Depending on where you live, it may be getting cooler each day. If winter in your region brings snow, ice and frigid temperatures, consider planning a vacation in a luxury motorcoach to a warmer climate.
When you travel in a luxury motorcoach, you have all the amenities that are found in a hotel, including queen-size and bunk beds, full bathrooms with showers, a large refrigerator, kitchen sink, oven, dishwasher, large screen television with Wi-Fi, and plenty of storage space. Some RVs also come with an electric fireplace. LiTRV can help you assess what type of motorcoach would be the best fit for you and your family, friends, and pets, and arrange for a professional driver, should you choose not to drive.
One of the benefits of traveling in a luxury motorcoach is that the open road is yours to explore. There’s no rushing to the airport or having your travel plans interrupted by flight delays or cancellations.
If you’re seeking to escape freezing cold, miserable weather, consider visiting a warmer climate in the West and Southwest. Here are some ideas:
Tucson, Arizona
As the second-largest city in Arizona, Tucson is best known for its beautiful desert landscapes, vibrant Mexican American culture, delicious cuisine, and it is also a big college town — home to the University of Arizona.
While a large city, Tucson has kept its rustic appeal and has attracted creatives who draw inspiration from the serene Sonoran Desert. One Wall Street Journal reporter described Tucson as “a mini mecca for the arts.” With a vibrant arts and music scene, there’s plenty to experience in and around the city.
Tucson is also home to world-renowned spas and wellness resorts. LiTRV’s professional driver can drop you off at Miraval Resort & Spa, Canyon Ranch Resort, or another luxury spa where you can treat yourself to several days of relaxing, transformative self-care.
A trip to Tucson would not be complete without visiting Saguaro National Park. The giant, majestic saguaro is the universal symbol of the American West. Standing tall, often with many “arms,” these cacti are primarily found in Southern Arizona and Mexico. The park protects these iconic saguaros on the east and west sides of the city. The park includes scenic looped roads and several hiking trails, including Signal Hill Trail, which leads to petroglyphs of the ancient Hohokam people.
There are several RV resorts in and around Tucson, and because winter reservations book up quickly, our LiTRV team can help you plan your trip and research availability.
Death Valley, California
From the warmth of San Diego to the cooler beaches in Monterey and other northern California towns, California is a great place to escape the harsh winter. From whale watching to wine tasting, there’s plenty to do and many great regions of the state to explore.
Depending on which part of the state you want to visit, and if you have kids, you may want to allocate time to visit Disney California Adventure Park, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott’s Berry Farm, and LEGOLAND California. If you’re spending time in or near San Diego, be sure to stop by Balboa Park, which includes 17 museums, 19 beautiful gardens, musical theaters, a sports complex, and the San Diego Zoo.
And, while temperatures often exceed 120 degrees in the summer, Death Valley is a beautiful park to visit in the winter, with temperatures averaging from the mid-60s to the low 70s during the day. In this below-sea-level basin, steady drought and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes. Between the rugged canyons, salt flats, vibrant mountains, and golden sand dunes, the park offers stunning and diverse landscapes. While there are RV resorts nearby, we can arrange for your motorcoach to include a tow for your car, so you will have more flexibility exploring the park.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Whether you want to be dropped off at a five-star resort and casino or you prefer to stay at one of the RV resorts close to all the action, Las Vegas provides an incredible variety of entertainment, especially for winter visitors escaping colder climates.
And you don’t have to gamble to enjoy this one-of-a-kind city. Take in an evening show or concert, shop at designer boutiques and high-end brand stores, indulge in delicious cuisine at countless world-class restaurants…you’ll be amazed at how many entertainment options you have.
Las Vegas is also becoming a big sports town. With enough notice, LiTRV can try to secure tickets to big sporting events, including the Vegas Golden Knights (NHL), Las Vegas Raiders (NFL), and the Las Vegas Aces (WNBA). The city is currently preparing for the Formula One Grand Prix in November and Super Bowl LVIII in February 2024.
