With the summer travel season approaching, 44 million Americans plan to hit the road in recreational vehicles, according to the RV Industry Association’s (RVIA) latest Summer Travel Intentions Survey.
The data highlights RVing’s ongoing popularity as a preferred vacation option among a broad cross-section of leisure travelers.
The survey, conducted in April, aimed to understand the travel behavior of U.S. residents who had taken at least one leisure trip in the past 12 months. It also explored whether travelers intended to use an RV between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Respondents represented a diverse range of ages, genders, ethnicities, and income levels.
According to a News and Insights report of RVIA, off-peak travel continues to gain momentum, with travelers opting for times outside major holidays to avoid crowds and enjoy added flexibility. However, Memorial Day and the Fourth of July still remain key travel periods, with an estimated 61 million and 54 million travelers, respectively, expected to take trips during those holidays.
Interest in RV travel remains strong, particularly among those already engaged in the lifestyle. The survey shows that 92% of current RV owners and 88% of RV-intending travelers plan to take trips this summer.
Millennials and Gen Z travelers lead in RV interest, with 83% of Millennials and 81% of Gen Z respondents expressing plans to travel by RV.
Many RV owners are also planning more than just one or two weekend getaways. Summer holiday travel will be supplemented by additional excursions throughout the season, showcasing RVing’s capacity to support long-term and repeat travel.
Shorter trips within seven hours’ driving distance are expected to dominate summer itineraries. These regional getaways are ideal for long weekends and will likely include visits to national parks, campgrounds, and family and friends.
The survey further indicates that 42% of all summer travel will be road trips.
Younger generations are not only traveling by RV—they’re also showing high intent to invest in the lifestyle. Forty percent of Millennials are the most likely to purchase an RV in the next year.
Gen Z and Millennials also lead online searches for RV-related travel information, at 45% and 42% respectively.