Increased Demand for Wireless Internet makes it the #1 Amenity for Park Visitors
WiFiRV, the premier provider of WiFi Internet services in the United States for the outdoor recreational hospitality industry, reports continued growth for 2008 and a new budget of $1,500,000 to invest wireless services for the RV industry in 2009.
The tough economy has increased demand for WiFi technology. It’s the most economical way to get Internet to campers but WiFiRV warns property owners and managers; WiFi is not without challenges if not planned well in advance. Choosing a technology partner that educates and has nationwide coverage is important if you seek reliability. Once a WiFi amenity is installed there is no turning back – campers demand it to stay happy!
Consistent high-speed WiFi Internet access is what property managers want but this not easy to accomplish without proper planning. RV parks, campgrounds, and resorts were geographically located so people could “get away from it all” but now they want to be away from it all and take it all with them too. WiFiRV has prioritized where to invest through affiliation with property owner, management, and financial investment groups in the RV industry.
Benefits through alliances garner access to thought leaders and in turn offer options to provide group discounts, wise financial planning, and technology selection diligence.
“In 2002 we started WiFiRV when we recognized a need to help travelers stay connected on the road,” stated John Borg II, CEO and Founder of WiFiRV. “We created simple Do-It-Yourself-WiFi systems, complex managed bandwidth amenities, and everything in between to give owners a choice.”
Since founding WiFiRV, Borg has seen the benefits of WiFi amenities in RV parks, resorts, and campgrounds. Properties consistently report increased occupancies and loyalty. To date WiFiRV has invested $2,500,000 in capital, labor services, and equipment to bring parks online and continues to support the market.
When considering WiFi usage, demographics, terrain, and weather all need to be factored to ensure reliability. Designing the right amenity for the environment is critical to success. Not all properties are a good fit for a WiFi solution, despite what the RV travelers and patrons may demand…
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Saturday, December 20, 2008
WiFiRV Reports Steady Demand of Wi-Fi Usage by RVers and Travelers
#1 Provider of Wi-Fi Services to America’s RV Parks and Campgrounds Helps Park Owners Increase Revenues and Improve Customer Satisfaction
WiFiRV, the premier provider of wireless Internet services in the United States for the outdoor recreational hospitality industry, reports the demand by RVers shows continued growth through 2008, making it the number one requested amenity at RV parks and campgrounds.
With over 8 million RVs on the road traveling an average of 4,500 miles a year, finding hotspots has become a “must have” for 94% of RVers. Resorts, RV parks, and campgrounds are starting to realize the value added benefit of offering the amenity and in many cases have uncovered a new source of income.
“WiFiRV’s wireless Internet service package for RV Parks and Campgrounds not only increases revenues for park owners, but helps drive occupancy and increase customer satisfaction,” says John Borg II, CEO and Founder, WiFiRV. “Park owners see the value of our Internet service offering as we can demonstrate a fast ROI and consistent, reliable service for their customers.”
WiFiRV, the premier provider of wireless Internet services in the United States for the outdoor recreational hospitality industry, reports the demand by RVers shows continued growth through 2008, making it the number one requested amenity at RV parks and campgrounds.
With over 8 million RVs on the road traveling an average of 4,500 miles a year, finding hotspots has become a “must have” for 94% of RVers. Resorts, RV parks, and campgrounds are starting to realize the value added benefit of offering the amenity and in many cases have uncovered a new source of income.
“WiFiRV’s wireless Internet service package for RV Parks and Campgrounds not only increases revenues for park owners, but helps drive occupancy and increase customer satisfaction,” says John Borg II, CEO and Founder, WiFiRV. “Park owners see the value of our Internet service offering as we can demonstrate a fast ROI and consistent, reliable service for their customers.”
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Holiday Travel: 10 Ways to Keep Your Laptop and Privacy Safe
– Thomas Wailgum , CIO
If you're planning on traveling with your laptop this holiday season, you might want to travel prepared. The statistics are overwhelmingly bad: According to Gartner, one laptop is stolen every 53 seconds.
U.S. airports, in particular, have become black holes for business travelers' laptops: 12,000 laptops are lost at U.S. airports every week, and 70 percent of those laptops, which good Samaritans and airport employees return to lost-and-found departments, are never reclaimed, reported the Ponemon Institute.
Increased security measures have created longer checkpoint lines and a more stressful environment. More than 70 percent of business travelers feel rushed when trying to get on their flights, noted the Ponemon research, and 60 percent worry that delays due to security checkpoints will cause them to miss their flight. It's not surprising, then, that according to U.S airport representatives, the most common airport locations where laptops are lost or missing include security checkpoints (40 percent) and departure gates (23 percent), the Ponemon report found. (See "8 Laptop Bags That Will Help You Speed Through Airport Security" to help make your travels more efficient.)
Add a couple of screaming kids and millions of others trying to "get home for the holidays," and you've got a recipe for laptop loss. "The stress of rushing to catch a flight," notes the Ponemon report, "combined with the number of items business travelers typically carry (such as laptops, cell phones, PDAs, briefcases and luggage) creates a situation that is conducive to property loss."
10 Tips to Avoid Laptop and Data Loss
To help ensure a safer and less hectic holiday season, Absolute Software, an asset- and data-protection and recovery vendor, offers these 10 tips:
1. Back Up Valuable Data Before Traveling. Travelers should back up their data as often as possible to minimize the risk of data loss in the event that their laptop is stolen, the Absolute Software report urges. "Use an encrypted thumb drive to back up sensitive or valuable files and keep it separate from your laptop," notes the report. "Because the information stored on the laptop is often more valuable than the laptop itself, it is important to treat the data with as much care as possible."
2. Use Laptop Recovery and Data Protection Software. "Laptop recovery tools are highly effective in the event thieves do make off with your gear," according to the report. In addition, the security vendors' software solutions, such as Absolute Software's Computrace LoJack for Laptops, can help track down the laptop.
3. Don't Put Your Laptop in Your Checked Luggage. Travelers should always keep their laptop with them at all times. "Apart from not having your valuable and expensive gear under your control, baggage handlers don't know what is in your bag. You run the risk of having your laptop broken or stolen in transit," notes the Absolute Software report. "Keep your laptop inconspicuous."
While Absolute Software goes so far as to advise you to carry a laptop in an inconspicuous bag, such as a tote, we at CIO.com don't. You want a laptop case that's protective and padded. (For some good options see, "10 Laptop Bags You'll Love: From "Green" to Gucci.") Drop a laptop in a tote bag on a hard floor at the airport and that laptop will be useful only as a doorstop.
4. Clearly Label Your Laptop to Distinguish It from Others at Security Checkpoints. The report advises that when going through the metal detectors, you should hold on to your laptop until the last second. "Clearly labeling the laptop itself will help you find it among other laptops once through the metal detectors," states the report. "Make sure to put your name, contact information and address on the label, as most airport lost-and-founds won't power up the laptop to find out whom it belongs to."
5. Ask to Put Your Laptop in the Hotel Safe When You're Not Using It. Most hotels have a safe that guests can use in their room or at the front desk. It's a good idea to check with the hotel when making a reservation. If there's no safe in which to stow your laptop and you can't take the laptop with you, the report states that you should place it in a secure cabinet in the hotel room.
6. Do Not Log On to Unsecured Wireless Networks. This seems like a no-brainer, but if the wireless network you're logging on to doesn't require you to enter a password, don't use it, notes the Absolute Software report. "Unsecured networks are a two-way street. While anyone can access the network, anyone on the network may be able to access your laptop, and subsequently your information."
7. Do Not Access Financial or Bank Records While Traveling. Another good rule of thumb from the report is to avoid accessing financial or banking records while traveling, especially on public wireless networks.
8. Deselect "Remember Me" When Browsing the Internet. Clicking "remember me" on websites, or allowing the Internet browser to remember passwords or usernames, negates the security those username and passwords offer, according to the report. "If a thief gets a hold of your laptop, they will have the ability to easily steal your online (and possibly offline)."
9. Clear Your History and Cache After Using a Web Browser. "Web browsers remember everything about your session even after you've logged off," states the report. "Before ending an Internet session—particularly on a public laptop—clear the private data (cookies, history, Internet files) stored in the browser. This can be accessed through the 'Tools' menu on most Internet browsers."
10. If You Are Using a Public Computer, Be Aware of Keyboard Loggers and Trackers. The report notes that identity thieves will often install keyboard loggers on to public computers (like those in hotels or public libraries). "These programs invisibly track the keystrokes of unsuspecting victims," the report states. "A thief can come back at any time and see where you've been on the Internet and gather the usernames and passwords you've entered."
If you're planning on traveling with your laptop this holiday season, you might want to travel prepared. The statistics are overwhelmingly bad: According to Gartner, one laptop is stolen every 53 seconds.
U.S. airports, in particular, have become black holes for business travelers' laptops: 12,000 laptops are lost at U.S. airports every week, and 70 percent of those laptops, which good Samaritans and airport employees return to lost-and-found departments, are never reclaimed, reported the Ponemon Institute.
Increased security measures have created longer checkpoint lines and a more stressful environment. More than 70 percent of business travelers feel rushed when trying to get on their flights, noted the Ponemon research, and 60 percent worry that delays due to security checkpoints will cause them to miss their flight. It's not surprising, then, that according to U.S airport representatives, the most common airport locations where laptops are lost or missing include security checkpoints (40 percent) and departure gates (23 percent), the Ponemon report found. (See "8 Laptop Bags That Will Help You Speed Through Airport Security" to help make your travels more efficient.)
Add a couple of screaming kids and millions of others trying to "get home for the holidays," and you've got a recipe for laptop loss. "The stress of rushing to catch a flight," notes the Ponemon report, "combined with the number of items business travelers typically carry (such as laptops, cell phones, PDAs, briefcases and luggage) creates a situation that is conducive to property loss."
