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If you’re planning to load up the car and set off on a family road trip, you may want to consider renting an RV for the journey instead.
Spending long hours in a vehicle doesn’t sound like much of a vacation to most people, but taking the same trip in something a little larger and more spacious can make a significant difference. And while you’ll definitely notice higher fuel expenses associated with your trip, you’ll save on accommodations and food, which can free up money for fun when you’re traveling on a budget.
Not sure if an RV is the right approach for your next family trip? Here are a few pros and cons to weigh with your family before you make your decision.
Advantages of Renting an RV for Your Family Vacation
You’ll be close to nature
If your idea of going on vacation involves getting back in touch with nature, renting an RV will allow you much greater access to the outdoors than any hotel you’ll find. You can find some pretty majestic campsites if you’re willing to do a bit of research and make reservations well in advance, and you’ll appreciate the views from your camp chairs as you relax in the evenings before heading into sleep.
It’s more comfortable and convenient than camping.
Camping can be a ton of fun and a great way to vacation with family, but it also has its drawbacks. If you’re traveling with little ones, have a large family, or are simply not the most experienced campers in the world, camping may create more stress than it relieves, which defeats the point of your vacation. Opt for the convenience factor that an RV provides and you’ll rest easier.
You’ll get to enjoy the journey as well as the destination.
Renting an RV for your family road trip will make the journey much more enjoyable than if you choose to make the trip in your car. Even if you’re equipped with an SUV or a larger vehicle, you’ll all grow tired of being cramped and confined after a few hours, and you’ll need to take more and more breaks to keep everyone happy. An RV provides plenty of space and large windows so your whole family can comfortably enjoy the ride.
Disadvantages of RV Rentals for your Family Vacation
It’s still not a hotel
If your family is expecting the luxury and level of comfort you’ll find in a hotel, you may want to reconsider renting an RV. While there are certainly some comfortable RV’s out there, they still don’t hold a candle to the plush mattresses and high-definition televisions you’ll find in most hotels.
It can be tough to drive.
Driving an RV isn’t impossible, but it’s certainly no sedan, and it comes with its own set of challenges. You’ll want a confident driver to take the wheel, and you’ll need to be prepared to navigate tight spaces and get through potentially adverse conditions, depending on the time of year you choose to travel.
You’ll burn through a lot of fuel.
RV’s aren’t the most fuel-efficient vehicles. On the contrary, you’ll find yourself filling up the tank fairly often, especially if you’re exploring a mountainous area. If you’re concerned about your impact on the environment as you embark on your family road trip, traveling by RV may not be the right approach for you.
These are only a handful of the factors you’ll want to consider as you determine whether or not an RV is the right choice for your family’s next road trip.
Tell me – what are the biggest benefits – and drawbacks – you can see to traveling by RV? Leave a comment and let me know!
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Great article, I think you hit the main considerations on RV rental decisions. I’ve thought about it for a change but will have to think more about it, as I do like my hotels.
Thanks for sharing your insights. I’ve debated about renting an RV for a trip, but the rents seem to be higher than a hotel too. And, as you said gas can be costly. One thing to remember is that with the COVID-19 situation, gas prices are lower and it keeps your family much more self-contained than hotels.
Thank you for sharing this as it is a question I often ask myself but I thing it would end up being expensive renting the RV + the fuel vs doing the roadtrip in your car and renting motels or Airbnb’s or hostels (depending on where your going). But renting an RV has been something I would love doing, or a caravan, like #vanlife, I see a lot of these lately.
I live in Montreal , and would love to do a roadtrip like this to Cali! But $$$ I’m sure hihih.
Marie