Outland Adventures

Planning the Perfect Travel Day A smooth travel day doesn’t happen by accident. Over time, we’ve learned that a little planning makes a huge difference—not just in getting from point A to point B, but in actually enjoying the journey. Here’s how we plan our travel days to keep them as stress-free as possible. 1. Start with the Route (But Stay Flexible) The first step is mapping out the general route. We look at: Distance and estimated driving time Road conditions and major construction areas Weather along the route We try to avoid pushing too far in one day. Shorter drives mean we arrive with enough energy to settle in, cook, and relax instead of collapsing into bed. Of course, flexibility is key. Detours sometimes lead to the best unexpected discoveries— quirky roadside stops and small towns are kind of our thing, after all. 2. Plan Fuel and Stretch Stops Driving for hours straight isn’t fun or safe, so we plan stops ahead of time. We look for: Gas stations wit...

  Small Towns We Didn’t Expect to Love When you travel full-time, you learn something quickly: the places you circle on the map aren’t always the ones that steal your heart. Sometimes it’s not the big-name destinations or the “Top 10” travel lists that stick with you. It’s the towns you pulled into for gas. The places you planned to stay one night. The spots you almost skipped. Today we’re sharing a few kinds of small towns that completely surprised us — and why slowing down in places like these can turn a simple stop into a core memory . The “We Just Needed Groceries” Town You know the one. You’re low on snacks. The propane situation is questionable. The GPS says it’s the closest stop. You pull in expecting a basic strip mall and leave three hours later because: There’s a locally owned diner with pie that tastes like someone’s grandma made it. The hardware store still has creaky wood floors. The cashier calls you “hon” and means it. There’s a tiny mural tucke...

  A Day in the Life of Workampers Ever wondered what daily life looks like when you live and work on the road? Being a workamper means your office might be a campground, a park, or a roadside attraction—and your coworkers could be squirrels, campers, or a very friendly dog. Today, we’re taking you behind the scenes of a typical day on the road, from morning routines to evening adventures. Morning: Check-Outs, Coffee, and Sunrise Views Our days usually start early, with a cup of coffee brewed in our trusty RV kitchen. While I review our itinerary and handle camper check-outs, Chris is busy with maintenance tasks around the campground. Early mornings are quieter, making it the perfect time to tackle projects that keep the park running smoothly. And of course, there’s always time to pause and enjoy a new sunrise—it’s a perk no office can compete with! Mid-Morning to Afternoon: Maintenance and Daily Tasks Most of Chris’s time in the mornings and early afternoons is spent on hands...

  5 Quirky Roadside Attractions Worth the Detour One of our favorite parts of RV travel isn’t just the campgrounds or the destinations—it’s the unexpected stops along the way. The strange museums, giant statues, oddball landmarks, and blink-and-you’ll-miss-it places that make you pull over, stretch your legs, and say, “Well… that was something.” If you’re traveling through the Southeast and Midwest like we often do, here are five quirky roadside attractions that we think are absolutely worth the detour. 1. The Lost Sea Adventure – Sweetwater, Tennessee Hidden beneath the hills of East Tennessee is America’s largest underground lake , and it feels like stepping into another world. The guided tour takes you through caverns, past underground formations, and down into a massive chamber where boats glide across still, dark water. It’s cool (literally), fascinating, and a perfect stop when you want to escape summer heat. Plus, the history of the cave—used by everyone from Cherokee ...

  Winter Road Trips: Is Off-Season Travel Worth It? When most people think of road trips, they picture summer sunshine, crowded campgrounds, and long daylight hours. But winter road trips have their own kind of magic— quiet highways , empty scenic overlooks , and small towns that feel like you’ve discovered a secret version of the world. So the big question is: is off-season travel worth it? After spending time traveling in colder months, here’s our honest take. The Pros of Winter Road Trips 1. Fewer Crowds, More Peace One of the biggest perks of winter travel is space. Campgrounds, roadside attractions , and scenic areas are often quieter, sometimes nearly empty. You can take your time exploring without feeling rushed or boxed in by crowds. For us, this means more relaxed mornings, easier parking, and a chance to really soak in a place. 2. Lower Costs Off-season rates are real—and they add up. Many campgrounds, small motels, and attractions offer reduced pricing in winter months...

February Blog Schedule A new month is here, and we’ve got a full lineup of travel stories, tips, and roadside discoveries coming your way. We post every Tuesday and Thursday , so if you like following along with our travels, those are the days to check in for something new. Want to follow us elsewhere? linktr.ee/outlandadventures Here’s what’s coming up on the blog in February : February 3 – Winter Road Trips: Is Off-Season Travel Worth It? Winter travel can be peaceful, affordable, and surprisingly beautiful—but it also comes with its own challenges. In this post, we’ll talk about the realities of traveling in colder months, what we’ve learned on the road, and how we prepare for off-season trips . February 5 – 5 Quirky Roadside Attractions Worth the Detour Part of the fun of traveling is discovering the strange and unexpected. We’ll be sharing a handful of unusual roadside attractions that prove sometimes the best memories happen between destinations. February 10 – A Day in...