10 Tips to Avoid Laptop and Data Loss
To help ensure a safer and less hectic holiday season, Absolute Software, an asset- and data-protection and recovery vendor, offers these 10 tips:
1. Back Up Valuable Data Before Traveling. Travelers should back up their data as often as possible to minimize the risk of data loss in the event that their laptop is stolen, the Absolute Software report urges. "Use an encrypted thumb drive to back up sensitive or valuable files and keep it separate from your laptop," notes the report. "Because the information stored on the laptop is often more valuable than the laptop itself, it is important to treat the data with as much care as possible."
2. Use Laptop Recovery and Data Protection Software. "Laptop recovery tools are highly effective in the event thieves do make off with your gear," according to the report. In addition, the security vendors' software solutions, such as Absolute Software's Computrace LoJack for Laptops, can help track down the laptop.
3. Don't Put Your Laptop in Your Checked Luggage. Travelers should always keep their laptop with them at all times. "Apart from not having your valuable and expensive gear under your control, baggage handlers don't know what is in your bag. You run the risk of having your laptop broken or stolen in transit," notes the Absolute Software report. "Keep your laptop inconspicuous."
While Absolute Software goes so far as to advise you to carry a laptop in an inconspicuous bag, such as a tote, we at CIO.com don't. You want a laptop case that's protective and padded. (For some good options see, "10 Laptop Bags You'll Love: From "Green" to Gucci.") Drop a laptop in a tote bag on a hard floor at the airport and that laptop will be useful only as a doorstop.
4. Clearly Label Your Laptop to Distinguish It from Others at Security Checkpoints. The report advises that when going through the metal detectors, you should hold on to your laptop until the last second. "Clearly labeling the laptop itself will help you find it among other laptops once through the metal detectors," states the report. "Make sure to put your name, contact information and address on the label, as most airport lost-and-founds won't power up the laptop to find out whom it belongs to."
5. Ask to Put Your Laptop in the Hotel Safe When You're Not Using It. Most hotels have a safe that guests can use in their room or at the front desk. It's a good idea to check with the hotel when making a reservation. If there's no safe in which to stow your laptop and you can't take the laptop with you, the report states that you should place it in a secure cabinet in the hotel room.
6. Do Not Log On to Unsecured Wireless Networks. This seems like a no-brainer, but if the wireless network you're logging on to doesn't require you to enter a password, don't use it, notes the Absolute Software report. "Unsecured networks are a two-way street. While anyone can access the network, anyone on the network may be able to access your laptop, and subsequently your information."
7. Do Not Access Financial or Bank Records While Traveling. Another good rule of thumb from the report is to avoid accessing financial or banking records while traveling, especially on public wireless networks.
8. Deselect "Remember Me" When Browsing the Internet. Clicking "remember me" on websites, or allowing the Internet browser to remember passwords or usernames, negates the security those username and passwords offer, according to the report. "If a thief gets a hold of your laptop, they will have the ability to easily steal your online (and possibly offline)."
9. Clear Your History and Cache After Using a Web Browser. "Web browsers remember everything about your session even after you've logged off," states the report. "Before ending an Internet session—particularly on a public laptop—clear the private data (cookies, history, Internet files) stored in the browser. This can be accessed through the 'Tools' menu on most Internet browsers."
10. If You Are Using a Public Computer, Be Aware of Keyboard Loggers and Trackers. The report notes that identity thieves will often install keyboard loggers on to public computers (like those in hotels or public libraries). "These programs invisibly track the keystrokes of unsuspecting victims," the report states. "A thief can come back at any time and see where you've been on the Internet and gather the usernames and passwords you've entered."
Sunday, December 14, 2008
RVS BY THE NUMBER
 | |
| Recreational vehicles include everything from folding camping trailers to truck campers to luxury motor homes. 8 million = Number of U.S. households that own at least one RV 400,000 = Number of RVs sold in record-setting 2006 58% = Increase in RV ownership since 1980 49 = Average age of an RV owner 4,500 = Average number of miles an RV travels a year $1.6 million = Price of a 45-foot Country Coach Prevost motor home displayed at the RV Rally 2008 $15,000 = Price of a 15-foot Serro Scotty Hilander trailer on exhibit at the show Sources: Recreation Vehicle Industry Association and USA TODAY research |
Saturday, December 13, 2008
RV Internet Users by the Numbers
Last year, Workamper News Info, found that 94% of survey responders use the Internet. Here is how they connect:
Dial-up phone line: 5%
WiFi: 40%
Cellular Air Card: 28%
Satellite: 5%
Cable or DSL: 12%
Go to local library: 10%
Dial-up phone line: 5%
WiFi: 40%
Cellular Air Card: 28%
Satellite: 5%
Cable or DSL: 12%
Go to local library: 10%
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Professor of RVing Reports on losses in the RV industry
This week SunnyBrook RV, makers of towable RVs, laid off half of its workforce and the largest Jellystone RV park filed bankruptcy. Meanwhile attendance at the opening day at the prestigious National RV Trade Show fell 37% from what it was last year.
The dealer attendance was even worse and are you surprised? After all, we’ve lost so many RV manufacturers and dealers this year I’ve lost count.
I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, but I know a trend when I see one. With the big three automakers up against the wall and begging congress for a bailout is it any wonder discretionary spending categories like boats and RVs have fallen off a cliff? The present RV industry is a dinosaur destined for extinction.
If you believe the RV market is going to turn around any time soon you’re from another planet. The fact is we will continue to see more RV manufactures, RV parks, RV dealers and RV related businesses tank in 2009. Call me a wet blanket or call me a pessimist, in fact you can call me anything you want, but it doesn’t change the facts. The RV industry is dying and I’m writing the obituary now.
You’ll hear pundits say things like, “The RV industry has gone through tough times before and we survived and we’ll survive it this time as well.” I have some advice for the pundits, “Go see a psychiatrist while you still have health insurance because you’re living in a fantasy world.”
The RV industry as we know it will not recover this time. If the largest U.S. auto makers can’t make it without you and me giving them a monster loan through our taxes, then what makes the pundits think the RV industry is going to survive?
Every CEO in the RV industry knows the end is near. They’re fearful and doing desperate things like quietly looking for buyers like Coachmen successfully did last month. They’re trying to fend off bankruptcy by negotiating with their investors while not being able to make interest payments on their loans like the manufacturer Fleetwood and the largest Florida RV dealer Lazydays.
Seriously, this time next year you’ll be saying, “The Professor of RVing was right, the RV industry really did tank…I wish I would have listened to him and had that warranty work done while my dealer was still in business.”
Thinking about joining one of those RV park membership systems? I would think twice before I committed any money into that sink hole.
Thinking about purchasing a new RV? Do yourself a favor and buy a quality used RV instead because it is likely that most of the warranty work has already been done and the majority of the bugs worked out.
If you insist on purchasing a new RV subtract at least 40% off the already marked down price. If they don’t want to deal, give them your phone number and tell them to call you when they get serious and walk off the lot. You might as well get the best price you can because you’re not going to be able to get any warranty work done after they’ve gone out of business. Better yet, wait until the bankruptcy court appointed trustee holds an auction and sells the same RV for pennies on the dollar.
The main stream media has fallen down on the job of reporting the facts that we are entering the most serious global depression in history. Just this week we learned the U.S. has been in a recession since December 2007. You didn’t have to wait for the mainstream media to tell you the RV industry was in trouble because I told you back on December 2nd, 2007 in the article entitled, “RV industry in financial crisis.” Now I’m making another prediction: The next few years will be the worst catastrophe in economic history and the RV industry will not be spared. The worst part of our current economic crisis is yet to come!
I caught a lot of flack from my December article but it turned out to be true. I suppose I’ll catch even more flack from this article, but as a journalist covering the RV beat I would be professionally negligent if I did not tell the truth and report the facts as they emerge.
This coming year our world will be shaken to the core and it will never again be the same. I doubt there will even be a National RV Trade Show in 2009 and if it does happen it will be a much smaller event, unrecognizable from its former grandeur.
Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing
To read more of what Twamley says, read his blog at http://www.rvnow.rvtravel.com .
The dealer attendance was even worse and are you surprised? After all, we’ve lost so many RV manufacturers and dealers this year I’ve lost count.
I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, but I know a trend when I see one. With the big three automakers up against the wall and begging congress for a bailout is it any wonder discretionary spending categories like boats and RVs have fallen off a cliff? The present RV industry is a dinosaur destined for extinction.
If you believe the RV market is going to turn around any time soon you’re from another planet. The fact is we will continue to see more RV manufactures, RV parks, RV dealers and RV related businesses tank in 2009. Call me a wet blanket or call me a pessimist, in fact you can call me anything you want, but it doesn’t change the facts. The RV industry is dying and I’m writing the obituary now.You’ll hear pundits say things like, “The RV industry has gone through tough times before and we survived and we’ll survive it this time as well.” I have some advice for the pundits, “Go see a psychiatrist while you still have health insurance because you’re living in a fantasy world.”
The RV industry as we know it will not recover this time. If the largest U.S. auto makers can’t make it without you and me giving them a monster loan through our taxes, then what makes the pundits think the RV industry is going to survive?
Every CEO in the RV industry knows the end is near. They’re fearful and doing desperate things like quietly looking for buyers like Coachmen successfully did last month. They’re trying to fend off bankruptcy by negotiating with their investors while not being able to make interest payments on their loans like the manufacturer Fleetwood and the largest Florida RV dealer Lazydays.
Seriously, this time next year you’ll be saying, “The Professor of RVing was right, the RV industry really did tank…I wish I would have listened to him and had that warranty work done while my dealer was still in business.”
Thinking about joining one of those RV park membership systems? I would think twice before I committed any money into that sink hole.
Thinking about purchasing a new RV? Do yourself a favor and buy a quality used RV instead because it is likely that most of the warranty work has already been done and the majority of the bugs worked out.
If you insist on purchasing a new RV subtract at least 40% off the already marked down price. If they don’t want to deal, give them your phone number and tell them to call you when they get serious and walk off the lot. You might as well get the best price you can because you’re not going to be able to get any warranty work done after they’ve gone out of business. Better yet, wait until the bankruptcy court appointed trustee holds an auction and sells the same RV for pennies on the dollar.
