Stop Renting Your Fun: Why a Park Model Is the Smarter Way to "Get Away"

We’ve all been there: you spend months saving, weeks planning, and then—in one whirlwind week of flights, hotels, and $15 airport sandwiches—your vacation budget is gone. You come home with great photos, but also a credit card bill and the realization that you’re starting back at zero for next year.

In 2025, the average American travel budget has skyrocketed to over $10,200 per year. When you look at that number, it’s hard not to wonder: Is there a better way to spend this money?

If you’re tired of "renting" your memories, it might be time to look at the financial freedom of owning a park model. Here is why investing in your own getaway spot beats the endless cycle of vacation spending.

The "Vacation Drain" vs. Building Equity

Traditional vacations are what economists call "sunk costs." Once the hotel room is vacated and the flight lands, that money is gone forever.

• The Reality of 2025 Spending: Families now spend an average of $8,052 annually on travel, with 73% of parents citing "affordability" as their biggest hurdle.

• The Investment Alternative: Instead of a $10,000 "disappearing" act every year, that same money can go toward a park model—a tangible asset that you own. Unlike a hotel room, a park model has resale value and can even serve as a rental income stream when you aren't using it.

  
  

Significant Savings Every Single Trip

The savings start the moment you unlock your door. Because park models are classified as recreational vehicles, they offer a luxury experience at a fraction of the cost of traditional travel.

• Lodging: The average U.S. hotel room now costs between $150 and $250 per night. In contrast, monthly lot rents at many resorts can be comparable to just a few nights in a high-end hotel.

• Dining: A family of four easily spends $100–$150 per meal while traveling. Having your own full kitchen in a park model means you can eat exactly what you like for the price of a regular grocery run.

• Overall Savings: Studies show that RV-style vacations are consistently 45% to 60% less expensive than traditional airfare and hotel trips.

  
  

Tax Advantages You Won't Get at a Resort

One of the best-kept secrets of 2025 is the tax benefit associated with these units. Under recent legislation like the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), certain park models used for business (like short-term rentals) may qualify for 100% bonus depreciation. This means owners might be able to write off a significant portion of the cost in the very first year—something no Hilton or Marriott will ever offer you.

More "Vacation" for Your Dollar

When you own a park model, you aren't limited to one week a year. You have a permanent escape hatch for every long weekend, holiday, and "just because" Friday.

• No Booking Stress: You never have to worry about "peak season" pricing or sold-out resorts.

• Community Perks: Most park model communities offer resort-style amenities like pools, clubhouses, and social events that would cost a fortune at a traditional 5-star destination.

The Bottom Line: While a one-off vacation is a nice treat, a park model is a lifestyle. It turns a "wasted" annual expense into a smart, long-term investment in your family's happiness and your financial future.