If you are thinking about investing in an RV, or are already a proud owner, you’ve probably listed all the advantages that come along with owning your own home on wheels! Aside from all the fun that RVing presents, you’ve surely thought about how RVing cuts down the costs of travel. But have you considered all the factors? Let’s take a look at how RV travel could save you thousands of dollars over the years!
Studies Show …
A study conducted in 2008 by PKF Consulting explored which form of travel is the least expensive, and the findings concluded that vacations taken in an RV are on average anywhere from 27% to 60% less expensive per day than any other form of travel, regardless of duration of trip or location in most cases! A study for Time.com in 2015 yielded similar results, with owning an RV being the most economical travel option versus renting an RV or driving your own car and staying in hotels. So what makes owning an RV the most economical option?
Fuel Prices and Efficiency
Fuel costs are constantly fluctuating, with lower fuel costs resulting in a less expensive trip! Average gas prices are substantially lower now in 2016 than they were in 2008 when the study by PKF Consulting was published. Regardless of load size, RV type, fuel efficiency, and the fuel type your tow vehicle or motorhome requires, you’ll save a lot more money than if you decided to spring for plane tickets!
Campgrounds vs. Hotels
On average, you’ll appreciate the prices offered by campgrounds and RV parks versus hotel rates! With campground rates ranging anywhere from $20 to $50 per night, or more depending on the location and amenities available, they can cost a fraction of the current average of over $125 for a hotel room! Although it can be argued that there are plenty of inexpensive hotels out there, you can oftentimes find great local campgrounds for as low as $10 to $15 a night in some places, and you’ll always have the peace of mind knowing you have a clean, well-maintained place to stay when you stay in your RV!
Food Costs
As with any vacation, food makes up a large chunk of the budget! One of the many great things about RV travel is that you can buy all your ingredients and supplies ahead of time and cook all your meals right inside your RV or over the campfire! Sure, some hotels come with a kitchen, but depending on your mode of travel, it won’t be economical or even possible to transport food, and if you don’t end up eating food that you buy at your destination, you’re just wasting money! Plan ahead and stock up when stores are having sales and you’ll save even more money! Even if you splurge and pick up a pizza one night, you’ll still potentially save hundreds than if you decided to eat out for every meal!
Other Considerations
Although it is, on average, much cheaper to travel in an RV, there are several factors to keep in mind. Class A motorhomes may not be a cheaper route for vacations, as diesel fuel costs and poor gas mileage can affect travel prices. The cost of traveling also depends on the ages and number of travelers, as there tends to be different campground rates for children over a certain age. RV weight loads and tow vehicle fuel efficiency can also impact travel prices, as well as the quality of preferred campgrounds. If you have a taste for upscale destinations, you may be paying well over the average price for a night’s stay at a fancy RV park than in an average hotel!
Another important note to consider is the overall annual costs it takes to maintain your RV. Between RV insurance, maintenance costs, repairs, storage fees, and other miscellaneous costs, it can be pretty pricey and something to consider. If you keep your RV well maintained and keep the need for repairs low, it still keeps overall RV travel cheaper than other options. When you get right down to it, RV travel is simply the most cost-effective way to travel!
Of all the advantages that RV travel has to offer, the cost of travel has to be one of the best! Not only will you save money, but you’ll always have a guaranteed clean and comfortable place to stay, you’ll have everything you need always on hand, and you can go virtually anywhere your heart desires! The numbers speak for themselves! Just pick a destination and compare prices and you’ll be able to see the difference!
In what other ways does RVing cut the cost of travel? Did we leave any out? Comment to let us know!
