A new study commissioned by Go RVing and the RV Industry Association and conducted by an outside, independent firm has found that RV vacations cost much less than other types of vacation travel, even when factoring in fuel prices and the cost of RV ownership. According to the study, CBRE Hotels Advisory Group found there is an average cost savings of up to 60% for a four-person travel party, while a two-person travel party saves up to an average of 46%, depending on factors such as the type of RV and type of vacation.
For the most common type of RV, the lightweight travel trailer, the average cost per day of the four-person camping vacation was found to about 48% less than the average daily cost of a comparable four-person air/hotel vacation and be about 34% less expensive than the average daily cost of comparable four-person car/hotel combination vacation.
For the fastest growing segment of RVs, Class B motorhomes, the average cost per day of the four-person camping vacation was found to be about 49% less than the average daily cost of a comparable four-person air/hotel vacation and about 35% less expensive than the average daily cost of comparable four-person car/hotel combination vacation.
“Consumers continue to place a priority on traveling and spending time with family and this study confirms the fact that RV vacations are one of the most economical ways to travel,” said RVIA President and CEO Craig Kirby. “RV vacations provide freedom from many of the traditional hassles of travel, while also providing greater control over your budget.”
The study analyzes vacation costs using two sets of hypothetical travel groups: a four-person travel party of two adults and two children, and a two-person travel party of two adults. The study compared different methods of travel, including a:
- Folding camping trailer
- Lightweight travel trailer
- Compact motorhome
- Class C motorhome
- Class A motorhome
- Traveling in a personal car, staying at hotels/motels, and eating meals in a restaurant
- Traveling by airline, renting a car at the destination, staying at hotels/motels, and eating meals in a restaurant
- Traveling in a personal car or airline (as appropriate), staying at a rental house/condominium, and eating the majority of meals in the rental unit.
The class A motorhome, typically the largest and most luxurious RV, was compared to travel options such as flying first class, renting a premium car, staying in upscale hotels/resorts, and eating meals in restaurants.
“It was important for us to look at real itineraries for travelers and quantify what real families can expect to save by choosing RVing as their preferred mode of travel,” said Go RVing Chief Marketing Officer Karen Redfern. “Beyond the cost savings, RVing also allows families the unique ability to travel whenever and wherever desired while avoiding common travel hassles and fostering an increased sense of togetherness, control, flexibility, convenience and accessibility to the great outdoors.”
RVIA members can view the full report here.
