And check out the products and places that help mothers get it done

Can you have a family and travel in the same lifetime? These camping moms say yes! Family travel can be even more exciting and rewarding than travel without kids. Moreover, it can be manageable!

In honor of Mother’s Day (May 12), we want to share invaluable advice from some of the top traveling moms and our pics of the best gifts to help say thanks.

It may not always be paradise. Parenting can be all-consuming. Here’s how these RV and travel bloggers make traveling with kids a reality. And all the while, making it look easy.

Books for the Traveling Brood

Stephanie and Jeremy from RV Family Travel Atlas have three young children that are growing up on the road in an RV. Stephanie is dedicated to spreading the word that moms don’t have to give up having big adventures just because they are traveling with little humans.

Stephanie with her kids; Theo, Max & Wes. Photo courtesy of RVFTA.

They recently talked about tips for parents who may not be enjoying every single moment.

If you love reading, then why not take reading habit to the campground? The Puglisi’s typically end their day by reading a book. Just like they have taught their kids to pack their clothes and any sports equipment they want to take along; they have to pack a certain number of books. So, they are choosing what they want to read. And the couple models it as an activity.

Mid-day reading downtime can be a great break from the campground, to reset and helps prevent crankiness. And go digital! Try Libby, where you can discover eBooks and audiobooks from your local library. And it’s free!

EP: What’s been the best camping gift you’ve received to make your life easier?

“A comfortable camp chair or hammock!!! Every mom deserves the chance to relax in comfort when RVing. Some moms love a zero gravity chair, others like a rocking chair or big, comfy papasan. Hammocks are also the perfect gift to for a mom who needs some downtime.”

EP: What has been the most rewarding thing about RV travel, in regards to being a mom/parent?

“I think it’s been spending so much time with my kids away from the busyness of every day life. When we RV, we really just check out of the endless to-do lists and enjoy time together. We also spend so much more time outside, whether we are RVing to the mountains, the beach, the lake, or a great city destination.”

EP: What would be your advice to a new mom/young family looking to hit the road?

“Don’t make it too complicated! Keep it simple and really try to enjoy the time together. Plan activities that the whole family will enjoy. Teach your kids how to do the things you love, whether it’s hiking, biking, kayaking, or fishing. Also, not every moment will be Instagram worthy, and that’s okay. It’s worth the effort to step out of your comfort zone and RV with young children.”

Go Crazy for RV Family Togetherness

Crazy Family Adventure is a family of six and a dog who sold everything, bought an RV and have been traveling full-time around North America since 2014.

Craig, Bryanna, Carson, the twins Melia and Cannon, the youngest Knox, and the two dogs Indy and Odin. Photo courtesy of Crazy Family Adventure.

It’s interesting to think that these high school sweetheart parents now have children that have never gone to a traditional school. Craig and Bryanna are giving their kids the world as their classroom.

Craig and Bryanna departed from San Diego for a 3 month round trip of the peninsula from the Sea of Cortez to the Pacific Ocean. Photo courtesy of CrazyFamilyAdventure.com.

They didn’t have a lot of fears around traveling with kids. Their fears were more around leaving behind a life they had built before they headed out on the open road fulltime. But they are still on the road, five years later!

As they say: “It is freedom, it is independence.”

EP: What do you love about RV travel?

“I love going to new places to explore together as a family. Seeing my kids experience something for the first time and being able to share that with them is an awesome thing!”

EP: What are your top tips for making family travel work?

“Compromise! And know that things aren’t always going to go well but that is OK. One bad moment doesn’t have to ruin the whole day. Also be sure to include a lot of down time to just let the kids run and play.”

EP: What would they advise new moms/families wanting to hit the road?

“Just do it! There is never going to be a perfect time so if it is something your family wants to do then make it happen now!”

A Tribe Called Rallis

The Rallis Tribe sold our home and cars, donated most of our belongings, and hit the road in their renovated fifth wheel in March of 2018. Their mission is to have less so that they can experience more. Kate’s best camping gift that has made her life easier?

Jason, Kate, Nolan, Calvin, Poppy, Zaydin and Opie. Photo courtesy of Kate Rallis.

“I’ve landed on my Hydro Flask as my favorite camping item to date. It is portable and easy to take on trails, it keeps my water super cold, and the stainless steel interior gives me peace of mind about sharing sips with the kids and being able to easily clean out their cooties. Plus, it looks cool!

