RV Camping vs. Traditional Accommodations: Why Rving is a Unique Experience

We all dream of being on that perfect holiday soaking in the sights, enjoying the weather and experiencing the local food and culture. Imagine being able to experience this in the comfort of a home away from home. Owning an RV can turn your holiday into a unique experience on your own time. Let's compare it to some more traditional accommodation options such as:

• Hotels
• Camping
• Hostels

Here is how travelling in an RV can provide a unique experience, along with some pros and cons compared to conventional accommodation.

That personal experience

Pros-The single aim of a hotel is to profit from your stay. Certain chains will have the same decor, the same uniforms and the same menus offering the same overpriced, bland food. Owning an RV eliminates all of that! You have the freedom to fill your RV with your own creature comforts, your most comfortable bedding and your favourite food right at your fingertips. There's no need to rush to your hotel to meet that check-in deadline or set an early alarm to get back on the road in time for the cleaners, you are on your own time.
Cons- You might not have the luxury of room service that is offered at a hotel and you’ll have to make your own bed! But we think that’s a small price to pay for the unique locations you will find yourself in in your RV.

Unlocking unique destinations

• Remote campsites
• Beachfronts
• Forests
• Mountains

Pros- Most hotels will promote day trips and excursions to local attractions, but how about visiting where you want, when you want? With an RV, you can venture into the heart of your destination and experience the genuine people and atmosphere, park up under the stars and enjoy a cup of tea or a glass of local wine without worrying about restaurant bills, service charges or taxi fares.
Cons- Sometimes those mornings could get a bit chilly and you might wish you had the warmth of a hotel room. But this is why RV owners do it. We think waking up to the elements and being immersed in your surroundings makes the experience even more worthwhile. If things do get a bit too chilly or hot, check out the wide range of heaters and air conditioners available on our website, designed for the harsh Australian elements.

Costs

Pros- Staying in a hotel is fraught with hidden costs. First, there are the booking fees, then the administration fees, and then the astronomical price of a tiny can of soda from the mini-fridge. Before you know it, you've blown half of your budget on just securing a roof over your head! On the contrary, all of your costs with an RV are upfront. With a comprehensive insurance policy to cover every eventuality, you are free to enjoy your holiday as you choose. Sure, you might have to part with a few dollars in campsite fees, but they are usually put towards the upkeep of the sites and will never be anywhere near the cost of a hotel room! Even keeping your RV topped up with gas will never amount to a hotel or hostel bill.

Cons- We know that unexpected things can happen on the road, but your RV will be equipped with spare tyres, and your insurance policy will take care of any other eventuality. You certainly won't be hit with a bill when you check out of that unique destination on the open road.

Security

Pros- Travelling in an RV can offer security on a number of levels. It is not unheard of for items to sometimes go missing whilst staying at a hostel, especially if you might be sharing a room with strangers. Being in an RV eliminates the need to stash valuables away or keep important items such as passports on your person. All your important documents can be safely and securely stored on board, all in the same place and always with you wherever you go. This beats any traditional accommodation including tents too. If you plan on taking a longer trip or transporting any other valuable items, the abundance of space in an RV will also allow you to install a safe with a unique code. Safety first!

Cons- Safety-wise, there aren't many cons to being in an RV apart from other road users and the roads themselves. Unlike staying in a tent where you might have to choose from which possessions you leave behind for the day, you have the luxury of all your belongings being with you, all of the time. We think that is a winner!

The people you meet

Pros-'Sometimes it's not about the journey or the destination, but the people you meet along the way,  and this could not be more true for the RV traveller. Most RV owners enjoy searching out campsites to rest their vehicles which can lead to unique meetings with an eclectic array of like-minded people. The freedom of the road attracts folk from every walk of life. You'll find that some people live in their RVs, off-grid and free from the constraints of mortgages, council rates and utility bills. Perhaps they might convince you to do the same? You won't have to worry about the bar closing like you would in a hotel, and you certainly won't have to worry about the bill showing up on your account as you check out. RVs also come equipped with water filters to ensure your drinking water is always fresh, be sure to check the quality of water from the source before you top up!

Cons- One benefit of staying in a hotel is the "Do Not Disturb" sign. Be careful where you park your RV, as some areas have restrictions, and you might get woken up by a local warden or ranger asking you to move on. However, this is easily avoidable by doing some research before bedding down for the night if you aren't staying at a designated campsite. You might say there is also a risk of noisy neighbours on the campsite but unlike a hotel, you can just fire up your engine and go!

Still thinking about booking that hotel?

After weighing up the options it is clear to us that travelling in an RV beats all types of traditional accommodation. So wherever you choose to go, you might be a seasoned RV veteran or just thinking of joining the community, RV Parts Express has all the information, parts and upgrades you need. Don't hesitate to contact us for expert advice!