Media coverage surrounding the extent of damages of BP’s oil spill in and around the Gulf Coast is affecting local business and tourism. As many people watch to see the extent of the damage of the oil spill RV enthusiasts are booking vacations elsewhere. RV Campgrounds are seeing numbers drop despite the fact many beaches in the Gulf Coast have not yet been affected by the oil spill.

One of the main businesses affected is RV Campgrounds. People are heading to other destinations in order to avoid any potential problems. This is a shame because the majority of towns boarding the beach areas in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida are untouched by oil. Their pristine beaches are awaiting visitation.

In Florida, www.pcbeach.org has been set up for visitors to monitor the conditions of local beaches, in an effort to ensure visitors of an enjoyable vacation. Those heading out for a summer break should check out local areas to be sure they have not been affected by oil. Beaches are a top vacation choice for many RV enthusiasts. With the recession only recently in remission, any loss of business could be damaging for campgrounds.

While some vacationers are concerned that time spent in the Gulf Coast might be a waste of time, for other RV enthusiasts, the beauty of the area is too big a draw not to be enjoyed. Campgrounds are ready to host Class A, Class B and Class C RVs, as well as travel trailers and fifth wheels. No matter what kind of vehicle hitting the road, there is a place to rest, relax and enjoy in the Gulf Coast.

The beauty of RVs is the ability to be mobile. While only a portion of the coastal area has currently been affected by oil washing up on beaches, the media is contributing to the notion that the entire Gulf Coast has been contaminated. This is not the case. Before canceling a trip, vacationers are advised to make a few calls to ensure the area they planned on visiting is still in good condition.

As an incentive, some campgrounds and hotels are offering a 100% refund if beaches are affected during the course of a vacation. No one is positive how far reaching the effects of the oil spill may end up being, but for now, there are still plenty of scenic areas for visitors.

Although the relief effort is filling up some campgrounds close to the spill, other companies have seen a decline in business of up to 30% reports RVBusiness.com. Campgrounds that have lost revenue may file suit with BP who has promised to pay legitimate claims for lost business due to the oil spill.

The Gulf Coast is one of America’s treasures. From the wildlife to the ocean, wetlands and more, there is no other place like it. Before changing plans and heading north instead of south, find out about the area you want to visit. Be reassured that there are still plenty of places along the Gulf Coast that are clean and clear.

Looking to find the best deal on Class B RVs and motorhomes, then visit www.beaudryrv.com.com to find the best selection on new and used motorhomes.

It has been a hot summer. For those taking RV Vacations, the big question is where do we go to stay cool? With the following tips, you can go anywhere and stay cool in your RV. It’s all about finding ways to beat the heat, so you and your family can enjoy the best summer vacation possible.

Air Conditioning. In the heat and humidity of summer, sometimes there is no other way to stay cool in your travel trailer or RV than with an air conditioning unit. There are hundreds of units that can easily be installed in an RV. Some units operate on solar energy while others utilize a standard 12-volt system for operation.

RV Windshield Covers. These are great not just for staying cool while camping, but are great when RVs are stored outside. They help protect the interior for the sun’s UV rays which can cause fading and color damage. While camping, they help prevent the RV from absorbing the sun’s rays, keeping the interior cooler.

Awnings and window shades. RV awnings and window shades are another great way to keep the summer sun out. By opening windows and blinds at night and letting cool air in, then closing windows and blinds during the day, it helps keep the cool air inside and insulates against the heat, helping keep temperatures down.

Portable Fans. Battery operated mini fans can be clipped on to bed frames or onto lights for a direct shot of cooler air. They can also be used to move air out of places such as kitchen. When cooking, keep windows and doors open to allow the heat out.

Jump in a lake. It’s not going to keep your RV cool, but it will help you cool down. Staying at RV campgrounds that have swimming pools or camping close to the ocean or to lakes will let you jump in and cool down any time you need.

Cold showers. Many people have problems falling asleep when they overheat. There’s a couple of ways to bring body temperatures down in order to make sleeping a little easier. The first way is to drink something cold. This will help bring down internal temperatures. Another way is take a cold shower right before you head to bed. You’ll feel refreshed and your body will be ready to relax.

