My husband & I are thinking of taking our 11 yr old and renting an RV for a few days. We live in Boston and wil fly to Vegas for a few days, rent an RV and drive (hopefully!) to Sante Fe then return to Vegas for the flight home. Would love input from others who have done similar trips. Pros/cons to renting RV?? Should we think about 1-way fligts, into Vegas home from Sante Fe, think that would be $$$. Thanks!

First thing to consider, the price of gas and RVs get very poor gas mileage. --especially when using air conditioner. #2 even though the roads are good on you route and speed limits are 65-70, not really safe to drive RV much over 60, and if any high winds it isn't safe.
#3 by the time you pay rental, gas and RV campground fees -- and I think it would cost more if you didn't return RV to Vegas..
---I'd just rent a car , stay at motels with pools and eat out !!!!
I must mention IF you were traveling the California or Oregon coast , I would revise my comments.The coastal areas are cool, views are wonderful and great RV. parks, both
State Parks and private.
RV advantages==don't have to pack and unpack clothes; can fix meals and snacks at will and put leftovers
in refridg. for later. Also IF you get to your destination and stay 4-5-6 days or longer, it is definitely cheaper that motels
Hope this helps....
Kay from California

Big help Kay. Thanks. We've never done the RV thing before, but it always looked like fun. Your insights are helpful.

Hi Vickie - 16 years ago we did a similar trip but flew into Phoenix rented an RV and went to LA up the coast to Yosemite and then over to Las Vegas, Grand Canyon and back to Phoenix. We had never used an RV before. At that time I had done a cost comparison and figured it was about equal to doing the car rental, motels, restaurants. But we wanted a different adventure and decided to rent the RV. It was a good family trip and the area was very scenic for driving. I'm not familar with the Sante Fe area so I can't comment on that part. What we liked about the RV: very comfortable for everyone (had 2 teens) - lots of room, they could stretch out on the bed or sit at the table. Liked having our kitchen with us all the time. We tended to drive a while in the a.m and then stop and have breakfast later. Teens sleep late anyway. Cons: RV came equiped but we needed to buy more towels. I ended up preparing more meals that usual on vacation. The campground fees were not cheap, we made advance reservations and a few were not great. But the area we were visitng was so scenic that run down campgrounds really didn't matter.

I think I'd question what your plans are in Sante Fe -if it's just to visit that immediate area you'd probably be better off doing the motel thing. IMHO The RV is great for "touring" but if that's not what your doing a motel would be better.

Have a good vaca...
Sandra

We have an RV. Before you do this, Vicki, rent one for the weekend and take a trip close to home. Camping is awesome, but not for everyone. And with the cost of gas, it won't be any cheaper!

Vicki, I would strongly recommend an RV trip, especially with an 11yr old. S/he is old enough to remember the trip and young enough to not mind being with the 'old folks' Time in the RV is dedicated, spacious (compared to a car) and captive, ideal for family togetherness.

The entire RV part can be a great deal of fun. It may not be the cheapest, but that doesn't sound like your goal anyway.

Some tips from my experience:
1. Shop around rental agencies
2. Ask for a housekeeping package, which will give you sheets, kitchen items, etc..
3. Go to a local RV dealer and check out all the different models...
4. Get a generator
5. Get a new model RV, if possible

the newsgroup alt.rv.travel is filled with great stuff.. try deja.com (it will link you to the new site) and search.. Read some of the postings for other tips.