With many Americans turning to the outdoors for a personal slice of Heaven, the outdoor recreation industry is pushing toward the trillion-dollar mark regarding the U.S. economy. People are seeking places to get outdoors, enjoy nature, relax, and reset. Along with modern amenities, RV Travel and #vanlife are helping drive America’s $862 billion outdoor recreation industry.
People Are Opting to Spend Leisure Time Outside
According to the American Express global travel trends report, 68% of people prefer traveling where they can be outdoors and get mental clarity. And with end-of-summer and fall weather on the horizon for much of the U.S., cooler temperatures are a time Americans look to for a weekend getaway, hiking, camping, and leaf-peeping to escape the hustle and bustle of the work week.
RV Travel is Convenient and Flexible
According to a report from Camper FAQs, 61% of Americans are planning a road trip in an RV this year. Travelers love their RVs because they have access to a kitchen, and it’s a safe and familiar space, as opposed to staying at a hotel or living out of a backpack.
RV travel allows flexible dates when it comes to planning. People can take their time exploring scenic byways and tourist attractions along the route to their destination, adding to the fun instead of losing a day or two of travel stuck in airports.
“RVing has remained a preferred way to travel for more than 44 million Americans planning RV trips this summer,” shares RV Industry Association President & CEO Craig Kirby.
And if travelers don’t own their own RV, renting one from progressive brands like RVshare is easy. There’s a lot of freedom that comes with RVing.
RV Travel is Affordable During Economic Uncertainty
With inflation hitting everyone’s wallet, economic uncertainty continues looming over the heads of Americans. But jumping in the van, SUV, or truck and pulling a camper is an easy and affordable way to travel.
“Despite, or even because of, current economic uncertainty, both current and new, younger campers are eager to take even more trips to experience the unique benefits that nature has to offer,” says Campspot CEO Michael Scheinman. “We are also seeing travelers turn to camping as a means of keeping costs down as other costs rise.”
Gen Z and Millennial “Vanlife” Influencer Culture
So far, in 2023, #vanlife has over 15.6 million tags on Instagram, thanks to Gen Z and millennial influencers. A look on Instagram shows travelers are eager to share their epic adventures across the U.S.
One millennial influencer, Lydia Weigel of the Lost with Lydia travel blog, said, “We rented a van for the freedom, the convenience and to test out if we might want to buy one for ourselves.”
Weigel continues, “Having the ability to sleep and cook almost anywhere gave us more time to do what we loved — exploring the outdoors. We got to admire the expansive starry skies of Joshua Tree for one night and then sleep for free on the streets of LA the next. Van rental has opened a whole new way of travel for us, and it’s something I want to continue to do more of.”
Camping Culture on the Rise
The number of households that camp three or more times a year has grown 174% since 2014. People electing to spend their free time camping, road-tripping, and enjoying the environment show no signs of slowing down. RV travel offers flexibility and affordability that travelers enjoy, mainly thanks to modern amenities.
