Staying in Touch
You might ask, why do I need to stay in touch? I just want to get away from it all. Even so, there will be times when you will need to communicate with the world outside your RV, and with today's technology it is easier than ever.
Most campgrounds and RV resorts will have at least a pay phone. That may be all you need if you are just calling home to check messages. If, however, someone needs to get in touch with you for a personal or work-related emergency, a pay phone would not meet your needs.
Some private RV parks offer telephone service along with the standard hookups for water, power, and sewer. Your RV will need to be wired for phone service to use this service. This can also be a very expensive options as there may be an initial fee for hookup with high daily fees and long-distance rates.
Fortunately, in this age of advanced technology, it is much easier to stay connected. Cell phones seemed to be made to order for RV travelers. Cellular service now covers all but the most remote areas of the United States, plus Canada and Mexico. If you are planning on spending much time in more remote areas, satellite phone service is another option, though a much more expensive one. Some plans offer a tiered service, where you are only charged satellite rates if cellular is not available. Once you are back in a cellular service area, you are automatically switched back to the lower priced service.
The monthly service charge for nationwide cell phone coverage is fairly reasonable. Most offer free nights and weekends, so if you time your calls well you should not have to worry about going over your “minutes” and incurring per-minute charges.
Having a cell phone can also help you get online, though the connection speed will probably be much slower than other methods of connecting to the Internet.
Connecting Online
If you are not online yet, you are now in the minority, as more than 50 percent of the U.S. population is able connect to the Internet. Computers and RVs seem to be made for each other, especially for keeping in touch.
Computers
You will need a computer. Desktop models are not really practical for an RV because of their size and weight. Laptop computers, on the other hand, are ideal. They are compact and portable. You can use one while parked to surf and download e-mail, and while traveling (passengers only, not drivers!) to read and respond to e-mail (offline), utilize mapping software, read e-books, and even watch DVDs. Over the past few years, laptops have become much more affordable as well as more powerful and compact. Shop around and you will find the ideal laptop for your needs. Be sure that it has a modem installed that will enable it to connect to the Internet.
ESSENTIAL
If the campsite you are in does not have a phone line, don't despair. More and more RV resorts offer limited access for campers. Common areas such as activity rooms, laundry rooms, and offices are all possible areas where a phone jack may be available for you to connect. Be courteous and limit your time online. Read and respond to your e-mail offline, then connect to send.
