Relief for Holiday Travelers is Spelled 'RV'

RESTON, Va., Nov. 21 -- With the holidays right around the corner, families are beginning to plan their annual trip to Grandma's house. For many, traveling over the holidays is an unending source of frustration, but millions of others have found a sure way to take the stress out of holiday travel.

They've discovered recreation vehicles, or RVs. According to the latest Campfire Canvass survey published by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), RV owners will be hitting the road in force over the upcoming holiday season.

Thanksgiving weekend is projected to be the heaviest travel period, with 32 percent of RV owners planning to travel America's highways, followed by 22 percent over Christmas/Hanukkah. RV owners will be on the move throughout the rest of the winter as well. Overall, the Campfire Canvass survey found that 97 percent of them expect to travel more or the same amount this winter as they did last year.

Less stress, more control over their schedules, no airport hassles and plenty of storage space to carry gifts are just some of the benefits of holiday RV travel cited by owners in the survey.

"RVs are ideal for travel any time of year, but especially during the holidays," said RVIA President David J. Humphreys. "They provide a more convenient, hassle-free way to travel, because RVers don't have to deal with the long lines and increasing luggage restrictions at airports."

With full kitchens and bathrooms, entertainment centers and rooms that expand at the touch of a button, RV travelers enjoy all the comforts of home while they're on the road.

"Because they bring their own lodging with them, RV travelers can visit their relatives or friends and not worry about imposing on them," said Humphreys. "All the comforts and privacy they need are right there in their RVs."

RVs are especially practical for spur-of-the-moment trips, which are becoming increasingly popular among leisure travelers according to a recent poll by the Travel Industry Association of America. The survey found that 64 percent of Americans took at least one last-minute trip during the past year. Whether it's for the holidays or any time of the year, RV travel requires little or no planning because there are no travel or hotel reservations to juggle. The RV is ready to go to Grandma's whenever you are.

For decades, RVs have been offering travelers the freedom, flexibility and control to go where they want, when they want. In today's travel climate, those advantages are more appealing than ever.

RVs are soaring in popularity, with sales up 18 percent this year and rentals increased by as much as a third from October 2001 through September of this year. To keep pace with the current consumer demand, most RV manufacturers have expanded production.

RV travel not only reduces stress, but also maximizes family fun, because RVs are so kid-friendly. With kitchen, bathroom, dining and sleeping facilities on board, kids feel right at home. They also can take advantage of on-board TVs, VCRs, stereos and video game systems available on most models.

Order a free RV "getting-started" video at 1-888-Go RVing or GoRVing.com. Featuring travel tips from actual RVers, the video comes with lists of nearby RV dealers and campgrounds.

RVIA (rvia.org) is the national association representing nearly 500 manufacturers and component suppliers producing approximately 98 percent of all RVs made in the United States.