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.”
Chances are that if you have rented a luxury motorcoach through LiTRV (Luxury in Travel) or if you retain LiTRV for owner services, you’ve met or talked with LiTRV Founder and Co-owner, Mike Bloomquist. We recently sat down with him for a Q&A:
How and when did you become interested in working with luxury motorcoaches?
Mike: In 2010, I acquired a 40’ luxury RV after an in-law became ill and could no longer afford to own the “coach.” The plan was to buy it, use it for a year, then sell it for the same price since I got it at wholesale value. I was approached to “rent” my RV for Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. I hosted a full tailgate hospitality for 15 people using the RV as base camp for my clients. It was an amazing experience for both me and the clients. I was all-in.
What is the biggest misconception people have about renting a luxury motorcoach?
Mike: There’s a need to better educate the public about their travel options. Many people don’t realize they can rent a luxury motorcoach, so actually there are not a lot of misconceptions, but rather appreciation that we are here to assist.
What is something that surprised you about luxury motorcoaches and/or the luxury travel industry?
Mike: Luxury motorcoaches are very different from standard RVs. There are many more amenities, and at first, there was a bit of a learning curve regarding all the bells and whistles. As for our clients, I think people are often pleasantly surprised at how comfortable road travel is, and they are often excited to learn that they can bring their pets.
If a friend or family member was thinking of purchasing a luxury motorcoach, what would you advise them?
Mike: First, don’t rush to make a purchasing decision. Set a budget and shop around. And call LiTRV – we have the industry knowledge and expertise to help you assess your options and avoid any common mistakes.
How would you describe your leadership style?
Mike: We are a small company, and for the most part I was a sole-proprietor since starting this business. So my company leadership has been focused on surrounding myself with trustworthy, passionate, and qualified people to build a sustainable network and build a successful business. I’m a passive leader with my parters, our contractors, and service providers so I can understand others’ perspectives and make informed decisions. This also helps me build deep meaningful relationships which is the cornerstone for business longevity.
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?
Mike: Honesty, good communication, the ability to provide constructive feedback and show up every day.
Do you take time off to travel yourself, and if so, where do you like to go?
Mike: Yes, I try to take 7-10 days away from direct contact with work and spend time with my wife, son, daughter, and our dog, Wrigley. Our favorite destinations include Hawaii, exploring West of the Mississippi, family reunions in the Midwest, and road trips in a LiTRV motorcoach.
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?
Mike: We work with the clock, never against it! Time is extremely precious and valuable so we actively plan and take into account obstacles that could slow the process. As for breakfast…small coffee, then some fruit and/or a protein bar.
If you could plan a trip on a luxury motorcoach with a famous person (dead or alive), who would it be and why?
Mike: You can really get to know someone on a luxury RV road trip, and I’m fascinated with global environmental issues, so to plan a trip with Boyan Slat from The Ocean Cleanup or the late Jacque Cousteau would be amazing.
Where do you see LiTRV in 5 years? And/or are there any exciting plans on the horizon?
Mike: In 5 years, LiTRV will have evolved to become a more dynamic company providing new services for RV owners, buyers, sellers, and renters. The unique coach experiences will become more sophisticated and a younger audience will find new ways to incorporate luxury motorcoaches into their lives for both personal travel and event needs.
Whether you’re seeking to rent a luxury motorcoach for a fun vacation or you’re an owner who needs help with maintenance, storage and other owner services, Mike 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.
When summer temperatures are sizzling, it’s the perfect time to plan a trip to see the fall foliage. And there’s no better way to experience this colorful, magical phenomenon than by traveling country roads in a luxury motorcoach. LiTRV can help you assess your luxury RV rental options, arrange for a professional driver, and assist with other travel needs, such as reservations at fine dining restaurants, local tourist excursions, and other memorable experiences.
“Leaf peeping” tourism is particularly popular in New England, Appalachia, the upper Midwest, the Pacific Northwest, the Smoky Mountains, the Rocky Mountains, and many areas of Canada. Weather plays a pivotal role in how vibrant the leaves are during this seasonal change, but typically the best time to see fall foliage is between mid-September and early November.
Here are some ideas to consider:
The Finger Lakes Region of New York
The Finger Lakes region consists of a group of 11 long, narrow north-south lakes located south of Lake Ontario. Known for its breathtaking scenery, including waterfalls, gorges and rolling hills, the region also features many festivals, wineries, and craft breweries. There are so many beautiful places to explore, including Seneca Lake, Watkins Glen State Park, Finger Lakes National Forest, Buttermilk Falls, Taughannock Falls. Reservations for luxury RV resorts tend to book up quickly, so now is a good time to confirm plans.