Or take a short road trip via your motorcoach to Lake Mead, which is just 24 miles east of Las Vegas. Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States in terms of water capacity. The reservoir is formed by Hoover Dam on the Colorado River. During winter months, daytime temperatures range from 57 to 69 degrees.
Winter doesn’t need to be dreary. Take a look at your calendar and contact LiTRV to start planning your winter retreat now. Not only can we help you plan a custom vacation in a luxury motorcoach, LiTRV team members are available throughout your trip should you need help or have any questions. We strive to make each travel experience in a luxury motorcoach a memorable one.
It’s been nearly a year since Rob B. and Samantha (Sam) L. became first-time owners of a 45-foot luxury Class A motorcoach. Rob had some experience with RVs – he’d been in a few for bachelor parties and camping trips. Sam had never set foot inside an RV until they visited their friend, Jeff, and got to experience his “beautiful house on wheels.”
The couple purchased a new Forest River Berkshire 45XLT. The spacious motorcoach features three slides creating a very open floor plan with a king bedroom master suite and a full second bathroom. There are two bunk beds mid-cabin and a queen bed that drops down from above the driver’s area. The main cabin includes a large seating area, dinette, a sofa hide-a-bed and expansive kitchen with a microwave/convection oven, cooktop, residential refrigerator and dishwasher. Other amenities include an electric fireplace, stackable washer and dryer, plenty of closet space and a lot of under coach storage.
Rob is a firefighter in Brooklyn, New York, and Sam is an executive assistant for a data management company. Rob is also the founder of the nonprofit Humble Heroes of FDNY, which was legally established in 2020 as a 100% volunteer based 501(c)(3) charity, an officially affiliated organization of the FDNY (New York City Fire Department). Together, along with a small group of volunteers, Rob and Sam dress up as famous superheroes and visit local hospitals and grief centers.
“Our goal is to lift the spirits of ill and grieving children,” Rob said. “We want to bring joy to kids fighting life’s injustices. Our mantra is ‘Anyone can be someone’s hero.’”
Even Heroes Need Help
Rob had some experience driving large vehicles. He had worked as a chauffeur for four years and he drove the 40-foot rig at his firehouse.
“Our RV is much easier to drive than the rig at work,” he said.
But it didn’t take long for Rob and Sam to realize they needed help. At the recommendation of their friend, Jeff, they contacted LiTRV to arrange for owner support.
While LiTRV is known for its luxury motorcoach rental representation services, many people don’t realize that the LiTRV team also provides owner support services, including maintenance and storage. In addition, the LiTRV team will meet personally with owners to give them a tutorial, which is especially helpful for first-time owners.
In their first meeting, LiTRV co-owner Mike Bloomquist was able to assess Rob’s skills and provide helpful tips for driving, parking, and other motorcoach operations.
“We appreciated the extra layer of support,” Rob said, adding that he felt more comfortable after the tutorial.
Sam has been impressed with LiTRV’s customer service.
“When the RV is not in use, LiTRV stores it in their Florida facility,” she said. “They have been incredible. We have routine calls with them, and they are always prompt with answering questions and giving us updates. We’ve been ‘hands-off,’ and we trust their team to take care of everything for us.”
Experiencing Life in Their Luxury RV
Recently, Rob and Sam took their luxury motorcoach on a short road trip from Nashville, Tennessee to Atlanta, Georgia.
“Our favorite part of traveling was how the massive windshields allowed for outstanding views of the mountain ranges,” Rob said.
While their trip was full of fun, Sam did need to spend some time working from her laptop. Fortunately, she was able to access WiFi both inside the motorcoach and sitting outside by the lake.
Rob also shared a favorite memory from a different trip in June to southwestern Florida.
“We took Sam’s father as a Father’s Day gift. It was awesome to see him on the motorcoach. He was so impressed,” he said.
