Beating RV Travel Decision Fatigue

Because having total freedom shouldn’t feel totally exhausting.

Summer is flying by, and I’m already starting to think ahead to our next stops. We’ll be at our current campsite until mid-October, but after that, it’s time to hit the road again. In early November, I have a scheduled event in Florida for my business, Fireside RV Rental, our annual retreat with our franchisees, so we have about three weeks to take our time and explore on the way down.

One place that’s been on my must-visit list for a while is Williamsburg, Virginia. It’s packed with history, and although we’ve driven past it on so many trips, this time we’re finally stopping. I’m also hoping to check off a new state by doing a little detour into Alabama.

One thing that’s very real when it comes to RV life is decision fatigue. With so much freedom and the ability to go almost anywhere, the choices can get overwhelming. Here are a few ways I plan our travels and avoid decision fatigue:

Start with Key Anchor Dates & Events

I begin by looking at our calendar and plugging in any fixed commitments:

• Family visits or birthdays

• Business events (like our Fireside retreat)

• Holidays we want to spend in a specific location

• Conferences, homeschool meetups, or rallies

This gives me natural markers to build the rest of the trip around.

Set a Travel Budget

Next, I map out how far we’re willing to travel and how much we’re comfortable spending on:

• Fuel

• Campgrounds

• Food & activities

• Repairs or maintenance

Traveling slower (with longer stays in one spot) often saves money, which gives us more wiggle room for experiences later on.

Use Memberships to Guide Stops

We get a lot of mileage out of our campground memberships like Thousand Trails and Harvest Hosts I’ll check:

• Where we have coverage or free nights

• Which spots are near our desired route

• Availability during busy times (especially fall/winter in the South)

It’s a great way to save money while discovering unique locations .

Limit the Choices

Instead of looking at every possible stop between Point A and Point B, I’ll narrow it down by region, interest (history, nature, city), or type of experience we want (peaceful, adventurous, educational). Too many choices = overwhelm. A short list keeps it doable and fun.

Leave Room for Flexibility

Even with a loose plan, I build in buffer days. Sometimes a campground ends up being a favorite and we want to stay longer. Other times, we need rest days where we do absolutely nothing but and that’s okay, too.

📚 Books on Board

This weeks read was The Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage by Asia Mackay a darkly funny thriller about a pair of serial killers who settle down, get married, have a baby, and promise to leave their deadly pasts behind… until, of course, trouble shows up three years later. It gave me major Finlay Donovan vibes with its mix of suspense and humor.

Up next: a Ruth Ware double feature. I’m currently reading The Woman in Cabin 10, gearing up for her brand-new sequel, The Woman in Suite 11. Can’t wait to see where the story goes!

📍 Worth the Stop

Tucked away in the scenic Catskills, Rip Van Winkle Campground is a hidden gem for families. With paddleboats, a refreshing pool, and multiple playgrounds, there’s no shortage of fun for the kids. Nearby, you’ll find charming local attractions like the Saugerties Lighthouse, a short and scenic hike leads you right to it. You can even spend the day kayaking along the peaceful Hudson River. Whether you're visiting in the vibrant summer or the crisp, colorful fall, this spot is well worth the stop.

🛒 What’s in My Amazon Cart

Living in a small space means I can’t keep a huge bookshelf, so my Kindle has become a must-have. I also use Kindle Unlimited, which gives me access to tons of great reads without taking up any space. I rounded up 30 of my favorite Kindle Unlimited books, you can check out the list [here].

This new Kindle comes in the same gorgeous jade color as my Kindle Scribe, which I absolutely love. If you don’t need the note-taking and organizational features, the regular Kindle reader is a perfect (and more affordable) option!

📬 Before You Go…

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