Posts Tagged ‘Travel alternatives’
Vacation without a Plane Ticket
Travel and tourism is one of the industries that hurts the most in a recession. It is no secret that people who are looking to save money do not take trips. Instead of ditching the family trip altogether, though, consider the cheaper option of renting an RV. The RV industry has taken off in the recent months with the promise that families will save money on their RV rental over flying, renting cars and staying in hotels.
Cost Savings with an RV
Essentially, with an RV, you are paying one flat rate for the entire family inclusive of all travel and all lodging. The rate you pay for your RV will depend on a number of factors include size, amenities and the location where you rent it. On average, though, RV vacations rank considerably lower than the cost of taking air travel. With fuel prices high, people have been questioning whether RVs continue to be a cheaper alternative. Studies show that fuel prices would need to soar much higher than they are now to make an RV trip more expensive than airfare. Additionally, the cost of fuel is often built into a plane ticket cost. As RV costs go up, so do the cost of plane tickets, hotel rooms and rental cars. Another significant factor that will save you money in travelling in an RV is the on-board dinette. You will be able to keep groceries on your RV to prepare simple meals. Rather than eating out at restaurants every day, your family can eat together around camp fires or grills, saving money on tips and hefty drink prices.
RV Destinations
Depending on where you live and how long you intend on vacationing, you can explore any number of destinations. Most state and national parks have RV camp sites. Go RVing, a consortium of RV dealers and renters, has a website with complete listings of possible trips. With a comprehensive list of scenic byways, the site offers opportunities to explore and vacation without even having a destination in mind. If you want to travel across the country but do not have enough time for the drive, it may even be possible to fly to your destination then drive an RV to the camp site. For example, if you are from New York City and want to see Yellowstone, fly to a nearby airport. Rent an RV, explore the park, drive the Wyoming landscape and explore.
Downsides to Renting an RV
While renting an RV is cost-effective, it’s not for everyone. You have to consider what you are compromising in order to save money. First, there is little privacy in an RV. If your kids are young and do not value privacy, this may not be troublesome. However, teenage children do not typically enjoy sharing bunks and rooms with their other siblings or parents. You will not be pampered on an RV vacation. Rather, you will be required to provide for yourself in most instances. If you are willing to make these concessions, though, you stand to gain a lot in experiences, adventures and cost savings.
Will a Hostel Work for You?
Hostels are budget-friendly destinations where guests can rent a private bed or bedroom and share bathrooms, kitchens and lounges. If the word hostel conjures image of college Euro-trips, then you may need to rethink your perspective. It’s true: some hostels do cater to younger, hard party crowds. Other hostels, though, allow for whole families to rent a private room while sharing some of the public accommodations. Staying at a hostel may be a great option for a couple or family who is looking to socialize, be adventurous and enjoy a less formal arrangement than most hotels offer. To determine if staying in a hostel is right for you, understand what you are getting into, and weigh your options.
Advantages of a Hostel
The main advantage of a hostel is the price: staying in a hostel is significantly less expensive than staying in a hotel. Price is not the only incentive, though. In locations such as Australia and New Zealand, hostels offer an opportunity to spend more time connected with the beautiful landscape than most hotels do. There is easier access to the attractions such as hiking and beaches. In cities, hostels tend to be located close to busy areas or subway lines. Hostels also offer busy social environments. Most people in hostels are not looking to keep to themselves; you will have the opportunity to meet a diverse network of people to share your travels with. Some may be able to offer tips and advice in navigating your stay.
Disadvantages of a Hostel
If you want privacy, a hostel is not the place to be. Because the other people staying there are looking to meet and greet, you will not be able to simply keep to yourself or your travel companions. Part of the experience is making use of communal areas. As a result of the high amount of public spaces, hostels are not often the safest places to stay. You will have to guard your belongings closely and be certain not to leave anything lying about. Often times, people who are not staying in the hostel will have easy access to the hostel. When you arrive, check the security features. Take a look around to see that the windows and doors all lock. Check with the front desk regarding the policy for keeping those doors locked at all times.
Choosing the Right Hostel
What was once an underground alternative to a hotel has become a thriving industry. Today, hostels are legitimate businesses in the cities where they are established. You may check reviews of hostels online or through the Better Business Bureau. If you are travelling abroad, travel agents or the Chamber of Commerce may have information on where to stay and which to avoid. Hostelling International is a non-profit organization which encourages connecting with other travelers and the outdoors through staying in a hostel. You may check with Hostelling International to see if reports have been filed against any particular hostel. Ultimately, if you are debating hostel versus hotel, understand the differences and know the situation you are getting yourself into.
Tags: Cheap travel, Hostel, Travel alternatives
