Fourteen million Americans are expected to go RVing to travel for the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, according to a News & Insights report of the RV Industry Association (RVIA).
“Travelers who are still planning a trip to watch the eclipse have time, but they could have to be scrappy with their planning. Consider renting RVs from cities outside the path like Houston or Louisville,” RVshare Travel Expert, Maddi Bourgerie, said in the report.
A survey conducted by Cairn Consulting reveals that 29% of leisure travelers, equivalent to 22.6 million households or 56.4 million individuals, intend to journey to witness the eclipse.
Among these, 14.1 million individuals are planning to use an RV for their travels during this celestial event.
“Prospective renters can weed through available campgrounds on sites like Harvest Hosts or Hipcamp for alternative options,” Bourgerie said.
According to RVshare, last-minute bookings for eclipse seekers are still possible. Areas in Texas, Arkansas, and Pennsylvania experienced 700+ booking increases, while Ohio recorded a 1060 percent increase.
“Despite the increasing demand, there is still available inventory for those seeking to witness the solar eclipse from the comfort of an RV,” RVshare CEO Jon Gray said in a press release.
Campgrounds will become an ideal option for outdoor enthusiasts for the best viewing experience of the eclipse on April 8. Outdoor enthusiasts are advised to book their plans early to secure their spots and avoid travel delays.
In a NASA report, the astronomical event will unfold as a total solar eclipse sweeps across North America, Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Observers in the path of totality will experience a sudden shift from daylight to a twilight state.
To safely enjoy the partial phases of the eclipse, which occur before and after the totality, individuals are encouraged to use eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers or resort to indirect viewing techniques like creating a pinhole projector.