The Recreational Vehicle - A Stress-Free Driving Vacation

So you are thinking of buying or renting a recreational vehicle (RV) to go on vacation? A vacation in an RV is an excellent way to travel and meet people.

In many ways, a vacation in an RV is much simpler and less stressful than a conventional vacation. You don't have to worry about packing and unpacking. Your luggage will never go missing. You won't need to spend money to go to a motel. You can cook in your own kitchen and save money as well as not have to worry about food allergies or your diet.

If you love driving and travel, the RV vacation could be for you.

Is it expensive?

There are many different types of recreational vehicles, ranging from the ones large luxury types that are pricier than a house to those that are small and affordable.

Brand new RV prices range from $10,000 to more than $500,000. Renting is, of course, an option. RV enthusiasts have also taken cars, vans, buses, school buses and other vehicles and converted them to mobile homes.

There are many types of RVs. There are motorized RVs that have he driving compartment in the vehicle. This is also called a motorhome. The different types are called Class A, Class B and Class C. The towable RV, on the other hand, has a separate, detachable vehicle that with a driving compartment. The fifth wheel, travel trailer, pop-up trailer as well as slide-in and slide-out trailers.

What about gasoline?

Well, RVs are pretty notorious for not being very fuel efficient. That is one of the disadvantages to driving RVs.

What are some advantages?

RVs are sturdier and more comfortable than a tent if you are going to remote places where there are no hotels. Modern RVs have internet access so you can stay in touch and have easy access to online maps and other useful information online.

The biggest advantage, however, is that there is less to manage and therefore less stress. You can relax and not worry about missing a flight, packing up after all your children each day or finding a good vegetarian restaurant in the middle of nowhere. You can bring your pets with you. Everything you need should be in your recreational vehicle.

Get your things organized, get in and drive, that's it! No hassle, no fuss and you are completely in charge of your own travel itinerary.

What are some disadvantages?

You have to be savvy when it comes to vehicles and not panic whenever something goes wrong. Also, many RVs are quite large and are therefore not too easy for the novice drivers to handle.

Sometimes a heavy vehicle license is needed for the bigger RV models.

How can I save some money when I use an RV on my vacation?

Some places have free camping so try to look for those. Public campgrounds run by federal and state agencies are cheaper than private camping places.

When renting your RV, look closely at the contract and check for possible hidden costs. Some companies may offer specials for longer rentals. If you can be more flexible with the time of your rental or model you can also save money.

Since many campers have internet access, you can also work by telecommuting or make money online while going on longer vacations.

Do the math and you will see that using an RV is cheaper than going to hotels and eating out, especially if it is a longer vacation.

Vacation and travel tips

If it is your first time vacationing on an RV, remember to drive safely and never while intoxicated. If driving a large vehicle is intimidating, try going for a short weekend vacation first. Get some driving tips or lessons from the company you rented (or bought) the RV from.

Learn about the basics of your RV like its sanitation, water, propane and electrical systems. If you can bring along an experienced RV vacationer, so much the better for your safety and peace of mind since there is someone readily on hand to give you advice. It shouldn’t be too hard to find someone who has driven an RV. One in ten families in the U.S. have gone vacationing in a camper.

The internet is your friend. Search online for interesting travel destinations and plan your stops for maximum fun and value for money.

The number one rule of vacationing in a recreational vehicle is this: relax and have fun!

Store your things properly so that nothing will be falling out when you start off. Make sure you have everything you will need. Make a checklist of necessary items. Get your prescriptions filled.

How can you know if the RV vacation if for you? Think about the following questions.

Do you love driving?

Do you want to be in the mountains today and on the beach tomorrow?

Do you hate packing?

Do you love the outdoors but hate tents and having no amenities?

Do you want to be on the ground and up close to scenery as opposed to flying high above it?