Budget-friendly Winter Break Travel

Rent an RV this Christmas and Hit the Road!

Cheap and travel aren't normally two words that fit comfortably together. Budget airfare means traveling at 6 a.m. and catching flight connections.

Inexpensive hotel rooms are unpleasant and sometimes unsafe. And economical eating? Granola bars don't cut it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. So how do you beat the travel budget blues this Christmas? Rent an RV!

How to Travel by RV

Many places, such as CruiseAmerica, rent RVs at economical prices, and you don't have to have a tow vehicle. Most offer "class c" motorhomes, which are easy to drive all-in-one units. The front is similar to a truck, so there are no confusing gears or air brakes to figure out. The most befuddling thing might be the hoses and electrical hook-ups. But after a few minutes of orientation at the rental store, you'll be ready to roll.

Comparing RV Rental Costs

Depending on your pick-up site and how many miles you drive, renting an RV for 5 days will cost around $750. Gas will cost around $100 for an in-state round-trip, and campsite fees run from $15 to $35 per night. Total cost? $1,000 (local prices may vary) for a week's vacation for a family of 4. Unless you're driving to grandma's house, you're going to pay nearly $1,000 per person for the average vacation.

"Yeah, but it's going to take more convincing since I've seen that RV movie with Robin Williams," you say. Well then, here's more for those still on the fence.

RV Fun for the Whole Family

Okay, maybe not for the sullen teenager who doesn't like anything. But, for most children, RV travel is a winner. Revive the lost American sport of camping and let the kids ramble in search of creepy bugs, rocks that look like SpongeBob and sticks that pack a wallop. For older kids, let them study the stars, tell ghost stories by the campfire, or (oh my gosh!) read a book. Just don't forget the marshmallows.

RVs are Pet Friendly

Most campgrounds allow pets, so why not bring them along on vacation and save on boarding? For those who usually use pet sitters, taking Fluffy and Fido will save you from needless worry that they're home surfing icanhascheezburger.com or using up DVR space on the weekend Dog Whisperer marathon.

No Food Fights

Almost every RV has a kitchenette and a refrigerator. So you can prepare as many meals as you like, from hot dogs on paper plates to grandpa's famous crock-pot chili. Cooking in also helps when you have picky or diet-restricted eaters on your hands. You'll never again be circling a strange city with three hungry kids at 7:30 p.m. looking for the one restaurant that serves chicken nuggets, gluten-free burritos and vegan pasta.

Pack It All In

Electric blankie? Check. A stack of Sports Illustrated back-issues? Check. Your daughter's bulging suitcase full of Barbies and matching outfits? Double-check. Whatever crazy thing you need to bring on vacation, you can (almost) do it. As long as it fits somewhere in the RV.

If that's not enough, then maybe you better stay home. Otherwise, see you on the road this winter!