The main stream media has fallen down on the job of reporting the facts that we are entering the most serious global depression in history. Just this week we learned the U.S. has been in a recession since December 2007. You didn’t have to wait for the mainstream media to tell you the RV industry was in trouble because I told you back on December 2nd, 2007 in the article entitled, “RV industry in financial crisis.” Now I’m making another prediction: The next few years will be the worst catastrophe in economic history and the RV industry will not be spared. The worst part of our current economic crisis is yet to come!
I caught a lot of flack from my December article but it turned out to be true. I suppose I’ll catch even more flack from this article, but as a journalist covering the RV beat I would be professionally negligent if I did not tell the truth and report the facts as they emerge.
This coming year our world will be shaken to the core and it will never again be the same. I doubt there will even be a National RV Trade Show in 2009 and if it does happen it will be a much smaller event, unrecognizable from its former grandeur.
Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing
To read more of what Twamley says, read his blog at http://www.rvnow.rvtravel.com .
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Surveys reveal behavior, habits of RV enthusiasts
If you want to know about the habits of RVers, you’ll find it at RVtravel.com, where once a week for five years the editors have surveyed their readers to learn their likes, dislikes and behaviors. On average, about 1,500 to 2,000 RVers respond to each weekly survey question.
“I think that statistically our readers represent pretty closely all RVers,” said RVtravel.com editor Chuck Woodbury. “They are the owners of small travel trailers, large motorhomes and everything in between. Twenty-five percent paid less than $25,000 for their RVs and half less than $50,000,” he said. “Twelve percent paid more than $150,000.”
Here is a little of what Woodbury and his staff have learned about RVer behavior and habits from their surveys.
•More than half of RVtravel.com readers say their perfect size RV is between 26 and 35 feet. Only three percent believe an RV longer than 40 feet is the best size.
•Fifty-four percent of the RVers have stayed a night for free in a Wal-Mart parking lot. Most Wal-Mart stores welcome overnight stays in RVs, although more all the time are banning the practice because of abuse by some RVers.
•Only 19 percent of RVers always shut off their propane at the tank when traveling. More than half never do so. RV fire and safety experts recommend propane always be turned off while an RV is on the road.
•When dumping their holding tanks, nearly half of all RVers wear disposable gloves. Twenty-two percent use a work glove, and 28 percent wear no glove.
•Most RVers, 84 percent, have never had anything stolen from their RV or campsite. But 16 percent have. The most-often mentioned thefts occurred when RVs were in commercial storage facilities.
•One quarter of RVers have had a pizza delivered to them at their campsite.
•One out of five RVers attend church services every week while on the road. Nearly half never attend services while traveling by RV. Others attend occasionally.
•If a chipmunk wandered into an RVers campsite looking for a snack, 40 percent of the critters would go away hungry: the RVers would not feed it. Others might or might not feed it.
•The RVers surveyed by RVtravel.com get lousy gas mileage. Two-thirds get less than 10 miles per gallon, and only nine percent do better than 14 miles per gallon.
•Even though NASCAR races attract many RVers who camp at or near the track, NASCAR racing isn’t all that big with the readers of RVtravel.com, where only 13 percent have ever attended an event.
•RVers may be a generous lot, but they are not keen on lending their RVs to a close friend. Only seven percent would gladly do so, and nearly half would never do it. The others might or might not.
•The best beverage for starting a day according to 63 percent of RVers surveyed is with a cup of coffee. Juice is the second favorite at 17 percent, followed by tea at seven percent. One percent prefer beer.
RVtravel.com is in its eighth year of publishing its weekly online newsletter, read by nearly 100,000 RVers each issue.
20 Crazy Things People Do to Get Wi-Fi Connections
From: www.cio.com – Thomas Wailgum , CIO
In their quest to get Wi-Fi Internet connectivity, people have done some pretty desperate things over the years.
Driving around in sheer panic looking for a Starbucks (but hoping for a Panera, which offers free Wi-Fi) or hopping on a neighbor's unsecured signal has become commonplace. (To read about the Wi-Fi strategies at Starbucks, Panera, McDonald's and Borders, see "Should Retailers Offer Free Wi-Fi to Customers?")
But then there's a whole other level of desperation that comes while some people are searching for the almighty Wi-Fi access point. The evidence: an August 2008 survey of 300 remote employees who work on company-issued laptops. (The survey was commissioned by mobility vendor Fiberlink.)
The survey asked these road warriors: "What interesting or out of the ordinary things have you ever done to get connected to the Internet and/or company network, when working remotely?" Of the open-ended responses, here are the most noteworthy:
"Stolen Wi-Fi from a neighbor."
Editor's note: Nothing says "Howdy, Neighbor!" more than "I'm stealing your Wi-Fi!"
"Had to climb on my mother's roof once. It was so fun. I actually saw a naked neighbor girl."
Editor's note: Is that considered a two-for-one?
"Drove 15 miles away from Old Faithful Geyser to achieve a complete Internet connection, due to static from Geyser emissions energy."
Editor's note: I hate it when that happens.
"Driven to the local coffee shop and purchased a muffin to use their wireless."
Editor's note: That seems reasonable.
"Gone to coffee shop without buying coffee."
Editor's note: Cheapskate!
"Had to 'hack' into a phone line at a hotel to get dial-up to work (many years ago)."
Editor's note: Easy does it, Mitnick.
"I have plugged my laptop into a hospital Ethernet line because the wireless was down."
Editor's note: Glad it wasn't the oxygen line.
"I have researched hotels that do not provide Internet but are nearby wireless hubs to get connection freely."
Editor's note: A little too much time on your hands, sir?
"Plugged into the back of a cash register."
Editor's note: Really? You can do that?
"I went up to the top of a mountain and worked for a week from a tent."
Editor's note: Grizzly Adams meets Scott Adams (of Dilbert fame).
"Turned someone's TV antenna into a wireless internet antenna."
Editor's note: Now that's talent.
"Logged into hotel conference rooms to get the connection for free."
Editor's note: Who hasn't done that?!
"Paid for a cab ride while I worked on the Internet."
Editor's note: That seems a bit "unfare."
"Plugged into electricity from the city of Seattle that was on a pole on the sidewalk, but only for a few minutes."
Editor's note: Well, as long as it was just for a few minutes.
"Held my laptop out a window to get the Wi-Fi next door so I could send an important email."
Editor's note: Hope it was one of those rugged notebooks.
"Sat outside an airport for 4 hours so I could use the free wireless across the street."
Editor's note: Good thing her flight was delayed.
"I've done a lot of crazy things but I'll never be able to admit it or I'd lose my dignity."
Editor's note: Tease.
"Moved throughout my home because of connection problems, I found myself sitting in a ducky chair in my toddler's room because that is where I got the best connection."
Editor's note: That's just quackers.
"Using dial up."
Editor's note: That's desperate.
"I think a laundromat is the strangest one I ever hooked up to."
Editor's note: We agree.
In their quest to get Wi-Fi Internet connectivity, people have done some pretty desperate things over the years.
Driving around in sheer panic looking for a Starbucks (but hoping for a Panera, which offers free Wi-Fi) or hopping on a neighbor's unsecured signal has become commonplace. (To read about the Wi-Fi strategies at Starbucks, Panera, McDonald's and Borders, see "Should Retailers Offer Free Wi-Fi to Customers?")
But then there's a whole other level of desperation that comes while some people are searching for the almighty Wi-Fi access point. The evidence: an August 2008 survey of 300 remote employees who work on company-issued laptops. (The survey was commissioned by mobility vendor Fiberlink.)
The survey asked these road warriors: "What interesting or out of the ordinary things have you ever done to get connected to the Internet and/or company network, when working remotely?" Of the open-ended responses, here are the most noteworthy:
"Stolen Wi-Fi from a neighbor."
Editor's note: Nothing says "Howdy, Neighbor!" more than "I'm stealing your Wi-Fi!"
"Had to climb on my mother's roof once. It was so fun. I actually saw a naked neighbor girl."
Editor's note: Is that considered a two-for-one?
"Drove 15 miles away from Old Faithful Geyser to achieve a complete Internet connection, due to static from Geyser emissions energy."
Editor's note: I hate it when that happens.
"Driven to the local coffee shop and purchased a muffin to use their wireless."
Editor's note: That seems reasonable.
"Gone to coffee shop without buying coffee."
Editor's note: Cheapskate!
"Had to 'hack' into a phone line at a hotel to get dial-up to work (many years ago)."
Editor's note: Easy does it, Mitnick.
"I have plugged my laptop into a hospital Ethernet line because the wireless was down."
Editor's note: Glad it wasn't the oxygen line.
"I have researched hotels that do not provide Internet but are nearby wireless hubs to get connection freely."
Editor's note: A little too much time on your hands, sir?
"Plugged into the back of a cash register."
Editor's note: Really? You can do that?
"I went up to the top of a mountain and worked for a week from a tent."
Editor's note: Grizzly Adams meets Scott Adams (of Dilbert fame).
"Turned someone's TV antenna into a wireless internet antenna."
Editor's note: Now that's talent.
"Logged into hotel conference rooms to get the connection for free."
Editor's note: Who hasn't done that?!
"Paid for a cab ride while I worked on the Internet."
Editor's note: That seems a bit "unfare."
"Plugged into electricity from the city of Seattle that was on a pole on the sidewalk, but only for a few minutes."
Editor's note: Well, as long as it was just for a few minutes.
"Held my laptop out a window to get the Wi-Fi next door so I could send an important email."
Editor's note: Hope it was one of those rugged notebooks.
"Sat outside an airport for 4 hours so I could use the free wireless across the street."
Editor's note: Good thing her flight was delayed.
"I've done a lot of crazy things but I'll never be able to admit it or I'd lose my dignity."
Editor's note: Tease.
"Moved throughout my home because of connection problems, I found myself sitting in a ducky chair in my toddler's room because that is where I got the best connection."
Editor's note: That's just quackers.
"Using dial up."
Editor's note: That's desperate.
