A few popular misconceptions have sprouted up like cultural weeds around recreational vehicles, or RVs, but those wrong ideas can only get in the way of all the fun you could be having. Let’s set the record straight! Here are the three biggest misunderstandings about RV’s:
1. They’re Expensive!
Traveling in nearly any kind of RV is actually less pricey than any combination of flying or renting a car, and staying in a hotel room. RVs have gotten much more fuel efficient in recent years, and having an on-board kitchen makes it easy to save money on food instead of always being forced to go to restaurants.
You get the convenience of traveling with your own private rooms, with plenty of cargo space to bring lots of clothes and gear with you, at a better price than dealing with an airline that won’t let you bring more than 50 pounds of luggage without ripping you off. No comparison.
2. They’re Hard to Drive!
This is only true if you’re talking about a very big motorhome the size of a semi truck, but even then, it only takes a little getting used to. You don’t even need a special driver’s license for any but the very longest models, and that only in some states.
You can get fully comfortable driving most models of motorhome or trailer in less than half an hour on the road. You may want assistance when backing up, but other than that, it’s fairly intuitive. There’s also plenty of places to easily visit and park an RV comfortably.
3. They’re for Retirees!
This is a lie that ruins childhoods. As it turns out, many a kid’s fondest memories from growing up involve long road trips in an RV that Mom and Dad rented. Maybe the grandparents bought it, but most likely, they invited the rest of the family along.
Imagine seeing the true scale of your country laid out before you for hours, with ever-changing vistas. Imagine arriving and parking right by the shore of a pristine lake, surrounded by ancient forests, while still enjoying all the comforts and conveniences of home. Those are powerful and lasting impressions to make on a child’s mind.
Even if the long drives seem less than engaging, kids can fill in the time with table games and coloring books and other activities until they arrive. There’s also the matter of all the friends they’ll make among the many other kids that you can always find at RV parks. The RV lifestyle is exactly what so many kids (and adults) desperately need: time with family, in the outdoors, experiencing the world.