If you've grown tired of the usual camping trip on an RV, why not go to a luxury houseboat vacation? A luxury houseboat is like a grand RV which is used on water instead of on the road.
This is the perfect type of vacation if you are looking for a unique and exciting adventure with family and friends.
A houseboat gives you the advantage of water mobility which allows you to explore beautiful islands and other underwater scenes.
The best thing is you don't need to be an expert ship captain to maneuver a rental houseboat.
If it's your first time to go on a houseboat vacation, it will be for your best interest to prepare yourself for it and the things that you will need as well.
Here are five tips to follow to get the most out of your trip.

1. Do your assignment.
   Familiarize yourself with the basic sections and features of a houseboat.
   There are two main types of houseboats, non-cruising and cruising houseboats.
   They may vary in function but still consist of the same parts.
   The basic sections of a houseboat include the stateroom which is the bedroom, the galley or the kitchen, the head or the bathroom, the bridge or the cockpit and the helm or also known as the steering station.
   You can do some extra research on the internet or ask the houseboat rental company if they provide a handbook for first time boarders.
   
2. Know the amenities of the houseboat that you rented to help you know what to expect.
   For example, most houseboat rental companies fully equip their houseboat kitchens with a gas stove, refrigerator/freezer, oven, microwave, oven, coffee maker, toaster and blender.
   So, you basically do not have to bring your own kitchen utensils as they also provide the pots and pans, dishes and silverware.
   You will even be provided with dish soap and the likes.
   
3. Know the things that you need to bring with you and make a checklist.
   However, do not make any assumptions on what are and what aren't provided by the houseboat rental company.
   Consider the things that you'll be doing and think about what you will need to do them.
   Remember to bring the essentials such as insect repellents, first aid-kit, sun screen lotion, toiletries, flashlights, sleeping bags and extra clothing.
   You may also remind whoever is coming with you about the things that are needed and assign who will bring them.
   Do not forget the important stuff for your kids such as floats, fishing rods, board games, kites, bubbles, water trampoline and ski boat if you have one.
   
4. Bring enough food supply.
   When it comes to food, you can usually find some restaurants at the marina.
   However, it's much more fun to dine in the houseboat.
   If you want, you can take out some food from the restaurant and take it back to the boat or plan simple meals for everyone to enjoy.
   You can also have them ready at home and put them in the freezer until it is time to cook them.
   It is also important to bring some ready-to-bake goodies, most especially in cool weathers.
   
5. Makes sure that everyone will listen and follow instructions.
   Before you start sailing, the houseboat rental company will give you an orientation about the do's and don'ts inside the boat which usually lasts for an hour.
   Pay close attention to the instructor.
   Take notes and ask anything that you don't know or do not understand.
   It may all sound easy at first but once you're there, you may forget how things work and ruin your entire vacation.