"I think a laundromat is the strangest one I ever hooked up to."
Editor's note: We agree.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
RVs beckon baby boomers despite fuel costs
PERRY, Ga. — At the nation's largest gathering of recreational vehicle enthusiasts, talk inevitably turns to the versatility of Velcro and the challenges of toilet maintenance.
One topic that isn't getting much focus — on the official program, anyway — is the meteoric rise in gas prices. Hard-core RVers, which include many of the 8,000 attendees at the four-day Rally 2008 that ended Monday at the Georgia National Fairgrounds here, will tell you an RV isn't just a vehicle. It's a lifestyle. And a little thing like $4-a-gallon gas isn't going to put the brakes on a way of life.
Fuel efficiency isn't a hot topic among the 300 vendors here, either. Over at the Born Free Motorcoach exhibit, for instance, the spec sheet inside a spanking new 32-foot $174,015 President model offers details on cabinet finish (cherry), toilet type (porcelain) and upholstery (leather) but is mum about what it costs to actually drive the thing.
It's something that gets talked about enough without you pointin' it out," says sales manager Jerry Ehrhardt.
As if on cue, an elderly man in a brown polyester jumpsuit strolls up and asks, "What kinda mileage does this get?"
"Ten miles a gallon," Ehrhardt responds.
"Ouch," the man says and moves on.
Would it make you feel better if I said 20?" Ehrhardt calls out after him.
Sales of RVs, which run the gamut from humble folding camping trailers to luxury motor homes, peaked at 400,000 in 2006. The industry attributes the subsequent drop in sales to 354,000 last year to the overall economic slump rather than rising fuel costs. But with the first wave of 79 million baby boomers poised for retirement, industry experts are betting that boom times are on the horizon.
The 1,000 or so factory-fresh rigs on display at the fairgrounds, with names such as Renegade, Conquest and Dynasty, speak to the notion that you can take it with you. Super-deluxe models can cost in the seven figures, and even more modest rigs (starting, say, in the $250,000 range) sport 42-inch-screen TVs, surround-sound systems and granite countertops.
"As baby boomers age, they clearly want more than their parents had," says Mike Schneider, president of Affinity, sponsor of the rally and owner of RV-related clubs and publications. "Their parents were do-it-yourselfers. They're the do-it-for-me generation."
They're people like Ken and Mona Bram of Chester, N.Y., who are ensconced inside their 45-foot Newmar Essex motor home over in Lot 5, Row 112, Space 30. She hates hotels (the germs). He hates airports (the hassles). They both love road tripping. So the 6.5 miles per gallon they get when towing their 6,500-pound Hummer on the open road isn't an issue. They paid about $400,000 in August for the used, low-mileage rig, which has antique-white cabinetry, creamy leather sofas, four flat-screen TVs, marble floors, tasseled window treatments and a king-size bed. ("We weren't going back to a queen," Ken declares.) The only thing it lacked was a satellite dish. They just bought one at the rally.
It's an elaborate set-up, all right, but hardly the top of the RV hierarchical heap.
"The guys who really stand out are the Prevosts," says Ken, 65. "I wouldn't be comfortable in one. They're too over the top for me."
"I would," says Mona, 46. "They're beautiful."
Prevost, a Canadian bus manufacturer, sells the shells for about $500,000; several U.S. companies customize the interiors. The cost can climb to "whatever your bank account allows," says Matt Martinez, a motor-home salesman from Knoxville, Tenn. The one he's showing (by appointment only) goes for a cool $1.6 million.
It's parked on a bed of Astroturf, and its chocolate, rust and gold-swirled exterior paint job glistens like a rich confection. Inside, the ceilings are mirrored. The floors are heated. There are hand-tiled backsplashes and a seated shower, two walk-in closets and a built-in pressure washer. Everything from the window shades to the sound system operates via remote control.
Sales of mid-priced RVs, which Martinez puts in the $200,000 range, have slowed, he says. But the market for top-end models such as Prevost remains strong. Martinez's dealership sells 20 to 25 a year.
Buyers "have made their money, and they're going to enjoy it," he says.
Behemoth motor homes dominate both in the exhibit area and on the fairground fields, where 3,500 RVs are parked side by side. American flags, pinwheels and placards that read "Hi" and "Somewhere it's 5 o'clock" lend a touch of individuality to a monotonous landscape. After all, as a T-shirt worn by one rally-goer proclaims, "Home is Where You Park It."
For Robb and Carole Isaacs of Springfield, Ill., home for seven-plus months of the year is a 38-foot "fifth wheel" trailer hauled by a 30,000-pound semi that guzzled about $20,000 in fuel last year. The couple is among a small subset of RVers who tow their rigs with commercial trucks that have been converted to RV status (doing so drastically lowers insurance rates, among other benefits). Their trailer has many of the comforts of home, including a remote-control fireplace. So does the semi cab, with its microwave, refrigerator and roomy bed tucked behind the driver's seat. Robb, 67, bought Carole, 69, a port-a-potty for Christmas. She plans to install lace curtains.
The rig gets 11 miles a gallon, about twice what the big motor homes get, and even at a mind-boggling $800 for a fill-up, Robb considers it an "economical way to travel."
Bob Livingston, publisher of Affinity's RV publications, takes that pronouncement a step further and declares RVs "champions of the environment."
"Do they get good mileage? No," he says. "But when is the last time you took a 6-gallon shower or flushed the toilet with a quart of water? Plus, you use less electricity than if you were at home."
In this sea of opulent rigs, Gloria Schmitten's existence in a pop-up tent trailer seems positively bohemian. The Youngsville, N.C., resident will become a citizen of the road — or "full-timer" in RV parlance — when she finalizes the sale of her house next month and moves permanently into the trailer. In doing so, she'll join an estimated 400,000 modern nomads whose primary residence is their RV, according to Recreation Vehicle Industry Association estimates.
"It may last three months or three years or forever," says Schmitten, 61. "I'm doing this because I can."
While Schmitten plans to move between national parks and other wilderness areas, many longtime RVers are flocking to purpose-built luxury resorts. Though Livingston once sought out backcountry areas, he says the social aspects of the RV lifestyle now supersede merely being in the great outdoors. These days he's more likely to steer his rig toward an RV resort in a spot such as Palm Springs, Calif.
"It used to be hamburgers and beer. Now it's ahi and fine wine," he says.
One topic that isn't getting much focus — on the official program, anyway — is the meteoric rise in gas prices. Hard-core RVers, which include many of the 8,000 attendees at the four-day Rally 2008 that ended Monday at the Georgia National Fairgrounds here, will tell you an RV isn't just a vehicle. It's a lifestyle. And a little thing like $4-a-gallon gas isn't going to put the brakes on a way of life.
Fuel efficiency isn't a hot topic among the 300 vendors here, either. Over at the Born Free Motorcoach exhibit, for instance, the spec sheet inside a spanking new 32-foot $174,015 President model offers details on cabinet finish (cherry), toilet type (porcelain) and upholstery (leather) but is mum about what it costs to actually drive the thing.
It's something that gets talked about enough without you pointin' it out," says sales manager Jerry Ehrhardt.
As if on cue, an elderly man in a brown polyester jumpsuit strolls up and asks, "What kinda mileage does this get?"
"Ten miles a gallon," Ehrhardt responds.
"Ouch," the man says and moves on.
Would it make you feel better if I said 20?" Ehrhardt calls out after him.
Sales of RVs, which run the gamut from humble folding camping trailers to luxury motor homes, peaked at 400,000 in 2006. The industry attributes the subsequent drop in sales to 354,000 last year to the overall economic slump rather than rising fuel costs. But with the first wave of 79 million baby boomers poised for retirement, industry experts are betting that boom times are on the horizon.
The 1,000 or so factory-fresh rigs on display at the fairgrounds, with names such as Renegade, Conquest and Dynasty, speak to the notion that you can take it with you. Super-deluxe models can cost in the seven figures, and even more modest rigs (starting, say, in the $250,000 range) sport 42-inch-screen TVs, surround-sound systems and granite countertops.
"As baby boomers age, they clearly want more than their parents had," says Mike Schneider, president of Affinity, sponsor of the rally and owner of RV-related clubs and publications. "Their parents were do-it-yourselfers. They're the do-it-for-me generation."
They're people like Ken and Mona Bram of Chester, N.Y., who are ensconced inside their 45-foot Newmar Essex motor home over in Lot 5, Row 112, Space 30. She hates hotels (the germs). He hates airports (the hassles). They both love road tripping. So the 6.5 miles per gallon they get when towing their 6,500-pound Hummer on the open road isn't an issue. They paid about $400,000 in August for the used, low-mileage rig, which has antique-white cabinetry, creamy leather sofas, four flat-screen TVs, marble floors, tasseled window treatments and a king-size bed. ("We weren't going back to a queen," Ken declares.) The only thing it lacked was a satellite dish. They just bought one at the rally.
It's an elaborate set-up, all right, but hardly the top of the RV hierarchical heap.
"The guys who really stand out are the Prevosts," says Ken, 65. "I wouldn't be comfortable in one. They're too over the top for me."
"I would," says Mona, 46. "They're beautiful."
Prevost, a Canadian bus manufacturer, sells the shells for about $500,000; several U.S. companies customize the interiors. The cost can climb to "whatever your bank account allows," says Matt Martinez, a motor-home salesman from Knoxville, Tenn. The one he's showing (by appointment only) goes for a cool $1.6 million.
It's parked on a bed of Astroturf, and its chocolate, rust and gold-swirled exterior paint job glistens like a rich confection. Inside, the ceilings are mirrored. The floors are heated. There are hand-tiled backsplashes and a seated shower, two walk-in closets and a built-in pressure washer. Everything from the window shades to the sound system operates via remote control.
Sales of mid-priced RVs, which Martinez puts in the $200,000 range, have slowed, he says. But the market for top-end models such as Prevost remains strong. Martinez's dealership sells 20 to 25 a year.
Buyers "have made their money, and they're going to enjoy it," he says.
