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What is Carolyn Scott's definitive guide to cross-country RV travel?

Updated March 17, 20263 min read

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Carolyn Scottcross-country RV traveldefinitive guide

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From Carolyn Scott

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Hi, I’m Carolyn Scott-Hamilton from The Healthy Voyager. Love this question!

My “definitive guide” to cross‑country RV travel is really a combo of what I share in my El Monte RV Miami–Los Angeles trip plus my family RV tips on HealthyVoyager.com. Here are my core pillars:

  1. Plan your route and overnights
    1. Map your main route and must‑see stops (national parks, quirky towns, vegan hot spots).
    2. Book key RV parks in advance, especially near big cities or major attractions.
    3. Mix RV parks (for hookups, dumping, laundry, Wi‑Fi) with boondocking (for stargazing, quiet, and budget).
  2. Choose and learn your RV
    1. Pick the smallest RV that comfortably fits your crew; it’s easier to drive and park.
    2. At pickup, have staff walk you through: hookups, generator, propane, water tanks, slide‑outs, leveling, and safety checks.
    3. Practice driving, turning, and backing up in a big empty lot before hitting busy roads.
  3. Manage power, water, and waste
    1. Use RV parks regularly to dump gray/black water and refill fresh water legally and hygienically.
    2. Watch your tank gauges daily so you don’t overfill or run dry.
    3. Use the generator thoughtfully (it pulls from your fuel tank), and rely on shore power whenever you’re plugged in.
  4. Comfort and sleep are non‑negotiable
    1. Upgrade mattresses if needed; good sleep keeps everyone happy.
    2. For summer: blackout curtains, fans or AC; for shoulder seasons: layers and cozy bedding.
    3. Keep a “quick grab” overnight kit (PJs, toiletries, next‑day clothes) so evenings and early mornings are simple.
  5. Food, cooking, and vegan eats
    1. Stock the RV kitchen with easy plant‑based staples: oats, canned beans, rice, pasta, nut butters, sauces, frozen veggies, and snacks.
    2. Cook most breakfasts and dinners in the RV and treat yourself to special vegan spots in cities along the way.
    3. Use apps and local guides to find vegan‑friendly restaurants near your stops.
  6. Entertainment and sanity savers
    1. Bring books, games, crafts, and downloaded movies for downtime and bad‑weather days.
    2. For kids, rotate toys and create a scrapbook project with tickets, postcards, and daily notes.
    3. Build in solo time: walks, quiet reading, journaling outside the RV.
  7. Weather and safety basics
    1. Pack for all climates you might cross: hot, cold, rain, wind. Layers are your friend.
    2. Teach everyone RV safety: no touching propane, gas, electrical, or controls without an adult.
    3. Have a first‑aid kit, headlamps, basic tools, and roadside assistance coverage.
  8. Mindset: home on wheels
    1. Treat your RV like a tiny, moving home: tidy daily, assign “jobs,” and reset before driving.
    2. Embrace flexibility—detour for cool roadside attractions, scenic vistas, and local history.
    3. Remember the joy: mornings with coffee at your dinette, nights under unreal starry skies, and waking up steps from places like White Sands, caverns, or ghost towns.

If you’d like, I can turn this into a day‑by‑day template (driving hours, sample meals, and RV tasks) tailored to your route.

What route or region are you thinking about for your cross‑country RV adventure?

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