For those who struggle in the heat, plan a vacation to Canada or Montana. The higher the elevation, the cooler you’ll be. In fact, there’s still snow over 10,000 feet in some areas. Travel trailers, fifth wheels and RVs become cooking machines when they sit in the sun for long periods of time. Finding a covered area or shady place will help keep everyone cool. Don’t forget your pets. They feel the heat, too, so it’s really important to remember to take them with you. Leaving a pet in a hot RV can lead to dehydration or even death. Air conditioning, awnings, fans, lakes and cold beverages all help beat the summer’s heat, so enjoy your RV vacation in comfort.

Learn more about RVs and campers. Stop by Beaudry RV where you can find out all about new and used RVs and what they can do for you.

RVs and Motor homes are helping fill National Parks this summer and are pushing park’s visitation to near record numbers. As people are trying to find ways to save money post-recession, they are looking to what’s closest to home for cost-effective vacations. This results in more Americans spending time in our National Parks, monuments and wilderness spaces.

During the previous year, over two hundred and eighty million people headed out to National Parks. It helped that the Parks Service offered several fee-free weekends, opening up the parks to an even greater number of interested people. National Parks Traveler states that the top recorded visitation occurred in 1987 with 287.2 million people exploring National Parks. In Yosemite National Park, more than 3,000,000 people were counted going in and out of the park in a year. Yosemite Valley, which is the most populated area of the park, receives close to fifteen thousand tourists and employees a day during the busiest summer months.

Up north, Glacier National Park has also experienced an increase in traffic. They found their visitation in 2010 has already jumped 3.7% more than 2009. With summer being the most highly trafficked months, it will be interesting to see if 2010 proves to beat the all time record for visitation. Motor home owners and RV enthusiasts are traveling in comfort as they roll through the park system. KOAs and other campgrounds are benefiting from the increase in traffic and have seen their reservation numbers rise.

According to the USA TODAY/Gallup Poll on travel trends, less than 20% of those interviewed acknowledged they might fly more frequently than last year and utilize hotels more than 2009. Close to 30% confirmed their travel would not be as frequent as last year.

Staying closer to home translates to increased savings. Traveling by RV or motor home translates to mobility, the ability to explore the unexpected, experience some of America’s small towns and some great opportunities for family bonding.

There is term being used to define how people are traveling this year and it’s ‘budget traveler.’ This means people are searching for the best deals before booking travel. Depending on whether or not they find discounts travelers may choose not to set out on vacation. A great way for automobile travelers to save money is by staying in Park Models at RV parks. This creates as sense of luxury at a fraction of the cost of a hotel room. Not to mention, RV Resorts and Parks have beefed up their amenities to keep families entertained.

In two or three months, there will be a good sense as to whether or not the record for tourism in National Parks might be beat. Until then, head out and enjoy the summer in some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. The parks are a heritage the American people have inherited, so get out and enjoy.

Saving money is a huge incentive for people to visit National Parks. For a fraction of the cost of a hotel stay, Americans are experiencing some of the greatest national treasures this country has to offer. The RV Industry has seen sales increase since January 2009. RV Enthusiasts are hitting the road in record numbers to explore America. National Park visits create lasting memories and from generation to generation, RV enthusiasts are sharing the beauty.

Looking to find the best deal on RVs and motorhomes, then visit www.beaudryrv.com.com to find the best selection on new and used motorhomes.

Staycations are still popular despite the waning recession. A staycation is a when a family chooses to take time off and spend it closer to home rather than hop on a plane and travel to some exotic locale. When the recession hit, many Americans looking to save money started planning trips that focused on fuel economy and bargain lodging. RV owners still traveled, but stayed closer to home.

The RV Industry has been a key indicator for the economy. Because RVs from Class A to Class C motorhomes are big ticket items, the turnaround in consumer buying trends has been seen as a boon to the economy. From the first trade shows of the year, consumers were showing up in increasing numbers. Their buying patterns have varied greatly with a sharp interest veering towards lightweight economical travel trailers and campers, which fits with the current travel trends.