Second to that, all the sweaters and blankets in the world! Seriously, every last one. Nobody likes to be cold.”

Finding Flowers for Zoey

Moon Mountain Man and Reborn By Adventure is an outdoor adventure love story. Ukrainian born Natasha Moon came to the U.S. and was introduced to camping and backpacking. This life-changing experience brought freedom and balance to her life. And now that she and Jacob Moon have a daughter, they want her to benefit from nature and the outdoors the way they have.

Adventure mom, Natasha Moon with daughter Zoey. Photo courtesy of RebornByAdventure.com.

From her Instagram:

“Since Zoey was very little we always pointed at different flowers while on the trail. She is almost two now and she loves flowers, and marvels even at tiny flowers she spots in the grass.”

Trading Mortgages for Mountains and Meadows

Ditching Suburbia is a site for families who’ve achieved the “American Dream” but found that it’s actually exhausting. These bloggers share their story about leaving the suburban life in search of simpler living, closer family and uncommon adventure. And they would know; founders Matt and Tabitha Best have seven kids.

Meet the Best family. Photo courtesy of Ditching Suburbia.

EP: What has been the best camping/travel gift you’ve gotten that has made your life easier?

“This is a tough question because my immediate thought is to say an Instant Pot because for RV life, that has consistently been the most helpful thing we have for feeding the masses. It was a gift from my husband, but only because I told him to get it for me. Your question though was for a ‘camping/travel gift’ so as I’m remembering our days before the RV as tent campers, and how that type of camping doesn’t allow for the Instant Pot, I’d have to say the best gift that makes things easier is a good soft cooler.

Ours is a Coho 24 Can Cooler from Costco that was a gift from family. It’s great for travel days to have in the car or for day excursions to parks, museums and such. Ours fits in between the driver and passenger seat of the truck so it’s easy to access healthy snacks. It’s big enough to hold enough for an actual meal for a family of nine, but not too big that it can’t come with us easily. Since someone is always hungry, having a good cooler really makes things easier as you can plan meals ahead of time and then stick to the plan.”

EP: What has been the most rewarding thing about RV travel, in regard to being a mom?

“This one is easy, the most rewarding part of RV travel as a mom is seeing joy and excitement that the children get when we take them to a new unique place. No matter if it’s a field for them to run in, a stream to throw rocks in or an incredible waterfall, they love having fun and are filled with excitement with every new experience. The look in their eyes as they learn and play in amazing places makes life very meaningful.”

Allie’s Answers for RV Living

Allie Casazza is a mother of four from Oceanside, California. This minimalist expert and business owner purchased and renovated a camper and took part in trailer traveling. And while they are not traveling in an RV anymore, they look back on it fondly, even though it had its rough spots.

They spent two months living on the beach in beautiful Southern California. And every time the kids needed to burn some energy, or they felt cramped, the beach was right there. They quickly learned that it’s hard to be productive when everyone around you is on vacation.

EP: What was the best camping/travel purchase that made your life easier?

“Redoing our shower system! This was one of the best things we purchased because having a good shower set up for that many people in such a small camper was vital. Especially since I was doing photo shoots and video shoots all the time for my business! I need to feel great and get ready… and so did my family!”

EP: What was the most valuable thing you learned from RV travel and living in your RV?

“The whole experience cemented, in our hearts, what we already knew. And that is that less is more. That experience brought our family incredibly close together and is the reason we are still super close. It was a pivot point in our family story and in our marriage. It was a time that truly taught us how you really don’t need much to live and you can live more freely with less! All those cliché things you hear were really true to us during that time. Our time traveling in a camper was the catalyst for the platform I have today, which is teaching women and families to simplify and live with less through my online programs.”

Allie Casazza has been featured for her realistic philosophy of minimalism on popular media like Good Morning America & ABC News. Photo courtesy of Allie Casazza.

Does your mom love camping and the RV lifestyle? Then you’ll want to check out this guide to help find the perfect Mother’s Day gift.

