by Cathy Ray

Created on: April 24, 2008   Last Updated: November 28, 2009

Can't you hear it calling? You know, "the open road." Spring is in the air and summer is around the corner. It's time to consider your precious R&R time with the family, or with friends. Forget conventional hotels, motels or condos. Be adventurous and travel in style this year. That's right. It's time for an RVing adventure!

RVing is all the rage these days. Today's RVs and RV parks are nothing like those in years past. Today's RVer can enjoy some pretty amazing amenities. Over the years RV parks have transformed into classy resorts and RVs have evolved into luxury second homes. As a product of an active RVing family, take my word for it, things are very different now-a-days. RV resorts offer spas, swimming pools (often heated), tennis, golf, shuffle board, games rooms, bike trails, free Wi-Fi, exercise/fitness rooms, fishing, canoeing, horseback riding, boating, and so much more. It's no wonder that RVing is such a hot trend; it's the best of both worlds. You can be close to nature and enjoy all of the comforts of home.

In addition to amenities, many RV resorts offer special activities. For me personally, the most impressive resort from all of my family's RV travels is the Disney Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground in Disney World. It's located on the bay and includes all of the Disney perks such as transportation to and from the parks, special discounts and park hours, and character visits. My favorite activity is the Chip-N-Dale's Campfire Sing-A-Long. There's a big campfire party with the famous characters and a Disney movie under the stars.

All RV resorts and campgrounds range in price but can be as low as $4 a night and go as high as $100 a night (depending on the time of year, site location and necessary hook-ups). The majority fall into the $20-40 a night range. And, when you consider the comfort and amenities included in RVing, that's a real big savings. Visit Woodalls.com or RVonthego.com to find your perfect RVing spot.

RVing provides the excitement of being closer to nature and many unexpected on-the-road adventures. Additionally, RVing can provide a little extra cash in your wallet. RVing is extremely affordable and can save you big bucks in the long run. According to goRVing.com: Many RV models allow a family of four to save up to 74% on vacation costs over other forms of travel. That's a calculation that takes into account RV ownership costs, including payments, insurance, maintenance, tires, tax breaks, registration and depreciation.

In addition, you can save money on taxes (RVs are considered a second home) and you can save money on food by preparing meals in your very own kitchen. To learn more hot money saving facts, visit goRVing.com.

Here's the skinny on the array of RV choices. There are several types of RVs. There are pop-up, travel, and fifth wheel RVs. All of these RVs are attached via hitch to the back of your automobile. Most pop-ups, travel and fifth wheel trailers include kitchens (or kitchenettes), shower/toilet area, dining and sleeping areas for all (some even include screened-in porches or canopies). You can find a used pop-up or travel trailer in the $4,000-10,000+ range. A new pop-up or travel trailer can start around $10,000 and go up from there.

Motor homes are split into classes ranging from A-C. Motorhomes do not hitch-up to your car, they are the car. Motorhomes also include a kitchen, bathroom area, sleeping and dining areas, and some even come with separate bedrooms and outside living areas. The prices for motorhomes vary quite a bit.

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