According to a recent survey commissioned by the RV Industry Association (RVIA) and conducted by Cairn Consulting, 37% of American leisure travelers, or 67 million people, plan to take an RV trip this year.
The survey, which included 1,212 completed surveys by a statistically balanced cross-section of U.S. leisure travelers, has an associated margin of error of +/- 2.74 percentage points.
Leisure travelers are defined as any U.S. residents who have taken some type of leisure trip in the past 12 months, as per the News & Insights report of the RVIA.
The top reasons cited for RV travel among leisure travelers are exploring the outdoors and having additional flexibility through remote work or school.
The survey found that spending time outdoors has consistently remained a top reason for RVing, but the number of respondents who cited flexibility in work has increased by 12% in the past year.
The current pandemic and the shift to remote work and online learning have led many people to seek out different ways to travel and experience the outdoors while also being able to work and learn remotely.
Furthermore, finances are a key factor in people’s plans to take an RV trip. On average, RV vacations cost 50% less than comparable hotel and plane ride trips and a third less than hotel and car ride trips, making RVing an attractive option for people looking for the freedom to travel while controlling their travel expenses.
The survey found that people are increasingly looking for more affordable and cost-effective ways to travel, and RVing is a great option that offers a lot of value for money.
The most popular RV trip destinations include state and national parks, with the latter remaining the most popular destination among all age groups. The survey found that people of all ages appreciate these parks’ natural beauty and outdoor activities. They are a great way to explore the country and experience different cultures.
Additionally, many state and national parks offer a wide range of recreational activities, from hiking and camping to fishing and boating, making them great destinations for families and groups of friends.
However, overall, the highest interest in RVing comes from the younger age groups. 49% of Generation Z and 48% of Millennials plan to take an RV trip in the next year. Their purchase intent is also higher, with 41% of Generation Z and 35% of Millennials planning to buy an RV in the next year.
This is a significant increase from last year, and it suggests that the younger generations are increasingly interested in RVing and see it as a great way to travel and explore the outdoors.
Among RVers, which is defined as people who have taken a trip in an RV they rented, own, or borrowed in the past 12 months, 50% plan to buy an RV in the next year.
This is up 14% from last year and suggests that many people who have taken an RV trip in the past year are looking to buy an RV of their own, so they can continue to enjoy the freedom and flexibility that RVing offers.
Overall, the survey provides valuable insights into the current state of the RV industry and the growing popularity of RVing as a way to travel and explore the outdoors. With more people looking for affordable and flexible travel methods, RVing is becoming an increasingly popular option, and it is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
Isn’t it thrilling to see the skyrocketing popularity of RV travel? The industry is not only flourishing, but it’s also embracing sustainable practices, making it a top choice for eco-conscious travelers. What’s more, there’s a growing trend of RVers exploring unique and off-the-beaten-path destinations, fueling interest in lesser-known campgrounds and scenic routes. This opens up a world of unparalleled experiences for adventure-seeking travelers.
Can you believe that RV travel is becoming incredibly popular? A recent study found that a remarkable percentage of Americans are planning to take an RV trip this year!
It’s awesome how many of us are hopping on the RV travel trend! The appeal of exploring the country in an RV is growing big time! I love the freedom and flexibility RVing offers, shared a friend who recently hit the road. It’s incredible to witness the surge in interest for RV trips. Happy travels to all those embarking on RV adventures this year!
Isn’t it cool to see more people getting into RVing? Besides parks, try off-the-beaten-path campgrounds for unique adventures. Explore hidden gems on your RV trip!