What better way to explore the vast and varied landscape of the United States than the traditional American road trip? Summer is approaching and the open road offers a sense of freedom that can’t be found in crowded airports and snooty hotels.

Instead of returning from a vacation with little more than a tan and empty wallet to show for it, consider taking a trip down a less traveled road via RV. Traveling with recreational vehicles is a tried and true method of seeing all that America has to offer.

Too often people make a run for popular destination spots, which are usually chock full of tourists, and vary little from other large, bustling metropolitan areas. Driving through the country with an RV will show you sights that few people get to view. You can meet the locals, eat unique cuisine, and have a much richer experience.

The added benefit of a motor home vacation is the comfort and flexibility it provides. You won’t have to worry about fees for carrying extra baggage, whom to leave your dog with, or hotel reservations. Everything you need is in your motor home. You can change plans according to weather or whims, and have fewer logistics to concern yourself with. Traveling by motor home gives you complete control over your vacation plans.

Don’t let rising gas prices keep you off the road either. Motor homes can be surprisingly cost efficient when budgeted carefully. You’ll save a fortune on hotel rooms and even food, since you’ll have access to your own small, mobile kitchen. And since most RVs can accommodate multiple people, you can cut down on the price by splitting costs.

Hotels are often stingy when it comes to the number of people allowed in one room. With your motor home, it’s completely up to you how many people you feel like taking along. You won’t have to find a sitter for the kids or for Fido, because they can come with you.

Driving across the country can also be surprisingly less stressful than a traditional getaway. Airlines continue to raise prices and charge hidden fees. Baggage restrictions are tightening, yet people still find their luggage missing at their destination. A cramped, long flight with screaming children, stale peanuts, and a movie you hated the first time around is no way to begin or end your travels. In fact, it’s rather depressing.

With a motor home, you can drive at your own pace and take the time to enjoy the journey, because often there isn’t even a particularly important destination – a refreshing change from the planned vacations you were used to.

If you want to have a memorable and unique experience, it’s time to get on the road. Let yourself roam freely without constraints or a rigid timetable. You might be surprised what you discover about America and yourself. The world already has enough family photos posed in front of the Statue of Liberty. Take a chance. The worst thing that can happen is you end up having an adventure.