RVing is the cheapest way to travel - TACO survey  -  Roaming Times

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RVing - how much do people spend traveling?
TACO survey

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An online survey by the Texas Association of Campground Owners finds travelers saving money by camping and cooking their own meals

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CROWLEY, Texas, April 27, 2009 – Ninety two percent of RV enthusiasts say it’s cheaper to stay in a campground or RV resort than a hotel or motel, and many derive additional savings by cooking some or all of their own meals, according to the latest online survey by the Texas Association of Campground Owners.

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More than half of the survey respondents said they save anywhere from $20 to $50 a night by staying in a campground or RV resort, with an additional 25.7 percent of respondents saying they save $50 to $100 per night. Forty five percent of survey respondents said they save even more by eating only dinner out, while 32.3 percent cook all of their own meals.
“Our latest survey indicates that people are still wanting to get out and enjoy some time off, but I think they are also trying to stretch their dollar as far as they can, and the camping lifestyle is giving them the options that they’re looking for in that regard,” said Brian Schaeffer, executive director of the Texas Association of Campground Owners.
The April survey, conducted through www.texascampgrounds.com, generated 614 responses involving the cost of RVing, percentage of meals out and fuel costs, Schaeffer said. Among the survey’s findings:
 

92 percent said staying in a campground or RV resort is cheaper than staying in a motel or hotel by the following dollar amounts:

  • $40 to $50 per night – 32.3 percent.
  • $50 to $100 per night – 25.7 percent
  • $20 to $40 per night – 25.7 percent
  • I don’t save any money. I simply camp for the experience – 7.2 percent
  • More than $100 per night – 5.5 percent
  • $10 to $20 per night – 3.6 percent
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Most RV enthusiasts save additional money by cooking at least some of their own meals:

45 percent only eat dinner out - 32.3 percent cook all of their own meals - 15 percent eat out half the time - 6.8 percent only eat out for breakfast - 1 percent eat out all the time.

HOW MUCH DO PEOPLE SPEND?
 

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The survey also gathered statistics on how much RV enthusiasts spend each day for food, camping fees, entertainment and fuel. Here are the results:

Food expenses - each day:

$25 to $50 – 48.5 percent
Less than $25 – 37.8 percent
$50 to $75 – 9 percent
$75 to $100 – 2.3 percent
$100 or more – 2 percent

Camping fees

$20 to $40 – 61.6 percent
Less than $20 – 26.7 percent
$40 to $60 – 15.6 percent
More than $80 – 3.3 percent
$60 to $80 – 2.6 percent
Entertainment and activities

Less than $25 – 55.7 percent
$25 to $50 – 28.3 percent
$50 to $75 – 7.8 percent
$75 to $100 – 5.5 percent
$100 or more – 2.6 percent
Fuel

$25 to $50 – 28 percent
$50 to $75 – 25.1 percent
$75 to $100 – 17.9 percent
Less than $25 – 15.3 percent
More than $100 – 13.7 percent
 
And finally - the survey also collected data on how RVers travel:

57.7 percent travel with a spouse or significant other
35.5 percent travel with a spouse or significant other and their children or grandchildren
3.6 percent travel alone
3.6 percent travel with friends
 

(From the Texas Association of Campground Owners - visit TexasCampgrounds.com.

How much people spend traveling ...

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Rickie Sometimes you can't put a price on enjoyment,RVing is priceless you are able to do your own thing when and where ever you choose. I started with a tent 38yrs ago over the years moved up to a class c , a proud 60 plus female, whom husband is not an camper.
TomI agree with Patricia. Having my own bed to sleep in and my own bathroom is indeed priceless. While the survey did not take into account the cost of the unit you are traveling in, the normal travel expenses were considered. Even when gas was at $4.00 Plus per gallon I still felt that RV travel was the most reasonable. My wife and I travel extensively in our motorhome, towing our Honda Fit. I would not trade the type of travel we enjoy even if the daily costs were higher.
RayOOne guide we use when we think campsites are hi check motels nearby. One place we like on the central coast of CA costs us about 52-55 a night. But that includes wife son and his friend and our dog. Now 500 yds away is a Motel 6 and its sign was advertsing $99 for 1 person a night!! I don't think you will ever recover the cost of the unit in savings, do you include the cost of any other vehicle in vacation costs? However as stated in the article an RV gives you options, eat in or out, overnight at Wally world if you just need a little shut eye. As others have stated also something about having "your stuff"!
John WohlfeilEven when you stay in a hotel, you have to drive to the hotel, so there are fuel costs (maybe less car vs. RV). And, if not camping, you're likely eating every meal out at restaurants, which can cost a lot more than preparing meals yourself. Also, depending on your location, I live in So. CA., hotels are very expensive, its a rarity to see hotels around $100 (except of course Motel 6), its more like $200 per night around LA, OC and San Diego.
PatriciaIf you own a large RV, you may never recoup the cost of the RV. It is the experience and the comfort of having all your own stuff with you at all times. You know who and how the sheets, dishes, etc. were cleaned. And we can't forget the scenery and closeness of those we travel with and those we meet. Ahhhh! That my friends is priceless!!
Billy BobI travel with my wife and two sons. I do not include the cost of food in our travels since we cook our own food and eat the same as we do at home. Therefore the cost of food is fixed since it is the same on the road as at home. For some odd reason it does seem to taste better on the road.
Bob KWe also fall into about the middle of these figures mainly, apart from fuel where we use less than the average per day. I guess RVing is cheaper than other travel but if you're a fulltimer you can't really compare it with someone who travels only occasionally.
KWInteresting. We're about in the middle with all of these costs. Good information for anyone wondering about RVing.

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