Optimal Distance for a Week-Long RV Trip: A Comprehensive Guide

Planning a week-long RV trip can be an exciting adventure, but navigating the right distance to travel each day requires careful consideration. Factors like your travel pace, the sites you wish to see, and the amount of time you're willing to spend driving versus enjoying your destination play a crucial role in determining the ideal distance.

General Guidelines

The average RV traveler typically finds that 200 to 300 miles per day is a comfortable distance. This allows ample time for breaks, sightseeing, and setting up camp without feeling rushed. Over the course of a week, this would translate to approximately 1400 to 2100 miles in total, depending on how many days you plan to drive.

Considerations and Factors

Several factors can affect your daily driving distance and overall travel speed:

Road Conditions: Poor roads can slow you down and make the journey less enjoyable. Travel Speed: Your speed can be affected by weather, traffic, and the type of RV you are using. Always prioritize safety and comfort. Time Management: Plan for time to explore your destinations, which can enhance your overall experience. Use a 2:1 rule for ideal trip duration—spend at least twice as long in one location as the drive to get there and back.

Some RVers prefer even shorter distances, limiting daily drives to no more than 400 miles or less when possible. I've personally found that staying under 300 miles per day is more enjoyable, as it allows for a better balance between travel and sightseeing.

Personal Experiences

With over 11 years of touring Europe full-time, our rule of thumb has been to start travel by 11 am and finish by 3 pm. We aim to travel no more than 150 miles (240Km) in a single day and spend the next day staying in one location instead of continuing to travel. We adhere to this philosophy to ensure we have enough time to explore and enjoy each destination, and we never book ahead unless there's a good reason to expect a site might be full.

We also go out of our way to avoid toll roads or motorways because they can be frustrating and boring. Our approach is to take scenic routes that offer more engaging and memorable experiences.

Longer Trips

For longer trips, such as our 1800 miles (2900Km) journey from UK to Sicily, which took 4.5 months, we still followed a similar rule. This extra time allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the culture and scenery of each destination, making the journey both enjoyable and enriching.

Stay mindful of your limits and always prioritize a balanced approach to make your RV trip a memorable and stress-free experience. Whether you're traveling the roads of the US or exploring the continent of Europe, the key is to find the right balance between travel and rest, ensuring you make the most of your journey.