Pros
- Pretty places to stay. On a recent trip to Santa Barbara, we noticed some really nice State parks on the beach that have sites available for RVs. Hanging your hat in lovely locations throughout the country is very tempting.
- Save money on overnight accommodations. Although campsite prices have risen in the past couple years, they are still much less expensive than a hotel room.
- No unpacking and packing and lugging suitcases around. Once you have your clothes and necessities put away and organized, you are set.
- No searching for a bathroom. When you've got to go, you've got to go! With an RV, there's no crossing legs and yearning for a gas station to magically appear.
- Food costs are less. Although I'm still against having to do a lot of cooking and cleaning while on a vacation, there's no denying that you can save money by having cereal and fruit or a Danish for breakfast and sandwiches or soup for lunch in your RV.
- More time to explore an area. Sometimes you visit a town or city or National Park and wish you could spend more time discovering the area and seeing more of the sights there. With a RV, you can stay a few extra days without the extended time destroying your budget.
Cons
- Gas expense can be hefty. Many recreational vehicles are gas
hogs.
- Lack of privacy. There's no place to be alone or to have quiet
time. Even camping facilities can be crowded and noisy.
- Cooking and cleaning while on vacation. There is an implied
expectation to save money by using the kitchen in a RV to save money on a trip.
- Stress can result from unrealistic expectations, vehicle
malfunction, working more than relaxing, and spending more money than planned.
- Camping spaces are becoming more expensive and less inviting.
Although many RVers save money by staying in Wal-Mart or Cracker Barrel parking lots, this isn't the same as camping in an isolated area by a running stream with deer to watch out your window.
- Need space to store it. Some communities are becoming more
restrictive about allowing folks to park them in driveways.
- Rigs are expensive to purchase and to maintain.
- Beds can't compare to those in a nice hotel when it comes to comfort and size.
Where it Stands
If the two of you decide to travel together in a RV, make sure you are communicating your thoughts, feelings, wants, needs, and expectations before, during, and after the trip!
