RV travel has become a popular option for both families and individuals with a sense of wanderlust. There are a variety of benefits to buying or renting an RV for vacations, especially if you’re a part of a larger family that would need to feed and house many people. Still, it can be hard to know whether or not you’re choosing the right option for your situation. So, which way is cheaper, RVs or hotels?
To make things simpler, we are using the blanket term “RV” to talk about all of the various options, including motor coaches, trailers, pop-up campers, and fifth-wheels.
Which is best for your personal situation?
When thinking about whether it’s cheaper to travel by RV or book a hotel, you have to consider a few variables. Food & fuel prices, for example, will differ depending on a number of other factors.
There’s also the question of buying vs renting. If you don’t travel often and you’re not going very far, it may be better to rent an RV. This allows you to try out an RV without spending as much money. RVs from our dealership can have a range of costs, new or used. A brand new RV could cost $100,000 or more, so it is wise to try a rental before committing to such a large purchase.
While comparing the costs between RV travel and staying at a hotel, remember that costs will vastly vary, and your trip’s circumstances may dictate which choice is least expensive. For example, a small family who enjoys cozying up together and traveling long distances often, might not care about booking hotels for vacation. A larger family who is just enjoying a yearly getaway may be more inclined to stay at a hotel.
What you plan to do on vacation should also play a part in your cost consideration. Bigger cities may not be as RV-friendly, while remote areas may not offer many hotel options.
As with most choices, the decision between an RV and a hotel is largely based on your preferences and budget. Each option will have different pros and cons. Make a list of the advantages and disadvantages of both. Then, ask yourself if it’s worth it to buy or rent an RV based on the size of your family and how long you plan to travel.
What other variables affect how much your trip will cost?
Any trip will have two base costs of fuel and food. Using an RV with a kitchen could help you save on meals, but there will likely be a higher fuel cost overall, especially if your RV needs diesel. However, the cost of hotels over time adds up, and if you like to travel frequently and/or with big groups, an RV will likely be significantly cheaper over time.
It’s worth noting that while the RV option can be cost-effective there is still a hefty price to deal with. Many people believe that RVs are cheaper than they really are, possibly because they associate this kind of travel with a nomadic, “roughing it” lifestyle. However, it’s entirely possible that a small family could spend less money at a 2 or 3-star hotel than they would using an RV. The more expensive the hotels you enjoy, the greater savings there can be.
Additionally, parking an RV for the night often costs money. While you may come across the occasional free RV parking, there are typically camping fees to pay when parking for the night.
Experiences you can’t put a price on
One major benefit of the RV lifestyle is the experience you gain. There’s nothing like being able to sit around the campfire with fellow travelers, being free to go wherever you want, and coming back to a space that’s entirely your own. Some of the thrill of vacationing comes from the journey itself, and that seems to be amplified in an RV.
However, with all the money you’ll save and the experiences you’ll have, there will still be work to do. Your RV journey will likely include planning, packing, & cooking meals, finding campsites, unloading & loading up materials, and emptying waste from the RV. This can be a lot for someone who isn’t interested in doing anything but relaxing on a vacation.
If you find that it is worth it for your situation and you’re willing to put in the work, buying an RV can be a fulfilling experience. Decided that’s you? Shop our RVs now, or contact us to figure out which one is right for you!
