TRAVEL TIPS

I'll try to share some simple but helpful travel tips that you might only learn from experience.  I'm just going to post whatever comes to mind in no particular order but if you have questions please submit them to contact@teletrekker.com or use the comments area below.

• Invest in solar power because generators suck. They're loud and they stink. If you really need to watch TV and cook everything in your microwave then maybe this lifestyle isn't for you.

• Buy your food at the local market in town instead of the giant retailer. Often the store has been family owned for generations and the prepped or prepared food they serve is fresh and the closest thing to homemade you can find because they're using someone's mom's recipe. A couple of stuffed pork chops or pinwheels, meatloaf, soups or baked chicken will each set you back around $3.

• Don't try to take a picture of every sunset you see. They're all pretty and you can make yourself crazy trying to get the perfect shot. So just sit and enjoy one without your camera here and there.

• Empty your tanks before you hit the road and carry only enough fresh water to get you to your next destination. Water weighs over 8 lbs per gallon and pulling that much extra weight will kill your gas mileage.

• I recommend coffee shops and bars as the best place to get to know a community. Even if you just listen to the conversations of others you will learn about what bar is fun, which restaurant has the best food, details about local festivals, and sometimes which girls to stay away from.

• Follow the moon phases when planning your destinations. There will be times when you would like the moon to be bright or dark. Star watching is better with no moon and long winter nights in the desert are great under a bright moon.

• Keep a large doormat or outdoor rug outside your rig whenever possible. It will greatly reduce tracking dirt inside especially in remote areas.

• Always register with security at a resort even if it is not required. When they know you (assuming they like you) they'll look out for you and your property

• Have one outfit that you wear around the campfire at night (I call it the fire suit) and leave it outside every night. Otherwise, your rig and your entire wardrobe will stink of smoke in no time often without a laundromat in site.

• If you have to overnight at a Walmart park in view of the front door and under a light. Don't try to be sneaky. No one likes a sneak. They know you're there and usually won't mind until you look like your up to something or are getting to comfortable. Besides parking in the shadows just isn't safe.

• Have a good backpack. There's nothing more frustrating than trekking somewhere far away only to realize you forgot something. You can load a backpack with things like extra batteries, lenses, toiletries, water, snacks, first-aid, clothing, electronics chargers and still have a really light pack.

• Keep your rig clean. You will experience far fewer problems when your set up looks good.

• Have a mini air compressor. Driving around to find an air pump that you can easily pull up to is a waste of time. Plug your compressor into your cigarette lighter and have at it. A must for emergencies and checking tire pressures.

• Have a good quality compact tool kit.

• Bring wood with you if you are going to camp in the desert. It can be very difficult to scavenge for fuel for your fire when there is nothing but rocks and dirt for miles.

• Get a membership at a national or regional fitness club or take advantage of trial memberships at local clubs. It's good to stay in shape and a long hot shower is always nice.

• When you walk into a small town bar look around for a second before you order. Notice what everyone else is drinking then order the same.