Driving VS. Flying
BUDGET-MINDED CONSUMERS FIND RV VACATIONS CUT COSTS, NOT COMFORTS
RESTON, Va. ? Hitting the road in record numbers by recreation vehicle (RV) this season, Americans are significantly lowering their travel expenses without compromising on family fun or creature comforts - a real bonus in today's travel climate, experts say.
A recent vacation cost-comparison study demonstrates that, even after factoring in RV ownership costs, a family of four can spend up to 70 percent less when traveling by RV. Analyzing trips with three types of RVs most commonly used for travel with children, the study by international travel and tourism research PKF Consulting firm found that:
- Travel with a folding camping trailer in tow averages 50 to 70 percent less expensive than the non-RV trips;
- Vacations with a conventional travel trailer cost 24 to 57 percent less; and
- Travel in a type C motorhome costs from 9 to 49 percent less than comparable car/hotel combination trips and air/hotel vacations respectively.
To See The complete article with Vacation cost comparison done byLeading tourism research firm PKF Consulting go to http://www.rv.com/resources/budget.htm
Clearly, in several similar comparisons, travel by car is the most cost effective way to go. Travel time can be lengthy trip, but if you plan this travel time into your vacation you can also plan specific stops along the way. You will not have the added cost of a hotel, typically campgrounds are less expensive than hotel stays, and you would be preparing most of your meals which helps to eliminate the expense of eating out. You could pay upwards of four times more to travel by air.
What could be better - a cost effective way to share time with your family and see our beautiful country.
A Good Time To Rent
When scheduling an extended stay at a relative's home, consider renting an RV instead of booking a hotel. If a pop-up is the standard means of travel opt for an upgrade to a travel trailer, or even to a motorhome. If purchasing an RV in the future is a possibility, renting is a great way to test out varieties of trailers and figure out what features are needed for a family's specific needs. Renting an RV will not only save money along the way, but provide the added convenience of being close for scheduled events. Instead of packing up and driving across town for a holiday party, simply walk across the yard!
