Working on the Road

Make your RV lifestyle work for you.

Employment options: Being on the road opens doors for interesting job opportunities.

It is coming up to the time of year that snowbirds are returning and some may be looking for volunteer work or part-time jobs. Supplementing their income is a common practice amongst many full time RVers http://www.rvwest.com/living/workingontheroad.php  My January RVLifestyle Column.

Favorite Guatemalan pics!

An RV Christmas

 

 Christmas in an RV ~ what a wonderful thought. If you are fortunate to be spending this Christmas in your RV then you have been given a fantastic opportunity to have new experiences and maybe create new traditions. If this is the first time you have been away from your family or friends during the holidays you probably have realized it is going to be a challenge to incorporate some of your Xmas traditions into your festivities. Yes, it is a challenge but not impossible. 

Decorating your Rig

I think this is important. It is too easy to leave all the decorations at home, telling yourself it’s not important and miss out on all of the fun we associate with Christmas. A small little table top tree is not impossible to find and with a bit of imagination, a few small lights and a couple of favourite ornaments you will be happy to have it brighten up your living area. Bring along a few of your favourite tree ornaments and place them on shelves, counters, etc. The dashboard is a great place to also put the tree, lights and figurines. It is a small area so you won’t need very many but it will be nice to have some reminders of home during this time. Hang a stocking ~ Christmas is not Christmas without a stocking ~ plus it will be a perfect place for you and your traveling partner to place little gifts to each other to be opened Christmas morning. They don’t have to take up too much space and can bring a lot of joy. Music ~ another important reminder of the season. Most units have a radio or CD player ~ bring along some of your favourite Christmas carols. Scented candles will provide the finishing touch.

Don’t forget the outside. I love seeing a wreath on the front grill because everyone walking by can also enjoy it and sometimes it creates conversation with other RVers giving you a chance to meet new people. I have seen motorhomes covered in outdoor lights, Santa and his reindeer riding the roof of a fifth wheel and a blow-up snowman greeting people outside the door of a trailer. Decorating your RV is only limited by your lack of imagination. 

Meeting Others

What a wonderful opportunity to meet people in the park where you are staying. Put up a notice on a bulletin board inviting others to help decorate the park, or arrange to have a craft class where everyone can make their own decorations with coloured paper, a stick of glue and a bit of sparkle. It can be fun and very inexpensive. 

Christmas dinner is something else that is extremely important and why would you not want to spend it with new friends? Arrange to have a pot luck dinner where everyone contributes something special to the feast. It will give you a reason to do some Christmas baking and you won’t have to eat it all yourself. There are usually so many leftovers you can probably have a second dinner on Boxing Day.

If you are in a foreign country and their traditions are different than yours try and involve yourself in local activities. What a wonderful opportunity for new experiences. I spent last Christmas sitting on the rooftop of a rooming house in Guatemala as nonstop fireworks exploded in every direction around me. It is something I will never forget.

Have a wonderful Christmas everyone whether you are fortunate to be down south enjoying the warm weather or at home with your family. 

Merry Christmas,

PS:

Info needed please.
I have received inquiries from Canadian readers who need information on what is the best way to ensure internet connection when traveling in both Canada and the United States. Do you have separate providers? How economical is it? Is it reliable? If you are using an internet provider and wish to share some information please contact me at info@loracvs.com

Follow Your Dreams

Follow your dreams

Many RVers are making a living while enjoying their favourite hobby

 

Reaching across the table, my husband and I shook hands, both of us grinning with glee.

“We did it! I said. We’d just received a phone call from the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) offering us an eight-month contract to be camp hosts at Derby Reach Regional Park near Fort Langley, B.C. Research, resumes, interviews and crossed fingers ~ all had worked. Success!

Many full-time RVers dream of constant travel; we were no different. When faced with the reality that our budget did not lend itself to an idle life of meandering down the highway, we knew a means of subsidizing our income was necessary. What better way to earn an income and actually live the lifestyle than by working in a campground?

“”Living the dream” is how Margot Bartsch of Holiday Trails Resorts in Rosedale, B.C., describes the RVers who visit and work in their parks.

“They are the backbone of the park’s success, said Bartsch. “”A good many of our seasonal people return each year, creating a relationship with the members and becoming an extended family.””

Mary Plowman, a membership consultant and full-time RVer, agrees. Mary and her husband, Ray, have returned to the Holiday Trails Resort, Camperland, for the past 18 years. They spend their winters wandering the southern states in their motorhome and return in April to live on site. Driving her golf cart through the park, ensuring prospective members learn the benefits of membership camping, she is easily recognizable by the bright smile on her face.