A survey that was initiated by Persuadable Research Group discovered that around seventy percent of those heading out on vacation were going to do so by driving instead of flying. Most of those people also indicated they were interested in bargain lodgings and campgrounds. Families can save a lot of money by staying close to home. Airfare fluctuates so often, it is hard to pin down good rates for set vacation dates. Not only that, hotel rooms, travel fare to and from the airport all add up. To prove the point, campground reservations increased during the recession and are staying strong.

With so many options in campgrounds, there’s something for almost any family. Campgrounds are much more than a place to sleep for the night. There are eco-friendly campgrounds, campgrounds that are family oriented with games for kids and adults alike. Wellness centers ensure families can stay fit while traveling and of course relaxation comes in the form of hot tubs and swimming pools.

RVing offers a level of style and comfort for every family. Class A RVs are the top-of-the-line luxury vehicles with many costing a lot more than the average American home. Class B RVs and Class C motorhomes are less expensive, yet still offer luxury. Class C Motorhomes most often accommodate a couple of people while Class A RVs and Class B models can accommodate up six to ten people comfortably.

On the other end of the financial spectrum are travel trailers, campers and pop-up tents. These vehicles often cost only a few thousand dollars, are easy to maneuver and can be towed by mid-weight trucks and SUVs. They sleep plenty and offer a more rustic camping experience, which is exactly what some people are looking for when they head out on the road.

Once the initial investment is made in RVs, the pay-off lasts for years and years of vacations. Each trip saves additional money on hotels and airfare. As campground reservations are maxing out, it may be time to book your next recreational vehicle vacation.

The beauty of the recession is it forced everyone to realize how incredible the surroundings are close to home. There’s a reason RVing maintained its popularity through the recession. RV travel has become the epitome of family values, discovery and adventure.

Looking to find the best deal on RVs and motorhomes, then visit www.beaudryrv.com.com to find the best selection on new and used motorhomes.

RV enthusiasts are a special breed of people. They love how they live and how they travel. For the exploding baby boomer generation, discovering the freedom and mobility RV travel offers is changing their lives. So what do you buy someone who is living on the road for months at a time, or spends all his or her time at home planning his or her next RV trip?

Here are a few gift ideas for the RV Enthusiast:

1. Paige Bridge creates Vintage Trailer Art that perfectly captures scenic moments of RV travel as well as quick glimpses at some of the classic types of RVs that have traveled the road from the beginning of RV travel to today. Her images bring back memories for those of all ages. These images are great for kids’ bedrooms or living room art, or even RV art.

2. The book Mobile Mansions by Douglas Keister captures some of the more interesting moments in RV travel. It hearkens back to the beginning of RV travel and illustrates the mansions that have hit the road in black and white and color photography. One great image was that of a mobile church. There’s plenty to see in this book that chronicles the spirit and extravagance of RVing.

3. Jewelry is another great way to express the love of RVing. Charm bracelets can be adorned with miniature RVs cast in silver or gold, or hand-painted. Every time the recipient of this gift puts on her necklace or charm bracelet, she’ll not only think of you, but of the great memories she has had traveling by RV.

4. Fine Art Photography: Fine art photography depicting images of places the RV enthusiast has visited. Think Ansel Adams and Galen Rowell. Not only will these images bring back the awe and beauty of nature, but they will bring back that moment and time in the person’s life when they caught their first glimpse of Yosemite Valley.

5. RV Birdfeeder: Decorate the backyard with RV styled birdhouses and bring back memories of camping in the great wide open. Birds will flock to these charming RVs and set up camp. You may spy more birds in your backyard than you do on the road.

RV Art Gallery is set up for the RV lover. Their variety of RV art and collectibles is an RV lover’s paradise. The next time you can’t decide what to get for the RV lover in your life, hop on-line and buy a gift that won’t be forgotten any time soon.

