Let’s face it, a work camping job at a premier National Park like the Grand Canyon is pretty cool – just ask me! However, a vacation from any job is still a vacation! For us, an RV Rally with friends was just the break we needed.

  • Grand Canyon
    Get the time off. Plan early. It's best to request it at the time you are being hired. If it can’t be done, you know it and you can make your decision then. But if something comes up while in the job, give management as much notice as possible, and be prepared for a 'No.'
  • Five gets you nine. Based on your schedule, try to get the time off between normal days off. For us, we work five on and off two. So, taking the five gets you nine days.
  • Find a rally or an event. This is the best way to make the most of a short amount of time. FMCA rallies, big shows and music festivals all make great short-time get-aways.

For our recent vacation, we headed to Quartzsite, AZ. A big RV show and a bunch of friends out in the desert boondocking! Just over 300 miles of driving gave us low-cost but maximum fun.

  • Desert boondocking can be a blast. All kinds of beautiful sights, just sitting around the campfire with friends, or watching a sunset breathes new life into you.
  • Boondocking in Quartzsite, AZ
    Boondocking not for you? Depending on where you are work camping and what is within your driving radius, a cruise may be in order. If work camping within 300 miles of Tampa or Fort Lauderdale you can take a 5-day cruise. Either plan ahead or try for one of the last minute deals.
  • Oil change due? Vacation travel is also a great time to get your coach serviced. Stop and get it done while you are going to or from your destination. We were due for tires, so on our return we scheduled an appointment.
  • Shopping. Often our work camping area is a little short on the big stores. So we take the opportunity to visit the big stores whose big parking lots offer plenty of room for your RV with just a small hike to the doors. Make the most of your time off!
  • Take a vacation from everything. Drop your laundry at a wash and fold service!
  • Don’t take the vacation from meals. You have more time for prepping a nice cookout or pot luck with friends. We did a sauerbraten; this takes a couple minutes a day for about 3 or 4 days. Well worth it!
  • Take tons of pictures! Fill up your blog or online photo gallery with your personal take on the time spent doing cool things. Your family friends and readers will eat this UP!
  • Don’t forget to return! Bring something back for your work friends, a little treat, a post card, or just the story.
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