Travel trailers and motorhomes are two of the major types of recreational vehicles. The former must be towed by another vehicle, while the latter is self-powered. Choosing the right type of RV is one of the most important factors to consider when buying an RV, but there are pros and cons to both travel trailers and motorhomes — so which should you buy?
Generally, the cost of buying and owning a travel trailer is lower than the cost of comparably-sized motorhome. After all, the motorhome’s powertrain doesn’t come for free. Of course, it’s only more affordable if you already own a vehicle capable of towing the trailer, but even in the long term, the reduced complexity of the trailer will lead to lower maintenance costs. Travel trailers also depreciate slower than motorhomes and cost you less on insurance.
Furthermore, travel trailers are more spacious than motorhomes. Both come in all shapes and sizes, but motorhomes have to give up space for the powertrain and cockpit. For camping in luxury, especially with children in tow, it’s hard to beat a fifth wheel RV with multiple rooms and a separate bunkhouse.
Another benefit of travel trailers is that once you are set up at your camping site, you can drive around in your vehicle as needed. It’s a lot more convenient than having to haul the entire motorhome around when going on errands, and a lot better on gas mileage too.
The case for motorhomes
The main advantage of motorhomes is that they make the travel days more enjoyable, especially for passengers. While travel trailers are very much about enhancing your experience at the destination, motorhomes are all about giving you a better journey. Smaller motorhomes are easier to maneuver and require less space for parking, but more importantly, being able to get up and do something inside the motorhome while someone else is driving is a major perk.
It’s both dangerous and illegal to be inside a towable RV while traveling, but you can legally sit inside a motorhome that has seat belts, and in some states you can even use facilities like the bathroom while on the go. Even if you need to pull over and park, it’s a lot more convenient to take a break in a motorhome than in a travel trailer.
So what type of rig is best? There’s no hard answer, as ultimately it will depend on your budget, preferences, habits, and intended use for the RV. If you don’t want to commit to an RV type without being sure, you could always rent a few different types first and then decide.
Kurt Verlin was born in France and lives in the United States. Throughout his life he was always told French was the language of romance, but it was English he fell in love with. He likes cats, music, cars, 30 Rock, Formula 1, and pretending to be a race car driver in simulators; but most of all, he just likes to write about it all. See more articles by Kurt.
From now through March 10th, the US Small Business Administration (SBA) is accepting applications for relief through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) exclusively for businesses with fewer than 20 employees to ensure equitable access to the program. More details are now available, as well as additional information for sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals looking to receive more financial support.
The Vermont District Office of the SBA can assist those interested in the PPP and offers free weekly webinars. The PPP First and Second Draw webinar is held on Wednesdays at 9:00am and covers options, terms, eligibility, and the application process. The weekly PPP Forgiveness webinar is on Tuesdays at 11:30am and offers an in depth look at the forgiveness process.
Travel Guidance Update
Residents of communities within five miles of a Vermont border with a neighboring state may now complete essential and necessary travel between border towns that occurs in the same day, without quarantining upon return to Vermont. Residents should consult the travel FAQ on this topic for additional guidance.
People who are fully vaccinated may travel to Vermont and return from out-of-state travel without quarantine restrictions, once 14 days have passed from when they received their final dose. Additionally, people who meet this vaccination criteria may now gather with one other household at a time.
Vaccine Distribution Update
The Department of Health has announced that Vermonters aged 65 and older are now able to get COVID-19 vaccines at Walgreens locations throughout the state. There are no walk-ins, and appointments must be scheduled online or by calling 1-800-Walgreens.
Starting Monday, March 1st, Vermonters aged 65 and older will be able to get COVID-19 vaccines through the statewide clinics. Vermonters can prepare by creating an online account now to make sign up easier when the time comes. Visit the Department of Health website for frequently asked questions, tips and tricks, a short video on signing up, and more.
Nomination Process Open for Commission on the Future of Vermont Agriculture
Residents interested in serving on the Governor’s Future of Vermont Agriculture Commission may now put their names forward for nomination. The Commission is charged with developing long- and short-term strategies and specific action plans with measurable outcomes to ensure that Vermont remains a vibrant agricultural state into the future. Nominations are due by Friday, March 12th.