Start planning early
Recruiting for campground staff usually starts in the fall or early winter for the following summer. When applying, applicants should submit a letter, a résumé and contact information as early as possible since most positions fill quickly.
It’s not always necessary to apply in person; inquiring about a position may be made by e-mail, phone or letter. A résumé highlighting reliability and skills is recommended and should include a picture of the applicant and his or her RV. This puts a face in the mind of the prospective employer.

Employment opportunities are as diverse as RVers themselves, and the skills necessary can be transferred from previous employment quite easily. A retired baker may enjoy cooking in the park café or possibly learning a new skill such as pruning fruit trees.

What’s in a name?
Job titles mean different things to different people. Our position of camp hosts with the GVRD really means ~ keepers of the gate.” We ensure the park gates are locked and unlocked appropriately and opened in the event of an emergency. We are available four days a week to answer questions and assist campers as needed. However, being a camp host for iRVins Park and Campground near Valemount, B.C., for instance, means doing maintenance, cleaning and guest services. Asking specific questions of the employer that relate to the duties expected is extremely important for both parties.

Benefits are usually negotiated but can include a serviced site to park an RV and wages for hours worked, depending upon the position. Ensure all of this information is clear prior to commitment by both the employer and the employee.

“Go for it ~ seems to be the motto for both employers and full-time RVers. Life is too short to wonder whether you can live your dream ~ take a chance and do it. Seldom have we heard regrets, except from people who hesitated too long and were not able to live their dream.

Three weeks after signing our contract, we are perched along the mighty Fraser River. The view from our living room is an ever-changing scene of little tug boats pulling huge barges of gravel and sand, commercial fishing boats placing their nets and even a paddlewheeler.

Grabbing the keys from the hook by the door, we happily head out to lock the gate of the regional park; this is just one of our duties as camp hosts ~ a position that allows us to follow our dream of being full-time RVers.

Article previsouly published in RVwest 2007

RESOURCES:
http://www.workamper.com/
http://www.holidaytrailsresorts.com/
http://www.gvrd.bc.ca/
www.bcinteriorparks.com/jobs.html
http://www.gov.bc.ca/
http://www.gov.ab.ca/home/
http://www.happyvagabonds.com/
http://www.pc.gc.ca/

Guatemala ~ The Land of Eternal Sunshine

Guatemala: The Land of Eternal Sunshine

By Carol Ann Quibell
Published in Senior Living:   February 27th, 2009

 

Just because you no longer carry a backpack doesn’t mean you can’t have an adventure!

Pack your suitcase, call your travel agent and book a flight to Guatemala for a journey of adventure and fresh new experiences. If your “must-do list” includes learning a new language, climbing a volcano, exploring noise-filled colourful markets or visiting Mayan pre-Columbian ruins, Guatemala is your destination. Quoted as being the land of eternal sunshine, it has become popular with more than just young backpackers. Retirees from all over the world are finding this Central American location an eventful place to visit or even retire. If you are looking for all-inclusive beach resorts, amusement parks or well-manicured golf courses, make other arrangements. But, if you are a bit of an adventurer and are looking for the extraordinary versus the ordinary, take a chance on this emerging tourist destination. 

Many travellers stop in Guatemala to study Spanish at one of the hundreds of language schools that can be found throughout the country. The most popular location is the city of Antigua, with international travellers on every corner and over 75 schools to choose from. It’s definitely not a typical Guatemalan city, but its crumbling ruins covered in vivid bougainvillea, the three volcanoes that overlook it, very comfortable accommodation and great restaurants make it a stop that should be part of every tour.

The low cost and a friend’s recommendation brought Gloria Forbes, a university professor from Saskatoon to Quetzaltenango (Xela) to study Spanish at one of their reliable schools. Living in an area less populated by foreign tourists, Gloria was forced to use the words she learned daily in the classroom to mix with the friendly locals. San Pedro La Laguna and Panajachel are also popular for people wishing to spend time exploring Lago de Atitlán (Lake Atitlan) and attend one of their language schools. Walking through the town centre in Panajachel and looking into the open-air cafés and bars reveals that tourists of every age enjoy a good meal and great company.

Chichicastenango market originally sold the basics to locals, but it has expanded to become one of the most popular tourist shopping areas in all of Guatemala. Thursdays and Sundays bring busloads of foreigners into town looking for the traditional distinctive rich-coloured Mayan textiles that include clothing, linens, wall hangings and blankets. If you want to buy a chicken, you can find one here too. They have it all!

