RVs abundant at the shows; buy one and then go here!

RVs abundant at the shows; buy one and then go here!

The economy is the discussion of the moment, and most households are tightening their belts, reconsidering purchases and discretionary spending. When considering your own spending, one thing to think about is how an RV can save you money in the long run – on vacation costs.

According to a study by PKF Consulting, when comparing vacation costs, a typical RV family vacation is less expensive than other types of vacations studied.

Consider this, PKF found that for a 10-day vacation from Phoenix, Ariz., to Napa Calif.; vacationing with an RV saves money from a car and hotel trip, and a trip by airline and hotel stays. For a family of four taking the trip in a SUV with a towable lightweight RV costs $2,536, staying in an RV park and preparing all meals in the RV or at the campsite, the study found. The cost of traveling by car, staying at hotels and eating in restaurants raised the cost to $4,575, and for those traveling by air, renting a car and eating in restaurants the cost rose to $5,706, according to PKF. The study also showed that shorter trips were more economical in RVs than other vacation options.

And with the economy impacting the RV industry, this may also be the perfect time to purchase an RV. So, where do you go in the dead of winter to find your dream RV? To the RV/camping shows. Now is the time for RV/camping shows across the country – from the East Coast to the West, there are shows scheduled through the winter months. The shows allow you an opportunity to see the amenities and options that work best for your family.

A couple of shows you may want to attend are the Kansas City Mid-America RV Show Feb. 13-15, 20-22 at the Kansas City Convention Center; and the Minneapolis/St. Paul RV, Vacation & Camping Show Feb. 5-8 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

And when it comes to spring and time to take that new purchase out on the road – to the RV park, consider these options:

• Gwynn’s Island Camping Resort, Gwynn, Va. The park is located on Chesapeake Bay and offers 120 total camp/RV sites and 125 electric and water sites. There is lake, pond and ocean fishing, a playground and direct beach access.
• Roughrider Campground, Minot, N.D. This quiet park offers fishing and golf facilities, as well as hiking and biking trails. There are 76 sites, 33 full hookups, 24 electric and water and nine electric. Wi-Fi also is available.
• Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park – Mansfield, Bellville, Ohio. The park offers activities throughout the season, including fishing, a boat launch, golf facilities and the park is equestrian friendly. There are 150 sites, 49 are pull-thru and 142 are full hookup.