Industry News
August 22nd, 2024
As travelers gear up for Labor Day weekend, the cost of different travel options becomes a crucial factor in planning the perfect getaway. Whether considering a road trip, flying, or even renting an RV, understanding the price differences can help maximize both enjoyment and budget. This comparison covers trips from major cities like Los Angeles to popular destinations such as Las Vegas, highlighting the costs associated with each travel mode, including airfare, gas prices, rental cars, hotels, and RV rentals. The data was sourced from a variety of travel and rental websites, including Trip.com, Expedia, and industry-specific resources like RVshare, ensuring an accurate and comprehensive overview.
New York City to Montreal
Option 1: Flying
- Round-trip Airfare: The lowest round-trip airfare for four people from New York City to Montreal is approximately $240 per person, totaling $960 for four people.
- Rental Car in Montreal: A standard rental car for three days in Montreal will cost around $100–$150 depending on the type of car and rental agency.
- Hotel Cost: The average cost for a 3-star hotel in Montreal is around $200 per night. For three nights, the total cost would be $600.
- Total Flying Cost: $1,710
Option 2: Driving
- Distance and Gas Costs: The round-trip distance from NYC to Montreal is about 740 miles. Assuming an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon and an average gas price of $3.80 per gallon, the total gas cost would be around $113.
- Hotel Cost: The same hotel cost of $600 applies.
- Total Driving Cost: $713
Option 3: RVing
- Distance and Gas Costs: The round-trip distance from NYC to Montreal is about 740 miles. Assuming an average fuel efficiency of 12 miles per gallon and an average gas price of $3.80 per gallon, the total gas cost would be around $281.
- Campground cost: The average campground near Montreal is $50 per night for three nights is $150 for a long weekend.
- RV rental cost on average for a drivable RV = $1,161
- Total RV Trip cost: $1,381
Houston to Hot Springs, Arkansas
Option 1: Flying
- Round-trip Airfare: The lowest round-trip airfare for four people from Houston to Hot Springs, Arkansas is approximately $275 per person, totaling $1,100 for four people.
- Rental Car in Hot Springs: A standard rental car for three days in Hot Springs will cost around $150 depending on the type of car and rental agency.
- Hotel Cost: The average cost for a 3-star hotel in Montreal is around $130 per night. For three nights, the total cost would be $390.
- Total Flying Cost: $1,640
Option 2: Driving
- Distance and Gas Costs: The round-trip distance from Houston to Hot Springs is about 780 miles. Assuming an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon and an average gas price of $3.80 per gallon, the total gas cost would be around $115.
- Hotel Cost: The same hotel cost of $390 applies.
- Total Driving Cost: $505
Option 3: RVing
- Distance and Gas Costs: The round-trip distance from Houston to Hot Springs is about 780 miles. Assuming an average fuel efficiency of 12 miles per gallon and an average gas price of $3.80 per gallon, the total gas cost would be around $281.
- Campground cost: The average campground near Montreal is $50 per night for three nights is $176 for a long weekend.
- RV rental cost on average for a drivable RV = $715
- Total RV trip Cost: $1,172
Salt Lake City to Bozeman, Montana
Option 1: Flying
- Round-Trip Airfare: The lowest round-trip airfare for four people is approximately $267 per person with Delta Airlines, totaling $1,068 for all four.
- Rental Car: A rental car for the duration is estimated at $80 per day, totaling about $240 for the three days.
- Hotel Stay: Average hotel prices in Bozeman are around $200 per night for a standard hotel, totaling $600 for three nights.
- Total Flying Cost: $1,908
Option 2: Driving
- Distance: The driving distance from Salt Lake City to Bozeman is approximately 390 miles one way, totaling 780 miles round trip.
- Gas Cost: Assuming a vehicle that gets 25 miles per gallon and an average gas price of $3.80 per gallon, the total fuel cost would be approximately $118.56.
- Hotel Stay: As mentioned, the hotel cost remains the same at $600.
- Total Driving Cost: $718.56
Option 3: RVing
- Distance and Gas Costs: The round-trip distance from Houston to Hot Springs is about 780 miles. Assuming an average fuel efficiency of 12 miles per gallon and an average gas price of $3.80 per gallon, the total gas cost would be around $281.
- Campground cost: The average campground near Montreal is $50 per night for three nights is $176 for a long weekend. You could also try free BLM land or State Park Campgrounds.
- RV rental cost on average for a drivable RV = $1,100
- Total RV Trip Cost: $1,381
Seattle to Coeur d’Alene
Option 1: Flying
- Round-Trip Airfare: Flights between Seattle and Spokane (the nearest major airport to Coeur d’Alene) are priced around $800 for four people.
- Rental Car: Renting a car from Spokane Airport to Coeur d’Alene would cost around $300 for the weekend.
- Hotel Stay: Average hotel prices in Coeur d’Alene are around $200 per night, totaling approximately $600 for three nights.
- Total Flying Cost: $1,700
Option 2: Driving
- Distance: The drive from Seattle to Coeur d’Alene is approximately 310 miles one-way, totaling about 620 miles round-trip.
- Gas Costs: With average gas prices in Washington at around $4.60 per gallon and an average fuel efficiency of 25 mpg, the fuel cost for the trip would be about $115.
- Hotel Stay: As mentioned, the average cost for three nights would be around $600.
- Total Driving Cost: $715
Option 3: RVing
- RV Rental: The average cost to rent a mid-sized RV (suitable for 4 people) ranges from $150 to $250 per night. For 3 nights, this would be approximately $450 to $750.
- Gas Costs: RVs typically get around 8-12 miles per gallon. Assuming an average of 10 mpg and gas prices around $4.60 per gallon, fuel costs would be approximately $285.
- Campground Fees: The cost of staying at a campground near Coeur d’Alene can range from $30 to $50 per night. For three nights, this totals $90 to $150.
- Total RV Trip Cost: $825 to $1,185
LA to Las Vegas
Option 1: Flying
- Round-Trip Airfare: The lowest round-trip airfare for four people is approximately $104 total ($26 per person) with budget airlines like Frontier or Spirit.
- Rental Car: Around $60 per day for a standard car, totaling approximately $180 for the three days.
- Hotel: Average hotel prices on the Las Vegas Strip are about $150 per night, totaling $450 for three nights.
- Total Flying Cost: $734
Option 2: Driving
- Distance: The drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas is about 270 miles one-way, making it a round-trip distance of 540 miles.
- Gas Cost: With average gas prices at $4.50 per gallon and a vehicle that gets 25 miles per gallon, gas costs would be approximately $97 for the round trip.
- Hotel: Same as above, $450 for three nights.
- Total Driving Cost: $547
Option 3: RV Rental and Camping
- RV Rental: Renting an RV for four people could cost around $150 per night, totaling $450 for three nights.
- Gas Cost: RVs typically get around 10 miles per gallon, so gas costs would be approximately $243 for the 540-mile round trip.
- Campground Fees: Average campground fees near Las Vegas are around $40 per night, totaling $120.
- Total RV Trip Cost: $813
As travelers plan their Labor Day weekend adventures, it’s clear that each mode of travel offers distinct advantages and cost considerations. Whether flying for convenience, driving for savings, or renting an RV for a unique experience, the choice largely depends on personal preferences and budget flexibility. This comparison demonstrates that while flying can be the quickest, driving often proves to be the most economical, and RVing provides a blend of travel and lodging with the freedom to explore. By weighing these options, travelers can make informed decisions that best suit their holiday plans.