Take Vermont’s Outdoor Economy Survey
The Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance has launched a survey to capture the current scope of Vermont’s outdoor recreation economy. The pandemic has heightened the importance of outdoor recreation as an economic driver for Vermont’s communities as people turn to physical activity and the mental health it affords. The survey intends to capture the state of Vermont’s outdoor businesses and organizations by gathering benchmark data, change trends, and needs for future sector support and development in the areas of financing, workforce, infrastructure, and branding.
To contribute your information to the report and recommendations, the Vermont Outdoor Economy Benchmark Survey will be open until March 8th at 5:00pm.
Source: Agency of Commerce & Community Development 2.28.2021
The Utes were scheduled to play Colorado on Sunday afternoon at the Huntsman Center.
(Rick Bowmer | AP file photo) Utah guard Niyah Becker (14) shoots a foul shot in the second half during an NCAA college basketball game against Stanford on Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, in Salt Lake City. Sunday morning, less than two hours before the Utes’ regular-season finale was scheduled to tip off against Colorado at the Huntsman Center, the athletic department announced the game was canceled due to COVID-19 issues within the Utah program.
| Feb. 28, 2021, 7:08 p.m.
| Updated: 7:09 p.m.
The University of Utah women’s basketball team’s regular season is over, and its participation in the Pac-12 Tournament later this week is now in doubt.
Sunday morning, less than two hours before the Utes’ regular-season finale was scheduled to tip off against Colorado at the Huntsman Center, the athletic department announced the game was canceled due to COVID-19 issues within the Utah program.
The news release gave no indication of a program pause or shutdown, but the timing of the cancellation puts Utah’s postseason in doubt. The Utes are locked into the No. 10 seed at the Pac-12 Tournament, which begins Wednesday at Michelob Ultra Arena, formerly Mandalay Bay Events Center.
After the cancelation announcement, Utah provided a short statement to The Salt Lake Tribune regarding the Pac-12 Tournament.
“A decision regarding the Pac-12 Tournament has not been determined yet. We are in the preliminary contact-tracing process and updates will be made available at a later time.”
Utah’s travel timeline to Las Vegas this week is still under consideration.
The Pac-12 previously announced that in the event one or more teams cannot play in the conference tournament, the bracket will be modified and the remaining teams reseeded. The bracket will become final on Tuesday at noon. If a team needs to drop out after Tuesday at noon, the bracket will not be modified and the opponent of the team dropping out will receive a bye into the next round of the tournament.
Playa Hotels & Resorts is not holding back when it comes to supporting the travel advisor community. The company just wrapped up another successful event, this time honoring top agents at a VIP FAM trip in beautiful Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The three-night event was held at Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta.
“We have these events to keep showing them all the new changes and what’s going on with Playa Hotels & Resorts, and we feel that their personal experience of being here is the best way for them to get out and sell it,” said Andrea Wright, Vice President of Travel Industry Sales, Playa Hotels & Resorts.
“They feel it, touch it, taste it, and it’s very easy for them to sell. It also has been extremely paramount and important this year that they show all of their clients that it is safe to travel and kind of go through the process, including all of the safety protocols.”
Welcome event at Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta. (photo by Codie Liermann)
The Playa team kicked off the first night by welcoming travel advisors with cocktails and dinner amongst a stunning terrace set up.
In attendance with Wright were Kevin Froemming, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Playa Resorts; Fernando Cardoso, Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta’s General Manager; and Pilar Alvarado Robles, Director of Sales, Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta. Encouraging messages of high hopes for a great year ahead filled the air.
Jessica Pressler, travel advisor with Blissful Honeymoons and Destination Weddings, felt Playa took a chance on her by inviting her to the Los Cabos event back in the fall. It didn’t take her long to reap the rewards of attending an in-person event.
A Playa presentation by Andrea Wright. (photo by Codie Liermann)
“I just saw how dedicated they were to travel advisors through the hardest time that we’ve ever been through. Shortly after the event, I closed a wedding with Playa, and I’ve been booking them ever since,” Pressler explained.
