RV travel is popular among travelers, specifically among retirees. This is mainly because of the comfort, personal freedom and convenience that become available. Statistics show that in the US alone there are currently around 35 million RV enthusiasts. This even includes more and more baby boomers every year.
There are so many interesting reasons why RV travel is popular and even recommended for some people but how do you make the most of it? RV travel is definitely cheaper than traveling by train, plane or car, especially if you think about restaurant and lodging costs. However, there are some extra tips that beginners need to know. This is what we will focus on in the following paragraphs.
Always Consider Different RV Options
Most people will say that the RV is just a huge motorhome but the truth is that RVs vary a lot in size, ranging from the folding camping trailer to really huge large motorized RVs. It is always a good idea to think about all the RV options you can afford before you make a choice while also thinking about your current travel needs.
Speaking about costs, they range from lower amounts, like $4,000 for a pop-up camper, to millions of dollars for the highly luxurious motorhomes. Do be sure that you research options since different RV types have their own unique advantages to consider, together with numerous disadvantages, of course.
If you do not know much about RV homes, it is a good idea to first rent one. This allows you to see if it is something you like or not. Also, this helps a lot in determining the RV type that best suits the needs you have as you travel.
Don’t Forget About Extra Costs
Owning an RV is just the start of the expenses you have to think about. You will surely need to deal with gas costs, but this does vary from one trip to the next. Then, you need to consider maintenance costs. This can be particularly costly in the event that you own a larger RV. Since you will use it for traveling, you want to also think about insurance. Make sure that you choose options that are complete, like the Good Sam Extended Service plan.
Choosing Camping Options
In the US alone there are around 14,600 privately owned and public RV campgrounds or parks. The RVers can easily roam from one coast to the next. You will surely find many places where you can stop or options that can be considered.
The great thing about the industry is that RV parks are usually open to all the comers. Rent spaces are usually offered based on a weekly or nightly basis, similarly to the hotel or the motel. Rates normally range between $15 and $50 per one night. If you decide to stay in country and city parks, camping can be free or pretty cheap, at just around $10 per night. Use the internet in order to find all options available where you travel.