Life on the open road in an RV is about discovery, and re-discovery – of your surroundings, a new route, and most importantly – of yourself. Choosing to take an RV on an adventure opens up a wide variety of experiences, including convenience and comfort, jumpstarting vacation from the minute you leave the driveway.

As BACKPACKER’s resident road warrior, here are my six reasons to consider an RV for your next outdoor adventure:

Plan – Or Don’t

The fantastic part about an RV trip is that planning is mostly optional. Of course, you have to move, but when and how quickly is entirely up to you! You have everything you need with you along the way, so dining and lodging needs are taken care of. Road tripping is universally appealing to both the trip planner and the wanderer.

Maximize Vacation Time

Rather than a point-to-point visit to a destination, the travel to and from becomes a series of micro-experiences. You have shared meals, sleepovers and quality time with family and friends during your journey. Your travel days are no longer just eating up time you could be adventuring – they are the adventure.

Eat, Sleep, Drive

The RV vacation gives you control over your pace, timing, and expenses. A well-stocked kitchen offers treats for everyone. Comfortable beds make sure that road warriors are rested for the next day. This flexibility gives more space to be spontaneous.

Stop Spontaneously & Stay

Every good road trip passes signs such as “Natural Bridge” or “30-Foot-Tall Dancing Hog.” Why hurry? Park, have a snack in the RV, and hang out for a while. When your vacation includes an RV, getting to know the kitschy side of the US or simply stopping at every country store becomes a possibility.

Make Unexpected Connections

Nothing says “welcome” like seeing another RV at a campground. Pulling up in an RV automatically invites you to be part of an adventure-loving community. Road travel encourages some social time (if you want it!). When your schedule is flexible, taking the time to converse with local shop owners and other like-minded travelers offers new perspectives on destinations and can open you to experiences you wouldn’t otherwise know about.

Play Better Games

Have you been on a road trip if you haven’t played The Alphabet Game and stared out the window looking for words in alphabetical order? With an RV as your vehicle of choice, the family can gather around the table and play some board games to better pass the time. Just be mindful not to play ones with lots of pieces that could get too shuffled if you hit a bump – yikes.