“My rep Michelle Payette is amazing. She is the most prompt BDM I’ve ever worked with for the seven and a half years I’ve been in the industry. She wants my business to grow, and I can see she cares.”
With learning, connecting and experiencing in mind for what Playa envisioned these agents getting out of the event, Thursday was a day packed full of opportunity.
Travel advisors attending a Playa seminar. (photo by Codie Liermann)
The morning began with a site inspection and a Playa presentation so the advisors could learn a bit more about the property they were staying at as well as new updates with the company in general.
The afternoon provided opportunities to connect with both other agents and the destination itself through optional excursions such as exploring downtown Puerto Vallarta and the Malecon boardwalk, an aqua journey and a jungle tour. Agents could also simply choose to enjoy everything the Hyatt Ziva has to offer like the various pool areas, beach, kayaking and paddleboarding, among other amenities. After a day of fun, the evening wrapped up with a karaoke contest at Hyghlightz Sports bar.
Travel agents at Playa’s VIP FAM event. (photo by Codie Liermann)
Friday morning began with beach yoga for those who were interested followed by two different seminars put on by Playa BDMs Jermaine Humphrey and Randolph TenEyck. Pressler took advantage of all the opportunities to connect and grow with fellow industry workers.
“I love just networking with other travel advisors and Playa reps. I continue to feel the love from Playa, and I’m making friends which is one of my favorite parts of these trips in general. They allow you to connect, talk business, figure out what is working and not working and how we can make things better for each other and the industry in general,” she said.
Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta. (photo by Codie Liermann)
Many of the travel agents mentioned that Playa is the first hotelier to offer these types of events during the pandemic, and they are witnessing the revenue it creates almost immediately. They not only feel but truly appreciate the support Playa offers, and it transitions into increased sales with the company.
Froemming explained that taking care of customers, partners and employees remains at the top of the list for Playa Hotels & Resorts.
“One of the things we’re so proud of is our employees that take care of the guests. For me, it’s really hard not to bring people down to see this because it is so different. ‘Service from the heart’ isn’t just a slogan, it’s something that’s ingrained in all of us. It comes from a philosophy of saying ‘if we take care of our people, our people will take care of our customers,’” he said, adding that bringing agents on these events to meet the staff allows them to develop a deeper, long-lasting and meaningful connection with both the people and the place.
Playa Hotels & Resorts focuses on service from the heart. (photo by Codie Liermann)
Froemming pointed out the fact that travel advisors and Playa employees say it all when they entrust their most special moments with the company. From a romantic proposal and a destination wedding to family fun and a girls getaway, Playa has a way of bringing travelers’ dreams to life.
The event concluded with an immaculate farewell dinner on the beach. With gourmet cuisine and delicious drinks flowing, local live music filling the air and a classic Puerto Vallarta sunset on the horizon, travel advisors relaxed and took in the final evening of bliss before heading back home to hit the ground running.
Travel advisors enjoying a FAM trip. (photo by Codie Liermann)
Pressler is thrilled with her new partnership with Playa, and she plans to continue giving them her support. “They are investing in us here, and I’m excited to continue to give them business because through the hardest time in our industry and in my career, they’ve made me feel supported, and that’s the most important thing as a travel advisor. We need support through this difficult time,” she said.
Armed with the tools they need, Wright hopes this VIP FAM trip provided agents with excitement for the year ahead: “I hope they find a newfound energy and get some excitement that 2021 is going to be a good year. It’s time to start looking forward and get excited about the future.”
The Utes were scheduled to play Colorado on Sunday afternoon at the Huntsman Center.
(Rick Bowmer | AP file photo) Utah guard Niyah Becker (14) shoots a foul shot in the second half during an NCAA college basketball game against Stanford on Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, in Salt Lake City. Sunday morning, less than two hours before the Utes’ regular-season finale was scheduled to tip off against Colorado at the Huntsman Center, the athletic department announced the game was canceled due to COVID-19 issues within the Utah program.
| Feb. 28, 2021, 7:08 p.m.
| Updated: 7:09 p.m.
The University of Utah women’s basketball team’s regular season is over, and its participation in the Pac-12 Tournament later this week is now in doubt.
