One of the many ways to enjoy vacations in your RV is to sign up for an organized event. One type of RVing event is an escorted RV tour. Here's what you might expect from this type of event based on an actual tour planned by a major RV-related organization.
Good Sam Club’s 2011 National Parks Caraventure promises to be an exciting and fun-packed RV tour, with visits to four national parks and much more in between. Scheduled for July 22 through August 9, 2011, this 19-day tour will keep you awestruck with the majestic beauty of Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion Canyon National Park, and wrapping up with a tour of the south rim of the Grand Canyon. For pricing, details, registration and a brochure go to Good Sam Club’s event description or call 1-800-829-5140.
If you’ve never been through this part of the country, you can’t help but be humbled by the beauty and sheer variety of the landscape as it changes from one magnificent display to another. Some of this 1,300 mile tour’s national parks scheduled highlights include:
July 22 Through 24: Cody, Wyoming
You’ll arrive at Ponderosa Campground in Cody, Wyoming and enjoy a Caraventure Rendezvous that includes dinner, time to get acquainted with your fellow RVers and tour directors and to get your questions answered. Rest up tonight because the next two days are full of non-stop activities including five museums, exhibitions, a whitewater rafting trip, and a rodeo.
July 25 Through 27: Yellowstone National Park
These three days are all about Yellowstone National Park, home of Old Faithful, hot sulfur springs and pools, and free-roaming wildlife, including some aggressive buffalos. Don’t ask how I know that. It still hurts. Just stay in the car when they tell you to.
After leaving Cody take your time enjoying the scenery on your way to Yellowstone and while settling in. The next day takes you on a bus tour of Yellowstone’s many different faces. Once you know your way around, you can spend another day revisiting the areas that caught your interest and get the photos you want at your leisure. There are bound to be many sights–mountain sheep, elk, buffalo, coyotes, hot springs, geysers, water falls and more–you’ll want to take in at length. Make sure your camera or camcorder has plenty of battery power and film or recording space. It’s easy to run out.
July 28 and 29: Jackson, Wyoming and Grand Teton National Park
Day 7 offers yet another day of scenic delights as you travel to Jackson, Wyoming where you’ll be greeted with a chuck wagon dinner and western show. The Grand Tetons await your self-guided tour the next day. If you’ve never seen these towering peaks then just know that you’ll be amazed one more time at the power of our planet to produce such majesty from such violent geological movements.
July 30 Through Aug 1: Salt Lake City Utah and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Salt Lake City, Utah is well worth visiting. Dinner at Ruby River Steakhouse is just the kickoff for what’s planned for you here. The guided bus tour scheduled for the next day includes lunch and the rare opportunity to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, live. I listened to them rehearsing one day and was swept away by their peaceful and uplifting voices, and that was just practice. Count on a much more stimulating performance on this leg of your tour.
You’ll have one more day to tour Salt Lake City on your own. For those of you interested in genealogy, the internationally renowned Family History Center, open to the public and free of charge, is right there on the Latter Day Saint’s campus. Enjoy the cordial hospitality of the Family History Center’s volunteers who will help you find your way around whether you are interested in the history of the facility or seeking a long lost ancestor.
Aug 2 and 3: The Horseshoes and Hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park
Day 12 begins your tour of Utah National Parks. Your caraventure takes you 300 miles south to Bryce, Utah. You’ll pass through many small towns, and might want to note some of the little fishing spots along the way and plan something to do on your return trip. Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its colorful geology, horseshoe shaped amphitheatres, and “hoodoos” of spires, fins, arches and mazes.
You’ll have an extra day here to take the shuttle on your own, so be sure to fill your album with photos of these natural sculptures. If you’re from the city, here’s your chance to take in the Milky Way and all those countless stars the city lights blot out. Who knows, you may even catch a meteor shower or two.
Aug 4 and 5: Zion Canyon National Park
Zion Canyon National Park is the next stop on your Caraventure. You’ll travel to Springdale, Utah where you’ll see an IMAX show, followed by another day when you can meander at your leisure or take one of the shuttles to Zion Canyon National Park. You’ll come home to dinner and another show that evening.
Aug 6 Through 9: Grand Canyon South Rim
Day 16 is a travel day with an overnight stop at Kaibab Lodge Camper Village, in Arizona. Then head out the next day to Trailer Village in Grand Canyon where you’ll be treated to another IMAX show. Day 18 will be filled with a bus tour of the Grand Canyon South Rim, lunch and later, the traditional Caraventure Farewell Dinner. In the morning before departure you’re invited for coffee and donuts compliments of your tour director.
To learn more about planning your RVing or camping trip at our beautiful National Parks check out these DVDs.
Download a PDF version of Good Sam’s 2011 National Parks Caraventure brochure and learn more about prices, reservations, cancellations and contact information.