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As COVID-19 continues to reshape the travel landscape, and with summer fast approaching, many travelers are considering alternative options to more traditional hotel stays and vacations.
For those feeling uneasy about encountering fellow guests in a hotel, or wondering if it is safe to rely on Airbnb hosts to ensure proper hygiene, there's yet another option on the table.
Recreational Vehicles, commonly known as RVs or motorhomes, are ideal for maintaining proper social distancing and remove the need to check-in to questionable lodging while on the road entirely.
Self-contained, self-sufficient, versatile, and equipped to travel across the entire continent, they make an attractive proposition right now when the desire to control the immediate conditions of your own space is at a premium.
Travelers can eat, sleep, wash, and drive themselves all in one collective environment without encountering anyone else, almost eliminating the risks associated with mass transportation or staying in a hotel or home rental. Even within the bounds of a campground where RVs commonly park, social distancing is much easier than in airports or hotel restaurants.
Indeed, RV rental companies are seeing an uptick. "We are seeing a surge in bookings as states begin to loosen restrictions," says Maddie Bourgerie, spokesperson for Akron-based, peer-to-peer rental company RVShare. "As of May 19, bookings are up more than 1000% since early April, with ongoing record-breaking booking days."
"Renting an RV is a lot easier than most people think," says Bourgerie. "Similar to most vehicle rentals, you need a valid driver's license and be over the age of 25."
That said, first time RV drivers should take time to familiarize themselves with the vehicle. "There's no special training or license needed to drive an RV," says Jeff Cavins of fellow peer-to-peer rental company Outdoorsy, based in Austin. "However, our owners will do a test drive with you before you leave on your trip to make sure you feel really comfortable with the vehicle, how it drives and how all the features work."
For the trip itself, forward planning is key, especially as states begin to reopen to varying degrees. "Research where you want to go before you depart," says Cavins. "Each day, we're monitoring the news of campgrounds reopenings taking place in each state and updating our list of state park systems and their status." Cavins recommends checking websites such as Harvest Hosts and Campendium to book suitable rest locations.
Popular Types of RVs and MotorhomesThere are different classes of RVs and motorhomes, each with pros and cons, so it is best to decide which one best suits your plans before booking.
Class A MotorhomesClass A Motorhomes are the largest and can sleep up to 10 people on the bigger side (up to 45 feet or so in length). They are, essentially, houses on wheels, usually part of a truck or bus chassis.
They tend to have the most luxurious amenities, often with master bedrooms and full kitchens with fridges, microwaves, and electrical or gas stove tops, as well as living rooms, dining rooms, and large bathrooms. They're ideal for large families or those looking for an experience similar to glamping, with less roughing it, more akin to staying in a hotel.
They are also typically the most expensive to rent and less fuel-efficient, usually only managing eight to 10 miles to the gallon. Bigger models can also find problems fitting into some smaller campsites, which can limit overnight options on the road. The large size also means these vehicles are best-suited to seasoned, experienced RV users and drivers. First-timers should probably try smaller models first to gain a feel for traveling this way.
Class B MotorhomesClass B Motorhomes are the smallest category and are usually a good fit for two people, though even then they can feel somewhat cramped. The larger ones will have comfortable sleeping quarters but small kitchens and work well for those traveling in minimal style or on shorter vacations.
This class of TV is generally much more affordable with better fuel economy, delivering up to 25 miles per gallon. They also slip neatly into almost every campground.
However, expect limited amenities and storage space, and often with a 'wet bath' set up, meaning that the toilet and shower share the same space.
Class C MotorhomesClass C Motorhomes are somewhere in between these two first categories. They are usually built onto a truck chassis with an overhang that fits over the driving cab, which is usually, but not always, used for sleeping space.
They sleep anywhere from two up to eight people at the large end, and most have toilet and shower facilities on board.
They come with better pricing, fuel economy (they typically manage up to 13 miles per gallon), and the ability to enter most campgrounds compared to Class A motorhomes, however, they are not as efficient as Class B Motorhomes when it comes to parking, size, and fuel efficiency. They are usually acceptable for a short vacation, but not generally suggested as vehicles for extended trips.
Important information for first-time RV rentersCheck first that you may park your specific vehicle at your intended campground, as well as the facilities they provide. Booking ahead will be crucial this summer with demand on the increase.
Overnight campsite and RV parks come with hookup fees to provide electricity, water, bathrooms, and/or sewage disposal, and typically range from $30 to $50 per night or more for the best quality grounds.
It's also possible to find places to park (usually for limited amounts of time) without any facilities, either in remote areas or at designated spots. This is called 'dry camping' or 'boondocking' and is usually free of charge. You can find these locations on the website for the United States Forest Service or Campendium.
Additionally, don't hit the road without a full complement of groceries and other essentials on board as it may be tricky to stop at some of the smaller, rural communities that drivers will likely pass through, especially for larger vehicles.
The Best RV and Motorhome Rental CompaniesRV rental companies break down into two main categories, corporate and peer-to-peer. All rentals come with generators, are covered by the company's own insurance policies, and offer some kind of loyalty rewards program. They all offer robust cleaning policies in response to COVID-19.
All sample quotes listed below are for a 45-year old driver for a two-week trip, booking two months in advance, picking up the vehicle at the point of rental, and starting from and returning to New Orleans. Different models will incur different fuel costs depending on their size, the terrain, and whether they are gas or diesel engines.
Read the original article on Business Insider