Sunday morning, less than two hours before the Utes’ regular-season finale was scheduled to tip off against Colorado at the Huntsman Center, the athletic department announced the game was canceled due to COVID-19 issues within the Utah program.
The news release gave no indication of a program pause or shutdown, but the timing of the cancellation puts Utah’s postseason in doubt. The Utes are locked into the No. 10 seed at the Pac-12 Tournament, which begins Wednesday at Michelob Ultra Arena, formerly Mandalay Bay Events Center.
After the cancelation announcement, Utah provided a short statement to The Salt Lake Tribune regarding the Pac-12 Tournament.
“A decision regarding the Pac-12 Tournament has not been determined yet. We are in the preliminary contact-tracing process and updates will be made available at a later time.”
Utah’s travel timeline to Las Vegas this week is still under consideration.
The Pac-12 previously announced that in the event one or more teams cannot play in the conference tournament, the bracket will be modified and the remaining teams reseeded. The bracket will become final on Tuesday at noon. If a team needs to drop out after Tuesday at noon, the bracket will not be modified and the opponent of the team dropping out will receive a bye into the next round of the tournament.
Emmons County Public Health hosts testing on Mondays by appointment, beginning at 11 a.m. Asymptomatic people should call 701-254-4027, and people with symptoms should call 701-254-4531.
In Williston, walk-in rapid testing for those 18 and older with no symptoms is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday in the former Sloulin Airport hangar at 408 Airport Road.
PCR and rapid antigen tests are administered Tuesday through Saturday, from 12-6 p.m., at the strip mall at 2805 Morrison Ave., Suite A, in Bismarck.
Preregistration for testing events is available at https://testreg.nd.gov/. It speeds up the process but does not guarantee a test. People who previously have been tested for COVID-19 do not need to preregister.
North Dakota has had 99,809 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 14,639 in Burleigh County and 4,941 in Morton County. There have been 97,759 recoveries and 1,445 coronavirus-related deaths. A total of 3,867 people have been hospitalized; 21 remain so. State and private labs have processed tests on 404,760 people, and conducted 1,659,112 total tests.
LAWRENCE, Kan. – The No. 17 Kansas Jayhawks took down No. 2 Baylor, 71-58, Saturday night in Allen Fieldhouse, extending Kansas’ streak to 38 consecutive wins on senior day.
The Jayhawks improve to 18-8 overall and finish the regular season 12-6 in conference play, while handing Baylor (18-1, 10-1 Big 12) its first loss of the season.
The Jayhawks came out strong and started with David McCormack going 4-for-4 from the floor, giving the Jayhawks their first eight points.
Just before the 10-minute mark in the first half, Baylor was able to tie Kansas at 13, and pull ahead with a Mitchell 3-pointer. The first half was a back-and-forth affair, but KU claimed the lead again at 22-20 with 6:22 to go until the break.
The lead continued to change, but with just under a minute left in the half, sophomore Christian Braun picked up a foul from Macio Teague on a layup for the and one, putting the Jayhawks ahead 31-30. With 27 seconds left in the first, senior Marcus Garrett had a layup to secure the 33-30 lead going into the locker room on his senior night.
Kansas led the entirety of the second half, only allowing Baylor to come within one possession after Teague got the and one after a foul from Ochai Agbaji to make the score 42-45. Dajuan Harris Jr., answered with a layup and a free throw on back-to-back Kansas possessions to bring the Jayhawks ahead by seven.
The Jayhawks continued to dominate, shooting 52.2% (12-23) from the field in the second half and grabbing 25 rebounds.
In the last five minutes of play, the Jayhawks attempted 13 free throws and successfully made 10 of them. The last point of the game was Garrett closing out his senior night with a free throw to tie the Jayhawks’ largest lead of the game and secure the 71-58 win against the Bears.
STAT OF THE GAME
38 – The win over the Bears marked the 38th-consecutive Kansas victory on a senior night, which started in the 1983-84 season.
