Escapees March/April 2016

Staff

“ ESCAPEES magazine will show you how to make your 2016 travels fun, effortless and full of adventure and freedom.”

The Editor’s Desk By Tammy Johnson #39557, Editor, Escapees Magazine

Happy birthday, Xscapers! This issue celebrates the one-year anniversa- ry of the Xscapers group and, with the help of our Escapees-featured bloggers, we have compiled an issue filled with knowledge and support for today’s RVer. I nspired by the legacy of the free-spirited RVers of decades past, the Xscapers have broken free from the shackles of conventional stick-house living and the nine-to- ¿ ve workday. These RVers have left their cubicles, embraced technology, and have taken their business to the road. Along with their work, they are taking

country’s national treasures and get paid for it. Now, how awesome is that? If you have headed out on RV horizon with your chil- dren in tow, Kimberly Travaglino of Fulltime Families provides her expertise on the pros and cons of roadschool- ing, on page 19. Similar to homeschooling, your students not only have the advantage of a one-on-one learning style, but they also bene ¿ t from a hands-on approach that would be impossible in a conventional classroom setting. If you have a smartphone, did you know that small hand-held gadget can enhance your RV travels? In “App-y Travels,” on page 79, Evanne Schmarder lists 11 of her fa- vorite apps that can make your road trips more rewarding. With the current changes in health care, if you are traveling without insurance or ¿ nd that your policy does not cover you from state to state, check out Rene Agreda- no’s article, “Telemedicine,” on page 34. Rene shares her experience with a telemedicine service that can be used remotely as you travel without leaving the comfort of your RV. Best of all, it is provided through an Escapees-en- dorsed company, RVer Insurance Exchange. The technical feature article this issue is “Engine Tun- ers,” by Emily Fagan. Find out how you can enhance your engine’s performance without voiding the warranty. We also have the fourth-in-series article from Paul Unmack on “Your RV refrigerator.” This article covers the elements of controllers and recalls. For this special 96-page issue, you will ¿ nd many more topics to suit your RVing needs. So, sit back in your easy chair, prop up your feet and let the reading begin. Escapees magazine will show you how to make your 2016 travels fun, effortless and full of adventure. And, if you are able to join the next Xscapers conver- gence, wish them happy birthday, join in the fun and let the good times roll.

their family, downsizing their belongings and setting out on a life of freedom and adven- ture. Sound fun and exciting? You bet it is! On the pages ahead, ¿ nd out how these folks are making it happen. Internet connection

can be a stumbling block for RV travelers. On page 12, learn how you can

stay connected and communicate on the easiest and most reliable networks. Chris Dunphy and Cheri Ve Ard of Tech- nomadia share the secrets of overcoming the challenges of Internet connection while living a mobile lifestyle. If you have considered working as you travel but you ar- en’t sure how to get started, on page 24, Brittany Highland shares her advice as a full-time RVer. She offers ¿ nancial tips and includes valuable resources to help you get started. If you ¿ nd working from the road is for you, Becky Schade’s article on page 28 offers up the intell on work-camping at national parks. Enjoy the beauty of this

6 . ESCAPEES | March/April 2016 | www.escapees.com