Episode 91: How to find free or inexpensive RV camping sites

This week, we talk about how to find free or very cheap sites in National Forests and we offer up some major motivation about why you need to get out there RVing. We also report on a study that shows one of the top of the list regrets Baby Boomers have is not traveling more. And we note how the kind of travel that RVing offers builds lasting memories and true contentment. Plus listener questions, comments, lots of tips and an of-the-beaten-path report. Scroll down for show note details and resources and click the player below to start listening. When you see a time code hyperlink, you can click it to jump directly to that segment of the podcast. [spp-player] Show Notes for Episode #91 June 8 2016 of Roadtreking - The RV Lifestyle Podcast JENNIFER'S TIP OF THE WEEK [spp-timestamp time="5:12"] Space is always at a premium in an RV so finding ways to maximize storage and take up less room at the same time is quite the balancing act. That’s where Zip Lock Bags come in so handy. Most of us use them for things like sandwiches. And that’s good. But in the RV, we use them for lots more. In the fridge, I use them for leftovers, for veggies, for premade meals. They pack well and don’t roll around or rattle. But in our pantry, they’re great for storing things like cereal and dry goods and things that come with lots of packaging, in big boxes that take up lots of space. Just empty the box into a baggie. You’ve instantly saved at lots of space. And because they seal up tight, things stay fresher than when stored in an open box. Mike uses Zip Lock bags to hold screws, fuses, cables, spare latches for the cabinet doors and various maintenance parts. Because the bags are clear, you instantly know what’s inside. And they come in different sizes. Zip Lock Bags make great space savers! Do you have a tip that we should share on the podcast? Use the Leave Voicemail link on the right side of the screen to send it in. I love hearing from you! The tip of the week is brought to you by Good Sam, the world’s most popular RV organization, now celebrating its 50thyear. LISTENER QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK: [spp-timestamp time="9:04"] Listener Jan has a question about the piece of wood that connects the lower part of the two rear sofa beds at the back of a Roadtrek. Mike and Jennifer share their experience on how to keep it from falling down. Gina asks about the app Roadside America and what mobile platforms it worked on. Alas, as Mike says, it’s only for iOS devices, not Android. The app helps users find all of the oddities across the United States and Canada, from giant twine balls to other off-the-wall attractions like the Cathedral of Junk in Austin, Texas. Search for attractions nearby, where headed – even by theme. The Roadside America app delivers a short description, address, and directions. The app is $2.99 for iOS with in-app purchases available to expand capabilities. By email, reader Loretta asks: Hi!  We are not new to camping, but new to Roadtreking:)  we have a small dog that we need to check on with our iPad using ATT cell data.  Do you know of a compatible 'spy' camera?  I have read so many descriptions on different make cameras, but they always want you to use Wifi - which we will not have on the road.Thanks so much! Loretta Mike shares his solution, Canary, noting that all remote monitoring systems DO require Wi-Fi. But her iPad can set up its own hotspot, which in turn can be used by Canary. The Canary device works through a free app and it provides live, wide angle streaming video and audio. We set it up before we leave the RV and we can use our smartphones to check up on what’s happening and how Bo is doing from anywhere. Something else we really like about the Canary: It provides real time readouts of the temperature, humidity and air quality so we can be sure the AC is working. The cost is $200. There are premium fees that you can upgrade to that archives your video, a feature more suited to fulltime use in a fixe...