Behemoth motor homes dominate both in the exhibit area and on the fairground fields, where 3,500 RVs are parked side by side. American flags, pinwheels and placards that read "Hi" and "Somewhere it's 5 o'clock" lend a touch of individuality to a monotonous landscape. After all, as a T-shirt worn by one rally-goer proclaims, "Home is Where You Park It."
For Robb and Carole Isaacs of Springfield, Ill., home for seven-plus months of the year is a 38-foot "fifth wheel" trailer hauled by a 30,000-pound semi that guzzled about $20,000 in fuel last year. The couple is among a small subset of RVers who tow their rigs with commercial trucks that have been converted to RV status (doing so drastically lowers insurance rates, among other benefits). Their trailer has many of the comforts of home, including a remote-control fireplace. So does the semi cab, with its microwave, refrigerator and roomy bed tucked behind the driver's seat. Robb, 67, bought Carole, 69, a port-a-potty for Christmas. She plans to install lace curtains.
The rig gets 11 miles a gallon, about twice what the big motor homes get, and even at a mind-boggling $800 for a fill-up, Robb considers it an "economical way to travel."
Bob Livingston, publisher of Affinity's RV publications, takes that pronouncement a step further and declares RVs "champions of the environment."
"Do they get good mileage? No," he says. "But when is the last time you took a 6-gallon shower or flushed the toilet with a quart of water? Plus, you use less electricity than if you were at home."
In this sea of opulent rigs, Gloria Schmitten's existence in a pop-up tent trailer seems positively bohemian. The Youngsville, N.C., resident will become a citizen of the road — or "full-timer" in RV parlance — when she finalizes the sale of her house next month and moves permanently into the trailer. In doing so, she'll join an estimated 400,000 modern nomads whose primary residence is their RV, according to Recreation Vehicle Industry Association estimates.
"It may last three months or three years or forever," says Schmitten, 61. "I'm doing this because I can."
While Schmitten plans to move between national parks and other wilderness areas, many longtime RVers are flocking to purpose-built luxury resorts. Though Livingston once sought out backcountry areas, he says the social aspects of the RV lifestyle now supersede merely being in the great outdoors. These days he's more likely to steer his rig toward an RV resort in a spot such as Palm Springs, Calif.
"It used to be hamburgers and beer. Now it's ahi and fine wine," he says.
Indeed, RVers are a social bunch, judging from those at the rally, anyway. There's an enthusiastic turnout for the morning "singles mingle" sessions. Saturday's dog show costume contest (theme: Southern Culture) brings a parade of canines in Gone With the Wind getups. An attempt to capture the world's record for Most Couples Dancing propels 2,356 attendees into the fairground's arena. Afterward, a ballroom dance competition awards three winning couples.
The prize: a $50 gift certificate for gas. It's something any RVer would treasure.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Celebrities who love RVing
A recent RVIA press release showed several celebrities who love RVing - they love the comfort, convenience, control and freedom that RVs offer.
- Olympic skier Bode Miller: At the recent World Cup Skiing competition, Miller said he’d rather stay in his RV than in the team hotel, and that he preferred his own bed and food. “My team is sabotaging me by not letting me sleep in my motorhome.”
- Jeff Daniels, actor: “I don’t think you can call yourself a true American until you’ve been behind the wheel of an RV…I love seeing parts of the country I wouldn’t otherwise.”
- Clarence Thomas, U.S. Supreme Court Justice: “Being an RVer helps me do my job better. The RV world gives me a chance to balance things out. It allows me a sense of freedom.”
- Jeff Gordon, NASCAR driver, “My RV is the only place where I can find some peace and quiet.”
- Bob Gibson, Hall of Fame major league pitcher: “I enjoy the RV world. I will have one until the day I die.”
- Matthew McConaughey, actor: “There’s nothing not to like about it. The freedom of being able to pull up, stop, power up anywhere you want – beach or whatever. Set up and have your front yard different every single day.”
- Jim Kaat, former major league baseball pitcher: “I’ve gone from being a major league pitcher to a major league RV owner. I’ll travel roughly 5,000 miles in my RV this year. It’s a great way to see America, and as relaxed a way to see the country as there can possibly be.”
- Dean Karnazes, ultra marathon runner and best-selling author: “It’s great for family bonding and eating healthy on the road, because you can prepare your own foods.”
- Sue Henry, best-selling mystery writer: “You meet so many people in an RV. And they’re so friendly. I couldn’t do the research I do without one. In an RV, I can park and have everything I need.”
- Davis Love, pro golfer: “I’ve got my bed, my pillows, my satellite card, my underwear and socks in the RV.”
Saturday, November 15, 2008
10 Tips For Finding Wi-Fi On The Road
What modern laptop or desktop computer comes without WiFi connectivity? None. Even mobile phones, such as the iPhone, have WiFi built in. It’s a brilliantly simple technology that we’ve become all too familiar with and incredibly reliant upon.
If you are a telecommuter or road warrior then chances are you’ll be even more dependent on wireless internet access than most. How else can you get your job none? Without WiFi emails don’t get sent, clients are left in the dark, web conferences go unattended and phone calls don’t get made.
WiFi: whether you like it or not, you need it. But when you are on the road, how do you find it? You might know that the local train station has free WiFi or you are lucky enough to live in a city with municipal WiFi coverage, but do you know where to go to get online when on the road? Probably not.
So it’s important, even more than knowing how to boost a WiFi connection, to get a good connection when on the road. Here are some tips to get that life-giving WiFi connection!
Use A WiFi Finder
There are no shortage of WiFi finders available on the market. What these little devices do is scan the airwaves for WiFi signals and alert you to the presence of a signal even if it is really faint. Then it’s up to you to hone in on the source of the WiFi signal for a more reliable connection. These should be a part of every road warrior’s gadget collection. A non-software based WiFi finder also has the benefit of working off its own power supply; you don’t need to use your laptop to find a connection so when you do find a good network you’ll have some battery life left.
Wear A WiFi Detector Shirt
If you would like a more visual statement for the presence (or lack thereof) of a WiFi signal, then why not try out a WiFi detector Shirt. As you’d expect this will detect a wireless network and show the strength of the signal with the familiar bar system. Slightly geeky indeed, so it’s really not something you’d want to be wearing to a business meeting. As with WiFi finders, a shirt such as this means you don’t need to have your laptop working and consuming power as you search for a network to join.
WiFi Scanning Software
There is no shortage of applications available on Windows, Mac OS X and Linux that, once installed and running, will scan for a WiFi network. WiFi scanning software will pick up just about any open, locked or paid WiFi network there is in the area, which at least gives you a chance of connectivity. On the downside, it means consuming your battery life while conducting the search. And as any laptop-toting road warrior can testify, WiFi tends to drain batteries dry quite quickly. Unless you’re are fast, you can end up finding and joining a network with little juice left in the tank to make use of your connection.
Hotspot Directories
By now you’ll probably have encountered some of these directories. A hotspot directory will list all the WiFi hotspots in a certain geographical area, allowing you to plan ahead. If you are the type of person who does actually have time to research the location of hotspots where you are going, then these directories are particularly useful. They are also great for putting your mind at rest; if you know where to go then you have nothing to worry about, right?
Check out WiFiRV's HotSpot Directory!
Mobile Broadband
There are many mobile broadband services (not to be confused with mobile VoIP) available now at a reasonable monthly cost. These usually work with a USB dongle that you plug into your laptop, which then acquires and joins a high speed 3G network. If you are on the road frequently and spend most of your time travelling to built up urban areas, then mobile broadband is certainly a good option for you. Mobile broadband coverage tends to recede once outside main arterial routes and areas where mobile coverage is good. I do rather like mobile broadband and would recommend it.
EDGE Dongles
If a mobile broadband dongle isn’t an option, then have a look into an EDGE dongle instead. EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution) is a 2G standard providing wireless internet access at rates more comparable to dialup. It has been used, famously, in the iPhone to provide wireless internet. EDGE dongles are widely available and while they offer slower downloads, coverage does tend to be a little better than rival 3G networks.
Coffee Shops
They’re everywhere, and increasingly they also have wireless internet access. Finding a coffee shop in any urban area shouldn’t take you any more 5 minutes, so don’t stress too much if you don’t find the magical combination of coffee and WiFi at first try! Just keep walking and let your WiFi detector do the hard work. Don’t forget to stay secure!
Hotels
Most hotels and especially hotels with a core business clientele will have WiFi. However, you’ll find that many hotels charge for access to their network either by the hour or day. Some will let you join their wireless network only if you are staying with them, which makes the daily rate look much more attractive.
Libraries
The good old library, harbinger of knowledge and tranquility, is also a place to get connected. Many will still have only wired connections but increasingly libraries have WiFi networks that allow users to get online while researching text. Clearly, these are a fallback when all else fails.
Carry A CAT 5 Cable
You might be addicted to communication via IM and email, but occasionally it is useful to verbally ask someone for a favour, which is in this case, hooking up with their computer. Taking that CAT 5 cable with you can be the difference between getting online and (perish the thought!) having to manage a day without internet. If, for whatever reason, you see someone else on a network that you just cannot access, ask them to share the love and hook up with their computer!
If you are a telecommuter or road warrior then chances are you’ll be even more dependent on wireless internet access than most. How else can you get your job none? Without WiFi emails don’t get sent, clients are left in the dark, web conferences go unattended and phone calls don’t get made.
WiFi: whether you like it or not, you need it. But when you are on the road, how do you find it? You might know that the local train station has free WiFi or you are lucky enough to live in a city with municipal WiFi coverage, but do you know where to go to get online when on the road? Probably not.
So it’s important, even more than knowing how to boost a WiFi connection, to get a good connection when on the road. Here are some tips to get that life-giving WiFi connection!
Use A WiFi Finder
There are no shortage of WiFi finders available on the market. What these little devices do is scan the airwaves for WiFi signals and alert you to the presence of a signal even if it is really faint. Then it’s up to you to hone in on the source of the WiFi signal for a more reliable connection. These should be a part of every road warrior’s gadget collection. A non-software based WiFi finder also has the benefit of working off its own power supply; you don’t need to use your laptop to find a connection so when you do find a good network you’ll have some battery life left.