Sam said they stayed at the beautiful Myakka River Motorcoach Resort, and they appreciated having all the luxury there in one spot.
“We had our own lot. Rob cooked breakfast in the morning, we had access to a pool and tennis courts. Everything was well maintained, and there was no reason to leave,” she said.
When their Forest River Berkshire is not being used by Rob and Sam, LiTRV rents it for luxury experiences throughout the United States and Canada.
Rob said he and Sam appreciate having LiTRV as their motorcoach rental representation and owner service partners.
“I think they add immense value to owning an RV. They are so familiar with the ins and outs of operating motorcoaches. We also appreciate that they are always looking to save us money. They spend our money the way they would spend their own money,” he said.
More Time to Lift Kids’ Spirits
Having LiTRV’s support also means that Rob and Sam can spend more time planning and attending Humble Heroes of FDNY monthly events around the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. The superheroes now attend special travel events, including the Night to Shine, a prom for special needs children coordinated by the Tim Tebow Foundation in Venice, Florida. The next event takes place on Feb. 9, 2024.
“It’s such a rewarding experience,” Sam said. “There’s probably 100 kids who dress up in suits and gowns and walk the red carpet, and it’s fun to see their faces light up when they see us superheroes.”
Rob gives credit to the Humble Heroes volunteers for helping to make each event successful.
“Most of them are firefighters, cops, teachers, and small business owners. Some are working two to three jobs, but they still make time to dress up as a superhero and attend our events,” he said. “You don’t have to have a ton of money to be someone’s hero…anyone can be someone’s hero.”
To learn more about Humble Heroes of FDNY or to make a donation, visit www.hhfdny.org.
To learn more about renting the new Forest River Berkshire luxury motorcoach or to learn about LiTRV’s owner services, visit litrv.com or call 1-800-369-8153.
LiTRV (Luxury in Travel) co-owner Jim Colletti often likes to say that LiTRV provides a custom luxury travel experience that is hard to find anywhere else. Whether you are renting a luxury motorcoach through LiTRV or you retain LiTRV for owner services, there’s a good chance you will experience Jim’s detail-oriented, attentive customer service. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Jim manages LiTRV’s operations and concierge services, and he often travels to be on-site with clients if the LiTRV team needs additional support.
We recently sat down with him for a Q&A:
How and when did you become interested in working with luxury motorcoaches?
Jim: Throughout my childhood, my family traveled the country for yearly vacations pulling a travel trailer. I didn’t really learn about luxury motorcoach travel until I was introduced to LiTRV in 2021 when contracted to assist them with marketing. Having a great deal of experience in the auto industry and having worked with many luxury brands, I became fascinated with the luxury motorcoach industry and became more involved.
What is the biggest misconception people have about renting a luxury motorcoach?
Jim: Cost. Because this travel option is so different from anything else, it is hard for those becoming familiar with it to understand the costs. Rental of a luxury motorcoach for a weekend or week could cost between $10,000 and $20,000.
What is something that surprised you about luxury motorcoaches and/or the luxury travel industry?
Jim: I wasn’t necessarily surprised, but it was interesting to learn that luxury motorcoach travel offers great diversity and freedom to travelers, still allowing them to have a luxury experience. For example, we have assisted clients with mobility and other health issues who can no longer fly to their destinations. In addition, we do a lot of work with IMSA racing teams who rent luxury coaches for the duration of their race. There are so many different uses for luxury motorcoaches, and I think people are also surprised to learn that we can arrange for a professional driver.
If a friend or family member was thinking of purchasing a luxury motorcoach, what would you advise them?
Jim: I would suggest that they rent first, offering them some hands-on opportunities to help influence their decision. There’s something to be said about living in an RV for a week or more…you have the chance to drive it on local streets and freeways, set it up at a campsite, and really determine if it’s something you’d like to invest in. It’s the ultimate test drive.
How would you describe your leadership style?
Jim: I take the collaborative and inclusive road when managing. Those around me typically are more knowledgeable than me, and I know to leverage their knowledge for progress.
