Budget Travel – How RV Traveling Can Be a Cheaper yet Memorable Experience

| May 21, 2013
English: Caravan of Heartland Bighorns on the ...

English: Caravan of Heartland Bighorns on the way to the Summer 2009 Oregon Rally in Winchester, OR. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It’s not as convenient as traveling by air, or as comfortable as staying in five-star hotels, but traveling (and staying) in a recreational vehicle (commonly known as an RV) has its own advantages. The first and the foremost being that you will be able to save quite a lot of money. This is especially true, if you are planning for a long trip across the country that spans weeks, if not months.

An RV is a motor vehicle with some living space and basic amenities like a bathroom with a shower and toilet, washer and dryer space, water heater, kitchen, office desk, TV, stereo systems and almost anything else you’d need to make a space a home. There has been a gradual increase in the number of full-timers (people who actually live, travel, and work from their RVs all the time) or Grey Nomads, who sell their homes and go out on a long RV trip spanning months.

Following are some tips for people looking to rent and enjoy RV traveling on cheap.

The Mind Frame

You must be in the right frame of mind in order to really save money traveling this way. While traveling and staying in an RV can help you save a lot in terms of accommodation and meals, there’s still a chance you’ll spend more than you really have to. For example, you need to choose the right size and features while renting an RV. A large trailer will obviously cost a lot more, and it will be a complete waste of money if you don’t really need an extra bedroom and the additional features. Similarly, renting an RV during the peak season or parking at an expensive campground when there are cheaper options and even public land options available can seriously dent your budget.

Saving on Fuel

The rampant increase in fuel prices have seriously dampened the RV industry, still you will be able to save money on gas by following simple tips like driving no faster than 60 mph, or limiting your generator usage, or choosing the vehicle that offers better gas mileage.

Saving on Accommodation

There are many budget hotels available, and you might find a cheap accommodation at the same price that you will be paying for parking at a private campground with full hook-ups; but staying together in an RV with your own kitchen will make it a lot more memorable as compared to living in hotel rooms.

Saving on Meals

Having your own kitchen, you will be saving quite a lot by cooking and storing your own meals. While it might sound like a small savings when you think in terms of one or two meals, if you consider the cost of several meals on a six- or eight-week trip, you will see how much of a difference it can make.

About the Author: Natasha Mesty is a travel blogger and web enthusiast. If you are looking to buy or rent an RV, you can try RV dealers in St Louis MO for affordable rates and world class services.

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Category: Travel

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