New research into Americans’ travel habits amid the COVID pandemic finds nearly 40 percent are unlikely to fly in the coming year, while 50 percent say they will travel. This means more Americans will be driving, and according to the survey, they’ll be behind the wheel of a rented recreational vehicle. RVing is the new-found travel favorite of 2020, and it’s expected to be even more popular in 2021 for long-distance travel, staying at state and national parks, and adventurous family trips.
RV Rentals Surging
The new study, released by RVshare, the world’s first and largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace, says since May 2020, RV travel and RV rentals surged in popularity, especially among first-time RVers, with 80 percent of bookings this year being made by new users.
Thanks to COVID, the idea of not flying and not dealing with hotels or crowded venues is now more appealing to the American traveler than ever.
- 75 percent agree that RVs are a great choice for spontaneous travel and a quick getaway
- 77 percent of survey respondents agree that RV travel lets you get outdoors, while offering the conveniences of a hotel, and is more comfortable than camping
- 57 percent consider RV travel more appealing than before the pandemic
Vacation Your Way
A new travel-sector term has emerged this year: “self-catered vacations,” and due to the pandemic, the appeal of planning a vacation where you can control your options is growing. In the RVshare survey, two-thirds of travelers say they want lodging options where they can control the cleanliness and sanitation. They are finding that RVs with amenities including bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens all on board, fit the bill.
RV vacations also allow travelers to be flexible with their travel plans and have access to the great outdoors.
- 32 percent of respondents said an RV would be their preferred type of “self-catered” accommodation
- 30 percent would prefer staying with friends or relatives
- 28 percent would prefer to stay in a vacation rental
Where’s Everybody Going?
RVers are only limited by their imaginations. There is a road to just about anywhere, and RVers are welcome in more places across the U.S. than ever before. With an RV, access to oceanfront and lakefront properties is more affordable than checking into a resort. Thousands of campgrounds allow RVs to park for short or extended stays, and offer all the features to make outdoor living as comfortable as you want. The survey found the most popular destinations for RVing are national parks, campgrounds, and a growing number of urban cities that have invested in accommodations that welcome RVers.
The top RV travel destination is Yellowstone National Park, which reported a 21 percent increase in visitors year over year in September 2020. Read more about the top five national parks you must visit, according to RVers here, and check out
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RVshare is the world’s first and largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace. With thousands of satisfied customers and a broad inventory ranging from travel trailers to luxury motorhomes, RVshare has the perfect RV for your vacation, tailgate, or temporary lodging needs.