You have a great team assembled, including private drivers, maintenance crew, and other motorcoach specialists. What traits do you look for when bringing someone on to the LiTRV team?
Jim: Proactiveness, knowledge and confidence.
Do you take time off to travel yourself, and if so, where do you like to go?
Jim: I typically travel only for business but always look to find something fun to do while on the road – great restaurants, museums and activities.
You’re often working against the clock to book reservations and take care of other logistics. How early do you start your day and what type of breakfast do you have to get your day started?
Jim: I start my day between 5:30 and 6 a.m. I love the mornings and always feel better when I can get my arms around the day early. Coffee is my morning meal!
Where do you see LiTRV in 5 years? And/or are there any exciting plans on the horizon?
Jim: I envision LiTRV growing in all aspects of the luxury motorcoach industry – rentals, owner services, storage, and consignment support.
Whether you’re seeking to rent a luxury motorcoach for a memorable vacation or you’re an owner who needs help with maintenance, storage and other owner services, Jim and the LiTRV team would welcome the chance to connect with you. Feel free to contact them at info@litrv.com or call them at 1-800-369-8153.
With a record number of people expected to travel in November, December, and January, it’s a good time to confirm your holiday plans. Last year, nearly 113 million people traveled from December 23 to January 2, alone, according to AAA. And, last year was the third busiest Thanksgiving travel year since AAA started tracking travel in 2000.
Throughout last year’s holiday season, spirits were dampened for those flying due to thousands of flight cancellations and long delays at airports. Big storms and labor shortages were blamed, and it’s easy to understand why some people might hesitate to fly this holiday season.
Travel in a Luxury Motorcoach
Fortunately, there’s an alternative way to travel for the holidays in a luxury motorcoach. Whether you are traveling to see family or planning a fun vacation with family and friends, a luxury motorcoach has all the amenities you would find in a hotel, including queen-size and bunk beds, full bathrooms with showers, a large refrigerator, kitchen sink, oven, dishwasher, large screen television with WiFi, and plenty of storage space.
LiTRV can help you assess what type of motorcoach would be the best fit for you and your family, friends, and pets, and arrange for a professional driver, should you choose not to drive. In addition, we can assist with other travel needs, such as reservations at fine dining restaurants, local tourist excursions, and other memorable experiences.
If you’re like most people, you’ll want to visit a warmer climate during the holidays. Our team at LiTRV can assist you with making reservations at a luxury RV resort, but reservations book up quickly, so we suggest confirming your plans soon.
Here are three luxury RV resorts to consider:
Bluewater Key Luxury RV Resort in Key West, Florida
If you’re seeking warmth and ocean fun similar to a Caribbean experience, consider planning your vacation to the Florida Keys. A string of tropical islands stretching some 120 miles off the southern tip of the state, the Florida Keys begin about 15 miles south of Miami and extend south-southwest, dividing the Atlantic Ocean to the east from the Gulf of Mexico to the northwest. Key West is the southernmost city in the continental United States, and it is located just 93 miles from Cuba.
Bluewater Key Luxury RV Resort in Key West is the perfect destination if you’re seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Tucked away in a peaceful enclave, this vacation destination is dotted with tiki huts and surrounded by sparkling turquoise water. Relax by the pool or spend the day diving or snorkeling. Be sure to visit Mallory Square in Key West, where you can dine, shop, and experience Mallory Square’s world-famous sunset celebration. Take a tour of Ernest Hemingway’s historic home and museum or check out the iconic Duval Street, known for its lively bars and restaurants. Duval Street is also famous for its New Year’s Eve celebration, so if you’re planning to stay through the New Year, make your plans to visit Key West well in advance.
Hilton Head Island Motorcoach Resort in South Carolina
Hilton Head Island received the prestigious honor of being named “#1 Island in the Continental U.S.” and “#2 Island in the World” by Travel+Leisure Magazine, and the “Top Island in the United States” by Condé Nast Traveler Magazine.