Learn more about RVs and motorhomes. Stop by Beaudry RV where you can find out all about new and used RVs and what they can do for you.

On July 13, 2010 ExactTarget came out with a report detailing trends regarding Facebook and Twitter. The report found “nearly 40% of consumers (are) turning to Facebook and Twitter to supplement the news, information or deals they receive via e-mail marketing, reports RV Business.com.

Other key findings of the report include:

* In excess of 90% of shoppers that are fans of or ‘like’ a minimum of 1 brand on Facebook are also receiving a minimum of one permission-based advertising based email each day.

* In excess of 75% of shoppers that ‘follow’ a brand on Twitter also are signed up for a minimum of one brand’s advertising marketing via email.

* About half of people who are interacting with brands on Twitter are doing so without having a Twitter account.

* 45% of mommies with kids residing in the home say they are ‘deal seekers’ and have become fans of ten brands on Facebook, follow ten companies on Twitter and get about fourteen permission-based advertising emails every day.

* 33% of consumers identify themselves as Info Seekers, influenced most heavily by product reviews and other forms of user-generated content.

* For those under 25, about 28% say they are ‘social butterflies,’ which means they friend more brands on Facebook than other users, however they are still more willing to purchase from companies that send permission-based emails.

For companies and advertisers trying to break into this coveted market, this is all good news. RV dealers and RV enthusiasts can find everything they are looking for in the realm of their favorite social media space. This report stresses the need for advertisers and companies to invest their advertising dollars on social media ventures. This is one of the most powerful places to interact with consumers and receive immediate feedback.

The good news for RV dealers and manufacturers advertising on-line is their consumer base is becoming receptive to on-line marketing. Some users are choosing to accept marketing emails from RV companies they have personally selected or ‘friended’. RV dealers that use Facebook and Twitter posts to attempt to promote their businesses in dry, uncreative ways are going to find their efforts falling flat. However, those that offer exclusive deals and offers to their select followers are giving people a reason to friend them or re-tweet information.

Being current with what’s going on in the social media world is the only way companies are going to succeed. From RV dealers to Soft Drink companies, there’s a market for everyone. The only thing left to do is to figure out how to tap into it.

Looking to find the best deal on RVs and motorhomes, then visit www.beaudryrv.com.com to find the best selection on new and used motorhomes.

Steady numbers show first quarter sales were not a fluke. Summer is in full swing and RV companies are still stocking their dealerships with new model RVs.

The travel trailer has taken in the industry by storm as many are looking for a cheaper alternative to RV travel, but more protection than a traditional tent. Those in their early twenties and thirties are driving the trend towards lightweight environmentally friendly vehicles.

While the younger generation is driving numbers up as far as travel trailers, baby boomers are pushing sales of higher ticket RVs such as Fifth Wheels and Class A RVs. As record numbers of the population are retiring, baby boomers are hitting the road in their new RVs and campers.

Park models are also garnering a lot of attention this year. Park models are RVs, built like a cabin. Many RV Parks are using them to attract families that prefer more comforts than tent camping but still want an outdoor, camping-style vacation. As demand grows, so do the amount of companies manufacturing these RVs. There are a wide variety that can be found everywhere from California to Wyoming.

Record numbers of people seem to be hitting the road and visiting National Parks. In June alone, in excess of 700,000 people headed to Yellowstone National Park. July tends to be the busiest month for National Parks so visitors will probably swarm the parks in July.

As oil continues to spill from the Gulf, a significant number of travelers are re-routing their vacations to avoid what may be contaminated beaches and waters. To help travelers, there are numerous web sites that offer up-to-the-minute reports on what areas have been affected and which ones haven’t. Some resorts even offer a 100% money back guarantee if their beaches become contaminated before or during your stay. Beaches are the epitome of summer fun, so check out the south and the coastal cities for a great vacation.

If the warm weather is pushing you to cooler climates, the mountains offer refuge from overwhelming heat waves. Snow is still apparent at higher elevations and wildflowers are blanketing fields and valleys. Places like Rocky Mountain National Park and Glacier National Park offer great mountain camping and cool evening air.