Thirty-five volcanoes are spread throughout Guatemala with four currently active. Many can be explored by climbing and stumbling up over the lava rock, which crumbles under foot with each step. A day trip to Pacaya, one of the active volcanoes, is 25 km from Antigua and includes the opportunity of looking down into the hot smoking crater.

A short flight from Guatemala City is one of the most fascinating Mayan archaeological sites in Central America. Situated in a rainforest, the sounds of howling monkeys can be heard from the hotels located in the Tikal National Park. If you are one of the lucky few that is able to enter the park to watch the sunrise, you will feel the magic that surrounds the ruins.

“It was definitely a culture shock and nothing like I expected,” said my husband Barry, a first-time visitor to Guatemala.

“Although we only visited Antigua, Panajachel and Chichicastenango, at no time did I feel unsafe, but I was wary in the crowded market town of Chichicastenango and was watchful when wandering the streets.”

Panajachel on Lago de Atitlán was a favourite stop, says Barry, because it was possible for him to become completely immersed in the culture of the local villages that surround the lake. 

“Foreigners can be both good and bad for any country,” says Gloria about whether she would recommend Guatemala to her friends. She hesitated and then responded with a “yes.” She spoke of not wanting the country to lose its appeal and charm, but knows the locals need the tourist dollars. Many foreign retirees have chosen to live in Xela because it is quieter than the more popular Antigua. Their pensions from home stretch further here and the climate is milder than Canada’s. 

As with travelling in any foreign country, visitors to Guatemala should be cautious. With proper planning and an open mind, there are endless new experiences for every level of adventure.

 

How to get there:

Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines and Mexicana are just a few of the international airlines that fly into Guatemala City from where travellers disperse to destinations throughout the country.

Transportation:

Shuttles are cheap and will take you everywhere! There are private cars with drivers, taxis, tour buses and, of course, the all-famous “chicken buses.”

Tours:

Tourist vans and tour operators – In almost every tourist location, there are tour operators that can arrange transportation or tickets for any activity or attraction. Do some comparison shopping and don’t forget to barter. It’s expected.

Travel Cards

It has been brought to my attention that some RVers have “Travel Cards” to give to people they meet on their journey.  I think that’s a great idea. 

What to put on it?

First – your name(s)

Next:  a picture of yourself or your rig – If you have a picture of yourselves on it you will be easier to remember.  Don’t forget if you receive or give out lots of “travel cards” it may be hard to remember who was who.  I like the idea of a picture.

Address:  After consideration I believe it should have a mailing address or an email address.  I don’t recommend giving out your home address – just for safety purposes. 

Phone number:  Do you have a local number or a home number?  Put what you are comfortable with on your cards.

While traveling anywhere we  are fortunate to meet other travelers and may to wish to stay in touch with them.  Having a travel card ready will save all of those “Who’s got a pen?” moments.

The purpose of traveling is to experience new things and meet new people.  What better way of keeping in touch than by giving out your “Travel Card”.

RVers and the Winter Olympics

Let’s go to the Olympics!

The Winter Olympics are coming to Vancouver, British Columbia and RVers are being made welcome. The City of Vancouver is rolling out the red carpet and providing 365 RV sites at two of their very popular beach front parks. Normally, overnight parking isn’t allowed at either location but the city has granted a temporary development permit at Vancouver’s Jericho Beach and Spanish Bank locations from February 10 to March 2, 2010.

Taking under consideration the needs of the visitor’s, arrangements have been made for washrooms, showers, restaurants, water and sanitary disposal. Sorry, no electrical hook-ups but generators will be allowed during certain hours. These exclusive sites within the heart of Vancouver will be rented for $95.00 plus GST per night and arrangements have been made for 24 hour security and supervision.

Shuttles

It’s a great opportunity to attend the Olympic events and explore this beautiful west-coast city. 

Shuttle buses will be available to transport guests to the Canada Line Sky Train Station on Cambie Street which provides easy access to the venues and other areas of the city.

Jericho Beach

Jericho Beach with its long sandy beaches and beautiful mountain views will have approximately 110 sites accommodating RVs to a maximum length of 30 feet.  RVers will enjoy the spectacular scenery of downtown Vancouver and a very peaceful location. Washrooms, showers and a restaurant are all being provided by the Jericho Beach Sailing Club situated right next door.   

Spanish Bank

The 255 sites at Spanish Bank are in a quiet location away from the busy city life and offer three fabulous beaches where you can enjoy the waterfront at your leisure. Food can be bought at the two Park Board concessions and public washrooms will be open. Shower facilities will be brought to the site for guest usage. The allowable maximum length of vehicles parking at Spanish Bank will be 25 feet.

Other Options

For those RVers who have larger units or wish to have full services there are other options and a few of them are listed below: Reserve early – they are booking up fast. 

