A recent survey conducted by the RV Industry Association* found that 37 percent of American leisure travelers, representing 67 million, plan to take an RV trip this year.
Among leisure travelers, defined as any person who has taken some form of leisure trip in the past 12 months, the top reasons for RV travel are exploring the outdoors and having flexibility through remote work or school. While spending time outdoors has consistently been a leading reason for RVing, the number of respondents who cited flexibility in work has increased by 12 percent in the past year.
The survey also showed that finances drive people’s plans to take an RV trip. On average, RV vacations cost 50 percent less than a comparable hotel and air travel and a third less than hotel and car trips.
The most popular RV destination includes state and national parks, the latter being the most popular for all age groups. However, overall, the highest interest in RVing comes from the younger demographics. Of the survey respondents, 49 percent of Gen Z and 48 percent of Millennials said they plan to take an RV trip in 2023. Their purchase intent is also higher, with 41 percent of Gen Z and 35 percent of Millennials planning to buy an RV in the next year.
Among RVers, defined in the survey as people who have taken a trip in an RV they rented, owned, or borrowed in the past 12 months, 50 percent said they plan to buy an RV in 2023, up 14 percent from last 2022.
*The RV Industry Association commissioned the survey of 1,212 U.S. consumers and conducted by Cairn Consulting.
Photo courtesy Mini