Adventures abound for RV Enthusiasts. No matter your style of travel – travel trailer, fifth wheel camper, Class A RV or pop-up camper – there is an affordable option for you. After buying your new RV, hit the road and check out some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. This year is the RV Industry’s centennial year, which means lots of RV enthusiasts are gathering to share their stories and adventures. Start building your adventures now.

Looking to find the best deal on RVs and motorhomes, then visit www.beaudryrv.com.com to find the best selection on new and used motorhomes.

Buyer’s interest increases for RVs and fifth wheel campers. As the recession is slowly fading away, RV dealerships are reporting an increase in sales for the first quarter of 2010. Across the nation, consumers appear to be spending again and not just on small items. RVs, travel trailers and fifth wheel campers are all showing the recession may be behind us.

The Recreational Vehicle Industry Association published the results of Dr. Richard Curtain’s forecast for the coming years in regards to RV sales. What he found was an increase over last year by 39% and the probability of 249,700 shipments during 2010. His forecast came as a welcome announcement to the RV Industry that is only beginning to expand operations after many businesses laid off employees last year.

In the past, when recessions were over, the economy tended to bounce back quickly. However, this may not be the case this time, warns Curtain. He believes there will be a series of gains and setbacks before the economy fully recovers. The people who are starting to buy again are doing so carefully, looking at the long-term picture by buying more fuel-efficient models and lighter weight travel trailers and campers. Sales in this market have been increasing rapidly.

An increase in sales in Class A RVs and fifth wheel campers portends good news for the RV Industry. When high-end vehicles sell, this indicates consumer confidence in the economy is returning. RVing has always been a popular mode of travel and vacationing, however this year, the perception of the industry had a little help with GoRVing’s Ambassadors of Affordability. The cuddly critters got out the message that RVing is more affordable than traditional travel and builds strong family values. The Ambassadors hit home with a wide range of audiences. The commercials were aired during the Olympics and NASCAR.

Travel trailers are priced at the more affordable end of the RV spectrum with new models available for under $20,000, which is why their popularity is increasing. However, there’s still a market for the deluxe Class A RVs that start on the low end around $100,000 and can shoot up to $2,000,000. Fifth wheel campers have the benefit of being able to detach from the truck, allowing for convenient day excursions. Their price ranges in the middle of travel trailers and Class A RVs at around $50,000.

Some people enjoy having more than creature comforts on the road, they like a little luxury such as entertainment systems, cherry wood cabinetry, a bathtub and more. Other people are content with a bathroom and a bed. Regardless of taste, there is an RV waiting.

Many RV buyers were taken on trips with their family when they were kids. Those first experiences instilled a love for adventure and the outdoors. Today, they are look to recreate those experiences with their own families. There is a thrill in stepping into your brand new RV or fifth wheel for the first time.

Freedom is a part of the RV lifestyle. The road is wide open and adventure is waiting to happen. Having a home on wheels offers exploration of all the unique parts of the US, Canada and Mexico.

Looking to find the best deal on RVs and Fifth Wheels, then visit www.beaudryrv.com.com to find the best selection on new and used motorhomes.

In the olden days, which weren’t too long ago, anyone selling an RV was limited to a local consumer base. Aside from classified ads, the options weren’t cheap if you wanted to advertise your sale. Newspaper ads cost hundreds of dollars and paying for radio time isn’t cheap either. However, today’s RV traders and sellers online are finding new and creative ways to reach an eager audience.

One of the first ways to reach people is through blogging. Setting up your own blog is a worth endeavor if you plan on trading for years. Blogs do take time for people to notice. However, you can also go to popular blogs and leave a comment. That way thousands of people who are already interested in the topic at hand can read your comment. Some sites will even link back to your website where you can have your information ready to go.

There has been a lot of talk about Twitter lately and the speed with which information is transmitted there. If you want to be noticed on Twitter, think about what incentives you can offer your potential buyer. If you simply tweet ’2009 RV for sale,’ you aren’t going to get a lot of notice. But if you make it fun, if you say ’2009 RV for sale, highest bid in the next 24 hours wins,’ you’ve created a reason for people to talk about you.