The island is part of the Lowcountry region of South Carolina. It’s known for its pristine beaches and golf courses. Hilton Head Island features unique restaurants and shops, the Harbour Town Lighthouse and Museum, the Coastal Discovery Museum, bike paths, hiking trails, and plenty of other fun activities, including kayaking and fishing. Between the island and mainland, the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge salt marsh hosts deer, alligators and birds.
Hilton Head Island Motorcoach Resort is a great place to spend the holidays. Set on 50 acres of fully landscaped property, the pet-friendly resort features unique lots and diverse amenities, including a pool and hot tub, tennis courts, six new pickle ball courts, shuffleboard courts, a clubhouse, a poolside restaurant, a fully equipped gym, a full laundry facility and more. The property also has a secured, gated entrance.
Motorcoach Country Club in Indio, California
The warmth of California’s desert can also provide the perfect setting for a holiday vacation. Set in Coachella Valley, Indio is in the Colorado desert region of the Sonoran Desert.
With magnificent mountain and desert views, Motorcoach Country Club in Indio is surrounded by more than 100 golf courses and dozens of gated communities. Set on 80 acres, the luxury RV resort includes its own beautiful golf course as well as a 10,000 square-foot clubhouse, five-star restaurant, pickle ball and tennis courts, and one of the waterways for boats. Most of the Class A motorcoach lots are enhanced with “coach houses,” private swimming pools, casitas, and lush landscaping.
Named the City of Festivals, Indio has become a favorite destination for foodies and music lovers, attracting more than 1 million people each year for its multiple mainstream events, including the Indio International Tamale Festival taking place this year on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3.
During your vacation, be sure to visit nearby Palm Springs where you can view mid-century modern architecture, shop at high-end boutiques and art galleries, and dine at fine restaurants.
Indio is also some 30 miles from Joshua Tree National Park, which stretches over 800,000 acres of rugged terrain. Revered by American Indian tribes, the Joshua tree’s leaves provided durable materials for baskets and footwear, while the buds and seeds were a healthy addition to their food supply. The park’s unique rock formations are popular with rock climbers and there are plenty of places to hike and picnic.
These are just some winter destinations to consider when planning your holiday vacation. If you have other destinations in mind, we’ll be happy to help you plan a memorable vacation in a luxury motorcoach, complete with a professional driver, should you choose not to drive.
With more than 600 balloons, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the world’s largest balloon event that has been attracting thousands of people for more than four decades. Touted as “the world’s most photographed event,” the festive event provides fun for the entire family during a week-long celebration each October that includes a mix of hot air balloon mass ascensions and static displays, night-time balloon glows, a stage with live music, children’s activities, and interactive exhibits at the event’s Balloon Discovery Center.
More than 80,000 people are expected to attend this year’s event, which takes place from October 7-15 at Balloon Fiesta Park. The 78-acre park is the size of 54 football fields, and during the event, it transforms into a magical, colorful sea of giant hot air balloons filling the blue morning New Mexico sky or glowing at nightfall to the roar of hundreds of burners simultaneously igniting.
With hotels booked up months in advance, one alternative is to rent a luxury motorcoach with all the amenities you would find in a hotel, including queen-size and bunk beds, full bathrooms with showers, a large refrigerator, kitchen sink, oven, dishwasher, large screen television with WiFi, and plenty of storage space. LiTRV can help you assess what type of motorcoach is the best fit for you and your family, friends, and pets, and arrange for a professional driver, should you choose not to drive.
While the RV parking at the Balloon Fiesta site is currently booked for 2023, there are several RV parks nearby. LiTRV can research availability for this year or help make reservations on-site for next year when space reservations open in January 2024.