Wear A WiFi Detector Shirt
If you would like a more visual statement for the presence (or lack thereof) of a WiFi signal, then why not try out a WiFi detector Shirt. As you’d expect this will detect a wireless network and show the strength of the signal with the familiar bar system. Slightly geeky indeed, so it’s really not something you’d want to be wearing to a business meeting. As with WiFi finders, a shirt such as this means you don’t need to have your laptop working and consuming power as you search for a network to join.
WiFi Scanning Software
There is no shortage of applications available on Windows, Mac OS X and Linux that, once installed and running, will scan for a WiFi network. WiFi scanning software will pick up just about any open, locked or paid WiFi network there is in the area, which at least gives you a chance of connectivity. On the downside, it means consuming your battery life while conducting the search. And as any laptop-toting road warrior can testify, WiFi tends to drain batteries dry quite quickly. Unless you’re are fast, you can end up finding and joining a network with little juice left in the tank to make use of your connection.
Hotspot Directories
By now you’ll probably have encountered some of these directories. A hotspot directory will list all the WiFi hotspots in a certain geographical area, allowing you to plan ahead. If you are the type of person who does actually have time to research the location of hotspots where you are going, then these directories are particularly useful. They are also great for putting your mind at rest; if you know where to go then you have nothing to worry about, right?
Check out WiFiRV's HotSpot Directory!
Mobile Broadband
There are many mobile broadband services (not to be confused with mobile VoIP) available now at a reasonable monthly cost. These usually work with a USB dongle that you plug into your laptop, which then acquires and joins a high speed 3G network. If you are on the road frequently and spend most of your time travelling to built up urban areas, then mobile broadband is certainly a good option for you. Mobile broadband coverage tends to recede once outside main arterial routes and areas where mobile coverage is good. I do rather like mobile broadband and would recommend it.
EDGE Dongles
If a mobile broadband dongle isn’t an option, then have a look into an EDGE dongle instead. EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution) is a 2G standard providing wireless internet access at rates more comparable to dialup. It has been used, famously, in the iPhone to provide wireless internet. EDGE dongles are widely available and while they offer slower downloads, coverage does tend to be a little better than rival 3G networks.
Coffee Shops
They’re everywhere, and increasingly they also have wireless internet access. Finding a coffee shop in any urban area shouldn’t take you any more 5 minutes, so don’t stress too much if you don’t find the magical combination of coffee and WiFi at first try! Just keep walking and let your WiFi detector do the hard work. Don’t forget to stay secure!
Hotels
Most hotels and especially hotels with a core business clientele will have WiFi. However, you’ll find that many hotels charge for access to their network either by the hour or day. Some will let you join their wireless network only if you are staying with them, which makes the daily rate look much more attractive.
Libraries
The good old library, harbinger of knowledge and tranquility, is also a place to get connected. Many will still have only wired connections but increasingly libraries have WiFi networks that allow users to get online while researching text. Clearly, these are a fallback when all else fails.
Carry A CAT 5 Cable
You might be addicted to communication via IM and email, but occasionally it is useful to verbally ask someone for a favour, which is in this case, hooking up with their computer. Taking that CAT 5 cable with you can be the difference between getting online and (perish the thought!) having to manage a day without internet. If, for whatever reason, you see someone else on a network that you just cannot access, ask them to share the love and hook up with their computer!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Full-time RVers view the entire country as their home
By Andrew Meacham, Times Staff Writer
In print: Friday, October 31, 2008
DOVER
Michael Dautel's life was a model of success. He was married, held a $200,000-a-year job with a fiber optics company and owned a four-bedroom home in a pricey Atlanta suburb. There was just one problem. He hated it. "I was living in an airplane and hotels," said Dautel, 58. "I decided I'd had enough of that rat race." So when his fourth marriage ended in divorce in 1999, Dautel put all his furniture into storage. He bought a 30-foot trailer and hit the road.
Nine years later, he's still on the road.
"My family wanted to have me committed, because they knew what I walked away from," said Dautel, who for the past several months has parked his newer, 40-foot fifth-wheel at Tampa East RV Resort.
"The funniest thing was, I didn't miss a bit of it."
Dautel is part of a nomadic class of "full-timers," as insiders call people who live exclusively in their recreational vehicles and travel trailers. About 1-million Americans fall into that category, according to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association.
Increasingly, they are composed of early retirees who are often supplementing fixed incomes by working at the parks where they stay.
They might winter in Florida or Arizona, then head to Maine or the West Coast. The lifestyle, which Dautel calls "the last friendly refuge," appeals to several generations, from the elderly to aging hippies to newly retired yuppies looking for more.
A 2008 annual survey by Workamper News, a magazine devoted to the RV lifestyle, found a majority of readers within the expected older age groups, including 53 percent between 61 and 70 and 8 percent who are 71 and older.
The survey also found 33 percent between 51 and 60 and 5 percent ages 41 to 50.
"You've got a lot of Type A personalities, a lot of folks who have had successful careers, whose dream was to call it quits in their 50s," said Mike Gast, a spokesman for KOA Kampgrounds of America.
Younger full-timers, Gast said, relish the community of others in the RV lifestyle.
"This is a generation that has a desire to belong," he said.
It took Dautel five years to get rid of his storage locker, the last vestige of his former life. He has traveled across the country but often returns to Florida.
He typically supplements an Air Force pension with work, either for the parks where he stays or outside. He spent three years managing a restaurant in the Keys, despite having no experience.
Lately, he sells RVs at Bates RV, next door to Tampa East. "I sell the lifestyle," he said. "I love the lifestyle."
A recent trend backed by KOA and other RV parks encourages RV dwellers to work off all or part of lot rentals by doing seasonal work at RV parks or theme parks.
Those living the RV lifestyle tend to make good employees, said Steve Anderson of Workamper News, which posts job openings online. "A lot of it has to do with the maturity of the individual," Anderson said. "They've worked in positions where they have longevity. They understand what it means to say, 'If I tell you I'm going to be here for six months, I'll stay for six months.' "
"With the RV people, it's a pretty mobile crowd," Dautel said. "So you end up running across each other all the time. It's like boat people. They know other boat people all around. RV people are the same way."
The network affords opportunities for singles to get together.
"Look on the Web sites," Dautel said. "You see the people looking to hook up. Some have the ride, others are looking to latch on with someone. Some say they are looking for companionship; some want considerably more."
Take, for example, the following posting from "orphan" on workamper.com:
Attractive SWF, young 60s, good cook/co-pilot/fun companion. LOVES sightseeing, workamping, music and outdoor activities. Seeking active SWM - NS 50s-60s for travel/work/possible LTR. Travel anywhere in your RV — mine is too small.
Dautel, who appears fit and trim, has dated his share of women in RV parks across the country. After four marriages, he's neither eager to settle down again with one person nor willing to rule it out.
"I'm open to the right partner," he said. But the man whose Air Force buddies gave him the sobriquet "Tell it like it is Mike" has a caveat: "You get me as I am. And, frankly, if we don't connect, that's your problem, not mine."
Full-timer Bill Weschler also enjoys the lifestyle. A former Texaco executive, he sells vehicles at Bates RV. He shares a 40-foot motorhome in Zephyrhills with his wife, Terry.
Since going full-time in 2002, they have enjoyed stays in Oregon, living in sight of the Pacific Ocean, and Pennsylvania near Lake Erie.
"It's sort of like a motorcycle," said Weschler, 57. "It doesn't matter where you're going, as long as you're going."
A Texas mail service that caters to full-timers forwards his mail for $4.35 a week. Many full-timers use cell phones, and put up with "dead zones" when they travel out of range from any tower. The Workamper survey found that the majority (43 percent) of respondents connected to the Internet through wireless (WiFi) networks, followed by cellular air cards, DSL and dial-up and satellite modems.
Dautel's wandering days are far from over. He wants to head out west again. Maybe take in the Washington coast, the mountains of Oregon or the deserts of Arizona and New Mexico.
He enjoys the ever-present freedom of the road, an option that stay-at-home, suburban types — most of us — only dream about.
"When you can change your environment with the twist of a key, there is absolutely not a reason to ever be stressed again," he said.
Someday the choices will dwindle. The long hours of driving will become tiresome. He might have to go back to having one place he calls home.
In the meantime, Dautel didn't hesitate when asked for his current definition of the word "home."
"Wherever I'm at."
Andrew Meacham can be reached at ameacham@sptimes.com or (813) 661-2431.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
The Top Ten Things You Need For RV Travel
Created by Bob Hoffman
Well, I don't know it all, but I've been RVing for 20 years and have some opinions. Below, I've made a list of the top ten things I think anyone should have before they hit the road in an RV -- the list assumes you already have an RV. I've put them in order of importance and I'll gladly change the list if someone emails me at rjhoffman@yahoo.com with some better ideas.
1. Passport America Membership: First, you need a place to camp. I've checked out most of the camping clubs and have found this to be the best for providing low-cost, high-quality campgrounds. You camp across the USA at half what everyone else is paying -- can you beat that? Go to my camping clubs page to read more.
2. Road Atlas: #1 gives you a place to camp -- now you need to know how to get there. On our first long trip in 1984, we bought a bunch of state maps and area maps and spent much of our time shuffling through them to find the right one. The Road Atlas in a book form that has all the states, Canada, and Mexico is really great when you're moving from state to state. They're also very convenient for planning ahead and most contain other useful information related to travel. I buy mine cheap at Walmart's, but there are a number of others available.
3. Nation-Wide Cellphone: I didn't have any connection when I first travelled in 1984 and really felt out of touch. Now I have a cellphone with FREE LONG DISTANCE AND NO ROAMING CHARGES. I emphasize that because I've heard of people thinking they've got a free service, then learning that roaming charges can really add up in a hurry. I'm with Cingular, but I hear that AT&T and Verizon also have good nation-wide plans. Just make sure it's free calling anywhere to anywhere (in the U.S.) and that the coverage areas cover everywhere that you plan to be (e.g., I hear you lose Sprint PCS as soon as you get a little ways off the interstate).