What the most successful social media gurus understand is that by offering some incentive to your customers or rewarding your customers for working with you, you are creating a buzz. People will want to check out your site to see what you’re saying. If you also have a great deal on an RV for sale that they are interested in, then even better.

Consignment dealers help people sell RVs every day. That’s their job. They take a small cut of the sale price in return for using their lot, their services to help you sell and their advertising experience and marketing budget. Listing your vehicle with a company that already inspires trust will only help sell your RV sooner.

Liking what you do is also important. If you are passionate about what you’re selling or trading, other people will be too. Enthusiasm is infectious. Spread it around on the Internet and see what comes back to you.

Every generation likes to receive information differently. Older people will still turn to the newspaper, or check their email, but it’s rare that they will be Tweeting or interacting on Facebook. Potential buyers in their early twenties aren’t checking email as often as they are hitting Facebook. Find a way to use the medium your audience is using.

Advertising in newspapers is slowly becoming a thing of the past. Today, consumers are savvier than they were in the past. They can compare prices on-line. Dealers who have fly-and-buy programs where they pay for plane tickets for guests buying an RV are reaching a national, even global market. What are you doing to compete?

For RV Traders Online looking to find the best deal on RVs and motorhomes,visit www.beaudryrv.com.com to find the best selection on new and used motorhomes.

You’ve heard of Route 66…music, movies, and books. It’s legendary. It is the main highway that runs from east to west, and it is the essence of America. Route 66 is an ideal place for you to take a journey with your 5th wheel fifth wheel.

If you don’t already own a 5th wheel fifth wheel, you have to option to rent one. If you are able, start your 5th wheel fifth wheel adventure over the summer in Chicago.

When planning your 5th wheel fifth wheel RV trip, consider this

The first thing you should do when you know you are hitting Route 66 with your 5th wheel fifth wheel is to get a guidebook and a map. You may need this on your trip. If you are computer savvy, join the Route 66 Facebook page. You will get tips and updates on events that you may want to plan on stopping at with your 5th wheel fifth wheel. You should begin planning the vacation in your 5th wheel fifth wheel early, and go ahead and make reservations at campsites. Gas planning with your 5th wheel fifth wheel RV is also a wise move. You will hit the road with comfort knowing you can relax and enjoy.

See these highlights along Route 66

The terrain will evolve and the landscape will change. You will travel from state to state and be able to experience different cultures, food, and lifestyles. Look at the historical monuments and enjoy nature’s beauty. You will remember this 5th wheel fifth wheel RVing adventure for many years to come. Check out the suggested list below for recommendations on where to stop. Some places are fun, while some are simply gorgeous.

- Check out the Sears Tower – IL

- Check out Bill Shea’s Gas Station Museum – IL

- Abe’s Presidential Library

- Collinsville, IL , World’s Largest Castup Bottle

- In MO – check out the Gateway Arch

- St. Louis- The Car Museum

- Stanton, MO , Jesse James Museum

- And the World’s Largest Rocking Chair

- Kansas , Galena Mining and Historical Museum

- In OK – check out the Will Rogers Memorial

- The Cherokee Trading Post

- Clinton, OK , National Route 66 Museum

- In TX – check out Devil’s Rope Barbed Wire Museum

- Amarillo, TX , American Quarter Horse Heritage Center

- Sante Fe , Georgia O’Keeffe Museum

- Old Town Albuquerque

- Grants, NM , American International Rattle Snake Museum

- Visit the Petrified Forest National Park , AZ

- The Grand Canyon

- Take a Gold Mine Tour , AZ

- Goffs, CA , Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association

- Oro Grande, CA , Bottle Tree Farm with real glass bottles

- Rialto, CA , The Wigwam Motel

- LA, CA , China Town

- Santa Monica , The Santa Monica Pier

Julie Jacobs travels the U.S. writing about motorhomes, travel trailers, and other RVs. For more information visit PedataRVCenter.com