As Labor Day weekend approaches, travelers are focusing on travel costs as an essential part of planning their ideal getaway. Whether opting for a road trip, air travel, or RV rentals, a clear understanding of the price variations is key to enjoying the journey while staying within budget. This analysis looks at trips from major urban areas like Los Angeles to sought-after destinations such as Las Vegas, detailing the costs associated with each mode of travel, including airfare, fuel expenses, car rentals, hotels, and RV rentals. The figures were compiled from numerous travel and rental websites, including Trip.com, Expedia, and various industry sources like RVshare to provide a thorough and accurate overview.
New York City to Montreal
Option 1: Flying
- Round-trip Airfare: The cheapest round-trip airfare for a group of four from New York City to Montreal is approximately $240 per person, amounting to $960 total.
- Rental Car in Montreal: A standard rental car for three days will likely cost between $100–$150, depending on the vehicle model and rental agency.
- Hotel Cost: Expect to pay about $200 per night for a 3-star hotel in Montreal, totaling $600 for three nights.
- Total Flying Cost: $1,710
Option 2: Driving
- Distance and Gas Costs: The round-trip distance from NYC to Montreal is around 740 miles. With an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon and gas priced at about $3.80 per gallon, the estimated gas cost would be around $113.
- Hotel Cost: Similar hotel expenses of $600 apply.
- Total Driving Cost: $713
Option 3: RVing
- Distance and Gas Costs: The round-trip distance remains approximately 740 miles. Based on an average fuel efficiency of 12 miles per gallon and an average gas price of $3.80 per gallon, expect to pay around $281 in gas.
- Campground Cost: The average campground fee near Montreal is $50 per night, resulting in $150 for three nights.
- Average RV Rental Cost: Renting a drivable RV typically costs about $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 from Houston to Hot Springs is about $275 per person, totaling $1,100.
- Rental Car in Hot Springs: A standard rental car for three days will cost approximately $150.
- Hotel Cost: A 3-star hotel averages around $130 per night, leading to a total cost of $390 for three nights.
- 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. With a vehicle averaging 25 miles per gallon and gas priced at roughly $3.80 per gallon, the total gas cost is around $115.
- Hotel Cost: The same hotel cost of $390 applies.
- Total Driving Cost: $505
Option 3: RVing
- Distance and Gas Costs: The distance remains around 780 miles. Assuming an average fuel efficiency of 12 miles per gallon and average gas costing $3.80 per gallon, expect to spend approximately $281 on gas.
- Campground Cost: The average campground fee near Hot Springs is about $50 per night, leading to a total of $150 for three nights.
- Average RV Rental Cost: The average cost to rent a drivable RV is around $715.
- Total RV Trip Cost: $1,172
Salt Lake City to Bozeman, Montana
Option 1: Flying
- Round-Trip Airfare: The lowest fare through Delta Airlines for a round-trip for four people is about $267 per person, totaling $1,068 for the group.
- Rental Car: Renting a car for this duration is estimated at $80 per day, which totals approximately $240 for three days.
- Hotel Stay: The average cost of a standard hotel in Bozeman is roughly $200 per night, coming to $600 for three nights.
- Total Flying Cost: $1,908
Option 2: Driving
- Distance: The one-way driving distance from Salt Lake City to Bozeman is about 390 miles, giving a total of approximately 780 miles round trip.
- Gas Cost: Assuming a vehicle that averages 25 miles per gallon and gas at around $3.80 per gallon, total fuel costs are approximately $118.56.
- Hotel Stay: The hotel cost remains the same at $600.
- Total Driving Cost: $718.56
Option 3: RVing
- Distances and Gas Costs: The round-trip remains 780 miles. Given a vehicle that gets around 12 miles per gallon and gas at about $3.80 per gallon, expect a gas cost of around $281.
- Campground Cost: Average fees at campgrounds in Montana are approximately $50 per night, leading to $150 for three nights. Free camping may also be an option at BLM land or state park campgrounds.
- Average RV Rental Cost: Renting a drivable RV typically costs around $1,100.
- Total RV Trip Cost: $1,381
Seattle to Coeur d’Alene
Option 1: Flying
- Round-Trip Airfare: Flights from Seattle to Spokane (the nearest major airport to Coeur d’Alene) cost around $800 for a group of four.
- Rental Car: Renting a vehicle from Spokane Airport to Coeur d’Alene would cost around $300 for the weekend.
- Hotel Stay: Average hotel rates in Coeur d’Alene are approximately $600 for three nights, at around $200 per night.
- Total Flying Cost: $1,700
Option 2: Driving
- Distance: The distance from Seattle to Coeur d’Alene is about 310 miles one-way, which totals around 620 miles round-trip.
- Gas Costs: With average gas prices in Washington at around $4.60 per gallon and a vehicle that averages 25 miles per gallon, the fuel expense for the trip would be approximately $115.
- Hotel Stay: The multiple-night stay costs remain about $600.
- Total Driving Cost: $715
Option 3: RVing
- RV Rental: The cost to rent a mid-sized RV (suitable for four people) typically ranges from $150 to $250 per night. For three nights, this results in approximately $450 to $750.
- Gas Costs: RVs usually have a fuel efficiency of about 8-12 miles per gallon. Assuming an average of 10 mpg and gas at approximately $4.60 per gallon, the fuel cost would be around $285.
- Campground Fees: Staying at a campground near Coeur d’Alene costs about $30 to $50 per night, bringing the total to $90 to $150 for three nights.
- Total RV Trip Cost: $825 to $1,185
LA to Las Vegas
Option 1: Flying
- Round-Trip Airfare: Budget airlines like Frontier or Spirit offer the lowest round-trip airfare for four people at approximately $104 total, which breaks down to $26 per person.
- Rental Car: A standard rental car costs around $60 per day, totaling roughly $180 for three days.
- Hotel: The average hotel rate on the Las Vegas Strip is about $150 per night, totaling $450 for three nights.
- Total Flying Cost: $734
Option 2: Driving
- Distance: The journey from Los Angeles to Las Vegas spans roughly 270 miles one way, yielding a round-trip distance of 540 miles.
- Gas Cost: With average gas prices around $4.50 per gallon and a vehicle that achieves 25 miles per gallon, fuel costs would be about $97 for the round trip.
- Hotel: The hotel expenses are the same at $450 for three nights.
- Total Driving Cost: $547
Option 3: RV Rental and Camping
- RV Rental: Renting an RV for four people typically costs about $150 nightly, which totals to $450 for three nights.
- Gas Cost: RVs generally average around 10 miles per gallon, leading to fuel costs of approximately $243 for the 540-mile round trip.
- Campground Fees: The average cost to camp near Las Vegas is about $40 per night, which would total $120.
- Total RV Trip Cost: $813
As individuals strategize for their Labor Day weekend journeys, it’s evident that each travel method presents unique benefits and financial implications. Whether choosing to fly for speed, drive for cost savings, or rent an RV for a distinctive journey, the decision hinges on personal preferences and budget constraints. This analysis illustrates that while flying is the fastest option, driving is often the most economical, and RVing merges travel with accommodation, allowing for exploration on the go. By considering these options, travelers can make informed choices that align with their holiday desires.
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