Everyone should experience traveling the country in an RV. There is no other way of travel that compares. You can enjoy the scenic wonders of nature without compromising on comfort no matter where you travel.
If you love RVing, you’ve probably found yourself aboard a commercial jet at one time or another, thinking to yourself, “I sure wish I was 30,000 feet below, cruising down the highway in my coach.”
And you’re not alone. Millions of people, including your friends at RVing with Rex, would choose the freedom of the open road over a cramped airplane any day.
Nevertheless, there are those out there who feel that traveling the “friendly” skies is the way to go. For those folks, we’ve compiled a list of reasons why hitting the road almost always beats taking flight.
1. When you’re up in the sky, you miss the journey
One of the best things about over-the-road travel is the time spent on the way to your destination. The road trip games, bonding with family and friends—not to mention the sights and sounds you encounter driving across the United States and Canada.
I’ve posted numerous articles about our travels and the amazing destinations we’ve discovered and toured including Arches National Park, Cajun Country, Alabama Gulf Coast, California Gold Country, Grand Canyon, and Bourbon Country.
Visiting new places and experiencing new adventures are one of the great things about the RV lifestyle. From the fields of green and gorgeous mountain ranges to the soaring skylines and unforgettable landmarks, it doesn’t get any better than life on the highway.
2. Riding in a coach is better than flying coach
Up in the air, you’re forced to spend hours on end confined to a narrow seat in a cramped space. Turbulence is a nightmare that is often unavoidable, and if you aren’t lucky enough to land a window seat, the only scenery involves the people sitting just inches away.
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A motorhome or trailer, on the other hand, is a roomy, plush oasis where everyone rides first class. You choose the movie, and can even take a nap in your bed.
3. On the ground, you’re in control
When you board a flight, you’re no longer the leader of the ship. You’re told when you can get up and walk around and snacks are limited to a bag of peanuts and a can of soda—if you’re lucky. Should you need assistance, you have to rely on a flight attendant who is likely exhausted, jetlagged, and irritated from dealing with rude passengers.
With an RV, however, you’re the captain, in charge of everything from the speedometer to what’s playing on the radio.
4. With an RV, you can bring it all
Sure, flying will get you there, but you’ll be leaving a whole lot behind. Save for some luggage and a small carry-on bag, you won’t be bringing much with you on a plane other than a few essentials and some travel-size toiletries.
Get there in an RV, and you and yours will arrive with all of your gear, including your entire wardrobe, camping, and recreation supplies—and even your pets.
5. You can stop whenever you want
It’s nice to get up and stretch your legs after sitting for a long time. On a plane, you can walk back to use the restroom, but that’s about it. In an RV, on the other hand, you can stop as often as you’d like, get some fresh air, and even go hiking for a while before hitting the road again.
6. The food is better
Airplane food is mediocre at best. Regardless of what they offer, there’s a science that explains why it tastes so bland. Studies have shown that your sense of taste isn’t the same at 30,000 feet in the air. Wine can also taste more acidic than if you drank the same type at ground level.
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In your RV, you get to fully taste everything you make, and you aren’t limited to a menu.
7. In an RV, you don’t have to go through TSA or security
Nobody likes passing through security. In a motorhome, you don’t have to deal with this step and even travel with bottles that are larger than travel size. Not to mention you’ll never be randomly selected for a pat-down.
8. You get to experience all of the amazing sights along the way
There are places worthy of your bucket list from coast-to-coast. Flying across the country takes you over all of it but in an RV the whole trip is an adventure.
The roadside attractions, local restaurants, famous landmarks, and beautiful scenery all combine for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You may not remember much about a flight you took 10 years ago but you’ll always have great memories from a road trip.
9. You can save money on hotels (and sleep in your own bed)
Campgrounds and RV parks cost less than hotels. Plus, in your RV, you’ll get to sleep in your own bed with the pillows and blankets that you’re comfortable with and won’t have to worry about pests like bed bugs.
10. RVing just plain costs less
In many cases, traveling by RV adds up to a less expensive family vacation.
According to a PFK comparison study, a family of four can save 25-59 percent on vacation expenses traveling by recreational vehicle, while couples can save 11-46 percent, even after fuel and ownership costs are considered.
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The same study also found that vacationing in an RV was 45 percent less expensive than an upscale vacation, taking into account both airfare and hotel accommodations.
11. No worry about cancellations
Consumers got a taste of what the summer air travel season could look like over the Independence Day weekend when thousands of canceled flights left passengers stranded and luggage piled up at airports across the globe. Aviation consultant Kit Darby told CBS News that a lack of pilots will continue to disrupt flights worldwide through the summer travel season and probably beyond. That’s because many pilots have retired during the pandemic, and it can take years to train qualified replacements.
Worth Pondering…
No matter where we go in our motorhome, that sense of independence is satisfying. We have our own facilities, from comfortable bed to a fridge full of our favorite foods. We set the thermostat the way we like it and go to bed and get up in our usual routine.