4. Motor Club: I'm a real believer in the value of paying for a motor club that provides RV emergency roadside service. I didn't have one until a couple of years ago, but have used it about 5 times since then for flat tires. I joined after changing a tire on the left side of my fifth wheel on the edge of I-10 -- an experience I decided I'd rather not repeat. It sure is much easier to phone someone and watch them change the tire -- well worth the $70 or so that it costs each year. I'm with Allstate and have been very satisfied, but I'm sure there are others equally as good.
5. National Medical Insurance: I mention this one because it's something you'll need to set up well in advance of your RV travelling and something we overlooked in planning for our first trip. If you're currently signed up with an HMO or POS insurer, you'll probably find that they don't do much for you when you're away from home. I've found that it commonly takes 6-7 months to get individual coverage -- something many people don't realize while they're employed and being covered by that convenient employer's policy.
6. Flashlight in a Convenient Spot: This sounds trivial, but has saved me several times. I keep one just inside the door, where it can be easily reached. Although I try to make it a practice to never travel at night and to find a parking spot while it's still light, I've learned that this isn't always possible. In my book "Retire and Travel for $1000 a Month", I suggested having a spotlight on the RV. Since then, I've realized that a flashlight that's not attached is a much better idea.
Now these next few assume you want to get on the internet while you travel. If not, skip to #10.
7. Laptop: Although you can get by going to libraries, etc. where they supply the computer, I'd highly recommend spending the $700 or so to get a laptop of your own. It significantly increases the number of options you have for getting online, plus you'll no doubt find additional uses for the computer as time goes on. My Online On-The-Road page points you to many types of hookups you can find if you have a laptop.
NEW 8. 2007 UPDATE: WiFi Capability: Many campgrounds today have high-speed wireless internet (WiFi) available, either in a small hotspot or around the entire resort. Newer laptops are equipped with internal WiFi capability, so no additional equipment is required. For older computers and desktops, check my WiFi page for equipment suggestions.
NEW 9. 2007 UPDATE: Wireless Card: To have internet access almost anywhere in the USA, get a wireless card for your laptop. These provide service faster than dialup and slower than WiFi, and have both positive and negative features. For information on different types of wireless cards, check my Wireless Cards page.
10. Digital Camera: Now we're getting down to the not-so-critical, but I did promise 10 after all. While you travel, you'll find that you want to email pictures to several friends and family and you might even decide to set up a website to tell the world how much fun you're having. A digital camera makes these activities extremely easy. I tried the Polaroid camera and Scanner route for awhile and really had problems (as you'll note in the first 9 chapters of My Travel Log). Since getting the digital camera, I can't believe anyone uses anything else. I still disagree with my wife about her desire to have hard-copies of photos, but even that quirk can be easily accommodated with some of the new technology now available.
Well, I don't know it all, but I've been RVing for 20 years and have some opinions. Below, I've made a list of the top ten things I think anyone should have before they hit the road in an RV -- the list assumes you already have an RV. I've put them in order of importance and I'll gladly change the list if someone emails me at rjhoffman@yahoo.com with some better ideas.
1. Passport America Membership: First, you need a place to camp. I've checked out most of the camping clubs and have found this to be the best for providing low-cost, high-quality campgrounds. You camp across the USA at half what everyone else is paying -- can you beat that? Go to my camping clubs page to read more.
2. Road Atlas: #1 gives you a place to camp -- now you need to know how to get there. On our first long trip in 1984, we bought a bunch of state maps and area maps and spent much of our time shuffling through them to find the right one. The Road Atlas in a book form that has all the states, Canada, and Mexico is really great when you're moving from state to state. They're also very convenient for planning ahead and most contain other useful information related to travel. I buy mine cheap at Walmart's, but there are a number of others available.
3. Nation-Wide Cellphone: I didn't have any connection when I first travelled in 1984 and really felt out of touch. Now I have a cellphone with FREE LONG DISTANCE AND NO ROAMING CHARGES. I emphasize that because I've heard of people thinking they've got a free service, then learning that roaming charges can really add up in a hurry. I'm with Cingular, but I hear that AT&T and Verizon also have good nation-wide plans. Just make sure it's free calling anywhere to anywhere (in the U.S.) and that the coverage areas cover everywhere that you plan to be (e.g., I hear you lose Sprint PCS as soon as you get a little ways off the interstate).
4. Motor Club: I'm a real believer in the value of paying for a motor club that provides RV emergency roadside service. I didn't have one until a couple of years ago, but have used it about 5 times since then for flat tires. I joined after changing a tire on the left side of my fifth wheel on the edge of I-10 -- an experience I decided I'd rather not repeat. It sure is much easier to phone someone and watch them change the tire -- well worth the $70 or so that it costs each year. I'm with Allstate and have been very satisfied, but I'm sure there are others equally as good.
5. National Medical Insurance: I mention this one because it's something you'll need to set up well in advance of your RV travelling and something we overlooked in planning for our first trip. If you're currently signed up with an HMO or POS insurer, you'll probably find that they don't do much for you when you're away from home. I've found that it commonly takes 6-7 months to get individual coverage -- something many people don't realize while they're employed and being covered by that convenient employer's policy.
6. Flashlight in a Convenient Spot: This sounds trivial, but has saved me several times. I keep one just inside the door, where it can be easily reached. Although I try to make it a practice to never travel at night and to find a parking spot while it's still light, I've learned that this isn't always possible. In my book "Retire and Travel for $1000 a Month", I suggested having a spotlight on the RV. Since then, I've realized that a flashlight that's not attached is a much better idea.
Now these next few assume you want to get on the internet while you travel. If not, skip to #10.
7. Laptop: Although you can get by going to libraries, etc. where they supply the computer, I'd highly recommend spending the $700 or so to get a laptop of your own. It significantly increases the number of options you have for getting online, plus you'll no doubt find additional uses for the computer as time goes on. My Online On-The-Road page points you to many types of hookups you can find if you have a laptop.
NEW 8. 2007 UPDATE: WiFi Capability: Many campgrounds today have high-speed wireless internet (WiFi) available, either in a small hotspot or around the entire resort. Newer laptops are equipped with internal WiFi capability, so no additional equipment is required. For older computers and desktops, check my WiFi page for equipment suggestions.
NEW 9. 2007 UPDATE: Wireless Card: To have internet access almost anywhere in the USA, get a wireless card for your laptop. These provide service faster than dialup and slower than WiFi, and have both positive and negative features. For information on different types of wireless cards, check my Wireless Cards page.
10. Digital Camera: Now we're getting down to the not-so-critical, but I did promise 10 after all. While you travel, you'll find that you want to email pictures to several friends and family and you might even decide to set up a website to tell the world how much fun you're having. A digital camera makes these activities extremely easy. I tried the Polaroid camera and Scanner route for awhile and really had problems (as you'll note in the first 9 chapters of My Travel Log). Since getting the digital camera, I can't believe anyone uses anything else. I still disagree with my wife about her desire to have hard-copies of photos, but even that quirk can be easily accommodated with some of the new technology now available.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
One Fee for Nationwide Wi-Fi
September 11, 2008 by Chris Guld
I just received an email “Boingo announces the addition of NomadISP to the Boingo Roaming Network, giving Boingo members access to close to 300 new hotspots located at RV parks across US and Canada.”
If RVers could pay one monthly fee and have access to Wi-Fi hotspots at RV parks all over the country, they’d be signing up in droves! Boingo’s ad claims “Connect any time you like, for as long as you want, at thousands of North American hotspots for just $9.95/month for 3 months!”
So, what’s the catch?
The main thing is simply that RVers are not Boingo’s target market. Most of those ‘thousands of hotspots’ are hotels, restaurants and McDonalds. Boingo is servicing the traveling business person.
If you found yourself in the campground with the sign pictured here, a Boingo membership would do you no good. They’ve never heard of Boingo and you need to pay $9.95/day to get online here!
NomadISP, the subject of their press release IS for RV parks. But many, if not all, of the parks listed on their site offer Wi-Fi as an included amenity. So, once again, you would not be using your Boingo account.
What Boingo is doing is admirable. They are providing a backoffice system for Wi-Fi hotspots that allows ‘roaming.’ Think of Wi-Fi hotspots like the early days of cell phones when there was no roaming among the different carriers. And Wi-Fi hotspots today are a lot more scattered than Cellular providers ever were. Many hotspots at RV parks are even homegrown systems.
I don’t think roaming among RV park Wi-Fi hotspots is ever going to happen. My husband, Jim, and I used to do contract work for Coach Connect (now MatrixRV) who installed Wi-Fi in RV parks all over the country. It was Jim’s job to support those parks. At one time, we were part of a aggregator similar to Boingo, and it just didn’t work. If you’re paying Boingo, for example, and you have a problem; you’re going to call Boingo for help. But they don’t have a clue how the Wi-Fi is set up where you are! They just do the billing.
Luckily for RVers, we really don’t need roaming with Wi-Fi hotspots. So many RV Parks offer Wi-Fi as a free amenity now. And most of the ones that charge are very reasonable, $2 - $5/day. If you need Internet more reliable than the ‘catch-as-catch-can’ Wi-Fi hotspots, you can get a data card from your cellular provider. The coverage from cellular data has improved immensely in the last couple years.
The bottom line is, don’t sign up for a national Wi-Fi plan, it’s not a good deal for RVers. The only exception would be if you know, ahead of time, that you will be staying all in parks that are covered by the plan.
I just received an email “Boingo announces the addition of NomadISP to the Boingo Roaming Network, giving Boingo members access to close to 300 new hotspots located at RV parks across US and Canada.”
If RVers could pay one monthly fee and have access to Wi-Fi hotspots at RV parks all over the country, they’d be signing up in droves! Boingo’s ad claims “Connect any time you like, for as long as you want, at thousands of North American hotspots for just $9.95/month for 3 months!”
So, what’s the catch?
