Why RV Travel Beats Staying in a Hotel
From convenience to memories, here’s why RVing wins every time
We’re gearing up for the Hershey RV Show, but this time we’ll be leaving our camper behind and staying in a hotel. Honestly? I’m already dreading the packing! I’ve grown so used to having everything with me when we travel. That’s one of the many reasons I’ll always prefer RV trips over hotels (well… unless we’re talking about an all-inclusive in the Caribbean 😉). Here’s why:
Convenience
With an RV, you have your kitchen, bathroom, and all your belongings right there with you. No need to argue with kids at restaurants, just cook onsite. Naptime? Bathroom break? Lunch on the go? The RV is always accessible, making travel days and family life so much easier.
Privacy
It might surprise you, but RVs often offer more privacy than hotels. Many family-friendly RVs come with bunkhouses that have doors, so kids can sleep while adults relax in the living space. Some even have two exterior doors, offering separate access to the master bedroom or bathroom.
Flexibility
One of the best parts of RV travel is the flexibility it gives you. Want to spend the entire day relaxing at the campground? You can. Prefer to use your RV as a cozy home base while you explore the surrounding area? That works too. And if you feel like taking a last-minute detour, maybe you spot a quirky roadside attraction, a scenic byway, or hear about a can’t-miss local festivalyo, u have the freedom to just go. No canceling hotel bookings or worrying about being too far from your room. With your home on wheels, you decide where the road takes you and how long you want to stay.
The Outdoors
RV travel naturally nudges you outside. Whether it’s hiking, biking, fishing, or evenings by the campfire, you’re making memories in nature instead of staring at a hotel TV. Kids won’t remember their best day of screen time, but they will remember roasting marshmallows under the stars.
Community
One of the most special parts of RV camping is the community you find along the way. At hotels, it’s rare for kids to make friends beyond a quick “hello” in the lobby. But at campgrounds, friendships spark naturally—kids meet at the pool, ride bikes together, or play for hours on the playground. Meanwhile, parents gather around the campfire, swap stories, and share travel tips. There’s a spirit of kindness and helpfulness that’s hard to match—neighbors lend tools, offer advice, or just stop by to say hi. It’s a kind of connection that turns strangers into friends, and it’s truly one of the best parts of RV life.
The Memories
Our RV vacations have given us experiences that hotels simply can’t match. Life on the road, in the great outdoors, has brought us closer as a family and left us with memories that are anything but cookie-cutter.
📍 Worth the Stop
If you’re near South Florida, Lion Country Safari is a must-visit for families! Stay at the Lion Country KOA next door and you can actually hear the lions roaring from your campsite, such a cool experience. The safari itself is packed with fun: feed giraffes, splash around at the water park, drive through the safari to see animals up close, and let the kids explore the petting zoo. You can easily spend a full day (or even two!) enjoying everything this spot has to offer.
🚐 RV Tip of the Week
Right now I’m mapping out our upcoming adventures, and my go-to tool is RV Trip Wizard, it makes planning routes and finding the best stops so much easier.
Want to see exactly how I plan my trips? Inside the RV Moms Club, you’ll get access to my detailed monthly itineraries, plus a community of other RV moms who “get it.” It’s a space to share tips, swap ideas, and make life on the road a little easier (and a lot more fun!).
🛒 Add to Cart: My Current Faves
I’ve been exploring some new hobbies lately, and it’s amazing how much extra time you have when you’re not tied down to a house, mowing the lawn, cleaning 2,000 sq. ft., or tackling endless projects. I recently tried diamond art, and it’s been so relaxing, and I love how the pieces turn out! It’s the perfect mindless activity to do while listening to an audiobook. Plus, these bookmark designs are just the cutest.
📚 What I’m Reading
I almost saved Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson for fall since it opens with the main character being attacked on Halloween, but I’m glad I didn’t wait—it was such a great read! Aside from the opening scene, Halloween barely factors into the story. The attack leaves the main character with a brain injury and just one week to live, pushing her to spend those final days trying to solve her own murder. The plot is filled with twists and a refreshingly unique storyline that kept me hooked the entire way through.
📬 Before You Go…
If you enjoyed this week’s edition of Roadtrips & Reading, you’re going to love what I have to offer in The RV Mom’s Club, upgrade to paid now, to get access to a full year for only $40!!!
What’s Included:
🚐 RV Trip Routing & Itineraries
Pre-planned monthly routes with campground recommendations, must-see stops, and activity ideas
Options for both weekend warriors and full-timers
📖 Book Club for RV Moms
A curated monthly book pick (fiction or non-fiction)
Fun extras: themed recipes, decor ideas, or crafts tied to the book
💬 Private Community Access
Community of RVing moms just like you!
Live Q&A and Fireside Chats to talk about life on the road (RV biz, mom life, education, etc.)
Upgrade to Paid to get access to the RV Moms Club (only $40 for a whole year!)
You probably already have reservations. We stayed at an Amish VRBO for last year's show. It was 45 minutes away but magical.
Thanks for the tip on the “Wizard”! We are planning some new routes and I’m looking for all the help.