Primary Color - Travel

part of the Primary Color package

• Lead Story (author changes every month)
  Stories and art by distinguished and award-winning authors and photographers. 1,800 to 2,000 words with four to six color photographs.
• Adventuring (alternates between authors Jeremy Schmidt and Patrick Joseph)
  New wrinkles and trends in adventure travel; 800 words, one color photograph.
• By the Way by Jay Clarke
  A seasoned traveler points out the sometimes overlooked attractions in popular destinations; 800 words, one color photograph.
• Continental Drifter by Elliott Hester
  

NOTE: Please contact Sales for information and photo samples.

Samples

THE TIME TO TRAVEL by Marcia Schnedler

RV: YOU CAN TAKE IT WITH YOU

            As spring unfolds, so does my desire to hit the road in a recreational vehicle. As a 50-plus traveler, I'm far from alone in this respect.

            RV rentals and sales are on the upswing. Rental activity, in which I may join this year, is expected to rise around 24 percent, say members of the RV Rental Association.

            The RV industry reached annual revenues of $12 billion in 2003 -- more than $1 billion over 2002 -- with even higher sales projected for this year, according to studies by the University of Michigan Survey Research Center for the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA).

            The burgeoning interest in RVs makes sense. Security issues have increased the popularity of vacationing in the United States rather than abroad. But many travelers are becoming tired of airport waits, security searches, dragging around heavy luggage and packing and repacking along the way.

            RVs mean taking your homelike accommodations with you. And even with their gas-guzzling reputation, RVs often mean vacations will be less expensive than travel in your car or by commercial airline or cruise ship.

            Campground fees average $23 -- vs. $92 for hotels -- often providing swimming pools, game rooms and other amenities. Eating in instead of out also saves money. Many campgrounds, especially in state and national parks and recreation sites, have great views and natural ambiance. And fellow RVers are likely to be congenial and helpful if the need arises.

            Studies of travel trends show that Americans are planning and booking vacations closer than ever to their departure dates, and RVs offer travelers flexibility and freedom to do that. Plus, they're great for weekend getaways.

            Assuming the economy strengthens, interest rates stay low, and concerns about the safety of international travel continue, so will increasing sales and rentals of RVs, according to the University of Michigan studies for the RVIA.

            Research continues to confirm that RVs are particularly popular among mature travelers. The median age of all RV owners is now 49, one year older than in a previous RVIA survey. Ownership rates among people 55 and older rose from 8.6 percent to almost 10 percent over the past four years. Those 55-plus also are the prime buyers of larger and more expensive RVs.

            They enjoy camping clubs, which provide a social network along the road, plus conventions, rallies, campouts and other events. RVs with kitchens make it easier to follow special diets. They can be modified or outfitted to make them accessible and comfortable for people with mobility or health problems.

            Senior travelers often use their RV as the equivalent of a guesthouse while visiting family and friends. They also find RVs an excellent way to travel with grandchildren.

            For those thinking of buying an RV, the easiest way to begin research on the types and prices is on the Internet at www.GoRVing.com. It's a comprehensive source of information developed for first-time renters and buyers by RV manufacturers, suppliers, rental companies, dealers and campgrounds. The Web site lists RV shows, market trends, RV books and magazines, industry news, camping clubs and more. Links lead to related sites.

            Before buying an RV, the wise thing to do is rent the ones you are considering to try them out. Cruise America, the nation's largest rental company, is at www.CruiseAmerica.com. Another large chain is El Monte RV, at www.ElMonteRV.com. Motor homes, the most common rental model, are typically $90 to $200 a day. Folding camping trailers and travel trailers usually run $28 to $85 per day.

            Rates vary by season, region of the country and unit size. You'll find package deals of three to seven days that often include mileage and lower daily rates. Rental dealers instruct you on how to operate the units, which have automatic transmission and power steering and brakes.

            For a fee, some dealers provide linens, cookware and other necessities. Large dealerships may operate emergency repair networks and toll-free assistance lines.

            With that kind of instruction and support, I fully expect to make the most of my RV days on the road.

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            COPYRIGHT 2004 UNIVERSAL PRESS SYNDICATE

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