Vermont
Fall is a great time to visit Vermont. The cool, crisp autumn air and spectacular fall foliage provide the perfect setting for harvest festivals, Octoberfest events, hiking, apple picking and other fun activities. The maple trees not only produce colorful fall foliage, but they also produce the sap that forms Vermont’s famous maple syrup. There are several luxury RV resorts throughout the state and near Vermont’s largest city, Burlington, with beautiful views of Lake Champlain and the surrounding Adirondack mountains.
Colorado
The Rocky Mountains provide a different fall foliage experience. While you won’t see the rich, deep red, cranberry, purple and variety of other colors that are on display in the Northeast, the large aspen and cottonwood trees turn bright yellow, deep orange and gold. Set against the rugged, rocky mountain peaks, along with tall pine trees, the views are stunning, especially on a clear day. Consider visiting Durango, an old western railroad town that was established in 1880. Or if you’re seeking a more modern area with high-end restaurants and boutiques, consider visiting Aspen, and be sure to visit Maroon Bells. As one of the most photographed alpine scenes in the country, the Maroon Bells are two peaks in the Elk Mountains that reflect off of Maroon Lake.
Washington
Known as the Evergreen State, the state of Washington is full of maples, aspens, and larches that explode in color when autumn arrives. There are several luxury RV resorts near Mt. Rainer National Park, which was described by John Muir as “the most luxuriant and the most extravagantly beautiful of all the alpine gardens I ever beheld in all my mountain-top wanderings.” Central Washington is home to the state’s wine country, and this region also provides for good “leaf peeping.” The Olympic Peninsula lies across Puget Sound from Seattle and is another great place to visit in the fall. With access to the Pacific coast, the Hoh rainforest, and the Olympic mountains, the area features tribal cultural centers, fishing, hiking, mountain climbing and whale watching.
The good news is that there are many choices to see fall foliage throughout the United States and Canada. Reservations at luxury RV resorts and hotels do book up quickly, so it’s not too early to begin planning your trip. Our LiTRV team is ready to assist you.
Mary and her husband, Maynard, were ready to travel. They had stayed close to home since the onset of the pandemic, and it was time to go on a fun adventure. But there was one challenge – Maynard’s mobility challenges prevented him from flying.
Even before the pandemic, Mary and Maynard were trying to find a better way to travel.
“When Maynard started having health issues, including a bad back, I had to change my style of packing. So, even a car trip to a hotel was difficult as I had to pack everything in smaller bags and go back and forth from the car to the hotel room,” Mary said.
Determined to find an alternative, Mary started talking with friends who owned a motorcoach. She was intrigued by how spacious it was and began to research her options.
When she connected with LiTRV, she was very particular about their needs. Together, they reviewed options regarding amenities and specific details relating to the staircase into the luxury motorcoach, the height of the bed and the height of the toilet. It was also important to have a shower with a seat that came down.
The couple decided on visiting Hilton Head Island National RV Resort in South Carolina. LiTRV arranged for one of their professional drivers, Mark, to pick them up, drive them to the RV resort, and then drive them home. Mark stayed in a trailer in the same park in case they needed any assistance.
“Mark was an excellent driver,” Mary said. “He met all of our needs, and we appreciated that he stayed close by, especially since it was our first experience in a luxury motorcoach.”
Mary chose Hilton Head for several reasons. First, Maynard loves golf…he started playing when he was 12 years old. Secondly, the RV resort had a country club casual restaurant on its property that was easily accessible.
They stayed in an adult-only section of the RV Resort called Water’s Edge.
“It was really wonderful,” Mary said. “We could sit outside and watch people playing golf across the pond. We rented a golf cart and roamed around the resort, and even took it to dinner,” she said, adding that the restaurant food was delicious. Maynard was also able to take his rollator on the back of the golf cart.
They also liked the camaraderie among other RV resort guests.
“We were the new kids on the block, and everyone was so nice,” she said. “Our coach was clean with up-to-date amenities. The property was also well-kept, and they picked up our trash each morning.”
The trip was especially memorable because their granddaughter visited and stayed with them for a few nights.
Overall, it was a positive experience, and Mary and Maynard hope to travel again soon.
Mary also has some tips for other mobility-challenged travelers who are considering renting a luxury motorcoach.
“Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions,” she said. “Think about everything you may need, whether that’s a firm mattress or a shower bar. If you or your loved one need a walker or rollator, make sure the floor path is wide enough to get through.”
LiTRV’s concierge specialists take the time to create a customized luxury motorcoach trip for each client. Don’t let a mobility challenge keep you from traveling. Let us help you plan a trip that best suits your travel needs.
Recent Comments