10 Easy Steps to an Affordable, Hassle-Free RV Trip

Recreation vehicles (RVs) are "hot and getting hotter" in the current travel climate, says Arthur Frommer, one of the world’s leading authorities on travel. "Concerned about the safety of air and cruise travel, eager to remain within the borders of the United States, multitudes of Americans are turning to these elaborate lodging machines that carry the comforts of home onto the highways and campgrounds of America," writes Frommer in his recent online column for MSNBC and Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel.

According to Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), factory-to-dealer shipments of RVs increased by 20 percent last year and are expected to reach a 25-year high in 2003. As more Americans opt for driving vacations, many are trying RVing for the first time. They’re discovering the freedom, flexibility and control that RVs offer.

With an RV, you’re free to go where you want, when you want—without the hassles of tight schedules, long lines at the airport and luggage restrictions. There are more than 16,000 RV parks and campgrounds located along scenic routes and interstates, in cities and small towns—many offering resort-like amenities such as golf courses, tennis courts and lush landscapes.

Travelers feel right at home on the road, because RVs are fully equipped with living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and baths. For added comfort, RVs also have rooms that slide out at the push of a button to create extra living space.

For those thinking about RVing for the first time, RVIA offers these 10 easy steps to get started:

1. Surf the web. The most comprehensive RV website, GoRVing.com, provides information on the RV travel experience, including campground listings and vacation planning suggestions. Information about the industry is also available at rvia.org, the official website of RVIA, which represents approximately 98 percent of the nation’s RV manufacturers.

2. Order a free video or CD-ROM. Call 1-888-Go RVing for a free video or CD-ROM of RV shopping and travel tips. The video and CD-ROM also can be ordered on GoRVing.com, where you can link to lists of local dealers and campgrounds that cater to new RVers.

3. Rent an RV. There are more than 460 RV rental outlets nationwide. Renting allows potential buyers to try RV travel and determine which type of unit best suits their needs. Check the yellow pages under "Recreation Vehicle-Rentals" for the nearest rental outlet, or access Recreation Vehicle Rental Association’s (RVRA) website at rvra.org for The RVRA Rental Directory, which lists more than 340 rental companies in the United States and Canada. RV rental costs vary depending on the season and size of the unit. The motorhome is the most popular rental model, typically at $90-$200 per day. Folding camping trailers and travel trailers run $28-$85 per day. Many larger rental locations include mileage and offer housekeeping packages with linens, cookware and other necessities for life on the road.

4. Read RV buyers’ guides and books. Visit a local bookstore or library. Or search for RV travel books to purchase online.

5. Visit an RV dealer. To visit a local RV dealer, check the yellow pages under "Recreation Vehicle-Sales," or go to GoRVing.com and click on "Buying and Renting."

6. Look for the RVIA seal. Before buying an RV, be sure to check for the oval-shaped RVIA seal. The seal shows that the RV manufacturer is a member of Recreation Vehicle Industry Association and means that the manufacturer self-certifies that the vehicle complies with applicable national safety specifications.

7. Attend an RV show. A wide range of RVs appealing to every taste and budget are on display at retail shows around the country. For a calendar of shows in your area, go to GoRVing.com under "Buying and Renting"; click on "RV Roundup," then go to "Consumer Resources."

8. Do the math. RV travel is affordable. A family of four traveling by RV can spend up to 70 percent less than traveling by car, plane or cruise ship. Campground fees average about $22 per night, well below average hotel/motel room rates.

9. Take your pick of RV parks and campgrounds. It’s easy to find campgrounds with settings and amenities to suit your taste. Campground directories available at bookstores and public libraries provide nationwide listings and comparative information on fees and facilities. For a free, online campground directory searchable by state, go to GoRVing.com and click on "Hit the Road."

10. Get going. The RV driving experience is different, not difficult. With a little practice and proper attention to differences in size, height and weight, RVs are fun and easy to drive.