More than 11 million Americans plan to travel by recreational vehicle during each of the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday periods, according to the RV Industry Association’s (RVIA) latest Winter Travel Intentions survey, with affordability, family gatherings and pet-friendly travel among the factors influencing decisions.
An estimated 11.4 million Americans plan to take RV trips over Thanksgiving, while another 11.2 million expect to travel by RV during the Christmas holiday period, reflecting continued interest in recreational vehicle travel during the winter season.
The survey found that 63% of RVers planning winter trips identified affordability as a leading reason for choosing RV travel. The findings also showed that 69% of RV travelers intend to bring their pets on some or all of their winter trips, compared with 56% of other leisure travelers.
“Holiday travel should be about spending time with the people you love, not stressing over how to get there,” Monika Geraci, RVIA spokesperson, said in a News and Insights report of RVIA. “RVing puts you in the driver’s seat, with the freedom to bring your pets and presents, travel on your own schedule, and make stops along the way that turn the journey into part of the vacation.”
Family gatherings also remain a significant part of RV travel plans. Nearly half of surveyed RVers (49%) said they plan to attend family gatherings during RV trips over the next 12 months.
Outdoor destinations ranked highest among planned winter RV travel options, with 49% of respondents identifying national parks and scenic attractions as destinations of interest. Family-friendly attractions followed at 42%, while beaches and coastal destinations were cited by 41%.
The survey also identified differences in travel preferences across generations. Among Millennials planning winter trips outside the major holiday periods, 32% said they intended to travel by RV, matching the share planning to fly.
Regional preferences varied by age group. The Southeast attracted strong interest for winter travel, particularly among Baby Boomers. Gen Z travelers, meanwhile, showed a preference for destinations within a four-to-seven-hour drive from home.
The findings provide insight into planned RV travel activity during the upcoming holiday periods and the factors shaping winter trip decisions, including cost, destination preferences and opportunities to travel with pets and family members.
