There is nothing more American than a summer trip down the open road, with no particular destination in mind. For many, it's a rite of passage to drive across the country, exploring the landscape via RV. It may not seem like a relaxing way to spend your vacation time, but there's no better way to run away from your troubles than throwing out your planner, muting the cell phone, and giving your laptop a rest.

One of the main perks of recreational vehicles is that you can bring all the comforts of home with you, including plenty of extra passengers (friends and family), pets, a barbecue-anything that you need to have a good time. RVs provide the kind of freedom that is not available with cramped cars and hotel reservations. You can bring as much or as little as you want with you.

Another great reason to take a motor home trip for your summer vacation is the limitless flexibility you'll find. You have the option of camping out in the open, saving a fortune on costly hotels, and you can always drive off the beaten path.

Perfectly planned out vacations can become stressful, defeating the entire purpose of a getaway. A motor home allows you to either break away from your itinerary or avoid one altogether. And if you do decide to get a spa treatment or use room service, most hotels offer parking for recreational vehicles.

Don't let high gas prices dissuade you from plunging into a road trip. With a carefully considered budget, a rented or bought motor home can often save you money in the long run, especially if you want to explore multiple destinations on your trip.

Round trip tickets into one city can be pricey, and they don't include lodging and the new excess luggage fees most airlines charge. If you have a pet or children, you might have to spend even more on qualified sitters. Splitting the price of an RV and gas is another great method to help reduce costs.

If you're riding with friends or other family members, each chipping in a little can make a big difference. You also have the benefit of purchasing food from grocery stores and storing it in the fridge that most motor homes come equipped with, making RVs more cost effective than the initial figures might reveal.

But easily the best reason to take a recreational vehicle across the country is the chance to see and experience the surprises of the open road. The long drive will give you ample opportunity to explore new places that you won't find on the maps. You'll meet far more interesting people than you would in a hotel room, and you'll come away with memorable experiences and stories to share for years to come.

Walking off a plane with a cramp in your foot and a bag of peanuts can never compare to driving through the wilderness with a group of your favorite people, watching as the world unfolds around you. So, the next time you plan your summer vacation, consider throwing out your itinerary, gathering up the kids and the dog, and renting or buying an RV. The world is waiting to be explored.