MOMENT OF THE GAME
Just under the 12-minute mark in the second half, senior Mitch Lightfoot had a defensive rebound for Kansas. On the offensive side of the court, the Jayhawks were able to get the ball to Harris and set him up for a 3-point jumper which gave the team the momentum to push through and secure the win.
NOTES
Kansas improved to 18-8 overall and 12-6 in Big 12 play, giving KU 12 league wins for the 21st consecutive season beginning in 2000-01.
Made Kansas 9-1 against top-five teams at home under head coach Bill Self.
Made the Kansas-Baylor series 34-7 in favor of KU, including a 18-1 mark in Lawrence, 17-1 in Allen Fieldhouse.
KU has now won seven games against ranked opponents this season, the most in Division I.
KU won the rebounding battle 48-28, making this the 16th time winning the rebounding battle this season, improving to 14-3 this season in such games.
McCormack’s 20 points marks the fourth time he has scored at least 20 points in a game this season and the fifth time in his career.
Marcus Garrett finished with 14 points on Senior Night, his 11th double-figure game this season and 35th in his career.
Garrett finished with seven rebounds, his most since he had seven in a win against TCU January 28th.
Christian Braun finished with 11 points, his eighth time scoring in double figures in the last nine games.
Jalen Wilson finished with 14 rebounds, his 11th time this season in double digits and sixth in his last seven games.
Ochai Agbaji finished with four assists, tying his career high.
Mitch Lightfoot took his 14th charge of the season which leads the team.
UP NEXT
The Jayhawks have concluded their regular season conference play, but picked up a game against UTEP to stay fresh as they head into the Big 12 tournament. The UTEP matchup will take place on Thursday, March 4 at 7 p.m. in Allen Fieldhouse.
One of the hottest shows on television right now is a six-part travel documentary that is drawing rave reviews and critical acclaim.
‘Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy’ airs Sunday nights on CNN at 9 p.m. EST. Tucci, the Academy Award-nominated actor, narrates, co-produces and stars in the show as he explores various regions of Italy with an emphasis on the food in each area and how it is tied to the history of Italy.
The show debuted on Feb. 14, with 1.52 million viewers, according to Nielsen fast nationals. The Feb. 21 episode drew 1.64 million, according to Nielsen live-plus-same-day data. Those are strong numbers for a cable news channel and, even more impressive, the show topped the ratings each night in the key advertiser demographic of adults aged 25-54.
So far, the series has shown Tucci visiting Naples and the Amalfi Coast in the first episode, and Rome in the second episode. Tonight, Feb. 28, Tucci heads to the city considered the food capital of Italy – Bologna.
In the three March episodes, Tucci takes viewers to Milan, Tuscany and Sicily.
For tourists aching to visit Italy, for foodies yearning to sample some of the world’s greatest recipes, and for historians hoping to see the culture and the architecture up close and personal, it is a delectable and addicting hour of television.
Tucci, who grew up in New York, is the perfect host. You never get the sense that you are watching a prominent actor going through the paces of a documentary but, rather, a true tourist who wanted to visit his homeland and explore how different regions embrace different foods. The segment featuring the Amalfi Coast and the lemons that grow there – and used for the Italian liqueur Limoncello – was fascinating.
The Wall Street Journal called the series “mouthwateringly good.”
On the popular website Rotten Tomatoes, which tabulates reviews from both professional critics and the general public, the audience gave the show an 88 percent approval rating.
One viewer commented on the site that he “Already fell in love with the first two episodes. The series is unlike any other travel or food show. I love Tucci’s approach: classic regional foods and the social structures around them. He and the people he meets reflect upon the food and their regions with joy, great pride, and that bittersweet blend of affection and wistfulness that each of us has for a home that has endured through decades (or millennia) of change, gentrification, and resilience. I can’t wait for more.”
JACKSON, Wyo. — The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) says that a stalled semi-truck is blocking a travel lane on US89, at milepost 149 just south of Jackson.
Earlier this morning, WYDOT reported a stalled vehicle on WY22 (Teton Pass) at milepost 1. The notification was later canceled when the scene cleared up.
Roads around Jackson remain slick with snowfall and black ice. For the latest updates on Wyoming road conditions please check out the Wyoming Travel Information Map.
