A new study conducted by CBRE Hotels Advisory Group reveals that RV vacations are significantly cheaper than other forms of vacation travel, even when considering fuel prices and the cost of RV ownership. The study analyzed various travel options and found average cost savings of up to 60% for a 4-person travel party and up to 46% for a 2-person travel party, depending on the type of RV and vacation.
For lightweight travel trailers, the most common type of RV, the study found that the average cost per day for a four-person camping vacation was about 48% less than a comparable air/hotel vacation and about 34% less expensive than a comparable car/hotel combination vacation. For Class B motorhomes, the average cost per day for a four-person camping vacation was about 49% less than a comparable air/hotel vacation and about 35% less expensive than a comparable car/hotel combination vacation.
The study analyzed vacation costs for 9 popular destinations, considering different durations of 3, 7, and 14 days. It compared the costs of RV vacations to various alternatives, including traveling by car, staying at hotels, renting houses/apts, and eating in restaurants. The analysis used example travel groups of either 2/4-persons.
The findings indicate substantial savings for RV vacations. For example, a family of 4 traveling from Dallas to the Grand Canyon for a 14-day vacation could save 37% by choosing a Class C motorhome over flying, renting a car, and staying in hotels. Similarly, a family of four taking a 7-day luxury vacation from Washington, DC to Cape Cod could save 39% by opting for a luxury Class A motorhome instead of first-class air travel, car rental, and a hotel.
Even when compared to road trips with hotel stays, RV vacations showed significant savings. A family of four traveling from Atlanta to Orlando for a 7-day vacation could save 47% by using a folding camping trailer instead of a family car and hotels/motels.
The study also examined the impact of fuel prices on the affordability of RV travel. It concluded that fuel costs would need to rise dramatically for RV vacations to become more expensive than non-RV vacations. The researchers believe that fuel prices are unlikely to reach such levels in the foreseeable future, and therefore, price spikes in fuel costs should not deter people from choosing RV vacations.
Overall, the study confirms that RV vacations are an economical way to travel, providing cost savings, flexibility, and a sense of togetherness for families & friends.
More details can be found here: https://www.rvia.org/2023-vacation-cost-comparison-study
