The RV Industry Association (RVIA*) released the results from a new survey revealing that 21 million Americans plan to go RVing between Thanksgiving and the new year, with 9 million on the road for Thanksgiving and 7 million for Christmas.

“The holidays are a special time to connect with loved ones, and RVing provides the perfect opportunity to gather with family and friends while enjoying the beauty of nature, or having your own accommodations while visiting family,” said Monika Geraci, a spokesperson for RVIA. “Whether you’re seeking snowy adventures, headed south for warmer weather or traveling to see friends and family, an RV allows you to create lasting memories in a comfortable and convenient setting.”

Key Findings from the RVIA Survey

  • RVing is a year-round activity: 35 percent of leisure travelers plan to take an RV trip in 2025;
  • Top winter RV trip types: Visiting family (63 percent) and road trips (57 percent).
  • Top reasons for winter RV trips: Snowbirding (57 percent) and seeking winter/snow-based experiences (45 percent).
  • RV purchase consideration: About 25 percent of leisure travelers would like to purchase an RV in the coming months.

Health Benefits of Outdoor Recreation During the Winter Months

  • Boosts Immune System: Exposure to sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, which is essential for a healthy immune system.
  • Improves Mood: Sunlight and fresh air can help to improve your mood and reduce stress levels.
  • Increases Physical Activity: Winter activities such as hiking, skiing and snowshoeing can help people stay active and burn calories.
  • Enhances Sleep Quality: Spending time outdoors can help to regulate the sleep/wake cycle and improve sleep quality.

“This holiday season, millions of Americans are embracing the joy of winter RV travel and reaping the rewards of outdoor recreation,” continued Geraci. “From strengthening family bonds to boosting your well-being, RVing offers a unique blend of adventure and rejuvenation.”

*Methodology: The 2024 Holiday RV Travel survey was commissioned by RVIA and conducted by Cairn Consulting. RVIA reported that 1,200 Americans completed surveys, and the respondents were a statistically balanced cross-section of U.S. leisure travelers. The survey results have an associated margin of error of +/- 2.74 percentage points. RVIA defines leisure travelers as any U.S. resident who has taken some type of leisure trip in the past 12 months.