The reason sales of recreational vehicles have been on the up lately, is that more and more people are discovering the unique blend of freedom and comfort that a vacation in an RV can provide.

Forget the hassles of flying or the impersonal nature and cost of hotels, you have the convenience of taking your own home with you wherever you go.

Another attraction, of course, is that it provides you with the freedom to go more or less where you want. So you can head off on a beach vacation whenever you want to.

The right RV (not too big) makes it possible for you to roam around your favourite beach destinations on on a very affordable budget, on a schedule that suits you. No more waiting in endless lines at airport security, restrictions on luggage, squashed into uncomfortable airline seats. Instead you have the luxury of setting your own schedule.

There are over 15,000 RV parks and campgrounds around the country, including many near beautiful beaches, so you have a great chance of finding one wherever you want to go. Just pull up and plug in.

Most modern RVs are comfortable enough to call home and include living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms. You now also find many RVs with rooms that slide out. These provide even more living space when the vehicle is parked, but they don't protrude when you are driving. This means more space and easier driving.

If you are a first time RV'er, here are some important tips for you to follow, so you get the best bang for your travel dollar. These are our favorite tips for a low cost and hassle free RV trips and ownership.

1. Search the web first. You will find plenty of useful, free information. In fact there is a great selection of web sites and newsgroups that are dedicated to recreational vehicles. These can provide valuable tips for those newcomers on how to best enjoy the RV lifestyle and how to keep costs under control.

2. Rent before you buy. The different brands and models offer quite different experiences. The purchase of a recreational vehicle is a big decision, and it will have a major impact on how you vacation. Biggest is not always best if you want to go to more out of the way beaches and places. Also, the average RV now costs as much as the average house did a couple of decades ago, so it is important to know that an RV is the right choice for your tastes before taking the plunge. There is a good number of places where you can rent RVs ? from a few hours to a whole vacation. These rental agencies provide you with a low cost alternative to RV ownership, or a way to ?try before you buy?.

3. Attend an RV show and visit a two or three RV dealers to become familiar with the different brands and models. An RV show is a great way to see and compare a wide range of models quickly. Tip: If you have done your research and you are ready to buy, it is often possible to get yourself a very good deal at a show, as the sellers are in the mood to sell and ready to bargain.

4. How often will you use your RV? An RV is a great choice for many people, particularly families traveling together, but do the math to be sure that buying an RV is right for you. Whilst RV travel can be significantly less costly than travel by car or plane, because fees for campgrounds are considerably lower than hotel room rates, if you hardly ever use your RV you won't be saving anything.

5. Invest in a quality guide to RV campgrounds. Research in advance those which are near beaches and which look appealing to you. By knowing where the good campgrounds are and having good directions for getting there, you will save yourself time and hassle, as well as gas money.

Remember, do your research and if you do decide the RV lifestyle is for you, be sure to research the buyer's guides, read the reviews on the internet and ?try before you buy?. This way you will get an RV that meets your needs and gives you the most RV for your money.