How in the world can anyone afford this nomadic lifestyle? Today I am continuing my “Saving Money on the Road” series. One of the best ways our family saves money is our Thousand Trails membership. Please note that all prices and benefits are current as of the writing of this article.
What is Thousand Trails?
Thousand Trails (TT) is a campground membership. Their parks are typically around the edges of the United States and do leave a hole in the center of the country. Thousand Trails parks range from higher-end parks to parks that have mostly seasonal clientele.
The Membership Levels
Zone Passes:
TT has the country divided into 5 zones: Northeast, Southeast, Northwest, Southwest, and Midwest zones. If you are just a weekender, recreational camper, or have to be semi-stationary in a certain region, a zone pass would be perfect for you.
These packages allow you access to all 5 zones and are better for those looking to travel full time.
Elite Basic:
Elite Basic allows you a booking window of 120 days out and you are allowed to move park-to-park with 21 days max per park.
Elite Connections:
Elite Connections allows you a booking window of 180 days out and you are allowed to move park-to-park with 21 days max per park.
Ultimate Odyssey:
Ultimate Odyssey allows you a booking window of 180 days out and you are allowed to move park-to-park with 28 days max per park.
The Add Ons
Trails Collection:
The Trails Collection (TC) provides you with an additional 100+ parks for an additional $214. These parks typically have a little nicer, more resort feel. Some parks do have a $20 per night charge for them. Some parks are also “age qualified”. These are parks that only allow patrons aged 55 or older. You are only allowed to stay in TC for 14 nights at a time and then you have to be out for at least 7 nights.
RPI:
RPI is an additional membership that comes free with several of the packages above. RPI has 259 properties, many for just $10 a night. While these stays are not meant to replace our time at TT parks, they can serve as great getaway nights or overnight spots in the middle of the country where TT parks do not exist.
Our Savings
Our family chose the Elite Connections package. We felt like it was the package that best met the needs of our family while remaining affordable. We also added on the Trails Collection. We purchased our membership in early February of 2019 but did not use it until the end of March. Between March 31st and September 3rd, we have already saved over $6,049. That’s amazing to me! By the time our we reach our one year anniversary with TT, our TT membership will have paid for itself!
In Conclusion
As long as you manage your expectations for parks, TT can be great places. Not all of them are nice luxurious parks, but they are typically in safe areas. Thousand Trails provide us with a great, affordable way to travel and see the country.
If you are interested in a Thousand Trails membership, please contact our TT representative below. Just click on the business card below to send Eric an email. Be sure to mention that “Angelica @ Pineapple Voyage” sent you for a special discount.
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