The main thing is simply that RVers are not Boingo’s target market. Most of those ‘thousands of hotspots’ are hotels, restaurants and McDonalds. Boingo is servicing the traveling business person.
If you found yourself in the campground with the sign pictured here, a Boingo membership would do you no good. They’ve never heard of Boingo and you need to pay $9.95/day to get online here!
NomadISP, the subject of their press release IS for RV parks. But many, if not all, of the parks listed on their site offer Wi-Fi as an included amenity. So, once again, you would not be using your Boingo account.
What Boingo is doing is admirable. They are providing a backoffice system for Wi-Fi hotspots that allows ‘roaming.’ Think of Wi-Fi hotspots like the early days of cell phones when there was no roaming among the different carriers. And Wi-Fi hotspots today are a lot more scattered than Cellular providers ever were. Many hotspots at RV parks are even homegrown systems.
I don’t think roaming among RV park Wi-Fi hotspots is ever going to happen. My husband, Jim, and I used to do contract work for Coach Connect (now MatrixRV) who installed Wi-Fi in RV parks all over the country. It was Jim’s job to support those parks. At one time, we were part of a aggregator similar to Boingo, and it just didn’t work. If you’re paying Boingo, for example, and you have a problem; you’re going to call Boingo for help. But they don’t have a clue how the Wi-Fi is set up where you are! They just do the billing.
Luckily for RVers, we really don’t need roaming with Wi-Fi hotspots. So many RV Parks offer Wi-Fi as a free amenity now. And most of the ones that charge are very reasonable, $2 - $5/day. If you need Internet more reliable than the ‘catch-as-catch-can’ Wi-Fi hotspots, you can get a data card from your cellular provider. The coverage from cellular data has improved immensely in the last couple years.
The bottom line is, don’t sign up for a national Wi-Fi plan, it’s not a good deal for RVers. The only exception would be if you know, ahead of time, that you will be staying all in parks that are covered by the plan.
Home Sweet Motor Home
Time Magazine By Elisabeth Salemme
Moving from a big house to a smaller one isn't the only way to downsize. Luxurious recreational vehicles, stocked with every possible modern convenience from Jacuzzis to wi-fi, are becoming full-time residences for a growing number of Americans. Some are retirees looking for a new adventure, others have jobs that keep them on the road and see RV living as a way to have a home life, and a few just crave the freedom of being on the go now that cell phones and the Internet allow people to work from almost anywhere.
According to Kampgrounds of America, which operates some 450 campgrounds, 400,000 people are full-time RV dwellers. And many of them are enthusiastic proselytizers for their neo-nomadic lifestyle. "This is the ideal American subculture; it's the way everyone would like it to be," says Howard Payne, a real estate lawyer who, along with his wife Linda, traded a five-bedroom house in Louisville, Ky., for a 400-sq.-ft. (37 sq m) motor home in August 2005.
Some RVs cost as little as $4,000, but it's the luxury market--where units range from $300,000 to over $1 million--that is booming. Country Coach, one of the nation's largest manufacturers of premier motor homes, offers models that include hardwood floors, leather couches and guest bathrooms. Last year the company reported a 22% increase in sales of RVs priced at more than $550,000.
While parking in muddy public campgrounds and Wal-Mart lots provides some full-timers with a convenient and low-cost place to spend extended periods, others are turning to the small but growing number of upscale parks that offer country club-like amenities. One such stop is the Hilton Head Island Motorcoach Resort. Nestled in a forest in the popular South Carolina vacation spot, it boasts 400 landscaped lots, with access to a pool, exercise room and tennis courts. Each lot has satellite TV and electricity, water and sewage hookups, for a rental fee of about $50 a night or an outright purchase price of around $100,000.
Russell and Rena Knisely, a retired couple from Wallingford, Pa., who started full-timing four years ago, spend the colder months at a lot they own in Hilton Head. Every Saturday morning at the resort park, they gather with a group of friends, cook a full breakfast for everyone staying at the park and trade stories about their road adventures over the shared meal. "Our happiness and health are much better in this lifestyle," says Russell, 64. "We have no worries here." "The only downside is that we don't have a church anymore," says his neighbor Wyn Hull, 73, who was active in her Greenville, S.C., parish before she and her husband took to the road seven years ago. "It's nice to visit other churches, but you have to make more of an effort."
Others have gone mobile precisely because they want to cut old ties and obligations. Kevin Ewert, a programmer for his family's Web development company, sees full-timing as a refuge from the pressures of his more conventional existence back in San Jose, Calif. "I was working my life away, and I just got tired of it," says Ewert, 44. He and his wife Angie, 35, have logged about 13,000 miles (21,000 km) in their 40-ft. (12 m) motor home, which has satellite TV, TiVo, three Internet connections, Sirius radio and a private office space where Ewert works mainly at night, leaving his days free for hanging out with Angie.
Even volatile gas prices do little to temper the enthusiasm of full-timers. Howard Payne estimates that he travels between 1,000 and 1,200 miles (1,600 and 2,000 km) per month, but he still insists that "the cost of fuel is not the big issue many folks think it is." The Paynes, both in their early 40s, opted for an earlier than expected retirement after a FORTUNE 500 company bought their small real estate insurance business and imposed heavy demands that strained the couple's relationship. The choice has required them to live on a tighter budget, but they are closer than ever and happier. "Now I can't afford to play golf, but golf was like an escape for me," Howard says. "I don't need that escape now."
Moving from a big house to a smaller one isn't the only way to downsize. Luxurious recreational vehicles, stocked with every possible modern convenience from Jacuzzis to wi-fi, are becoming full-time residences for a growing number of Americans. Some are retirees looking for a new adventure, others have jobs that keep them on the road and see RV living as a way to have a home life, and a few just crave the freedom of being on the go now that cell phones and the Internet allow people to work from almost anywhere.
According to Kampgrounds of America, which operates some 450 campgrounds, 400,000 people are full-time RV dwellers. And many of them are enthusiastic proselytizers for their neo-nomadic lifestyle. "This is the ideal American subculture; it's the way everyone would like it to be," says Howard Payne, a real estate lawyer who, along with his wife Linda, traded a five-bedroom house in Louisville, Ky., for a 400-sq.-ft. (37 sq m) motor home in August 2005.
Some RVs cost as little as $4,000, but it's the luxury market--where units range from $300,000 to over $1 million--that is booming. Country Coach, one of the nation's largest manufacturers of premier motor homes, offers models that include hardwood floors, leather couches and guest bathrooms. Last year the company reported a 22% increase in sales of RVs priced at more than $550,000.
While parking in muddy public campgrounds and Wal-Mart lots provides some full-timers with a convenient and low-cost place to spend extended periods, others are turning to the small but growing number of upscale parks that offer country club-like amenities. One such stop is the Hilton Head Island Motorcoach Resort. Nestled in a forest in the popular South Carolina vacation spot, it boasts 400 landscaped lots, with access to a pool, exercise room and tennis courts. Each lot has satellite TV and electricity, water and sewage hookups, for a rental fee of about $50 a night or an outright purchase price of around $100,000.
Russell and Rena Knisely, a retired couple from Wallingford, Pa., who started full-timing four years ago, spend the colder months at a lot they own in Hilton Head. Every Saturday morning at the resort park, they gather with a group of friends, cook a full breakfast for everyone staying at the park and trade stories about their road adventures over the shared meal. "Our happiness and health are much better in this lifestyle," says Russell, 64. "We have no worries here." "The only downside is that we don't have a church anymore," says his neighbor Wyn Hull, 73, who was active in her Greenville, S.C., parish before she and her husband took to the road seven years ago. "It's nice to visit other churches, but you have to make more of an effort."
Others have gone mobile precisely because they want to cut old ties and obligations. Kevin Ewert, a programmer for his family's Web development company, sees full-timing as a refuge from the pressures of his more conventional existence back in San Jose, Calif. "I was working my life away, and I just got tired of it," says Ewert, 44. He and his wife Angie, 35, have logged about 13,000 miles (21,000 km) in their 40-ft. (12 m) motor home, which has satellite TV, TiVo, three Internet connections, Sirius radio and a private office space where Ewert works mainly at night, leaving his days free for hanging out with Angie.
Even volatile gas prices do little to temper the enthusiasm of full-timers. Howard Payne estimates that he travels between 1,000 and 1,200 miles (1,600 and 2,000 km) per month, but he still insists that "the cost of fuel is not the big issue many folks think it is." The Paynes, both in their early 40s, opted for an earlier than expected retirement after a FORTUNE 500 company bought their small real estate insurance business and imposed heavy demands that strained the couple's relationship. The choice has required them to live on a tighter budget, but they are closer than ever and happier. "Now I can't afford to play golf, but golf was like an escape for me," Howard says. "I don't need that escape now."
Travel for a Year for the Cost of Staying Home
Veteran road-trippers release second edition of award-winning book, Live Your Road Trip Dream
by Dale Myers
MotorHome Magazine
Veteran road-trippers and Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) spokespeople Phil and Carol White have released the second edition of their award-winning book, Live Your Road Trip Dream -- Travel for a year for the cost of staying home.
The new edition includes updated information on budgets, Web sites and technology, and new sections such as information on midlife sabbaticals, working on the road and "road-schooling" your children as you travel.
The Whites have traveled more than 50,000 miles in the last several years and visited all 50 states, all national parks in the continental United States and hundreds of other fascinating places.
For more information about Live Your Road Trip Dream, call (888) 522-8747 or go to www.roadtripdream.com
by Dale Myers
MotorHome Magazine
Veteran road-trippers and Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) spokespeople Phil and Carol White have released the second edition of their award-winning book, Live Your Road Trip Dream -- Travel for a year for the cost of staying home.
The new edition includes updated information on budgets, Web sites and technology, and new sections such as information on midlife sabbaticals, working on the road and "road-schooling" your children as you travel.
The Whites have traveled more than 50,000 miles in the last several years and visited all 50 states, all national parks in the continental United States and hundreds of other fascinating places.
For more information about Live Your Road Trip Dream, call (888) 522-8747 or go to www.roadtripdream.com
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