Ideal Accommodations:

Hotel Adventure:

Hotels are the most common and most convenient way to plan your road trip adventure.  There are tremendous deals that are available every day of the week at 3-4 star hotels.  Staying in these rooms at unbelievable costs is a lot of fun and something you should seriously look into.  Once you land a nice deal then it is easy to find all sorts of local activities that you can do in that area.

The drawback of this option is that if you get one of these deals online, typically your payment is non-refundable.  The simple solution is to move forward with your road trip at all costs. 

 

Camping Excursion:

A camping adventure is an excellent low-cost option available for your upcoming road trip.  You are able to bring all of your food and supplies with you and this saves you an enormous amount of money. 

The disadvantages are that you do not control the weather.  A prolonged rainstorm, snow, or worse can really ruin your trip so plan accordingly.  You will need to plan for several activities to keep your trip interesting.

 

Cabin Rental:

If you love the outdoors but are not prepared to take your chances with the weather then a cabin is something you should seriously look into.  Most state and National Parks have cabins nearby that are extremely comfortable and filled with all of the comforts of home.  Once again, you can bring all of your food and creature comforts from home.  If' you've never stayed in a cabin, then you should definitely give this a shot.

The only drawback is that prices are generally not as affordable as some of the rock-bottom deals you can land at hotels.  Don't let that fact allow you to overlook this option.

 

RV Rental (Land Safari):

Renting an RV is an experience you will remember for the rest of your life-it is an absolute blast.  Once again, you get to bring all of your food and essentials from home (or you can stop at a local grocery or convenience store to stock up).  An RV gives you complete freedom of where you go and where you decide to stop for the night.  This option will allow you to save an enormous amount of money if you are traveling for five days or longer.  This is an absolute must to consider for the Adventure-Oriented traveler.

The only drawback you will run into is draining the septic system in these units.  When you pick up the vehicle, they will go over all you need to know in orientation and the actual process of draining the septic is not difficult.

Condo/Beach Vacation:

There is a tremendous amount of condos available that can be rented for a trip.  These condos are ideal for beach vacations and can make your life extremely simple.  You can bring all of your food with you as well as any other household item that you can not live without.  Large groups or families make this an affordable option.

The drawback is that you are living in someone else's property and are never 100% sure what you will walk into.  Most of these places are quite nice and it is well worth looking into.

Ideal Travel Options:

Driving Your Own Car

$    (Score = 5)    Generally this is a great option but gas prices can really put a hurt on your wallet. 

Ж   (Score = 8)    When you are in your own vehicle it gives you complete control of where you end up.  It is your most flexible option.

Φ    (Score = 4)    Unfortunately when you drive for long distances you have to put up with terrible drivers, road rage, tolls, traffic jams, etc.

∆    (Score = 10)   Your car is waiting for you right now and is almost always ready.

ψ   (Score = 10)   Because your car is always ready to pack up a spontaneous road trip is right up this alley

 

By far this is the most common way to begin your road trip.  If this is your first time that you have embarked on a spontaneous road adventure then this is your best starting point.  One thing that you need to keep in mind is that the wear and tear you put on your vehicle can never be undone.   If you are concerned about the long-term effects then you may want to look into renting a vehicle.

 Train

$    (Score = 9)    Tickets can be very affordable for long-distance travel.

Ж   (Score = 8)    Because you can go a further distance at a low cost...your trip is now open to expanded possibilities.

Φ    (Score = 10)  You are in cruise control

∆    (Score = 4)   Trains generally leave from the larger sized cities.

ψ   (Score = 2)   You may need to make some special arrangements to get dropped off and picked up from the train station (or leave your car)

 

Checking into this option is an absolute must for the adventure-minded travelers!

RV Rental

$    (Score = 10)    There is a large up front cost for these vehicles, however you save on hotels and food costs.  Generally they are a huge cost-savings!

Ж   (Score = 10)    You have the freedom to go anywhere, stay anywhere, and bring anything you want with you!

Φ    (Score = 7)    If your not use to driving a large vehicle, it will take a little bit of getting used to...it's not as bad as you might initially think.

∆    (Score = 10)   These services are pretty popular and it is definitely worth looking into.

ψ   (Score = 8)   There are some up front arrangements that you need to make.

 

If you are nervous about parallel parking your regular car then you might want to think twice about this option.  Keep in mind that when you park these road couches your always looking for the wide open areas in the back of parking lots and taking up several spaces.  Backing up is not an issue as long as you have a trustworthy passenger who can safely guide you without bottoming out the vehicle

Rental Car

$    (Score = 5)    This has a larger up-front expense than using your car but you do save on all of the wear and tear on your own vehicle.

Ж   (Score = 10)    You can take this car anywhere!

Φ    (Score = 7)    You will need to put up with other drivers on the road.

∆    (Score = 10)   Car rental facilities are very easy to find

ψ   (Score = 8)   There is much less planning involved than heading to a bus station, train depot, or airport.  They will often times even pick you up at your house!

 

If your personal car is a truck or large SUV, then a rental car might actually save you tons of money on gas!

 Airline

$    (Score = 2)    Tickets are generally relatively expensive unless you catch a deal on a flight

Ж   (Score = 10)    The possibilities of travel destinations is endless!

Φ    (Score = 10)   You are not driving, so kick back and take a nap.

∆    (Score = 10)   Not an issue at all finding flights to your travel destination

ψ   (Score = 3)   There are tickets that need purchased in advance.  Additionally you will need to get picked up and dropped off at the airport (or leave your car).

 

The other consideration you need to take into account if you decide to fly for your road trip is how you are going to get around after you arrive at the airport.  Generally you will need to rent a car.  However, if you are heading to a downtown area there are usually free charter busses that will take you to your hotel.  From then your road trip can be spent locally at that area.