RV FEATURE
In the December peak period, the costs jump
to about $2041.30 for a cabin for 10 days and
about $654.40 for a powered site. (These
numbers are based on state averages,
obviously – the actual cost in Forster might
have been more or less.)
So does that $141.76 saved in fuel by not
towing a caravan justify the extra expense of
staying in a cabin?
An internet search for a 10-day stay (two
adults and three children under 10) in an
upmarket five-star hotel in Forster in October
revealed a price of almost $3000, or just under
$2000 for a motel. Mind you, this search was
performed in February – you can bet those
prices will increase as availability decreases.
You could also bet that the cost to stay there
in December would be greater still.
On the face of it, caravanning is a clear
winner. But not so fast. Have you forgotten
about the start-up costs? Assuming you
already have a suitable tow vehicle, you’re
looking at approximately $55,000 for a new,
entry-level couple’s van. Put another way,
that’s about 32 10-day trips staying in a
cabin, as per our example.
If you don’t have a suitable tow vehicle, let’s
add $50,000. Or, put yet another way, that’s
about 62 10-day trips when combining the
prices of the vehicle and van.
If holidaying once a year, it would take almost
a lifetime before you started regretting not
buying a caravan and 4WD instead.
I am the first to admit that this analysis is a
little simplistic, often relying on averages than
actual figures. It also does not take into
account various other costs, such as
additional tow vehicle servicing, nor does it
take into account the most important factor of
all – personal preferences in terms of how
people travel.
A caravan gives people their own bed, unused
by strangers, as well as familiarity. It also
provides unmatched freedom.
Clearly, there are pros and cons to both
caravanning and staying in a cabin. At the
end of the day, however, your money will
return. Your time will not. So whatever your
preference – cabin or caravan – just get out
there and enjoy yourself!
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