Amid the credit crises, job losses, and generally gloomier times of today, RV owners have had to slightly alter their ways to qualm concerns over money and expenses. To keep up with their lifestyles and to keep more money in their pockets, RVers are traveling closer to home and staying longer in one place, according to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association's fall/winter survey. The survey shows that 62% of respondents say they are traveling closer to home, while 38% say they'll stay longer in one place.
The Campfire Canvass fall/winter survey for RV owners show minimal decline in RV travel, as only 15% plan to travel less this year. On the other hand, 29% plan to travel more this fall and winter compared with 2007, and 56% of respondents plan to travel the same amount as last year.
The RV lifestyle has been mainly attributed to the value that RV travel provides, with 80% of respondents saying that RV vacations cost less than other types of vacations. According to a study by international consulting firm PKF, family RV trips are, on average, 27-61% less expensive than other types of vacations, with fuel costs and RV ownership costs factored into the RV side. On top of the value, RVers also enjoy the comforts their portable homes provide, including the familiarity of a personal bed and a full kitchen. Recreational vehicles also provide the convenience of immediate travel, and RVers do not have to deal with hotels, luggage, and airport inconveniences.
Other data revealed through the Campfire Canvass survey include the following:
- 60% of RVers plan to take more mini-vacations (one to four days) this fall/winter compared with 2007- 43% of RVers plan to attend festivals and fairs this fall/winter- 33% of RVers plan to go on foliage tours- 30% of RVers plan to go to flea markets and antique-hunting- 37% of RVers plan to travel over the Thanksgiving weekend- 20% of RVers plan to travel over the Christmas/Hanukkah season- 15% of RVers are self-described "snowbirds," who plan on taking extended RV trips to warmer regions during the fall/winter
Image courtesy of Fleetwood RVs.