Independent News spotlights how many Americans are turning to the outdoors, and in turn funding an almost-trillion-dollar industry.
People are seeking places to get outdoors, enjoy nature, relax and reset. Along with modern amenities, RV travel and #vanlife are helping drive America’s $862 billion outdoor recreation industry.
According to the American Express global travel trends report, 68% of people prefer traveling where they can be outdoors and get mental clarity. And with end-of-summer and fall weather on the horizon for much of the U.S., cooler temperatures are a time Americans look to for a weekend getaway, hiking, camping, and leaf-peeping to escape the hustle and bustle of the work week.
According to a report from Camper FAQs, 61% of Americans are planning a road trip in an RV this year. Travelers love their RVs because they have access to a kitchen, and it’s a safe and familiar space, as opposed to staying at a hotel or living out of a backpack.
RV travel allows flexible dates when it comes to planning. People can take their time exploring scenic byways and tourist attractions along the route to their destination, adding to the fun instead of losing a day or two of travel stuck in airports.
With inflation hitting everyone’s wallet, economic uncertainty continues looming over the heads of Americans. But jumping in the van, SUV or truck and pulling a camper is an easy and affordable way to travel.
“Despite, or even because of, current economic uncertainty, both current and new, younger campers are eager to take even more trips to experience the unique benefits that nature has to offer,” says Campspot CEO Michael Scheinman. “We are also seeing travelers turn to camping as a means of keeping costs down as other costs rise.”
So far in 2023, #vanlife has more than 15.6 million posts on Instagram, thanks to Gen Z and millennial influencers. A look on Instagram shows travelers are eager to share their epic adventures across the U.S.
One millennial influencer, Lydia Weigel of the Lost with Lydia travel blog, said, “We rented a van for the freedom, the convenience and to test out if we might want to buy one for ourselves.”
Weigel continues, “Having the ability to sleep and cook almost anywhere gave us more time to do what we loved – exploring the outdoors. We got to admire the expansive starry skies of Joshua Tree for one night and then sleep for free on the streets of LA the next. Van rental has opened a whole new way of travel for us, and it’s something I want to continue to do more of.”
Read the full article from the Independent News here.