You plan a trip by car. Although old school, cards, and paper guides can bring a nostalgic and sentimental touch to your adventures, they should not be your only source to guide you. Using the to and resources available online these days can make your trip more enjoyable – and more affordable. Read on to discover Stephanie Foden’s five essential resources that you will want to have with you before heading off.
For five months in 2016, I lived and traveled in a 1987 caravan that I bought online, proof that no matter how far I walk off the beaten track, the Internet is still part of the journey. In addition, of course I bought a very small mobile modem and, looking back, I can quite see how life on the road would have been much more difficult (and more expensive) without this gadget.
I will be back on the road to complete the Canada-wide voyage from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland in the summer of 2017. For long-distance trips such as mine (not to mention driving such a large RV) , I still need to respect my budget.
Am I suggesting you let the digital control your trip? Not! It is your adventure. Although this article lists only five practical sites, read on and you will soon understand how they can tell the difference between sun and hell highway fun.
1. Ontario Gas Prices
Do not be misled by its name – the Ontario Gas Prices website displays current fuel prices across the country. It saved me a lot of money throughout my adventures. He helped me choose the right gas station and refuel before proceeding to an area where the price of fuel is high. If you are like me and have an old energy-hungry VR, this site should always be open on your browser.
You may also like to read: 10 TRULY UNIQUE CAMPING EXPERIENCES IN CANADA
2. Free Campsites
I have used the Free Campsites site many times on the road. Users can add the free camping sites they have used on to map, which lists secret sites (or not so secrets). From supermarket parking lots to abandoned highways with sublime views of Lake Superior, you can always find the right place to spend the night.
3. Freedom in VR Canada
The undisputed source of all RV things in Canada, from sale and rental to campgrounds and maintenance tips. One section of the site that I like to use is their fully customizable travel planner, which is a handy tool for determining your route and stops along the way.
4. Boondockers Welcome
Boondockers Welcome is like CouchSurfing, but only for caravans. Other caravanners let you park on their property, install your RV and can even offer you valuable local advice. The site operates on a trustworthy basis and reviews and is completely free and legal. Simply subscribe to an initial subscription in order to have full access to the site.
5. Parks Canada
Since this is Canada’s 150th birthday and all national parks are free this year, they will probably be an integral part of any Canadian road trip. After all, there is a reason if we are so proud of our national parks. The Parks Canada website has tons of information about each of the parks, including things to do, planning for travel, and camping.
Now that you have the coolest online resources for your great Canadian road getaway, you are ready to go and explore. With these practical links in hand, being dazzled by our country will be easier than ever.