Are you looking to enjoy a unique adventure this summer that won’t break the bank? Consider hitting the open road in a recreational vehicle!

By cruising in a comfortable RV, you can see all that the United States has to offer while avoiding pricey airfare and lodging. Discover the pluses of renting one along with some best practices for ensuring an unforgettable getaway.

Benefits of RVing

For many, the idea of renting an RV may be intimidating, whether due to the process’s apparent complexity or the vehicle’s generally larger size. However, it can be the perfect solution for whatever vacation you might be envisioning. For one, you can take it virtually anywhere in the country—with RV campsites in every state, it’s easy to get within steps of your destination no matter the time of year. Park your rig in Las Vegas for easy access to all sorts of entertainment, stay on amusement park grounds at the Fort Wilderness Resort right outside Walt Disney World in Florida, or even take a tour of several national parks on one big road trip, experiencing all the wonders nature has to offer.

Furthermore, an RV may provide immense convenience, helping to reduce a lot of the stress that can come with planning and budgeting for a getaway. Looking to do a multistop vacation with friends or family members and don’t mind close quarters? Rent an RV with several sleeping areas to avoid the hassle and cost of booking various hotel rooms. And if you want to bring a pet, many large RV rental companies like Cruise America permit you to do so for no additional charge.

On top of that are the comfort-focused amenities many RV options offer. With a kitchen, bathroom, and electricity, you can spend the day hiking through a forest or exploring a city and then retreat to your air-conditioned or heated RV to clean off and cook up a delicious, low-cost meal. Afterward, you can crawl into bed to dream of other amazing spots to visit—besides all the other perks, this type of travel also comes with enticing flexibility, allowing you to easily pack up and head off to wherever the whim hits.

Renting an RV

For your first trip, you may want to consider renting a Class B or C vehicle. The former is about the size of a van, making it compact and fuel efficient, while the latter is akin to driving a truck, typically featuring a bunk area over the cab for extra sleeping or storage space. Neither type is overly difficult to drive, and each may have all the features and room you need, including a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping areas; some can even sleep up to eight people. Renting a Class B or C RV will generally cost you about $100 to $400 a night, depending its age and size.

Another option you could consider is a Class A vehicle, though this isn’t often an ideal choice for newbies since these are much larger and heavier and drive like a bus, making them more difficult to maneuver. Or you could go with a towable RV, such as a pop-up camper or teardrop trailer. Just keep in mind that you’d have to hitch it to another vehicle to transport it, so you’ll want to make sure your car is equipped to handle that.

There are two main ways you can rent an RV: connect with a private owner through a website like RVshare, which may give you access to more quirky and customized vehicles, or go with a large company like Cruise America for a consistent, reliable rental experience. In addition, consider your pick-up and return choices. For instance, you could have your vehicle delivered directly to your campsite so you can don’t have to drive it or opt for a one-way rental if you’d prefer to take another mode of transportation home. Not all rentals offer every option, though, so always do your research before making your final decision.

Other considerations

The key to avoiding hiccups on your trip is to plan it carefully. To start, you’ll need a driver’s license to operate an RV, which in most cases will suffice. However, you may need to earn a specialized license and complete a safety course if your vehicle is over 26,000 pounds or longer than forty feet, as is often the case for Class A RVs—another reason to go smaller with a Class B or C. Check your state’s regulations ahead of choosing your vehicle to verify its requirements.

In addition, make sure to build your budget carefully, factoring in any other fees outside your rental expenses. For instance, rental insurance costs an average of $15 to $30 per day, while campground fees may range from as low as $20 to over $100 a night depending on the season, location, and amenities, including hookups for electricity and water. You may also want to consider forking over the extra $50 to $150 to have your RV’s wastewater disposed of at the end of your journey; otherwise, you’ll have to dump it yourself. Some other basics to assess include fees per miles driven, a post-trip cleaning charge, and, of course, fuel.

Finally, be sure to map out your route and stops in advance. Besides fuel efficiency, you’ll need to consider road width and overhead clearances to ensure that you don’t have a mishap as you travel. Further, campsites can fill up early at some popular destinations and may not accommodate all types of RVs or have every feature you desire, so make sure to look at all the details and reserve your reservations well before your departure date.

No matter where you adventure, renting an RV can make for a thrilling vacation. Start planning yours today so you can soon make new memories traveling cross-country or enjoying the great outdoors.