The RV lifestyle is rarely a solitary one. When planning a vacation, most families try to consider the preferences of every family member. Naturally, some people prefer the comforts of a hotel to a campsite while others prefer the open road and an RV. But the deciding vote in the “RVs vs Hotels” debate is often your budget.
When you crunch the numbers this year the results are pretty clearly in favor of an RV camping trip. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with mixing it up a little bit with the occasional hotel room stay along the way. Just be aware that in 2016, those luxurious extras will cost you a lot more than they did in years past.
Fuel Costs Continue to Fall
The biggest change this year is the dramatic reduction in fuel prices. How dramatic? In its monthly short-term energy outlook, the U.S. Energy Information Administration projects regular gasoline will average $1.98 a gallon nationwide in 2016. This is down from an average of $2.40 in 2015 and $3.34 in 2014, according to the AAA’s Daily Fuel Gauge reports.
If the forecast holds true, 2016 will be the first time since 2004 that the price of gas stayed under $2 a gallon for a full-year average.
Hotels Comforts Cost More
On the other hand, hotel rates are climbing. Industry experts expect travelers will pay as much as 6 percent higher for mid-price and upscale hotels in 2016. Some people are willing to pay the extra bucks for the conveniences of a hotel, particularly when splurging on a “destination” vacation. If you’ve planned a trip packed with activities and events, it’s understandable you may want a little pampering at the end of the day.
Of course, all these little luxuries will add up quickly. Just taking multiple people to a restaurant three times a day can cost a pretty penny. In addition, entertainment, room costs and local transportation will all take a big bite out of your vacation budget this year.
Comforts of (RV) Home
For sheer relaxation, there’s no place like home, even if it’s your RV home away from home. You know where everything is. You sleep in your own RV bed. Your kitchen is stocked with your favorites and there’s no bean counter in the hotel front office doling out single serving coffee packets each day. You can also trust that your camper is just as clean as YOU left it, without having to worry about what a previous occupant may have left behind.
It’s true, you’ll find no fancy restaurants or room service and the lights go out pretty early on most camping trips. Moreover, it’s unlikely anyone will leave a mint on your pillow. But you will find a slower pace, peace and quiet, and the freedom to relax on your own timetable. Factor in the lower costs of camping in 2016 and your vacation calculation clearly favors sticking with your recreational vehicle over a hotel vacation.
At Ketelsen RV, we’re RV vacation specialists because RVs are our business. If you have any questions, or if you’d like to take an RV for a test drive, call or stop by today and one of our RV experts will be happy to answer all your questions.