1. Electricity Generating Wood Camp Stove ($129.95): Turn fire into electricity with BioLite’s portable campfire that can cook your meals and charge your gear, all at the same time.
2. REI Co-op Women’s Flash 45 Backpacking pack ($159): This pack it only two pounds 9-ounces and can carry a hefty 15-30 pound loud. Their “UpLift” compressions straps keep the bags mass from drooping below the hips. And their water-bottle pockets that allow mom to take a sip without having to remove the pack.
3. Charcoal Club Chair ($51.97): This is a suggestion straight from Bryanna at Crazy Family Adventure! “As a mom, all the kids want to jump up and sit on my lap by the fire. With this chair they easily can and we both fit comfortably!”
4. Lamzac Camping Chair ($25 +): Built specifically for the outdoors, this inflatable chair is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the view – wherever you are! Inflate and deflate in minutes and it’s easily packable.
5. Coleman Claret Insulated Stainless Steel Wine Glass ($14.99) – Because mom deserves a glass or two! This glass is designed to keep drinks at the perfect temperature without producing sweat on the outside. The padded base cuts down on slips and unnecessary clanking, so mom can quietly set her drink down, without worrying about spills.
6. Gemstone Facial Rollers ($28 – $34): Chinese cultures are believed to have been practicing facial massage for centuries and now skin-care buffs swear by it to increase circulation and reduce puffiness. These are crafted from jade (harmony), quartz (self-love) or amethyst (positivity). Crystal healers also argue that amethyst opens our intuition and helps us to tune our thoughts and learn to follow our ‘gut feelings’. Travel anyone?
7. Infusion Water Bottle – This is a refreshing gift, pun intended. The Aqua Zinger Flavored Water Maker infuses your water with the juice and essence of fresh fruits. And it’s made with BPA/EVA-free plastic. The Infusion Pro water bottles are designed to be durable and long lasting. Check out their recipes here.
8. Thermarest Compressible Pillow ($25 – $35): Because mom needs a good quality nap, right? This pillow foam is sources from upcycled foam from their pad manufacturing. This is a definite must have in the backcountry for those long days on the trail.
9. Speaking of ultimate comfort and relaxation, the Yeti Lowlands Blanket ($199.99) helps transform every outdoor concert or backcountry post-up into your personal base camp. Everything from the waterproof utility layer to the supremely soft, insulated interior were meticulously engineered to create an awesome all-terrain, ultra-comfortable blanket. And it’s designed to repel dirt, burrs and pet hair.
10. Camping Gift Cards: What better gift than to let the mom in your life choose what she wants! And with a Camping World gift card, it’s good not only there, but at Gander Ourdoors and Overton’s!
11. Birchbox – even some of the most outdoorsy women love a great beauty box. And these travel sized samples of makeup, perfume and creams are perfect for women on the go. Don’t have a home base? It doesn’t matter with Good Sam mail forwarding. Then these little surprises will be sure to please. $10/month subscription via Birchbox.com.
12. A Good Sam membership – What mom, let alone camper, wouldn’t want to save some extra money and find one-of-a-kind campgrounds at the same time? Save 10% at over 2,400 Good Sam Parks and campground across the U.S. And if that wasn’t enough, save up to 10% every day at Camping World, Gander Outdoors and Overton’s retail locations. And our Trailer Life and Motorhome magazine subscriptions will keep her in the know all year long!

Where would we be without our moms? Honestly, nowhere! So, take some time to say thanks and plan a safe and fun adventure with the kids. Explore these destinations and RV parks that the whole family – especially mom — can enjoy.

Good Sam Parks Make Moms Feel at Home

Several Good Sam Parks across North America have given moms a break with special pricing and fun events for Mother’s Day weekend.

• At Sherwood Forest Campground and RV park in Wisconsin Dells, campers can pick any site for two nights and pay only $50 during Mother’s Day.
• In Baraboo, Wisconsin’s Fox Hill RV Park & Campground lets moms camp for free on Saturday night and enjoy a free breakfast on Sunday.
• Campers an enjoy a Mother’s Day Tea at Evergreen Park RV Resort in Dundee, Ohio.
• At Sugar Ridge RV Village & Campground in Danville, Vermont, moms are treated to a Mother’s Day breakfast. Moms eat for free on Sunday and golf for free on Saturday!

About the Author:

Erin Peters is the offspring of a nuclear physicist & one of the founding fathers of phone-to-phone VoIP and a Mensa mother. She has over 20 years of marketing experience, having worked for Internet giants, biotech leaders and Fortune 500 companies. She also created digital media departments at two online advertising agencies. Erin is also a renowned beer writer and judge, that has been enticing beer drinkers for over a decade through her blog, The Beer Goddess.