• Burnaby Cariboo RV Park ~ Burnaby ~ http://www.bcrvpark.com
• Capilano RV Park ~ closest park to downtown  ~ http://www.capilanorvpark.com/
• Dogwood ~ Surrey ~ http://dogwoodcampgrounds.com/
• Fort Langley Camping ~ next to historic Fort Langley ~  http://www.fortcamping.com/
• Pacific Border RV Park – South Surrey ~ http://www.pacificborderrvpark.com/
• Park Canada ~ Delta ~ http://www.parkcanada.com/
• Peace Arch RV Park~ South Surrey ~ http://www.peacearchrvpark.ca/
• Tynehead ~ Surrey ~ http://www.tynehead.com/

 

v  Reservations for Jericho Beach or Spanish Banks:  www.vancouver2010rv.com/

The decision whether to attend the 2010 Olympic Games may be made easier now that RVers know there are options for parking their rigs. Be prepared, book your reservation and join other enthusiastic Olympic fans in Vancouver during the Olympics in 2010 – it’s going to be exciting!

A learning experience

I am not sure about the rest of you but this blogging business has been a brand new learning experience for me.  I am really enjoying it and taking a course at at VA classroom sure helped me.  If you are at all interested in learning more about blogging check out Blog Marketing Tips and Tactics.

Take me with you.

Traveling with pets this summer?

 

Check out my latest article: http://www.rvwest.com/tips/travellingwithpets.phpy

8 Simple steps to ensure stress-free camping with your pets

by Carol Ann Quibbell

Your pets don’t want to be left behind—plan ahead and include them. When preparing for a trip in our RV we usually check the oil, make sure necessary repairs are taken care of, load up with supplies, buy a map and plan our route. Sometimes in the excitement of preparing our RV for the trip ahead, we forget that our pets may need some special attention too. Harrison Forbes, an animal behaviourist and host of Pet Talk—a nationally syndicated radio show—has provided us with tips about travelling with our family pets to ensure their trip is also stress-free.

Four-legged friends: Bringing your animal pals means taking important steps to ensure their comfort—photo courtesy Harrison Forbes

Do you know what the pet policy is at your destination park? Do they have restrictions that may not allow pets? Are there dog walking areas? What size of dog is allowed, and how many per campsite? By calling before you leave home and having these questions answered, there won’t be any nasty surprises when you arrive.

Identification

Does Fido have ID tags with up-to-date information? Put your cellphone number on the tag—that way they can reach you if necessary wherever you are. Hopefully your pet won’t get lost but whoever finds him will be able to reach you. Having a picture of your pet with you may also come in handy.

Vaccinations

Are your pet’s shots up to date? What is your vet’s name and phone number? In an emergency you will need to provide this information to the local veterinary hospital. Why not bring a copy of his medical records just to be safe? Some areas are prone to ticks and fleas—do you have what’s needed to prevent them from making your pet their new home?

Veterinary hospitals

Check out in advance where the closest veterinary facility is from your campground. It’s better to be prepared in case of an accident or sickness than frantically searching for a vet at the time of the emergency.

Insurance

Are your pets covered by an insurance policy in the event of an accident? Check with your insurance provider or pet medical insurance company.

Travel pack

This should contain everything from their favourite food, special bed, portable feeding/watering bowls, water, pet first-aid kit, leash, clean-up supplies, and lots of toys to keep them busy and out of trouble. It might be a good idea to have the pet kit permanently left in your RV and just refill items as needed.

Secure your pet when travelling

When pets are not restrained in the vehicle they can be a distraction to the driver and be injured if there is a sudden stop or accident. Keep them safe and secure either in a crate or harness.

Prepare for extreme weather

If you will be away from the RV for any length of time make sure your pet has enough water. Is there proper ventilation? Would it be advisable to have the air conditioning on? Remember your RV can get very hot in the scorching heat and will adversely affect your family pet.

Family vacations aren’t really complete without the family pet and by taking a few simple steps to make sure camping with your pet is fun and stress-free, your vacation will be even more memorable and Fido doesn’t have to be left at home.

Resources:

Harrison Forbes: An animal behaviourist for over 20 years, talk show host, police dog trainer, and author of his autobiography, Dog Talk, which is in stores now. He is the resident pet expert for the Live with Regis and Kelly show and is a monthly regular on the Fox News Network.

http://www.harrisonforbes.com

http://travellingpets.net/pet_travel.html

http://www.pettravelcenter.com

Senior travel articles.

If you are a senior who loves to travel check out www.elderlyelder.com – travel info for the elderly travel person.