Go RVing – An Affordable Way To Travel
When I first heard of traveling by RV, I just pictured Cousin Eddie from the movie National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and how he parked his old RV in the Griswold family driveway. But now, as I meet more and more people with RVs, I see that they are a nice way to travel and affordable.
The National RV Dealers Association recently posted information about a study which found that RV vacations are on average 27 to 61 percent less expensive than other types of vacations despite the increase in fuel costs. When you factor in the costs of hotels vs. campgrounds and restaurants vs. packing your own food, the study showed that you really can save money. For example, if a family of four travels from Phoenix, AZ to Napa, CA. with a folding camping trailer and stays at campgrounds, they would save 52 percent over the same trip taken by car, says the study. Campgrounds usually cost an average of $33 per night while hotels average $122 each night.
Another study found that one in 12 U.S. vehicle-owning households own an RV and those buyers are ranging in age from 35 to 75 years old. I’ve especially noticed several people in the Baby Boomer category, including my aunt, uncle and some neighbors of mine, begin to buy RVs. There are two main categories: motorized homes or towable RVs. Prices can range from $6,000 for a simple folding camping trailer to $400,000 for Class A RVs.
When buying or financing a recreational vehicle, there are several options. For many, the interest on the loan is deductible as second home mortgage interest. Earlier this year, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act made changes in federal income tax laws. Those who buy motor homes before the end of this year, can deduct the state and local sales and excise the taxes paid on the first $49,500 of the RV purchase price on their federal income tax.
For more information out this affordable way to travel take a look at the GoRVing website. It has tips on why you should go RVing, how to find dealers and campgrounds and includes ideas of new places to explore.