Driving an RV in America.

I just thought I’d take some time out to tell you how renting an RV and driving around America is much easier and perhaps cheaper than you might imagine.

I’m 26 years old and have just returned from holiday in America with some friends, all of whom are younger than me, yet we were able to drive a 32 foot RV (if you’re not sure of how big 32 foot is, it was enough room for 6 of us to sleep comfortably!) I have an ordinary full UK driving license, now HGV or 7.5 tonne or anything and I had no problems whatsoever.

We all had different ideas, renting a villa, apartment, staying in a hotel – all of which would have meant hiring a car or 2 as well because we wanted to drive to San Francisco and Las Vegas. I’m a big dreamer so I considered renting an RV and suggested it to the guys… we all thought ‘no there will be way too much red tape.’ I just wonder how many others have dismissed the idea so quickly.

After some research I managed to find an RV rental company that were able to provide us with a massive RV for a fraction of the cost of accommodation and car hire… I think we paid around £200 in total for the rental including insurance and mileage. We didn’t pay anything when we got there; it was really as black and white as they explained to us on the phone.

So the vehicle itself… had everything we needed and more. Double bed in the back and over the cab, and 2 fold out beds in the main area… this would comfortably sleep 7 people. It had a shower which took 5 minutes for the water to heat up, a gas hob, microwave and toilet. We literally parked this on the side of the road some nights in spots that demand a premium if you want to stay in a hotel there… Fishermans Wharf in San Francisco for example, we parked 3 minutes’ walk away from Pier 39. In Los Angeles we parked just off of Hollywood Boulevard right in the mix.

There were some negatives, predominantly with parking spaces on some occasions. We were hell bent on going ad-hoc though – no plan, winging it… against our sense of sensibility. But with a small amount of planning and foresight these crinkles could easily be ironed out, don’t rule this option out… driving around California and Nevada for 2 weeks with some good friends was a completely insane adventure that I’ll never forget.

I'll be sharing some more information on our Journey next week. 

Call home from 38,000 feet.

Finally passengers travelling to America with Virgin Atlantic can now use their phones to send SMS and make phone calls whilst flying without any risk to the on-board electronics with Aeromobile technology!

A brand new innovation, Aeromobile, is going to completely change the way passengers communicate in the air.

This service is only available on some of the newer aircrafts servicing many routes to the USA. Feel free ask me for more info.

Just a little snippet for you today - some awesome stuff coming here soon.

Jon

The Rock Boat

Music festivals in America are in abundance, the Warped tour I would say is the vastest rock tour in America with pop punk influences. 

One event in America has certainly been going under the radar for many year though and what an incredibly innovative and, for want of a better word, AWESOME idea!

Sister Hazel fans in the UK this is your chance to combine a holiday to the USA with a chance to watch your favourite band in an intimate setting whilst soaking up the sun in the Caribbeanesque, turquoise, waters of the Mexican Gulf.

This is my chance to show off an all-time favourite band of mine too;

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What is The Rock Boat?

The aptly named rock boat is a floating music festival. Aboard the Ocean liner 'Carnival Ecstasy' it's a 4 day cruise with non-stop music and madness at sea.

Whilst floating through the Caribbean, guests will see loads of amazing shows, one-of-a-kind artist collaborations and even take part in awesome theme nights and incredible artist-hosted activities.  

The Carnival Ecstasy features;

Resort style Pool. Think palm trees, a cool breeze and relaxing with your favorite drink in your hand.  Take a swim or just chill out. Nothing says "vacation" like new resort-style pools

Serenity - Adult only retreat. Chill out in this kid-free oasis that's the hub of relaxation. Take in the ocean view, hop in the hot tub, or kick back under the shade of a big umbrella.

Grand Entrance. The Grand Atrium Plaza and Bar is just that – Grand. Mix and mingle with friends, old and new, in this breath-taking space that's the centre of all things fun and fantastic.

Neon Piano Bar. Live, intimate and entertaining...check out the Neon Piano Bar for the ultimate in fun. Listen to live music, make song requests, sing along or just chill with other guests.

Decadent Dining. Dining in the Wind Star and Wind Song Dining Rooms. We serve up culinary desires you can really sink your teeth into.


On-board Casino. Play cards like a pro at the Crystal Palace Casino. Poker's not your game? There's craps, blackjack, roulette, slots and more. It's your turn...show 'em what you've got in store.