garyb1st said:
We RV because we enjoy the experience. Airfare, car rental and hotel rooms? No thank you. Been there, done that.
Eating every meal at the hotel restaurant or that place down the street they recommend. No thank you. Been there, done that.
Mechanical problems on the road. At the time, a major disaster. In retrospect, a minor inconvenience.
Would I sell the RV? Only to buy another.
For us, it's the journey, not the destination.
I'm just the opposite, to me it's the destination, not the journey. I really don't like to travel, but I do like going to new places, and different cultures, especially those outside the United States, and experiencing those places and cultures. I like to eat and drink at places where the locals eat and drink. I've made friends with locals in many different countries, and stayed in hotels, ate the local foods, and drank the local beer and liquor in many different countries. Many of the pensions (hotels) I stayed at on the Greek Islands were built onto the owners homes. The hospitality was unparalleled, and an experience I would not have wanted to miss.
I have traveled by air, ship (cruises), car, and motorhome. Cruising is a very relaxing way to vacation. It can be a real get away from phones, computers, internet, and television. There are lots of activities, and you can do as much or as little as you desire on a cruise. It is also a great way to see new ports, and experience new cultures, foods, destinations, and the sea, without the limitations and headaches of boat ownership.
Some hotels and B&B's are not as you described them. Many hotels such as Hilton Homewood Suite, Marriott Residence Inn, Amerisuites, and others too numerous to mention, have full kitchens in the room. Full size refrigerators with ice makers, stove, microwave, prep, and dining area, as well as separate living and bedrooms. I stayed 4 wks. at one last July and into Aug. in the Boston Area, for $100 night (which BTW proved to be less expensive than driving my motorhome up and back, and paying for the fuel, and campsites which averaged $75 nite in that area/peak season). That also included prepared dinner Mon.-Thurs. night in the lobby dining area, with complimentary beer and wine from 5-7 pm. each night, and breakfast every morning, if you cared to partake. I also had the use of the gas grills in the courtyard and other hotel amenities, which I made use of several times while I was there.