Ditch the expensive hotels and cars and hit the road with your fully-equipped RV. Know more about the pros and cons of renting an RV and discover how it's more exciting than your usual accommodation.
Organizing a vacation is fun and exciting, especially if you are visiting Las Vegas, Nevada. However, it comes with a lot of planning and attention to detail, especially if you are on a budget. But traveling from Vegas on a budget is easily doable. One of the first and biggest decisions to make is whether you want to rent a car and stay in hotels plus eat out each and every meal or rent an RV that comes fully stocked with bathroom, kitchen, and sleeping space. Of course, there are positives and negatives to both and this article will help you decide which route is best for you and your travel mates, whether it is friends or family.
Why Rent an RV
RV rental is quickly becoming a popular way to travel throughout the US. It provides you the luxury of not having set plans because everything is provided for you, in one shiny package, on wheels. RV’s are not just for free-spirited retirees anymore, it's easily one of the best ways to travel, covering the most miles. Most RV’s come with sleeping space, a kitchen, toilet, and shower, air conditioning, running water and electricity, making it an ideal way to travel. From family vacations to weekends with friends, renting an RV is basically an all-inclusive vacation - with the added benefit of being able to move locations whenever you want, letting you get the most out of your holiday.
Las Vegas is one of the most popular destinations in the US and it's not just Sin City that's exciting. There are heaps of stunning National Parks that are well worth the visit. RV Camping near Vegas easily brings both worlds together. Instead of spending time and money figuring out where to eat for every meal, where to sleep every night and whether to hire a car or pay for cab rides, you will have all that in one. This leaves you with more time to explore the City of Lights. Las Vegas is an incredible city, between the brilliant lights, exhilarating shows and concerts, dazzling costumes and fun casinos, there are way better things to spend money on than a rental car and accommodation.
Vegas is over the top and you wouldn’t want to miss out on anything but an average night out, including accommodation or gambling, in Vegas can cost upwards $650. However, since you have accommodation and food taken care of, you can easily budget how much you want to spend for the night. With the extra money you are saving, you can treat yourself to a big night out and feel a little less guilty about it. There are several RV Parks for Vegas visitors and some of the most popular are Circus Circus Las Vegas ($30), Kings Row RV Park ($12) and Riviera RV Resort ($30). Once you have had enough of the city life, you can venture to any one of the national parks surrounding the area.
The national parks in this part of the US are unique and unforgettable. They are something you can’t miss. One of the most popular places to visit is the breath-taking Grand Canyon. Just one night at a hotel in the Grand Canyon can run you upwards of $300 dollars and that does not include car rental or food. However, RV park prices tend to hover around $40. There are so many other National Parks in the area including Yosemite National Park, Zion National Park, Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, The Four Corners, and the Mesa Verde National Park. Visiting any of these parks will take your breath away. You won’t be disappointed by the glittering night skies, the beautiful trails to hike, and the indescribable landscapes and wildlife you will experience.
Positives
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Freedom to go wherever you want and whenever you want
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You can be spontaneous and change plans whenever you want to
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Accommodation and how to get around are all in one spot
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You are able to cook in, saving a lot of money
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You can bring your kids and pets
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You can travel with extra things like bikes or kayaks
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You can see and experience more things
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You can choose to stay in an RV park with other travelers
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Or you can choose to find a quiet spot to stay with no one else around
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You only have to unpack your bags once, instead of each time moving to a new hotel room
Negatives
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Can be difficult to travel with the same person or people over an extended period of time
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Gas prices can be unpredictable
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Having to find dump stations
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Small bathroom space
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Maintenance and repairs
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No consistent WiFi or phone signal
Things To Know Before You Go
- Prices of food and gas vary from city to city
- Accidents and breakdowns do happen - make sure you have some sort of roadside assistance before you start to travel
- Learn how to do easy repairs of motorhome or campervan
- Know where all the dump stations are located
- Know where there are places you can refill the water reserve tank
- When renting an RV, choose a size relative to how many people you are traveling with
- Newer doesn't always mean better, neither does bigger.
- Meet other people at RV parks, they can give you personal tips on where to go and what to see
Useful Apps and Websites
- https://www.cruiseamerica.com/
- Oh, Ranger! Park Finder
- Allstays Truck and Travel
- Roadtrippers
- GasBuddy
- Sanidumps RV Dump Station Locator
- Free Zone Wifi
For most people, RVing is the best route to take. It is easy and convenient as well as comfortable. It offers the extra benefit of spontaneity that booking hotel rooms and car rentals don't. And renting an RV from Vegas gives you the best combination of city life and the great outdoors.
