Harvest Hosts, a membership program giving RVers access to unique camping options, today revealed its latest survey showing that RVers are traveling later into the season, despite being more comfortable with the idea of flying in comparison with this summer. However, travelers are remaining cautious and considering “trip stacking” with road travel as an optimal backup for any plans involving flights, especially holiday-related travel. Overall, the findings show strong interest in road travel throughout 2021 and continued growth looking ahead to 2022. RVers are making investments in their rigs and building their holiday wish lists to elevate their next road trip.
“RVing has taken off, experiencing record interest over the last two years. The allure of the open road has struck a chord with American travelers, and enthusiasm for RVing is continuing to grow year over year,” said Joel Holland, CEO of Harvest Hosts. “Despite the rising gas prices, people are increasing the number of road trips they’re taking each year, and more RVers than ever are now planning to keep their RVs out later into the season or even year-round.”
Forty percent of survey respondents took more than five road trips in an RV during 2021. RVing is typically a more spontaneous mode of travel, but as road travel grows in popularity and campground spaces become more competitive, 23 percent of RVers are opting to plan out their trips 1 to 3 months in advance.
The campground shortage this past summer impacted 41 percent of respondents. However, 48 percent of Harvest Hosts members reported they were not impacted by the shortage – as Harvest Hosts provides additional options for RVers other than traditional campgrounds.
More than half of respondents (63 percent) are planning to travel in their RVs later into the season than usual. Around one-fourth (26 percent) are now looking to keep their RVs out year-round, enjoying the adventure of the RV life all year long.
The survey found that part of the allure of RVing and a strong incentive to keep it as a travel option year-round is the safety and convenience it offers, especially given the fluctuating travel restrictions and guidelines. While many travelers faced last-minute cancelations in the last year, nearly two-thirds of RVers (63 percent) did not need to cancel any of their road trips in the last six months.
RVers are spending more time on the road than ever, and this holiday season, they’re not eyeing a new sweater. With gas prices soaring to a seven-year high on Tuesday, almost a quarter (24 percent) say that gas prices have impacted their travel plans in the last few months. Many are wishing for lower gas prices, or the next best thing – a gas gift card to help soften the blow.
In addition, road travelers are looking to modify their RVs and elevate their next road trip adventure. According to the road trip enthusiasts surveyed, here are the other top items RVers are wishing for this year:
- BBQ / Blackstone Grill
- Dash Cam
- Fire Pit / Solo Stove
- LevelMate
- Solar Panels
Travelers are becoming more comfortable with the idea of flying again, especially as COVID-19 vaccine distribution increases and travel restrictions are easing globally. When asked about feeling safe flying, more than half of respondents (56 percent) said they now felt safe. In comparison, only 19 percent of respondents felt comfortable flying when asked about the topic in a summer travel survey.
Even as comfort in air travel returns, travelers remain cautious when making plans. For any trips that require flying, 40 percent of respondents admitted they are considering having a road trip planned as a backup.
Looking ahead to 2022, the majority of respondents (95 percent) will continue to travel via RV in the coming year and 40 percent plan to fly at some point. For those planning to RV, the current top travel destinations heading into the new year are focused on warm-weather climates.
