I have been trying to think of ways to take a trip while at the same time making it affordable. One of the kinds of trips that I have thought about off and on for years is taking a family road trip in an RV. There is something about the kind of freedom that I imagine for this type of a getaway that is somehow so appealing. Just take off and keep on going down the road to where it leads sounds like great fun .

So many of the usual aspects of going on a trip like buying plane tickets or renting a car, making hotel reservations and then standing in check-in lines when you get there, losing or even packing luggage are gone. Doesn’t that sound so carefree!!!

I actually work with a colleague who owns an RV. He and his wife sold their home and bought a very nice RV that they live and travel in. When there is a threat of a tropical storm here in Florida, they pull up stakes and move to dry land. But the neat thing is that each year, they take off for two to three months just touring around where ever they please. And they never have to pack!!!

While I don’t think I could really live in an RV as my only home, I wonder how it might be to take a cross country trip in one. One the one hand, you can start and stop most any time without too much worry as to when the next hotel might show up. Or perhaps, you might want to linger a little longer at a fun place. No worries. You don’t need to worry about late check ins or having your reservation released if you are too late getting there.

Then too, cooking your own HEALTHY meals and snacks, stopping for breaks at any rest stop, would save time and money. Plus you never have to wait in line to get in to a restaurant. There are so many special RV campgrounds all over the place now that have nice amenities like swimming pools and rec rooms. A good source for these would be the free tour books AAA members have access to. Just last weekend as I was driving up to St. Augustine to visit my daughter Jenn and son-in-law Roberto, I must have past five of six RV RESORTS for travelers and campers who just might want to stop there for a few days.

But I have even seen RV’s camped out of all places even in Walmart parking lots!  One time I even saw one that had its awning out.  I am not saying that this is the norm and I have no idea what Walmart’ s policy is on this.  I am only speaking from personal observation.  Guess you can’t beat having a super discount grocery store right outside your door though.

There is a travel group in one of the over 55 communities nearby that  all have RV’s. They picked a leader to organize their stops and route much like the horse and wagon caravans that traveled in groups when heading west. At least that is the mental image I got!!  They reported that a good time was had by all.

While it looks like this might be a great way to travel, I also, wonder if, in the long run, it costs more or less to vacation in an RV. Gas, tolls, wear and tear of driving a big RV on the driver vs travel in a plane, staying in hotels and eating in restaurants. The claims are that a family of four traveling this way could save over 50% when compared to a traditional vacation.

Which way is best all around – I wonder. Maybe it might be worth a try just to experience a vacation in an RV. I don’t figure this would be for everyone, but if you don’t mind doing the driving or keeping it casual, it might be a nice change of pace.

I would be interested in your opinion. Anyone out there ever vacation in an RV?  I would love to hear if you would recommend this as a cost saving option for traveling and if you had a good time.