Travelling Economics

Over the last month or so, our Canadian dollar has taken a lovely swan dive. This is not so good for the many of us who choose to spend the cold winter months in the warmer states of America. We now have to factor into our budget an extra 25% or more on the price of everything just to accommodate the exchange.


When it comes to gas, that actually brings it about up to par. But it was because of the cheaper gas in the states that over the last 4 years we could travel farther and more often. This winter we are thankfully staying closer to home, or at least on the same side of the continent, instead of going across country. And we find if we stay in the same campground for 2 weeks or more before moving on to explore other places, we are towing less and using less gas.

When we stay in state parks, the rates are low but the parks are usually located in remote areas, and well out of town. We have to drive a distance to get to any kind of civilization. By only doing a “town trip” once a week or so, and planning to hit all the shopping, museums, and library all on the same day, we also cut down on our travel.









And shopping less often really does mean you spend less money. You don’t have any excuse to stop somewhere for a quick lunch, with beer of course, or even a luxurious dinner out if you’re late getting back.

Private campgrounds are easier, as the longer you stay the less you pay for the daily rate. We find that they are more crowded and less natural.  But financially, you can understand why so many snowbirds just head for the same place and stay the whole winter. And that probably would be more affordable for us, but we still have the travelling bug. There’s just so doggone much to see!







So we try to see it by hiking, biking, and paddling.  Enjoying the simple pleasures.

The cheap pleasures.




Like wine. It is very affordable in the States without the Ontario sin tax.




We don’t need to worry about utilities or property tax. Both are included in the daily rate at each campground. And since we rarely choose the expensive luxury resort places, our monthly housing costs in the US are usually less than $500 a month, well within our budget.


We still have house maintenance. It’s just that our house includes rolling parts. Lots of rolling parts.

There is always room in our budget for museums. We consider them to be part of our continuing education. We have learned so much about history, geology, and the nature around us by travelling. Things that we thought we knew, like our own War of 1812, surprise us when looked at from a different view.









Travelling by RV in Canada is a much more expensive proposition. Not only is gas more expensive, but the campgrounds, both public and private, are often more than twice as costly. It’s a shame, because there is so much in our own country that we would love to explore and learn about.

But if the loonie keeps diving to the bottom, we may indeed be staying longer in the North Country.

You do what you must to make ends meet.

W