Go RVing Canada has launched their biggest campaign yet
– no doubt, you’ve seen the ads and commercials titled
“Unschedule”, “Making Memories”, “The Joys of RVing” and
more. There’s a reason those themes are so appealing; most
people want the kind of summer vacation they won’t have to
recover from in September. Getting away from it all – the
calendar, the office, the yard work – sounds inviting. Not to
mention, most of us know we need to spend a little more time
in the fresh air, getting a little closer to nature.
In addition, many recreational vehicle dealerships in
Ontario are currently offering savings on parts, accessories,
financing and insurance. Not that an RV is an absolute
necessity to enjoy some camping time. Even a tent, a few
sleeping bags and a good camp stove can provide you with
memorable moments. Before you miss out on another
fun-filled season, check out these tips to help ease you into the
world of camping.
Getting Started
Finding your camping niche may seem like a daunting
task, but contrary to popular belief salespeople can help get
you on the right track.
Edward Raymond is the sales manager of Leisure Trailer
Sales in Tecumseh which sells new and used trailers and RVs.
Having learned the trade from his father, Raymond says its
important to build and maintain a relationship with your RV
dealer.
“You can buy a trailer cheap anywhere but it’s the service
you get after the sale that counts,” said Raymond. “That’s why
we have second, third and fourth generations coming back to
us.”
When it comes to choosing the style of trailer that suits
you the best, Raymond suggests taking the time to think about
it before you ever enter a dealership. Good salespeople should
not only ask you what your trailer budget is, but also what
your long-term goals are in terms of family growth, vehicle
upgrades and travel destinations.
“The first thing we qualify is their camping needs. It’s just
being practical,” said Raymond. “A car is a need and a trailer
is a want. There’s a difference.”
If you are still unable to picture yourself in a trailer, then
tenting or cabin renting may be right up your alley. Again,
knowledgeable salespeople can help you choose quality
equipment that suits your needs.
Hitting the road
Now that you’ve picked your method of camping it’s time
to choose a location. The good news in these parts is that we
really don’t have to go far to find good campgrounds. Chief
Executive Officer of Tourism Windsor-Essex Pelee Island,
Gordon Orr, believes camping in our area is very affordable
and convenient for most families.
“It’s not one of those things where you have to travel a
great distance to enjoy,” said Orr. “You can enjoy a staycation
anytime by leaving your house and within minutes entering
one of our campgrounds or conservation areas to enjoy a great
weekend activity at a very affordable price point.”
“I think that when you take the time to get away from the
hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the outdoor life through
cottage renting and camping it certainly brings you right back
to nature, your roots and you appreciate your family and
friends more,” said Orr.
Orr also said Windsor campgrounds are also known to
host family gatherings, various group outings and even
weddings throughout the summer.
Windsor Campground and Willowood Carefree RV Resort
are two popular places to set up camp.
Windsor Campground is located near Windsor airport
and features 220 sites for tenting, pull-through and seasonal
campers. They also have an outdoor storage space for trailers,
boats, vehicles and other items that need storing during the
winter months. Owner Ed Martin said many of Windsor’s first
Brianna Kwiatkowski,
Suzanne Lauzon, Patty
Kwiatkowski sitting in front
of Suzanne's trailer at
Willowood in Amherstburg
July 2014 - The HUB 19