Hotels Vs RVs: Which has the best value?

Hotels vs RV content from Mom With A Map Staff Writer

Thanks to the cost of living increases that we’ve seen recently, more and more families are wondering whether there are alternatives to traditional hotel-based vacations. They want to know whether they can take themselves and the children away for a much-needed break, without wrecking the bank. 

Because of this, they’re considering RV travel. They’re wondering whether it might actually be more affordable to use fifth wheels than to book hotel rooms. So what’s the answer? Let’s take a dive into hotels vs. RVs

It Depends On The Number Of People On The Trip

If you’re riding solo, then staying in a hotel is probably cheaper overall than buying an RV. A single hotel room is usually just a few dollars per night, whereas the capital cost of owning an RV is significant. 

However, if you’re booking two or more rooms for your whole family, the price can quickly rise. In which case, owning an RV might actually be the better option. 

It Depends On Your Trip Location

Before you head out to book a hotel or buy an RV, you’ll also want to think carefully about your trip location. In some cases, it’s just not possible to take your RV with you. For instance, if you live in Montana but you want to travel to Japan, taking your RV with you isn’t practical. However, if you’re wanting to go on a road trip through Canada, it makes a lot of sense. 

RVs also make a lot of sense for families who want to vacation in nature or spend time in national parks.

In these locations, it can be difficult to find lodgings at all. And if they are available, then they tend to be oversubscribed, and overpriced. Camping grounds, though, are much more abundant and they always tend to have space for visitors. In many cases, you can just show up. 

Think About Your Travel Style

You’ll also need to think carefully about the style of travel that you prefer. If you’re the sort of person who likes to use time away from work for adventuring, then traveling via RV makes a lot of sense. You’re able to explore parts of the world that would be difficult to really get to know if you were staying in a hotel. 

However, if you and your family prefer relaxing vacations where most of the time is spent by the pool or in a spa, then hotels might be a better option. RVs can be a big money-saver because you’re doing all your own cooking, but you have to put in a lot more effort compared to ordering meals a la carte. 

Consider How Often You Travel

If you only travel on vacation once per year, then owning a camper isn’t worth much. However, if you go away every month or so, or you’ve managed to retire, then it makes much more sense to take your accommodation with you. Once you own an RV, the cost of spending a night in it is free. However, it only really makes sense if you plan on living in it for more than 30 days per year. 

Where do you weigh in on the debate, hotels vs. RVs?

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