is geared towards how to save money and live frugally. They emphasize how to retire and live a good life on what you will get for retirement and they encourage readers to retire as young as possible, because tomorrow is never promised. Gary and Julie have lived for 8 years on a sailboat in the Caribbean; lived for 7 years in an RV as they traveled all over the USA and Canada; and currently live in a low cost, park model in AZ. Gary exposes his readers to the possibilities of living a great life abroad as an expatriate for literally pennies on the dollar compared to the costs of living your retirement years in the USA. While on his website, don't forget to subscribe to his FREE monthly newsletter titled Frugal Retiring News.
Couch Surfing - Couch surfing isn't just a means of free accommodations around the world; it is an entirely new way to travel. You get to see the world through local residents, not hotel concierges or guidebooks.
Interstellar Orchard - A 28 year old woman named Becky Schrade decided life is too short to work in the rat race her whole life. She hit the road as a work-kamping fulltimer in Sept. 2012 and hasn't regretted her decision to LIVE LIFE NOW.
RVing Adventures of the O'Keeffes - Barb & Dave O'Keeffes hit the road as retired full-timers in 2006. Lots of great information anyone thinking about full-timing in an RV too.
Andy & Judi's Worldwide Travels - Andy & Judy are full-time travelers like we are. They met on a cruise ship, live in an RV, and travel the world by plane & ship. They love cruising and have done many cruises, including world cruises, like us. They are also WorldMark owners, and they even have a dog named Duke, just like we use to have. Enjoy their travel blog, we sure do.