Survey Finds Continuing Trend of
More RV Mini-Vacations, Closer to Home

These travel patterns reflect the sentiments of RV owners surveyed:

• “The price of gas hasn’t changed our plans. We usually make two big trips a year and do a lot of camping locally, 20 to 40 miles away,” says Eric Bray of Houston, MS.
• “I don’t like the high prices, but they’re not going to change my plans. I’ll continue to make short stops here and there and a couple of long trips once or twice a year,” says Harley Infinger of Odessa, FL.
• “I’ll try to use the RV more than I did last year, but the trips will be shorter,” said Thaddeus Openhowski of Sioux Falls, SD.

“Whether traveling 5 or 500 miles, RVers enjoy the same quality time with loved ones, taking advantage of closer-to-home recreation opportunities and destinations or staying in one place to cut costs,” observes David J. Humphreys, RVIA president.

“Although some RV owners are concerned about fuel prices, the added cost is only a small part of the equation and not an overriding issue,” added Humphreys. “Gas price hikes impact all forms of travel, and RV trips remain less expensive than flying or driving, staying in hotels and eating in restaurants. For most RV owners, the advantages of RVing—such as greater flexibility, control and comfort— outweigh the higher costs of fuel.”

Survey respondents also cited desires to enjoy nature (41%), escape stress (38%), spend more quality time with family (38%) and enjoy outdoor activities (36%) as key reasons for using their RVs more this spring/summer.

Camping is the overwhelming favorite activity of RVers, according to nearly 9 out of 10 respondents. Grilling/cookouts (85%), campfires (81%), hiking/walking (68%), scenic drives (67%), visiting historic sites (66%), fishing (59%), swimming (55%), visiting family/friends (55%) and shopping (54%) were also cited as top activities enjoyed by RV owners.

Reflecting the family-friendly nature of RVing, 97% of respondents feel that RVs enable their family to spend more quality time together. Two-thirds of those surveyed said they will travel with either their children or grandchildren this spring and summer. In addition, 60%of RV owners plan to bring family pets on RV trips this season.