With gas prices on the rise once more. And with the onset of the Spring and Summer traveling seasons. RV vacations are more economical than those taken by personal car, commercial airline and cruise ship.  Regardless of fuel prices, RV owners still get the biggest bang for their buck.  When compared to other types of vacations.  The affordability of RV travel is what appeals to families.  I recently read a comprehensive study that analyzes vacation data and in all cases, the study found RV trips being more economical than other vacations analyzed, regardless of trip duration, distance or region of the country.  Even when fuel prices rise, the data continued to show that traveling the road in an RV is still significantly less expensive.  I know fuel costs are a very important factor in everyone’s vacation plans and costs, the results of the study determined that the cost of fuel would have to triple to make RVing more expensive for a family of four than other types of travel.  For an example vacations using a personal car, staying in hotels and eating in restaurants, were found to be roughly 36 percent more costly on average than travel by RV.

A week-long family vacation towing a conventional travel trailer from Salt Lake City, Utah to the Grand Canyon compared to the cost of taking the same trip by airline, renting a car and staying in a rental property would be $2,820 or 70 percent less expensive.

Shorter getaways were also found to be more economical by RV. A family taking a three-day excursion from Pittsburgh, Pa. to visit the Pa. Dutch Country around Lancaster, Pa.  would save over $270 or an estimated 31 percent, by towing their conventional travel trailer, rather than going by car, staying in hotels and eating in restaurants.

More than 80 percent of RVers say their RV vacations cost less than other forms of vacation, even when fuel prices rise. To save fuel, RVers are typically spending more time with their family and enjoying the campground experience, and spending less time on the road. Many RVers also take their own steps to lower fuel consumption. Simple steps like reducing your speed, ease off the gas pedal a little. Instead of going 65 mph, reduce your speed to 55 mph. Pack lighter to reduce weight in your tow-able or RV. And turning off home utilities to save energy when traveling, such as unplugging any un-needed appliances and turning off your hot water heater. RV travel at a leisurely pace with no tight schedules for flights, hotels, or restaurants is stress free and enjoyable.

So I say plan those Spring and Summer RV Vacations. And before you do, stop by your to upgrade to a new travel trailer or fifth wheel. Or have our great service department here at Lerch RV, look over your existing coach to make sure your trip is trouble-free and fun. Hook up and hit the road. Get that bang for your buck and make some great family memories this year!

Safe travels and Happy RVing!