The RV Industry Association (RVIA) revealed a recent survey that found 37% of American leisure travelers, representing 67 million, plan on taking an RV trip this year.
Among leisure travelers, who are defined as any U.S. resident who has taken some type of leisure trip in the past year, the top reasons for RV travel are exploring the outdoors and having additional flexibility through remote work or school. While spending time outdoors has consistently remained a top reason for RVing, the number of respondents who cited flexibility in work have increased by 12% in the past year.
The survey also showed that finances are a driving reason for people’s plans to take an upcoming 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 also controlling their travel expenses.
The most popular RV trip destinations include state and national parks, with the latter remaining the most popular destination among all age groups.
However, the highest interest in RVing overall comes from the younger age groups: 49% of Gen Z and 48% of Millennials plan to take an RV trip in the next year. Their purchase intent is also higher, with 41% of Gen Z and 35% of Millennials planning to buy an RV in the next year.
Among RVers, which is defined as people who have taken a trip in an RV they rent, own or borrow in the past 12 months, 50% plan to buy an RV in the next year. This is up 14% from last year.
Commissioned by the RV Industry Association and conducted by Cairn Consulting, 1,212 surveys were completed by a statistically balanced cross section of U.S. leisure travelers. The survey results have an associated margin of error of +/- 2.74 percentage points.
