RV Vacations Are Least Expensive, Study Finds

Even during a summer of record-high gas prices, RV trips remain the least expensive type of vacation, according to a new study comparing vacation costs. It found that "typical RV family vacations are on average 26 to 74 percent less expensive than other types of vacations studied."

The study analyzed major costs that would be incurred by families taking nine different types of vacations to such popular travel destinations as the Grand Canyon, Orlando, Fla., Cape Cod, Napa, Calif., and Alaska. The researchers selected three types of RVs typically used by families for vacation purposes–a folding camping trailer, conventional travel trailer and Type C motorhome.

Vacations using a personal car, staying in hotels and eating in restaurants–the least expensive of the non-RV travel options– were found to be 36 percent more costly on average than going by RV.

"Regardless of gas prices, RV owners still get a bigger bang for their buck when compared to other types of vacations," says David Humphreys, president, Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA).

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