If time permits, extend your vacation to see more of this beautiful southern Rocky Mountain state. Known as the “Land of Enchantment,” New Mexico is bursting with history, culture, and adventure. Some suggestions include:
Chaco Culture National Historical Park: Spend the day exploring the largest, best preserved, and architecturally advanced of all ancient Southwestern villages. Located in northwest New Mexico, the park features massive buildings of the ancestral Pueblo peoples who lived there between 850 and 1250 A.D. Take advantage of guided tours, hiking and biking trails, evening campfire talks and night sky programs. While there are no RV parks on site, LiTRV can research availability in nearby towns, including Bloomfield, which is about an hour away.
Santa Fe: An easy, 90-minute drive from Albuquerque, Santa Fe offers an incredible experience full of history, art, nightlife, and world-renowned cuisine. Known as “The City Different,” the nation’s oldest state capital city features 250 art galleries, more than a dozen museums, the famous Santa Fe Opera, more than 200 restaurants, world-class spas, horseback riding, hiking trails and much more. LiTRV can research availability at several nearby upscale RV parks.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park: Featuring more than 100 caves, Carlsbad Caverns is worth the half-day drive from Albuquerque to the Chihuahuan Desert of southern New Mexico. It features more than 100 caves. Stunning stalactites cling to the roof the Big Room, a natural limestone chamber which is almost 4,000 feet long, 625 feet wide, and 255 feet high at the highest point. It is the third-largest chamber in North America and the seventh largest in the world. While there are no RV sites in the park, LiTRV can research availability at several sites nearby.
Whether you are planning a vacation this fall or you’re looking ahead to 2024, consider renting a luxury motorcoach for a truly unique experience. And, if the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is on your bucket list, give us a call today at 1-800-369-8153 or email us at info@litrv.com.
Majestic mountains, refreshing air, abundant wildlife, and no one around for miles…Courtney T. could understand why her father built a home in this remote, rural region of Colorado nearly 30 years ago. It was peaceful and the views were breathtaking.
Over the years, it became an annual tradition for Courtney and her siblings to visit her father in the summer.
“It’s always a lot of fun. We all pile into his place, but as our families have grown, it has gotten very crowded,” she said.
Last year, Courtney purchased property nearby, and this summer, she decided she wanted to stay on her land for two weeks during the family gathering.
“I wanted the chance to experience the sunrises, sunsets, and other natural aspects of the property before I designed my new home,” she said. “I also wanted to rent something that was like a house, knowing that my two children, my dog, Millie, and several cousins would likely sleep in it during our stay.”
The trip would also provide a break from the hot, humidity of Houston, where she and her children currently reside.
Courtney found LiTRV through a Google search, and she was immediately impressed with the service she would receive.
“More than anything, I was seeking something convenient. I wanted them to bring the RV to me, set it up, and then take it away when we were done,” she said.
On the day that LiTRV delivered the motorcoach, Courtney was surprised to see just how large it was.
“We’re 30 minutes from the main road, and I was not sure if the driver could make it to my property, but he did a great job,” she said. “Then we all got a good laugh when my father came to see it. He said, ‘Courtney, that’s not a trailer!’”
Courtney said the luxury motorcoach was a big hit with her entire family and especially with the kids.
“It was much nicer than I thought it was going to be. It had a large refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, two full bathrooms with showers and toilets and sinks in both bathrooms,” she said.
Living on her land was exactly what she needed, and she was grateful that the motorcoach had folding chairs stored away under the coach.
“One of my favorite memories was sitting outside in the morning with my coffee or at dusk, watching the kids play, and just taking in the beauty of the land,” she said.
She was also appreciative of LiTRV’s customer service. In addition to delivering the motorcoach, LiTRV’s driver gave her an orientation regarding key amenities she would be using.
“The service was incredible. If I had questions, I would call or text and someone would answer immediately, and the answer was always right,” she said.
Although she has a better idea now about how she wants to design her new home, Courtney does not anticipate having her home built by next July.
“I may rent a luxury motorcoach again next year,” she said. “It was a really cool experience, and I would recommend it to other property owners who are planning to build a new home on their land.”
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