Some places, like Disney for example, you simply do not need a toad. We never took ours to Va beach. Public shuttle to the beach and everything else was within biking or walking distance. I have taken my toad on several trips only to be more of a hassle because we never used it. That said there is something to be gained if you need a dinghy. We take ours about 50% of the time, really depends on where you are going and what you plan to do. Trip goes quicker without it. Easier getting into fuel stops, no hooking, unhooking. Not sure about mileage, I don't think it really affects MPG worth noting though.