RV Travel to Be Hot This Summer, Survey Shows

More Outdoor Family Vacations Planned to Reduce Stress, Costs

RESTON, Va., May 22 -- As temperatures rise this summer, recreation vehicle (RV) travel will be heating up as well, according to a new survey of RV owners.

The "Campfire Canvass" biannual survey reveals that, despite the sluggish economy, 98 percent of RV owners expect to travel more (71%) or about the same (27%) this spring and summer as they did a year prior.

"RV travelers possess a special loyalty to their vehicles and have a history of not letting anything get in the way of their journeys," said David J. Humphreys, president of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). "RVers feel a greater sense of control over their travel schedules. They enjoy a safe, hassle-free and flexible way to go and enjoy nature -- with all the comforts and conveniences of home."

Enjoying nature, spending quality time with family, escaping stress and saving money were cited as the top reasons to travel more by RV. Eighty-seven percent of survey respondents say RV trips are more affordable than other ways of travel. "You have all the conveniences of an expensive motel for a fraction of the costs," says RV owner Bruce Brenner of Bethlehem, Pa.

RV owners also cherish the control that RVing offers in today's uncertain travel climate. Some 88 percent say the freedom, flexibility and control they enjoy is more important than ever.

"RVing creates less stress and makes a more pleasant vacation due to the world events at this time," says Tyrone McClure of Adairsville, Ga.

The survey of 660 RVers was conducted for RVIA in early April by Robert Hitlin Research Associates, Reston, Va.

The survey sheds light on RV travel's advantages in stressful times. The ability to travel at the spur of the moment (84%) ranked as the most important advantage by those with RVing plans this spring and summer. Escaping to nature and remote locations (84%), getting an opportunity to rejuvenate (69%) and pursuing favorite hobbies and passions (49%) were also cited as important advantages of RV travel.

The overwhelming favorite activity of RVers is camping, according to 87 percent of RV owners surveyed. Sightseeing (80%), swimming (62%), fishing (62%), shopping (54%), hiking (52%), biking/ATVing (45%), antiquing (45%) and attending festivals (44%) were also mentioned as activities enjoyed by RVers.

Eighty-eight percent of RV owners say RVs provide quality time with children and grandchildren, while 84 percent plan to use their RVs as guest quarters during trips to visit relatives and friends this spring and summer. "In this cell phone age of overbooked, long-distance families, RVing provides a great opportunity for bonding with loved ones," says Humphreys.

RV owners -- traveling in motorhomes, travel trailers, truck campers and folding camping trailers -- plan to travel an average of 38 days and eight weekends this spring and summer, according to the survey. In addition, those surveyed plan to log approximately 2,650 miles and visit an average of five states on RV trips this season.

"I love the feeling of controlling my own destiny," says Allen White of Shelby Township, Mich.

The RVIA survey is consistent with a recent Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) survey that finds Americans are more interested in staying within the United States, visiting small towns or rural areas and traveling by auto, motorcoach or RV.

Order a free RV "getting-started" video or CD-ROM at 1-888-Go RVing or GoRVing.com. Surf the website for lists of Go RVing dealers and campgrounds in your area, as well as RV shows, publications, rental sources and clubs. Or write to: RVIA, P.O. Box 2999, Dept. P, Reston, VA 20195.